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Blueway Itineraries

Blueway Itineraries

Phase I Main Trail

TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS TRAIL ROUTE: CHOKOLOSKEE TO GOODLAND

This is the Paradise Coast Blueway Main Trail route traversing the Ten Thousand Islands area. This is considered to be a difficult trip and will take two to three days one way, with a total paddling time of 10-13 hours. Wilderness camping with few or no amenities is required on this trip, requiring you to pack in and pack out all water, food, and supplies. The trail route follows the edge where the Ten Thousand Islands meets the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll also find many opportunities for side trips so be sure to bring nautical charts and study route options to avoid being caught away from your chosen camp site after dark. There are many great spots for kayak fishing and wildlife viewing. 

Launch Sites: Take the Tamiami Trail east from Naples to State Road 29. Go south on 29 through the town of Everglades City. Follow State Road 29 as it becomes the Chokoloskee Causeway. Canoe and kayak rentals, as well as permits for camping at island sites within the national park and a put-in ramp, are available at the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center located on the right side of the road. There is a ramp at Glades Haven Marina next to the Oyster House restaurant across from the Visitor Center. You can also launch either from the south end of the Chokoloskee Causeway or at the ramp at Outdoor Resorts on the north end of Chokoloskee Island. 

Alternative Launch Site: Take Tamiami Trail to County Road 92. Follow 92 south. Launch just before the Goodland Bridge on the east (left) side. This route would take you from Goodland to Everglades City. 

Wilderness Camp Sites: For camping without a permit: White Horse, Hog, Panther, or Camp Lulu Keys. Camping that requires a permit from Everglades National Park (available at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center): Tiger, Picnic, Kingston, and Rabbit Keys. 

Phase I Day Trips

DAY TRIP #1: CHOKOLOSKEE TO RABBIT KEY
This is a medium-level trip that will take 5-7 hours round trip. This is a scenic route great for bird watching and kayak fishing. Pack a lunch and water to get through the day.

Launch Sites: Take the Tamiami Trail east from Naples to State Road 29. Go south on 29 through the town of Everglades City. Follow State Road 29 as it becomes 

the Chokoloskee Causeway. Canoe and kayak rentals, as well as permits for camping at island sites within the national park and a put-in ramp, are available at the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center located on the right side of the road. There is a ramp at Glades Haven Marina next to the Oyster House restaurant across from the Visitor Center. You can also launch either from the south end of the Chokoloskee Causeway or at the ramp at Outdoor Resorts on the north end of Chokoloskee Island. 

DAY TRIP #2: TURNER RIVER 
This is a medium-level trip and is a good introduction to paddling the Paradise Coast Blueway. It is recommended as a one-way trip, so remember to arrange for pick-up at the other end in Chokoloskee. Estimated paddling time is 5-7 hours. Pack a lunch and water to get through the day. Guided trips are available in the winter season through Everglades Rentals & Eco Adventures or from the rangers at Big Cypress National Preserve. 

Launch Site: Take Tamiami Trail east from Naples past State Road 29. Continue approximately four miles to the Turner River Canoe launch on the north side of Tamiami Trail. This facility is maintained by Big Cypress National Preserve. 

DAY TRIP #3: EVERGLADES CITY TO SANDFLY ISLAND
This is a moderate-level trip of about 3 hours. Try to take advantage of an incoming tide for your return. Avoid low tide at the canoe ramp which can be quite muddy. There is a nature trail on the island to explore, so be sure to bring repellent to thwart the no-see-um insects. The island was once a Calusa Indian settlement. This route is entirely within Everglades National Park.

Launch Site: Take Tamiami Trail east from Naples to State Road 29. Take 29 south through Everglades City and follow the signs to the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center, located on the right side of the road. Information is available from the rangers at the Visitor Center and there is a ramp on site. 

DAY TRIP #4: PORT OF THE ISLANDS TO PANTHER KEY
This is a difficult trip best for experienced paddlers with an estimated paddling time of 9-11 hours round trip. This trip combines paddling in the manmade Faka Union Canal, where manatees are frequently spotted, with trips through mangrove forests; then leads out to Panther Key. Be sure to take all safety, food, and water supplies with you as there are no places to stop for supplies once you leave Port of the Islands Marina. 

Launch Site: Take Tamiami Trail east from Naples. Continue past County Road 92 to Port of the Islands on the left. Take the first right to the Port of the Islands Marina.

DAY TRIP #5: COLLIER-SEMINOLE STATE PARK – BLACKWATER RIVER
This is a moderate-level paddling trip with an estimated trip time of 5-6 hours round trip. Check tides before starting. Mud Bay may not be navigable at low tide. The park is open dawn to dusk, but check with the park for exact hours depending on the season. Full camping facilities are located within the park. 

Launch Site: Take the Tamiami Trail east from Naples to Collier-Seminole State Park. The entrance is east of County Road 92. The State Park boat launch is south of the entrance gate. 

DAY TRIP #6: GOODLAND-COON KEY LOOP
This is a medium-level paddle with an estimated trip time of 5-6 hours round trip. The start of the route may prove to be difficult at low tide. This is an interesting trip through mangroves and oyster bars that is good for kayak fishing. 

Launch Site: Take the Tamiami Trail east from Naples to County Road 92. Turn right (south) on 92. Launch before crossing the Goodland Bridge on the east side of the road.