Wilderness Waterway

Wilderness Waterway can be accessed via the Everglades National Park near Everglades in Florida. This is a popular boating area and trail that begins at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center located on State Road 29 and is approximately one and 45 minutes drive from Miami. The visitor center has information brochures and is open daily from 9am to 4.30 pm between mid April and November and 8am to 4.30pm for the rest of the year.

The Wilderness Waterway Trail is 99 miles long taking canoeists, kayakers and power boaters all the way to Flamingo. Paddling this whole trail can take at least eight days to complete and it should only be attempted by experienced boaters. This is because it can be difficult to navigate given the confusing maze of mangrove-lined creeks and bays.

Shorter trips can be taken by paddling up Halfway Creek, Turner River, Sandfly Island and through the Ten Thousand Islands. These islands are a beautiful area to explore with lots of wildlife to be seen such as dolphins, manatees and many species of birds. There are back country campsites near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, which can mostly only be reached by canoe, kayak or motor boat.