Are dogs allowed off leash in the park?

No. Dogs must always be kept on a leash when visiting Everglades National Park and surrounding park lands. In most areas, dogs are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or backcountry routes at all, even on a leash. Where pets are permitted (such as certain roadside or developed areas), they must be: On a leash no longer than 6 feet Under control at all times Kept out of wildlife areas and water These rules are in place to protect: Sensitive wildlife (including birds, reptiles, and mammals) Fragile ecosystems Your dog’s safety (alligators, snakes, and heat are real risks here) If you’re traveling with a dog, it’s best to check specific park rules before visiting or plan pet-friendly activities outside the national park boundaries.

Can I visit Goodland and Everglades City in the same day?

Yes. They’re close enough that many visitors do both in one day. It’s an easy way to experience two very different sides of the Ten Thousand Islands area. Helpful pages: Goodland | Everglades City

Does Goodland have beaches?

No. Goodland is a working waterfront village, not a beach town. Visitors looking for sandy beaches usually head to Marco Island or other nearby areas. Helpful page: Goodland

Can I fly my drone in Everglades National Park? No, drones and other unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park, or any other National Park Service site. This includes model airplanes, quadcopters, etc. ( nps.gov )

How to get to Keywadin Island, and what should I bring?

Keywadin Island is only accessible by boat. People reach it from several nearby launches, including Marco Island, Everglades City, and Port of the Islands, depending on where they’re coming from and the conditions. While the island is undeveloped, there are trash cans placed in popular areas, and on busy days boat-based vendors often come by selling items like ice cream, drinks, and simple food. Visitors should still plan ahead by bringing water, sun protection, and anything they’ll need for the day, and always pack out personal trash and respect the natural setting.

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

Where can I park my car if I’m leaving in a boat for an extended trip? Check with The Ship Store at (239) 642-3133 or Port of the Islands Marina at (239) 389-0367.

Can I reserve the Mcleod Park for an event? To Reserve the City Park for an Event contact the City Clerk at (239) 695-4558 or email: Dsmallwood@cityofeverglades.org ( CityofEverglades.org )

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

How long does it take to get out to the ocean from Port of the Islands It usually takes around 45 minutes to cruise from the Port of the Islands to the ocean. The journey includes navigating through a long, no-wake zone canal, providing a delightful and unhurried ride. Bring a cover for sun protection during this slow and scenic route. About half an hour in, you’ll arrive at the expansive and naturally beautiful mangroves before reaching the open waters of the ocean.

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

The Everglades isn’t something you just drive through and check off a list. The best way to experience it is to slow down. Walk a boardwalk trail, spend time on the water, or explore with someone who knows the area. A mix of trails, scenic drives, and guided tours gives you a much better feel for this place than any single stop. Helpful pages: Things To Do | Parks | Boat Tours

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

In Port of the Islands, where can I park if I’m going out on the water? You can park in the parking lot by Port of the Islands Marina. Check with The Ship Store at (239) 642-3133 or Port of the Islands Marina at (239) 389-0367.

Where is Chokoloskee located?

Chokoloskee is a small island community just across the bridge from Everglades City. It sits right on the edge of the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands, surrounded by water, mangroves, and backcountry routes. Helpful Pages: Chokoloskee

Where is Goodland located?

Goodland is a small waterfront fishing village located between Marco Island and Everglades City. It sits on the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands and is surrounded by water, mangroves, and working docks. Helpful page: Goodland

Where is Ochopee located?

Ochopee is a small rural community along Tamiami Trail (US-41), east of Everglades City, right in the heart of the Everglades. It’s not a town in the traditional sense — more a stretch of road where long-time families still live and work. Helpful page: Ochopee

Where can I hunt in Everglades National Forrest? Hunting is permitted exclusively in Big Cypress Preserve. Visit our hunting page for more details.

Wildlife Archives

Everglades Wildlife News

Your source for the latest Everglades wildlife news, covering alligators, panthers, birds, and more in this vital ecosystem.

Year of the Skunk Ape Is Real
Gallery
Year of the Skunk Ape Is Real

Community, Wildlife

Year of the Skunk Ape Is Real

Staff2025-01-28T16:58:41-05:00June 22, 2024|Community, Wildlife|

It’s a big year for the smaller Bigfoot— the Everglades’ Skunk Ape. “This is the Year of the Skunk Ape,” proclaimed David Shealy.

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants
Gallery
FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

Wildlife

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

Staff2025-01-28T16:48:56-05:00June 11, 2024|Wildlife|

Calling all wildlife watchers! The FWC needs participants for an innovative new photo project.

Alligator Hunt
Gallery
Alligator Hunt

Wildlife

Alligator Hunt

Staff2025-01-28T16:49:22-05:00June 3, 2024|Wildlife|

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has opened applications for two exciting opportunities: the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the brand-new Alligator Super Hunt.

Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!
Gallery
Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!

Fishing, Wildlife

Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!

Staff2025-01-28T16:53:07-05:00May 2, 2024|Fishing, Wildlife|

Every angler knows the thrill of a catch, but what happens when that catch isn’t a fish, but a bird? Accidents happen, and occasionally a hook finds its way into the feathers of a passing seabird.

Trekking Through the Everglades
Gallery
Trekking Through the Everglades

Parks, Wildlife

Trekking Through the Everglades

Staff2024-04-25T10:51:48-04:00April 29, 2024|Parks, Wildlife|

Sometimes in life, you just do something because you’ve talked about it and the time for talking is over. This is what got me started on planning a walk through the heart of the Mangroves here in the Everglades.

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming
Gallery
Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

Wildlife

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

Staff2025-01-28T16:53:29-05:00April 26, 2024|Wildlife|

As spring unfolds its vibrant colors, it also brings about increased activity in Florida’s wildlife, particularly our beloved black bears.

An Attempt to Rescue Sick Sawfish
Gallery
An Attempt to Rescue Sick Sawfish

Wildlife

An Attempt to Rescue Sick Sawfish

Staff2025-07-29T15:14:49-04:00April 19, 2024|Wildlife|

NOAA and partners are attempting the first-ever U.S. rescue of smalltooth sawfish following a deadly event. The goal: protect and rehabilitate this endangered species.

Bizarre Fish Behavior in the Florida Keys
Gallery
Bizarre Fish Behavior in the Florida Keys

Fishing, News, Wildlife

Bizarre Fish Behavior in the Florida Keys

Staff2025-01-28T16:54:48-05:00April 6, 2024|Fishing, News, Wildlife|

A mysterious phenomenon is unfolding in the Florida Keys that could have ripple effects reaching our shores.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Arrives
Gallery
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Arrives

News, Wildlife

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Arrives

Staff2025-01-28T16:55:06-05:00April 1, 2024|News, Wildlife|

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that sea turtles are starting to nest on our beaches.

Winter Fishing In The 10,000 Islands
Gallery
Winter Fishing In The 10,000 Islands

Fishing, Wildlife

Winter Fishing In The 10,000 Islands

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:06-05:00February 17, 2024|Fishing, Wildlife|

Well, we are having a warming trend that has fired up the Snook fishing. If this continues then the Snook bite should be good this month.

No. Dogs must always be kept on a leash when visiting Everglades National Park and surrounding park lands.

In most areas, dogs are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or backcountry routes at all, even on a leash. Where pets are permitted (such as certain roadside or developed areas), they must be:

On a leash no longer than 6 feet
Under control at all times
Kept out of wildlife areas and water

These rules are in place to protect:

Sensitive wildlife (including birds, reptiles, and mammals)
Fragile ecosystems
Your dog’s safety (alligators, snakes, and heat are real risks here)

If you’re traveling with a dog, it’s best to check specific park rules before visiting or plan pet-friendly activities outside the national park boundaries.

Everglades Wildlife News

Year of the Skunk Ape Is Real

Year of the Skunk Ape Is Real

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

Alligator Hunt

Alligator Hunt

Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!

Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!

Trekking Through the Everglades

Trekking Through the Everglades

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

An Attempt to Rescue Sick Sawfish

An Attempt to Rescue Sick Sawfish

Bizarre Fish Behavior in the Florida Keys

Bizarre Fish Behavior in the Florida Keys

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Arrives

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Arrives

Winter Fishing In The 10,000 Islands

Winter Fishing In The 10,000 Islands

FAQ’s

Are dogs allowed off leash in the park?

Can I visit Goodland and Everglades City in the same day?

Does Goodland have beaches?

Drones in the Park?

How to get to Keywadin Island, and what should I bring?

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

Reserve Mcleod Park?

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

Where is Chokoloskee located?

Where is Goodland located?

Where is Ochopee located?

Which Park to Hunt