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.

Everglades Fishing Report

by Capt. Mike Merritt | Guide

How A Life of Fishing Led to Someplace Unexpected
Gallery
How A Life of Fishing Led to Someplace Unexpected

Fishing, News, No Auto Ads

How A Life of Fishing Led to Someplace Unexpected

Staff2026-02-05T16:39:59-05:00February 12, 2026|Fishing, News, No Auto Ads|

It starts in the Everglades and somehow ends in the Amazon. Fishing guide Mike Merritt shares the story behind a life spent following the water.

February Fishing Report 2026
Gallery
February Fishing Report 2026

Fishing, News

February Fishing Report 2026

Staff2026-02-05T21:38:21-05:00February 8, 2026|Fishing, News|

Cold fronts, low water, and strong winds shaped February fishing in the Everglades, but adaptable tactics and live shrimp kept the bite going.

November In the 10,000 Islands
Gallery
November In the 10,000 Islands

Fishing

November In the 10,000 Islands

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00November 14, 2025|Fishing|

The Redfish certainly showed up in October. We have been steadily catching good Reds.

November In the 10,000 Islands
Gallery
November In the 10,000 Islands

Community, Fishing, News

November In the 10,000 Islands

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00November 1, 2025|Community, Fishing, News|

October's phenomenal bite continues! Redfish are showing strong, with the incoming tide being the secret.

Spring Time Fishing!
Gallery
Spring Time Fishing!

Fishing

Spring Time Fishing!

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00April 15, 2025|Fishing|

March sure has lived up to its reputation of being the windy month! We had a week of low winds then it kicked back into high gear.

Fishing Heats Up
Gallery
Fishing Heats Up

Fishing

Fishing Heats Up

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00April 2, 2025|Fishing|

I would like to think we are done with the colder water temps and that our inshore Snook bite continues to improve as the water continues to warm up!

Fishing Insights
Gallery
Fishing Insights

Fishing

Fishing Insights

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00March 21, 2025|Fishing|

March is here and we are seeing some warmer weather. But, as you know it also means high winds!

Spring Time Fishing Is Looking Good
Gallery
Spring Time Fishing Is Looking Good

Fishing

Spring Time Fishing Is Looking Good

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00March 6, 2025|Fishing|

With the temperatures staying up the Snook fishing has definitely picked up.

February Fishing
Gallery
February Fishing

Fishing

February Fishing

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00February 18, 2025|Fishing|

Fishing for all the winter species has continued to be good. Our biggest challenge has been these extreme low blowout tides.

Winter Bite Continues
Gallery
Winter Bite Continues

Fishing

Winter Bite Continues

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:05-05:00February 5, 2025|Fishing|

As fronts continue to move down upon us, we keep on catching fish! Sheepshead seems to be abundant and everyone is catching good size fish inshore.

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 Fishing Report

How A Life of Fishing Led to Someplace Unexpected

How A Life of Fishing Led to Someplace Unexpected

February Fishing Report 2026

February Fishing Report 2026

November In the 10,000 Islands

November In the 10,000 Islands

November In the 10,000 Islands

November In the 10,000 Islands

Spring Time Fishing!

Spring Time Fishing!

Fishing Heats Up

Fishing Heats Up

Fishing Insights

Fishing Insights

Spring Time Fishing Is Looking Good

Spring Time Fishing Is Looking Good

February Fishing

February Fishing

Winter Bite Continues

Winter Bite Continues

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