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.

Marco Island

A boater education class will lessen your risk of an accident, running aground, or getting lost on our local waterways. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Certified classes provide boater safety best practices, local navigation information, weather, and tide information around Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands, and Everglades National Park. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary proudly announces the Fall/Winter 2025 boater education course schedule. The following courses will be offered: Suddenly in Command, Boating America, Boaters Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boaters Local Knowledge-Backwater, and new this year, Navigating Everglades National Park. Cost for each class ranges from $45 to $70, depending on the materials provided by instructors.

Navigating Everglades National Park: Everglades National Park covers 1,508,976 acres (2,357.8 sq miles) throughout Collier, Monroe, and Dade counties in Florida. The park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. Join our new class, which provides 20 selected routes and waypoints into the park’s northeastern region from Indian Pass to the Chatham River. Learn about Park Regulations, historical landmarks, prime fishing locations, breathtaking scenery, and discover the park’s fragile beauty. Top Spot Chart #204 is recommended for use during this class. This unique 2.5-hour course is only offered on Tuesday, December 9^th @5 PM.

Suddenly in Command (SIC): This 2.5-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm and will help you be prepared with the basics in case of an emergency. If a captain of a vessel is incapacitated or falls overboard, it’s a “wake-up call” for your responsibilities. You will learn about your vessel and operating principles when you are “Suddenly in Command”. Date/Time: Tuesday, November 4th @ 5 PM.

Boat America (BA): This is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth boating safety course for all types of mariners. All graduates who complete the class and pass the exam receive the Florida Boating Safety ID Card. This 8-hour (one-day) course will focus on: boater safety best practices, Florida boating laws, safety equipment, navigation, boating emergencies, trailering, and boating sports. An instructional book will be provided. Date/Time: Saturday, December 13^th, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island (BLK): This 3-hour course provides information on how to navigate waterways in and around Marco Island. Instructors use “on the water” aerial photos and video, Google Earth, and navigation charts, providing real-time navigation tools for students. This course is recommended for novice and intermediate boaters, or boaters new to this area. Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class. Date/Time: Tuesday, November 11^th @ 5 PM.

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition (BW): This 3-hour advanced course begins where BLK ends, providing navigation tools and waterways knowledge for boaters wishing to explore the unique backwaters of the 10,000 Islands. Instructors provide tracks and routes into the 10,000 Islands using “on the water” photos and video, Google Earth, and navigation charts. This course is recommended for intermediate boaters and above. Top Spot Chart #N204 is required for use during this class. Date/Time: Tuesday, December 2^nd @ 5 PM.

All Classes will be held at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Station, 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island, FL 34145.

For more information on Fall/Winter 2025 courses or to sign up on our website: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses

For more information about these and other boating courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, contact Public Education Officer, (239)384-7416 or cgauxcourses@gmail.com

For further information about other USCGAux programs, including complimentary Vessel Safety Examinations, or how to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, (239) 394-5911 or www.USCGAuxMarco.org

Saving Lives since 1939.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – A Proud Tradition, A Worthy Mission. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org

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.

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

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)

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary announces Fall/Winter 2025 Class Schedule.

Marco Island

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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

US Coast Guard Auxiliary announces Fall/Winter 2025 Class Schedule.

Marco Island

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