Ten Thousand Islands Refugewinter wildlife
Birds, above all wading birds such as egrets, herons and white ibis, are best viewed in the winter season, from about October to March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Right now at Ten Thousand Islands Refuge
Right now in Ten Thousand Islands Refuge · September
- Island camping closed for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, May to September · May–Sep
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Marsh Trail and Observation TowerThe refuge's only land access: an 18-space lot on US 41 near mile marker 31, then a 2.2-mile round trip (the first quarter mile paved, then wide gravel) to a two-story tower with viewing scopes and benches; the first level is accessible
- Port of the Islands MarinaOne of the two main boating access points, on US 41, 5 miles past the Hwy 92 turnoff to Goodland; visitors can often see manatees here, and there's a small education center inside the marina store
Nearby
- Ding Darling Refuge48 miJanuary to MarchSatMostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
- Merritt Island Refuge191 mithe cool winter months, November to AprilSatChance Showers And Thunderstorms
- Crystal River Refuge211 miNovember 15 to March 31SatPartly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
- St. Marks Refuge329 mibetween Thanksgiving and ChristmasSatChance Showers And Thunderstorms
- Harris Neck Refuge391 miexcellent in December and January
- Savannah Refuge429 miespecially in December and JanuarySatChance Showers And Thunderstorms
The year at Ten Thousand Islands Refuge
- Island camping closed for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, May to SeptemberNowMay–Sep
- Primitive camping on the outer barrier islands, October to AprilOct–Apr
- Birds best viewed, above all wading birds, from about October to MarchOct–Mar
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Birds, above all wading birds such as egrets, herons and white ibis, are best viewed in the winter season, from about October to March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: about October to March. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual winter wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: about October to March, local timing.
How do I get to the Marsh Trail?
From I-75 in Naples take exit 101, follow Collier Blvd south to US 41 and turn left; the Marsh Trail lot is 11 miles east on US 41, near mile marker 31, past the turnoffs for Goodland and Collier-Seminole State Park.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I rent a kayak or join a tour?
Not from the refuge: it doesn't offer paddle rentals or guided tours by its staff. The waterways are best reached by boat from Goodland or Port of the Islands, and four canoe trails run from about 0.7 to 1.5 miles.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog or a drone?
Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. Drones may not take off or land on refuge lands.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How close can I get to the birds?
Give them space: keep yourself and your gear far enough away from resting birds that they don't fly off.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp on the islands?
Yes, from October to April, on the outer barrier islands only, first come, first served, with no permit and no facilities. Camping is closed May to September for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Camping ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the refuge office open?
As of September 2026, the headquarters office is closed; email floridapanther@fws.gov for information.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Marsh Trail and Observation Tower: the refuge's only land access: an 18-space lot on US 41 near mile marker 31, then a 2.2-mile round trip (the first quarter mile paved, then wide gravel) to a two-story tower with viewing scopes and benches; the first level is accessible; Port of the Islands Marina: one of the two main boating access points, on US 41, 5 miles past the Hwy 92 turnoff to Goodland; visitors can often see manatees here, and there's a small education center inside the marina store.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Island camping closed for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, May to September (May–Sep).
What is Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Birds best viewed, above all wading birds, from about October to March (Oct–Mar), Primitive camping on the outer barrier islands, October to April (Oct–Apr) and Island camping closed for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, May to September (May–Sep).
How we know · Sources (5)
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Camping (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Wildlife Watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29)