Tiger Key

The location is fantastic. The beach has beautiful white sand and plenty of seashells, and there is no one else around. Every evening, dolphins come to feed, which is a wonderful sight. However, the pesky insects called no see ums were bothersome in the morning and late evening. The raccoons are harmless, so no need to worry about them. We used hard plastic containers for water and a dry bag for our food, as there are rats on the islands. The island has decent cell reception for AT&T.

The island is absolutely stunning and easily accessible by kayak on a peaceful day. It's approximately 7 1/4 miles to paddle.

The beach is a gorgeous stretch of sand that is perfect for camping or taking a break in the afternoon. Located at the Northwestern corner of the island, it provides stunning views of sunsets over the ocean, with the silhouettes of trees adding to the beauty. However, it's important to note that accessing the beach from the western channel may be difficult during low tide due to its shallow waters. On the other hand, the channel between the two islands is deep enough for passage even at low tide. The bay between the channel and the top of the island is usually shallow, but it is typically possible to pass through. If you're looking to anchor your boat, the tip of the beach offers the deepest water. Kayakers, on the other hand, won't encounter any access issues.

If you time it correctly and depart an hour after high tide, the beach is just a three-hour paddle away from Everglades City. To make the journey easier, it is advisable to wear SPF 50 while paddling or, even better, a long sleeve rash guard with SPF protection. Using a sea kayak with a rudder can greatly assist you. The best campsites are located on the northwest side of the island, facing West Pass, although the entire western shore is pleasant. There are ample spots available for both tents and hammocks. It is important to follow Leave No Trace practices, bring more freshwater than you anticipate needing (at least 2 gallons per person per day), and be considerate of other campers by refraining from playing amplified music. Human waste should be buried in a cathole on Tiger Key. Picnic Key, just east of here, provides port-a-johns on the southern shoreline. It is advisable to hang your food as there are raccoons on the island that may investigate your campsite. Additionally, wearing insect repellent is recommended to protect against the invisible no-see-ums that can leave you itching for days.

The campsite was amazing! We witnessed a stunning sunset while a group of dolphins was feeding just 50 meters away from the beach. It was peaceful, but we made sure to keep our food secure (which we did) because in the morning, we saw nine raccoons feasting on crustaceans in the tidal flats. They didn't attempt to access our food or water, but considering it was a full moon and the tide was low, there was an abundance of food for them. We definitely plan on returning!