The Ten Thousand Islands Lie on the western edge of the Florida Everglades, mostly within Everglades National Park. Traditionally, the group meets up and camps on the western side Panther Key. Panther is not in the park and does not therefore require an entrance pass. If you are planning on going any farther south, a pass is required even if you are not camping on an island. As of Jan 2022,  an annual pass is $55, and a one week pass is $30. There are senior discounts if 62 or older.  Pro tip: If you buy your annual pass after Jan 1, it will not expire until Jan 31, of the next year. You can do two years worth of trips with one pass. For information including current prices for entrance passes click here: ENP Entrance Passes

VHF: Monitor 16 and 72. If 72 busy try 71 then 69.

The Everglades Lack of Challenge: Distance Sailing

This year WCTSS is initiating the “Lack of Challenge” to enjoy some of the best parts of the Everglades Challenge, but in a (slightly) more civilized manner. The Lack of Challenge will run from Mon to apx Friday noon. We will start at Goodland on Monday and plan on leaving EARLY- be on the water and under way by 10am. Our exact destination and route are to be determined on a day to day basis by the group but tentative goal is Shark River/White Water Bay and back to Panther Key to rendezvous with the non-challenged sailors by Friday noon. You will need an ENP entrance pass. Be prepared to travel up 20-30 miles per day and sail 5-7 hours per day.  You need to provision for apx 1 week and be able to camp on your boat.