#HIDDEN ISLANDS IN FLORIDA PLUS#

These charges were ultimately dropped after Disney made improvements, but did not admit to wrongdoings. Following this allegation, State and Federal officials charged Disney with 16 counts of animal cruelty. Disney confirmed some of them died while being captured by their employees. In 1989, Disney was accused by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals of mistreating vultures that landed on Discovery Island. The island's facilities were the home of the last known Dusky Seaside Sparrow before it died in July 1987. In March 1999, admission was $12.67 for adults and $6.89 for children, including tax. The admission cost in 1995 was $10.60 for adults and $5.83 for children aged three through nine. The island opened as Treasure Island on April 8, 1974, as a place to observe wildlife, and was later renamed Discovery Island when it was recognized as a zoological park. ĭelmar lived on the island and grew exotic plants prior to the island's acquisition by Disney. Disney bought it in 1965 as part of its strategic property acquisitions before building the Walt Disney World Resort. It was later sold, renamed 'Riles Island,' and used as a hunting retreat. In the late 1930s, it was purchased for $800 by a man named Delmar 'Radio Nick' Nicholson, who renamed it 'Idle Bay Isle' and lived there for 20 years with his wife and pet crane. Here’s more about paddling and camping in the Ten Thousand Islands.From 1900 to 1937, the island was known as Raz Island, named after the family that lived there. Given Florida’s heat and bugs, this is a trip for cooler weather. The beach here is also subject to fast-moving tides, so stay well above the high-tide line.

Picnic’s campsites are on the Gulf, however, and exposed to the weather. If sites on Tiger are not available, try adjacent Picnic Key, which has an outhouse. In the morning, you may wake up to fishing boats casting nets into your cove for baitfish. You can also paddle back into the oyster bars, where redfish (red drum) abound. The fishing here is fantastic inside the pass. You’ll feel like your on a tropical island. This is the best place to camp because it’s protected from on-shore winds in the event of a sudden storm. Paddle into West Pass and around to the crescent beach and cove on the leeward side of Tiger Key. Tiger Key is on the south side of West Pass. In good weather, you can paddle out into the open Gulf, tracking north about two miles to West Pass (N: 25.8322 | W: -81.4907). Paddle across Chokoluskee Bay to the Indian Key Pass and paddle 5 miles out to Indian Key. (Free in summer, but you don’t go to be there in summer).

#HIDDEN ISLANDS IN FLORIDA PLUS#

Cost is $10 plus $2 per person from November through April. The permit must be obtained in person no more than 24 hours in advance. Indian Key Pass: Camping in the Ten Thousand Islands requires experienced kayakers and good planning.īob has made this trip several times in kayaks and canoes, and can attest to the difficulty of paddling against the swift currents in Indian Key Pass, made even more challenging when the weather and winds unexpectedly turn on you.īefore launching at the Gulf Coast Ranger Station, check in with the rangers to obtain a backcountry camping permit for Tiger Key.

Hidden islands in florida