Florida Bay is a vast, shallow saltwater bay covering over 800 square miles, forming a triangular body of water bordered by the Everglades mainland to the north and the Florida Keys to the south. It is a protected marine wilderness within Everglades National Park, characterized by wide open water, distant mangrove islands, and expansive grass flats. The primary launch point for paddlers is the Flamingo Marina, located at the end of the main park road, which offers kayak and canoe rentals and a boat ramp specifically for Florida Bay access. From Everglades City on the Gulf Coast, paddlers can also begin multi-day trips that traverse the coastal route into the bay. Paddling here is predominantly open-water, requiring careful attention to conditions. The bay is known for strong winds and currents, and trips can be strenuous. Calm days are essential for safety when venturing from the marina directly into the bay, as wind can quickly create challenging waves. Tides significantly affect navigation; the water is very shallow in many areas, so timing trips for higher tides is crucial to avoid grounding, especially when accessing keys or navigating creeks like Graveyard Creek. The dry season from December to April is generally the best time to paddle, offering lower humidity, fewer insects, and calmer winter winds. Lower tides during this season also make the flats more visible. Wildlife viewing is a major draw, with the potential to see American crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, and a wide variety of birds including roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, and osprey. For overnight trips, the bay features designated backcountry campsites on chickees (elevated wooden platforms) and ground sites on certain keys, all of which require a wilderness permit obtained in advance. Paddlers must be self-sufficient, as this is a long stretch without fresh water sources, requiring a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. Facilities are limited to the launch points; Flamingo has a marina store and rental booth, while Everglades City has a visitor center.