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The proximity of the Thousand Islands to the highly urbanized barrier island offers a wealth of recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. There are several ramp access points to these islands south of Minutemen Causeway including Ramp Road Park and the Country Club Pavilion kayak launch. Activities within the islands are focused on passive recreation – paddling and slow speed zone motoring, compatible and consistent with protection and restoration of the natural communities and resources of the Thousand Islands and adjacent areas. Motorized small vessels are restricted to the marked channels although small flats boats with trolling motors can venture a bit off the channel in high water conditions.

The mangrove tunnels throughout the south islands provide some challenging paddles for kayaks, stand-up paddles (SUPs) and canoes – becoming even more challenging during seasonal high lagoon level when the tunnels are much tighter, which normally occurs late summer and fall. A portion of these mangrove tunnels are marked but unmarked paddling trails are found throughout, which should be used with caution – particularly closer to dusk when it would not be hard to get lost in the twists and turns. Unexperienced paddlers should only venture into these smaller tunnels with an experienced paddler.

There are also plenty of open water paddles that provide great opportunities for exercise, wildlife and birdwatching, cloud watching, sunrise, sunset and just relaxation. North Crawford island has a kayak dock and pullout along with a hiking trail. This loop trail provides quiet nature, native plant identification, and wildflower and butterfly enjoyment that varies with season.

Warm summer and early fall months often offer bioluminescence throughout the islands, which can be immersive when paddling evenings in dark skies. Mullet pods, dolphin and paddles can provide amazing light displays while gliding through the darkness. There are several licensed kayak outfitters that offer these bioluminescence tours – and other paddle tours throughout the year. Bioluminescence is produced by a phytoplankton dinoflagellate that is naturally occurring but can bloom extensively due to an excess of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) in the waterbody. This dinoflagellate species, Pyrodinium bahamense, produces a neurotoxin called saxotoxin. Saxotoxins can bioaccumulate in shellfish and puffer fish and can be unsafe to humans when swimming so be aware when paddling during strong bioluminescent conditions.

The Thousand Islands provide good fishing, many fisherfolk prefer catch and release to enjoy the sport but not overharvest the fishery within the Banana River Lagoon. Common fish species include redfish (red drum), black drum, sheepshead, snook, tarpon, ladyfish – and others. Fishing is also available both at Ramp Road Park dock and at the Country Club Pavilion dock.

Geocaching is a somewhat new but fun and challenging activity in the islands. There are several easily discoverable geocaches in the islands south of Minutemen and a few on the northside – without leaving your kayak, canoe or paddleboard. There are geocache web apps that can help you in your quest!