WaterTribe^TM Everglades Challenge (EC)

Tampa Bay To Key Largo In Sea Kayaks, Canoes and Small Boats

The next Everglades Challenge is  Saturday, March 2, 2024. There is an equipment inspection Friday, March 1, 2024. Cost is $495.00  for the captain and $495.00 for a crew member if any.

Completion of an Everglades Challenge within the last Ultimate Florida cycle satsifies the entrance requirement for the Ultimate Florida Challenge. For example, completing EC2014 or EC2015 allows entrance into UF2016.

Billing starts January 1.
Registration ends January 31 at noon.
Payment Deadline is January 31 at noon.

Due to the exteme commitment for this race late registration and/or late payments will not be allowed. We recommend that you commit to this race early so you have plenty of time for planning, training, and preparation. Pay early in the payment cycle. You can get a full refund up until January 31 at noon. No refunds after that date and time.

All WaterTribe events are dangerous events as defined by Florida law and common sense. You are responsible for your own safety. You must read and understand the warning before you register for this event.

The Everglades Challenge is an unsupported, expedition style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. The distance is roughly 300 nautical miles depending on your course selection. There is a time limit of 8 days or less. Your safety and well being are completely up to you.

Unsupported means that there are no safety boats or support crews to help you during the race. You are not allowed to have a support crew follow you or meet you during the race. It is OK to have family or friends meet you at the official checkpoints, but they cannot provide anything other than emotional support. See the official WaterTribe rules for more details.

Expedition style means that you must carry the same type of equipment and supplies that you would carry on a major expedition lasting 4 weeks or more. Camping equipment, food, water, safety, communication, etc. is required. See the Rules and Warning link at the top of this page for the official required equipment list for more details.

Although this is a race, many participants are more interesting in cruising and adventure. Whether you are a cruiser or racer is up to you. Just getting to the starting line is a major accomplishment and only about 40% of starters are able to finish. You should be an expert kayaker and/or sailor before you consider this challenge.

SPECIAL NOTE 1:  You can earn an alligator tooth award by completing the entire Everglades Wilderness Waterway between Chokoloskee and Flamingo. There are specific rules for earning that tooth:

• You must obey all Everglades National Park rules.
• SPOT must be correctly used at all times.
• You must complete the entire WW as shown on their official maps. You can exit at Broad River and return via Broad Creek. Using the Harney River from the outside is not allowed.
• The Nightmare is an option. Some people say that taking the Nightmare is easier than negotiating Broad Creek from the entrance. The choice is yours.
• Once you have reached Whitewater Bay you may follow the marked route or take the Joe River or any other route to cross the bay and enter Tarpon Creek and the Buttonwood Canal.
• In some years challengers have taken the Hells Bay Canoe Trail to Tarpon Creek. Since this is marked on the official map, it is also OK.
• You must portage your boat a short distance between the fresh water side and the salt water side at Flamingo. You cannot receive assistance from the Race Manager, CP Captain, or bystanders. Challengers participating in the event may assist other challengers (see the note below).

SPECIAL NOTE 2: In some previous years we have provided a boat cart or other assistance for the short portage at Flamingo. As of EC2011 and beyond a boat cart will not be provided and all challengers crossing from the fresh water side to the salt water side must do this short portage without outside assistance. No cart will be provided. You must carry your own if you plan to use one. If bystanders want to help they cannot. However, other WaterTribers who are in the same event can help - see the ad hoc team rule.

The Everglades Challenge follows the SW Florida coast line from Fort Desoto in Tampa Bay, Florida to Key Largo. You will enter Everglades National Park near Everglades City and you will be within their boundries until you get near Key Largo.  You must follow all park rules and regulations.

Note that the WaterTribe Marathon runs concurrently with the Everglades Challenge.  The schedule mentions both races.

Start - Fort Desoto Park, Tampa Bay, Florida

The race will start in Fort Desoto Park (the link shows a nice bird's eye view of the starting beach) located on Mullet Key in Tampa Bay, Florida.  A large pavilion is reserved for all day Friday.  Boats may assemble on the adjacent beach.   All boats should be left on the beach above the high water mark Friday night. A guard will be posted.  

The pavilion is at East Beach on the eastern leg of Mullet Key facing south.  There is a very nice beach perfect for launching boats.  There is road access to the beach for sailboats.  See the Chief at the captains meeting for directions 

Friday afternoon there will be a captain and crew meeting which is mandatory.  Your boat may be inspected for final class determination.  If you can't make it to the normal equipment inspection on Friday, you should arrange another time.  mailto:Chief@WaterTribe.com  to make special arrangements well in advance.

If you don't want to off load your boat right on the beach, there is a very nice boat ramp on Mullet Key.  After you pass through the toll booth ($0.75 per car + $0.75 per trailer axle) and go over the bridge, the ramp is on your right.  Many cars are parked here for days at a time for extended fishing trips.  This is where you will leave your car and trailer if you don't get someone to drive it down to Key Largo.  The lot is patrolled.  Please note that none of us associated with the race accepts any responsibility for your vehicle or trailer or their contents.

After you launch, you can sail around Mullet Key to the pavilion.  The Lat/Lon of the pavilion and the beach adjacent to it will be provided in due course.

Camping on Mullet Key

There is a very nice campground on Mullet Key.  

• Sites 1-85 are designed for tent, van, and pop-up campers.

• Sites 86-233 are designed and equipped to accommodate all camping units

• All sites have water, electrical hookup ( 30 amps), picnic table, and a charcoal grill

• Dump stations, restrooms, showers, and laundry are available

• Many sites are waterfront with room for your kayak or boat in your camp site.

Reservation is VERY limited.  Reserve your site as early as possible.  Google Fort Desoto park for reservation information.

EC CP1 and UM Finish - Cape Haze Marina, Englewood, Florida

Cape Haze Marina is the first checkpoint for the Everglades Challenge and the finish for the Ultra Marathon.

Roughly 60 miles along the coast from Tampa Bay you will come to Stump Pass which feeds into the Intracoastal Waterway. The Cape Haze Marina checkpoint is located a couple miles south of Stump Pass on your port side.

Finding Cape Haze Marina

Near Intracoastal Waterway Markers Red "8" and Green "9" there are private channel markers into Cape Haze Marina on your port side as you are heading south. After entering the marina, turn right just after the first set of docks. Turn left at the sea wall and proceed to the floating dock next to the rock sea wall. Sailboats can pick any open dock opposite the rock sea wall to tie up.

• Cape Haze Entrance
  Lat 26.875422°
  Lon -82.314172°
• Cape Haze Dock
  Lat 26.874206°
  Lon -82.312763°
• CP1Beach001 - See Special Note Below
  Lat 26.87348°
  Lon 82.31439°
• CP1Beach002 - Trail Head to CP1 - See Special Note Below
  Lat 26.87363°
  Lon 82.31445°

SPECIAL NOTE - The beach landing is for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Hobie AIs, and Hobie TIs only. All other boats must go into the marina docks. Class 3 boats and Hobies MUST retract or take off their amas and akas. Also, if you will be at CP1 longer than 20 minutes, you must move your boat up to the grassy area at CP1. These rules are intentional filters. If your class 4, 5, or 6 boat is too large or too difficult to get into the marina, then it is not a suitable Everglades Challenge boat. Violation of this rule results in a DQ.

The beach landing is located near marker Red 8. As you are heading south, turn left just after passing Red 8 and you can't miss the small beach landing. The landing and trail to CP1 is near an apartment building so BE QUIET when you land or launch.

Accommodations at Cape Haze Marina

There are two docks shown near the bottom left quadrant of the picture. The one farthest to the left in this aerial shot (partially obstructed by a tree in this shot) is a floating dock that is the official checkpoint landing. Please do not use the dock next to it.

Larger boats can tie up at any open dock opposite the grassy area and rock sea wall. There is no official time limit but try to make your stay at the dock as short as possible.

There is plenty of room to pitch tents as needed in the grassy area next to the rock sea wall on the left side of the picture. We will have a boat cart for kayaks to help move your boat up to the tent area.

Resupply is within a couple of miles and some shuttles will be available from time to time. Fresh water is available at the marina but you might want to filter for taste. We might have some bottled water for sale at the same price we pay for it. There is a shower, rest rooms and more.

One of the toughest filters in the whole course is the hot tub and pool. It is recommended that you do not use these features because you may decide not to leave.

CP2 - Chokoloskee, Everglades National Park, Florida

Roughly 70 miles along the coast from Cayo Costa you will come to Indian Key Pass. The mangrove channel that leads to the fabled Everglades City. You are at that crucible that will weed out the Men from the boys; the Women from the girls; and Real Boats from mere puddle hoppers.

Tide Will be a Factor

There are strong tidal currents through these mangrove channels that can make grown men cry. A huge amount of water flows through these channels so current can be 2 to 3 knots or so.

Another interesting phenomenon is that as the water level drops or rises various sand/mud/oyster bars are exposed or covered. Flow changes and currents become counter intuitive.

Tide tables and local knowledge of how to interpret them will be published long before the race. Don't get too fixated on the tide problem right now. If the tide is too strong, you have two basic choices: wait or paddle harder.

I plan to pitch my hammock on Indian Key, or thereabouts, and nap until the right time.

It Is Doable

Having warned you of the terror, I must remind you that this is a doable entrance that is used by kayaks, canoes, sail boats, and motor boats all day long almost every day. Some of our discussion forums have gotten carried away with the difficulty of this checkpoint -- thus the opening paragraph.

If you use Indian Key Pass to enter Everglades City and then use Chokoloskee Pass to exit Everglades City, you will minimize tide issues and the need for local knowledge. These two channels a wide enough and well marked so as to be considered "normal" navigation and difficulty.

Some plan to take a detour and visit Watson's Place instead of take Chokoloskee Pass. This too should not present any difficulty for classes 1 and 2, but classes 3 and 4 may want to think real hard about trying this route.

Big Boats Are Everywhere

Big boats are cruising these channels so watch out. Some of them run at night with no lights. If you must travel these channels at night, keep lots of lights going on your boat and keep a strong spot light handy.

Access for Family and Friends

This is a regular city on the west coast of Florida with highway access. There is an article in the Sept/Nov 2000 issue of Paddler Magazine about Everglades City.

If You Drop Out

If you drop out at Everglades City, be sure to let the check in crew know. They will help you arrange for transportation back to Tampa Bay if you need it. You may have to stay at Everglades City a day or two (hopefully not more) for the transport to show up.

Fresh Water

Fresh water is available at Everglades City as well as restaurants, convenience stores, and kayak outfitters. Your best bet is the hose at the canoe ramp at Park HQ or the hose at the docks of Outdoor Resorts or the convenience stores at both locations. Beware however that availability of bottled water at these two convenience stores is not guaranteed. There are other stores in the area within about a 1 mile radius at both locations.

The hoses will be easily accessible, but I recommend that you filter all water from hoses -- if only for taste.

Everglades Park

This is the North Headquarters of Everglades Park. If you are taking the inside route, you must register with the park rangers. If you are taking the outside route, you may have to register with the park rangers. It depends on whether or not you intend to camp on the way to Flamingo.

Indian Key Pass is a well marked channel. Just before you get to the Barron River make a hard right turn and you can't miss the Park marina. They have a SMALL convenience store and not much else. About 1 mile into town or so you will find a grocery store. Not a big super market but some supplies available. This is your best bet if you need anything serious.

There is a hose at the canoe ramp for fresh water. I recommend a filter if you are particular about taste.

Roughly 3 miles along the causeway you will come to Chokoloskee Island. You can't miss it on the chart. This is your official race checkpoint.

Physical Check In Station

The Chokoloskee check point is at the Outdoor Resorts of America located at the entrance to Chokoloskee Island. You will land on the beach on the west side of the causeway. The resort is located on the other side of the road a stones throw from the beach. Check in with the person running the office. Get your passport signed and make sure your time of arrival is noted on the checkpoint log.

The Outdoors Resort at Chokoloskee offers a small convenience store, water, showers, laundry, and an enthusiastic manager, Kenny Brown. The people of Chokoloskee were very friendly and curious about our race. They like kayakers here.

There is no tent camping so if you want to spend the night, you will have to reserve a room. Call 1-941-695-2881 ASAP if you will want to stay here for a night when you check in. This is a very popular area during March. This is a very nice resort and I was amazed at how clean their rest room was when I visited.

Note that tent camping in this area has been driven out by RVs. Most snowbirds come down for several months in the winter and there just isn't room for tents. However, Pavilion Key and other NP camp sites are fairly close. If you absolutely MUST tent camp at this checkpoint, your best bet MIGHT be to find a secluded spot along the causeway and practice a little stealth camping. I have slung my hammock next to their canoe landing.

CP3 - Flamingo, Everglades National Park, Florida

Roughly 60 miles along the coast from Indian Key Pass you will come to Cape Sable. A few miles around the point and you will find Flamingo. This is the Southern campground in the Everglades Park. You're almost home free at this point. The nightmare of Everglades City is behind you and you can almost hear me partying in Key Largo.

Physical Check In Station

The Orange Lock Box containing your check in logs will be on the bench at the saltwater boat launch. Lock Combination is as follows: 3 - 1 - 4 Line up all the numbers on the black line. The same combination is used for all check points. IMPORTANT -- After you log in, you must lock the box. Be sure to hold the clasp into the lock and the SPIN the dial. If you do not spin the dial while holding in the clasp, the lock will be open. Check it before you leave.

Tide Is Still a Factor

Tide is always a factor in a small boat. The tide can be even more difficult here because there are so many factors that enter into it. Fresh water flow from the glades, Atlantic flow, Gulf flow, wind, pressure, channels. The area is very shallow. You really must get chart 33E.

Big Boats Are Everywhere

Even bigger boats are cruising these waters so watch out. Some of them run at night with no lights. If you must travel at night, keep lots of lights going on your boat and keep a strong spot light handy.

If You Drop Out

Since Flamingo is more off the beaten path from the other checkpoints, it is advised to have had a discussion with your shore contact about what the plan will be to pick you up if you need to drop out there. Also, please keep checkpoint captain volunteers updated so they know you are safe and can note the website that you have left the Challenge.

Amenities at Flamingo

• A well stocked convenience store is open daily from 7:00am-7:00pm
• Showers are available during store hours for $3. Payment is made in the store.
• A food truck will be available in March. Hours are 11am-4pm
• Challengers may lie down next to their boats in the grassy areas only. No tents, bivy sacks or hammocks may be deployed.
• 24 hour restrooms are available at the NPS visitor center, the fish cleaning station next to the backcountry boat ramps, and the campground bathhouses. The restrooms at the store are open from 7AM – 7PM
• Mooring a boat for longer than four hours will require payment of an overnight fee of $2 per foot.

Access for Family and Friends

Flamingo is located on the southern tip of the Florida mainland with highway and good road access. The entry fee is $30 per vehicle. Eco-tents as well as tent and RV camp sites are available by reservation. Please use the following link for availability and pricing:  Flamingo Adventures  There is a great 90 minute boat tour up Buttonwood Canal through Coot Bay and Tarpon Creek into Whitewater Bay narrated by experienced naturalist. Great hiking options in the area as well.

Finish - The Pelican Cottages, Key Largo, Florida

We will be ending the race at the Pelican Cottages in Key Largo. You may reserve a room by calling 305-451-1686. Do your family a favor and have them wait for you in Key Largo! Here is a link to some pictures: The Pelican Cottages

The award ceremony will be on Saturday about 10:30 AM. The Award Dinner will begin right after awards are handed out. This will be roughly noon give or take a half hour.

Activities in Key Largo include snorkeling, SCUBA diving, glass bottom boats, flats fishing, deep sea fishing, beaches, shopping, and more. There is plenty for your family to do while waiting for your arrival so book your room for the whole week in advance -- your family will thank you for it and you will be able to do this year after year.

Rooms are limited so reserve early. It's the place to be.