And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 15 Best Lakes in Florida | PlanetWare Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! 1.1 Rainbow River: 1.2 Lake Eola: 1.3 Crystal River: 1.4 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: 1.5 Little Manatee River State Park: Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. My life is all about it. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. Some of the best places to kayak in Florida without alligators are the Santa Fe River, Weeki Wachee Spring, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Silver River, Rainbow River, Manatee River, Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, etc. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. So what are you waiting for? If you notice an alligator that approaches people or shows no wariness when people are nearby, you can report it to the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. $80.00. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. 00:58 - Source: CNN. While the idea. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Tarpon Springs, Florida. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. Crescent Lake. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. Yes! For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Pay attention to signage: Many areas that are popular for kayaking, such as state parks and nature preserves, have signage indicating the presence of alligators. Paddling with Alligators The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. 2. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. Ultimately there are many diverse locations throughout Florida offering safe (alligator free!) Flip flops or watershoes are appropriate to wear when kayaking in Florida, as when getting in and out of the kayak your feet will get wet. In addition there are plenty campgrounds located along this stretch so that you can take a break whenever needed and go back on the road afterwards with just minimal contact with alligators if at all!3. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. Hiking Safely in Florida | Dogs | Florida Hikes It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. - Just Go! Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. The water levels fluctuate a lot, and you need to be sure that it is neither too high nor too low for you to handle.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',645,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',645,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-645{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The smooth flow allows you to admire the scenery. It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. It is between May and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period. . The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! If youre an avid kayaker, theres no question that Florida is the place to visit. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. Learn More{{/message}}. Just about 90 minutes north of Tampa Bay, Crystal River is actually a large network of about 40 natural springs, originating in King's Bay before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.Only accessible by boat, Crystal River has earned its nickname as a "water lover's paradise" with a multitude of activities and wildlife to see. Where to See Alligators in Florida | VISIT FLORIDA Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. However once your safety concerns have been addressed its only a matter enjoying one paddle away from paradise in The Sunshine State!. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. Great Kayaking Spots in Florida | VISIT FLORIDA Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. We love outdoor adventures! The best area to kayak in Bradenton is right by Coquina Beach: Coquina Beach is also known as Bradenton Beach and there is a giant bay area next to it where there are many open water and kayaking trails available to do the following things: Just explore the area. The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. The Nile crocodile has the largest body count of crocs due to people having to go to the edge of the river for water ect. Whether you want to explore the crystal clear springs, tour through peaceful mangroves, or experience the tranquility of paddling around a remote island, non-swampy locations abound across Florida's many waterways. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. "Alligators are dangerous animals.". When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. If you get too close to the alligator, it may give warning signs that should make you move away. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. This river is easily navigable on your own, but you will have a more informative trip if you decide to take one of the guided tours. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. . Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. 6 great places to kayak and canoe in Fort Myers, Naples Florida Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. Some of the best places to kayak in Florida without alligators are the Santa Fe River, Weeki Wachee Spring, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Silver River, Rainbow River, Manatee River, Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, etc. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. Best Places to Stay. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. Crescent Lake. Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable sources online that can help direct you to some of the best places to kayak without fear of gators. There's nothing like a freshwater spring to keep you cool while paddling around the river or spending time listening for birdsong along its banks. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. CNN . There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. The animals to see include bald eagles, pelicans, fish, and sea turtles that you can see swimming below your boat. 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Shoal River. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Although Florida has a large alligator population. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. A: When kayaking, its important to pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Search no more! seminole county deputies. This site is a participant in the Amazon services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. Do Alligators Bother Kayakers In Florida? [Safety Tips] Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. This area is a part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy kayaking in the mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. That's where we come in. With zero pressure from swimmers or motor boats it's perfect for those wanting a less invaded area and its completely free from alligator presence too! These are also things that one might warn a . paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. However, the experienced kayaker can venture beyond the mangroves and onto the reef for a more thrilling experience on lovely days with calm seas. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. A paddler, Brady Toensing, 54, of Reddick, Florida, said in an interview that he saw a fishing boat pass him on the . A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Fun Outdoor Ventures In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. Kayaking Near Orlando (11 Great Places to Paddle) - Paddle About All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. Happy reading! Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. The kayak run takes 4 hours to complete and includes a few rapids and a very narrow trail with alligator infested water. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. Little Manatee River, Wimauma. Contents. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: AuthorsBased on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.Find his team on Twitter here. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. >> the tail went on our kayak. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Some of these places have alligator populations living close by, and others are entirely alligator-free. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. You can be in an area that's 25 feet deep then take 2 steps and you'll be in an area that's only 10 feet. Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable sources online that can help direct you to some of the best places to kayak without fear of gators. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. Is kayaking in Florida your first time, and you're looking for a place where you won't have to worry about getting into trouble? If you would prefer to do a kayaking tour in a saltwater environment, here are some great options: Florida springs are the real star of Florida kayaking. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. 8 Florida Everglades Alligator Attack: 9 Common alligator behavior; 10 What time of day are alligators most active? Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. - Kayak-sensei. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. The Suwannee River: Start off in the swamps north of Okeechobee, then head along this stunning river as it winds its way towards Suwannees outlet bay coasts near Tampa Bay! In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. Santa Fe River. A post shared by Dry Tortugas National Park (@drytortugasnps) One of the best snorkeling spots in Florida is located 70 miles west of Key West.
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