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 one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. Don't poke it with your paddle. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Dissuade alligators from residing here and create a fun-filled stress-free environment for the average kayaker to enjoy their outdoor adventure.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1-0'); The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190 mile long network of paddling routes situated along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). And dont forget your camera! - Just Go! My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. 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! Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Regardless which slice of Floridian paradise you choose, remember there are still unforeseen threats such as snakes hidden among rock formations along your path that should remain top priority during any amount time spent outdoors. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Best Places to Stay. The Silver River is known for its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_River_(Florida), https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/suwannee-river-wilderness-state-trail, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_River_(Florida). So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. One reason Ocala is among the best towns for kayaking in Florida: Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest, where the swimming is excellent if you like 72 degree water. . Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. 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. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? However, you might run into some obstacles. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. Whether interested in fresh/salt/coastal paddles or discovering new necessary equipment, these organizations have made it much easier and safer than ever before locating outdoor activity centers free from gator encounters when visiting The Sunshine State! The best mangrove kayaking in the United States is a 2-hour tour through the canals of Lido Key. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, Are There Alligators In The Florida Springs, Why Does Florida Have So Many Alligators and Crocodiles, 9 Of The Best Places to Kayak In Central Florida, 5 Of The Canoe and Kayak Rental Tours In Central Florida, Best Places to Kayak In Florida [North, South & Central], Can Kayaks Be Transported Upside Down? Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Yes! Don't let that put a damper on planning ahead as Florida still offers plenty tranquil spots where adventurous types can indulge in serene scenery without any predators coexisting alongside them - phew! LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. With over 700 square miles of open water and plenty of sheltered coves available, this giant body of water provides plenty of opportunities to practice paddling techniques while enjoying breathtaking surroundings. 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. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. 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) The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. You know water sports you know me! locations for kayaking adventures just remember to always stay aware even when beach hopping in northward or heading down south towards Dry Tortugas National Park they arent called The Danger Islands by accidents.. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Plus since most of its banks are also lined with wetlands so full visibility helps keep away any potential danger due to hidden predators like alligators too! You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. 6. There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. And if luck favors - anglers can also find largemouth basses swimming across this clean river as well making fishing quite enjoyable too at times during peak seasons alright? You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. A Central Florida woman says someone has been feeding a large gator after video shows it coming toward her and trying to bite her paddleboard.FOX 35 Orlando . Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. The Great Calusa Blueway. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. In most areas, the water is less than 10 feet, but there are some areas where the water is around 25 feet. What is the Steering Wheel on a Boat Called? That's where we come in. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. If your preference is saltwater paddling opportunities instead, then websites such as KayakFloridaKeys offer great suggestions for all levels of skill including beginner friendly trips from Key Largo all the way down through Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. getupandgokayaking. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. Plus since most of its banks are also lined with wetlands so full visibility helps keep away any potential danger due to hidden predators like alligators too! There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. You could visit Kings Spring, which is 75 feet . " Silver Glen Springs (Marion County, FL) " by, Paul Clark licensed under CC BY 2.0. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! This 500-acre park offers lots of open spaces as well as access to scenic parts of the Cat Fish Creek Nature Trail and Seminole Wilderness Area with impressive views along the way. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! And dont forget to apply sunscreen! Heading over near Tampa Bay will bring you to Weedon Island Preserve kayaking trails that wind through gorgeous coastal estuaries offering expansive views and abundant wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, osprey and more! Shoal River. Hey there kayak lovers! In addition there are two wonderful refuges nearby Big Pass near Lido Key which sometimes provides seasonal manatee sightings when paddling around calm waters here - as well as Little Sarasota Bay just across US 41 from Siesta Key where secluded bays ringed with luxuriant foliage provide shelter from most sea-breezes coming up from further south which makes finding safe places to paddle fun even on windier days! Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. This river is 246 miles long, located in northwest Florida, and stretches to Mexico. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. 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. There's even a nearby boat ramp so you can launch your kayaks right into the saltwater lagoon just watch out for schools of tarpon though! - Just Go! Boat tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; reservations are not required. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. Finally pay homage to ancient tradition by visiting multiple areas on Tampa Bay that were once used as traditional Seminole fishing camps during times past! >> the tail went on our kayak. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Salt water crocs live in the north of the country where there are fewer people to interact with. Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. 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. 1. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Read more. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. - Kayak-sensei. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. Crescent Lake. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Silver Glen Springs. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. Through their spatial data system, visitors can find specific bodies of water with features like depth contours and boat launches or ramps as part of their database. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Companies like Flamingo Flatboats Tours Inc provide guided experiences tailored around beach front recreational areas with safety rules employed to ensure encounters with wildlife remain controlled circumstances in order to preserve nature while allowing visitors insight into this unique environment. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. The only clear vessel is our Clear 2-Person Kayak, the weight limit for clear kayaks is 400lbs. So what are you waiting for? Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. This post may contain affiliate links. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. In addition head South towards Everglades National Park - absolutely one fo the best spots for kayaking in all of Florida--for an incredible saltwater adventure across shallow channels and coastal flats consisting mostly mudflats but also patches of oyster bars interspersed between lagoons teeming with wildlife such as wading birds gliding across glass like reflections offered by oddly colored greenish waters below flooded sawgrass meadows illuminated by dazzling sunlight above! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. General Parking for Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park located at 205 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. The Loxahatchee River. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Wildlife exploration in Florida. St Johns River: For those who want to venture up North toward Jacksonville but don't want gators getting in their way - then St Johns River is definitely where they should be headed! Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. It would help if you kept as much distance between you and the alligator as possible. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. adventure for everyone involved. While the idea. 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. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. 2. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! 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 state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth.

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