where to kayak in florida without alligators

Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. It's a good idea to run away if you can get away from an alligator with a distance of around 20 or 30 feet. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Manage Settings Anastasia Paddling offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals on the Salt Run river. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. Hey there kayak lovers! Minutes away from Cocoa Beach, enjoy an "old Florida" mangrove tunnel called "The Amazon" in the Thousand Islands with Cocoa Beach Kayak as a naturalist guide that provides insight into this magical world. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. There is plenty of wildlife around here that includes birds, turtles, fish, and maybe even a few otters which makes it an exciting (and safe!) Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. (Kayak Drowning Possibilities), List Of Top Kayak Swimwear Brands Of USA; What To Wear When Kayaking, The Santa Fe River is a tributary of the Suwannee River and is approximately 78 miles (126 kilometers) long and has a watershed of approximately 1,380 square miles, Weeki Wachee Spring is a natural spring located in Weeki Wachee, Florida and it is a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. 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). 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. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in 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! Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is 246 miles long and it offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding wilderness, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, etc. In Florida, the weather can be hot and humid, so its important to wear light, breathable clothing. It features islands, creeps, shallow rivers, and small towns. Suwannee River Wilderness. However, its important to remember that kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? The variety here is breathtaking as visitors paddle up low lying creeks where they can gaze at remarkable birds among pristine trees draped in mosses and lichens before reconnecting with their destination shoreline. The 31-mile trail winds through the Blackwater River State Forest and offers viewings of one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers on the planet, which varies in color from a rich coffee brown to light yellow, depending on the depth. 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 . Tampa Bay, Crystal River & Spring Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park and Fort De Soto County Park are some of the best places to kayak in Florida. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. Clam Pass. Locations such as Crystal River just north Tampa Bay offer not only gorgeous scenery but also year round protection from Florida's notorious heat providing an (often overlooked) opportunity given other areas may become quite hot during summer months. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. The crystal clear blue waters offer views usually only seen by snorkelers with matchless visibility making sighting sea life like turtles amazingly easy during routine paddle trips fascinating any beginner into a whole new world beneath their glass-bottom boats! You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. per adult. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. 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! Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. So what are you waiting for? Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. Alligators rarely attack without reason, and usually won't linger in one area as long-time visitors do - this means it's important for kayakers not just be careful but also mindful of where their boats are so that any . Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. All in all, there are so many amazing spots across Florida where you can take part in a safe yet exhilarating kayaking experience no matter if youre a beginner or experienced pro - guaranteed those who come here seeking adventure will not be disappointed! Get into some mangrove areas. You should take the following precautions in case of an encounter: If you plan on kayaking in alligator-infested waters, you should ensure not to bring your dog. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. - Just Go! stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Crystal River. 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! Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. Know Now! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no alligators in the swimming area, but if you had to kayak further down the river, you would probably come across a couple. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. 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. Well-marked and user-friendly, the 190-mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is a paddler's paradise of secluded beaches and protected estuaries that are laced with mangrove islands and tunnels as well as tidal creeks. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. April 7, 2022. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. In most areas, the water is less than 10 feet, but there are some areas where the water is around 25 feet. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. adventure for everyone involved. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? 1. The alligator can hiss or bellow. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. Suwannee River Wilderness. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. Best Places to Stay. 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. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. KayaksPoint is a blog about kayaking, canoeing and various activities based on kayaks like fishing, adventures, trips, destinations, kayak gears, boats, and your go-to resources! To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. CNN . 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! If you're a fan of kayaking and love the Sunshine State, but don't want to worry about running into any alligators, there are still plenty of places where you can safely paddle around. The best mangrove kayaking in the United States is a 2-hour tour through the canals of Lido Key. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. Weeki Wachee Springs. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. 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! This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. 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. Manatee River. 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You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Ultimately there are many diverse locations throughout Florida offering safe (alligator free!) Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? The park is generally considered safe for travelers who take necessary precautions for their own well-being such as being mindful about drinking only bottled water when camping out or refraining from wandering deep into trails without a guide present because borders with Mexico share common land entrances near the national park.. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. Touring the Everglades mangrove tunnels; kayaking or canoeing down Crystal River; exploring unique habitats along St. Mark's river outlet in Wakulla Springs State Park; 9-mile paddle on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail at Big Bend National Park. Copyright 2023 Just Go! 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! Keep in mind that due to its size Lake Okeechobee can sometimes experience windy weather so its important to be aware and prepared for more challenging conditions than expected when venturing out here. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-blackwater-river-state-forest/, https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/, https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-great-kayaking-in-florida/, https://www.tripstodiscover.com/kayaking-in-florida/. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. Just 48 minutes west of Gainesville, you'll find Ginnie Springs near a town called High Springs. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. General Parking for Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park located at 205 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. Wildlife exploration in Florida. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. This river is 246 miles long, located in northwest Florida, and stretches to Mexico. Plus don't forget Biscayne National Park located near Miami; here visitors will find some coastal mangrove ecosystems with miles upon miles of shallow water channels ready for exploration by novice kayakers! Everglades Safari Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the last tour departs at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for adults cost . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. Other safe spots include several parks near New Smyrna Beach such as Ponce de Leon Inlet near Spruce Creek Preserve which provides an amazing journey with its large marshy creeks leading out into calm estuaries teeming with a variety wildlife--minus any gators! The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. 3. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. . Thank you! We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. The waters of the swimming area are crystal blue, and there are a variety of shallow shores and mellow oxbow lakes that you can explore nearif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rainbow Springs. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. Silver Springs is a great place to see manatees in the winter and is a family friendly kayaking destination, known also for its glass bottom boat tours and controversial rhesus monkey population. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Nature . This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Plus, the natural beauty of cypress trees and limestone formations spotted throughout your journey make this experience worth it alone. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. In summary, although there are potential risks associated with taking part in wildlife-filled waters throughout points in Florida, there still exist plenty of reputable sources which can guide individuals on finding aquatic recreational experiences away from human/alligator interactions.

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