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. 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? And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. Although Florida is known for its alligators, there are plenty of places in the sunshine state that offer paddling opportunities without the fear of coming face-to-face with one. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. Santa Fe River. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Blackwater River. Looking for places to kayak in Florida that don't have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its alligators. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. - Just Go! This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. $80.00. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). Get into some mangrove areas. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. However once your safety concerns have been addressed its only a matter enjoying one paddle away from paradise in The Sunshine State!. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Anastasia Paddling offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals on the Salt Run river. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. (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. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. Rainbow Springs State Park. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. Yes! Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. 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. 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. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. Boat tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; reservations are not required. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! " Silver Glen Springs (Marion County, FL) " by, Paul Clark licensed under CC BY 2.0. 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. Suwannee River Wilderness. 2. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. 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. We cover the whole outdoor arena. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. This state park is located on Anclote Key, a small island off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Nature . The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. Find yourself mountain biking trails before warming up at the local coffee shop nearby what better way could one spend a day? Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. This post may contain affiliate links. ]. 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! Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. A paddler, Brady Toensing, 54, of Reddick, Florida, said in an interview that he saw a fishing boat pass him on the . Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. To stay away from alligators even further north head over to Lake Taraweba near Bonita Springs where coastal wildlife like dolphins can be seen playing in calmer waters compared to saltier parts of Florida's coast line. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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 are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. >> the tail went on our kayak. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. 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. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. The Okaloosa County-managed Wayside Park next to the Cox Bridge section of State Road 85 near the south end of Crestview is a convenient way to get on the Shoal River. 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 . Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. 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 current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. 2022 Kayak-sensei Built with Kayak-sensei. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. It can be dangerous if you don't take safety precautions such as paying attention to eroded terrain while hiking and avoiding areas with loose rocks when climbing cliff walls and hillsides as well wearing adequate clothes for protection from desert temperatures or cactus damage. 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). 7 The St. Johns River. 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. And dont forget your camera! Salt water crocs live in the north of the country where there are fewer people to interact with. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. 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! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. Starting at Everglades City, rent a kayak at one of the several outlets and head out into the famous swamp for an up close look at alligators, turtles, and ancient mangrove forests. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for 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! Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. The alligator can hiss or bellow. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. After so much time spent on a kayak, grab some food at one off the great seafood restaurants dotted around Bonita Springs if hunger pangs set while out on the lake. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. That's where we come in. So what are you waiting for? Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. While the idea. If you plan on kayaking, the best time to visit Ichetuknee Spring is during winter, as the waters are quieter without all of the tubers. From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. 1. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This river is 246 miles long, located in northwest Florida, and stretches to Mexico. "Alligators are dangerous animals.".
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where to kayak in florida without alligators