So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . 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. Copyright 2023 Just Go! The current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. - Just Go! One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. 8 Florida Everglades Alligator Attack: 9 Common alligator behavior; 10 What time of day are alligators most active? Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. It is approximately a 6-mile long trail with a relatively swift current perfect for inexperienced kayakers or those who wish to have a lazy float down the river. 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. Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. 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. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. 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 . A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. 3. 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. This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. . Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. 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. Kayaking in Florida. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. Ginnie Springs. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? 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? In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. There is something for everyone. If you see an alligator, stay at least 50 yards away from it and don't feed them. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Manage Settings 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. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring River. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. 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 15 Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours - US News & World Report Leave no trace. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. Ichetucknee Springs. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. 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:
15 Best Lakes in Florida | PlanetWare WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268.
The 12 Best Places to Kayak in Florida For a Perfect Paddle! This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. 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. KayaksPoint is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator.
8 Best Places to Kayak in Florida (And Avoid Alligators) Alligators attacking kayaks . And dont forget to apply sunscreen! 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. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators.
Kayaking With Alligators in Florida - Fun, Dangerous, and Necessary Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. The Great Calusa Blueway. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. per adult. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. If you want something a bit more adventurous, take a tour around Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola it features twisty mangrove tunnels for fun exploring in addition to peaceful lagoons perfect for easy paddling. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go!
Best places to kayak in Florida: 5 spots in Okaloosa, Walton counties But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. 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. Locals can come to Haulover Canal to see manatees in the winter, and several tour groups offer manatee kayak tours including Get Up and Go Kayaking. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. You will find everything from calm waters for beginners to rapids for experts. You can read more about me on my about page. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. 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. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Yes, it actually happens! When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. CNN . There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. 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! So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. 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 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! Ages 3-85, max of 20 per group. Weeki Wachee Springs. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Yes! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Know Now! The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. 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! One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. $80.00. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! Learn More{{/message}}. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. 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. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. In the extreme circumstance that a large alligator lunges at or bites your boat, rap the alligator on its snout with your paddle and quickly paddle away. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. 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. The way the land is situated is quite unique. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! The only clear vessel is our Clear 2-Person Kayak, the weight limit for clear kayaks is 400lbs. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher.
Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning.
Can You Kayak Near Alligators? - Kayakaa The Alligator Safety Tips You Need to Know BEFORE You Visit Florida People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. 7 The St. Johns River. Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Although Florida has a large alligator population. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators.
Wildlife Kayak or Paddleboard or Clear Kayak Adventure Tour Does Tarpon Bay Have Alligators? | FishingIsEasy I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. 1. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. Manage Settings 1. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. Blackwater River. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. You can even get out of your kayaks and hike around the parks and trails scattered throughout the area. 7. Best Places to Stay. Yet the statistics of alligator attacks seem to show that it can be done relatively safely, as long as the paddler follows a few protocols. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. The Great Calusa Blueway.
15 Unique Places To Go Kayaking In Florida - Florida Trippers if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'kayakspoint_com-box-4','ezslot_4',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-box-4-0'); If you are planning to kayak in water infested with alligators or you fear you might come across an alligator, you should know the typical behavior. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Don't poke it with your paddle. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. That's where we come in. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. 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! FunOutdoorVentures.com 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. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it.
Alligator swims toward woman, tries to bite paddleboard at Central If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Manatee River. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida.
Do Alligators Bother Kayakers In Florida? [Safety Tips] However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators.
Safe Places to Kayak in Florida | Florida Adventurer First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. 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. But when you get in the way of the alligator and its safety, its not a good sign as it will probably attack your kayak because it will feel cornered. And never attempt to capture or kill an alligator, as this is illegal in Florida. 1. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? This state park is located on Anclote Key, a small island off the coast of Tarpon Springs. 2 where to kayak in florida without alligators; 3 Santa Fe River; 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River; 5 The Manatee River; 6 Madison Blue Spring State Park; 7 Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? 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 youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. 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. 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. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery.
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