where to kayak in florida without alligators

Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Group nearly attacked by gator while kayaking in Central Florida - WESH 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. 15 Best Lakes in Florida | PlanetWare You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Hey there kayak lovers! Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. Happy reading! Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. 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. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. 15 Unique Places To Go Kayaking In Florida - Florida Trippers Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. 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) Paddling with Alligators - Just Go! Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. 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. 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. See wildlife like Manatees. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. 3 Santa Fe River. Kayaking in Florida. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Manage Settings It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. Blackwater River. But this goes back to respecting their territory. References:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',632,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. (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. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. Fun Outdoor Ventures is owned and operated by Susan and 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. 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/. Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? 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. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. With over 8,000 miles of coastline and thousands of lakes, rivers and even springs to explore, the Sunshine State offers something for every level of kayaker. 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. 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. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. That's where we come in. Bear in mind that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef is very popular over the weekends, especially if it is good weather, attracting crowds of kayakers and people on jet skis and motorboats.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-box-4','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-box-4-0'); For the average kayaker, open-water paddling in the protection of the mangrove wilderness is a calming experience. Kayak rentals are available here if needed or you can bring your own equipment.. Florida's east coast has something special stored up north near Jacksonville: Little Talbot Island State Park which features awesome sandy dunes and beachfront access points directly onto lush barrier island marshes perfect for some day paddling or camping trips; plus no risk getting up close & personal with any crocodiles this time! 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! 6 great places to kayak and canoe in Fort Myers, Naples Florida 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. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. 1. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. 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. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. 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. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! 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! Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! 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 paddler, Brady Toensing, 54, of Reddick, Florida, said in an interview that he saw a fishing boat pass him on the . Thank you! So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? You know water sports you know me! The kayak run takes 4 hours to complete and includes a few rapids and a very narrow trail with alligator infested water. 10 Picturesque Places to Go Kayaking in Florida - Trips To Discover Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. Our posts may contain affiliate links. Crystal River. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Search no more! In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. It is also great for all levels of kayakers. Contents. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Formerly known as Dunn's Lake, this sparkling spot covers more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida. Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. This post may contain affiliate links. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. The water flows freely. 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. With crystal clear water and a gentle current, its easy to enjoy a peaceful paddle here. That is why although there have been kayak attacks by alligators, they have not been many. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. 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. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. 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!) Leave no trace. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. With its crystal-clear water and shady banks, the river is a great place to spend a relaxing day on the water. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Crescent Lake. Manatee 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 . seminole county deputies. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Clam Pass. Yes! 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. 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 . The 15 Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours - US News & World Report You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. The Best Places to Kayak in Bradenton Florida Revealed! The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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! Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . You will also come across many birds. One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. Best places for kayaking in Florida. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. 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? Is it Safe to Kayak with Alligators? - Wild Louisiana Tours Nature . Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Fun Outdoor Ventures Paddling with gators in Florida's Myakka River State Park 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. We cover the whole outdoor arena. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Where to kayak in florida without alligators? - cgaa.org 8 Best Places to Kayak in Florida (And Avoid Alligators) Is It Safe To Kayak With Alligators? 8 Safety Tips & More Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. 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. The male alligator 11 feet, 10 inches long was shot in the head one evening near dusk last month by a trapper contracted . The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. Learn More{{/message}}. 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? Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife 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. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Silver Glen Springs. Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. In most areas, the water is less than 10 feet, but there are some areas where the water is around 25 feet. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. 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. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. 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: They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! You can read more about me on my about page. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. The paddling track has sand bars where you can stop and rest or even picnic if you feel like it. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. With stunning scenery, clear water, wondrous rock formations, and banks lined with majestic cypress trees, the 6 mile long Ichetuknee River is a wonder to kayak. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. 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. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. 17 Best Places to Kayak in Miami, FL - Kayak Guidance Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. 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. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Kayak Gator Free!! Wildlife exploration in Florida. The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? - windpaddle.com However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. 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 .