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According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Search no more! Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! 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. adventure for everyone involved. 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One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. Contents. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Manage Settings Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Be sure to head over towards Apalachicola when visiting Northwest Florida an area full of sugar sand beaches, marshes and islands made specifically for kayak exploration! So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. Rainbow Springs State Park. Florida is the ultimate destination for any kayaker who wants to explore different kayaking locationslakes, 1,700 rivers, and more than 700 springs. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. 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. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. 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. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. 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. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. 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. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. This river is 246 miles long, located in northwest Florida, and stretches to Mexico. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. Wildlife exploration in Florida. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. 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: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. 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! . - Just Go! Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. 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. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. 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. Find yourself mountain biking trails before warming up at the local coffee shop nearby what better way could one spend a day? " Silver Glen Springs (Marion County, FL) " by, Paul Clark licensed under CC BY 2.0. This post may contain affiliate links. While the idea. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. 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. 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! When you kayak through alligator-infested waters, you should know what to do when you encounter one. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. 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! Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. Don't throw Cheetos at it. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) 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. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. 7 The St. Johns River. You know water sports you know me! What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? If you would prefer to do a kayaking tour in a saltwater environment, here are some great options: Florida springs are the real star of Florida kayaking. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. 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 in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. The Great Calusa Blueway. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. Unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, majestic rivers and views of celestial skies not seen elsewhere in the state of Texas! 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! Santa Fe River. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. Our posts may contain affiliate links. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. 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. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. getupandgokayaking. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. 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! in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. 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. The Santa Fe River is 78 miles long, and the paddle trailer starts from swamps in north Florida to Oleno state park, where it disappears underground and appears in River state park, three miles away. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. 1. Kayakers should note that this destination isn't exactly crocodile free - after all wildlife do roam here - however sightings tend to be more rare in these regions (but still stay alert!). If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! Florida wildlife officials have now killed a nearly 12-foot alligator that swam within inches of a frightened paddleboarder in a popular state park during an encounter in September recorded on video that went viral. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. Blackwater River. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. 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.. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 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. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . You could visit Kings Spring, which is 75 feet . Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. 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. We cover the whole outdoor arena. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. Read more. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. There is something for everyone. Essential Tips to Follow. 5 The Manatee River. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. 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. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? 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. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. 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! 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! 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! Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Copyright 2023 Just Go! When kayaking, your safety is of utmost importance. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Never let your children stick their arms out in the water, especially when you are heading in unfamiliar locations. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. 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! 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. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Don't poke it with your paddle. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. time to kayak out of the area into safety. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. 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! Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Yes, it actually happens! Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. 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. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. Suwannee River Wilderness. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. But this goes back to respecting their territory. There's nothing like a freshwater spring to keep you cool while paddling around the river or spending time listening for birdsong along its banks. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. . Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. Silver Glen Springs. 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. In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. 2. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. 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/. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. - Just Go! Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Never paddle alone. 3 Santa Fe River. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. However, you might run into some obstacles. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Nature . 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. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. You can read more about me on my about page. 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.