Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Yes, it actually happens! See wildlife like Manatees. 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! Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. 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. 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! - Just Go! If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. Ultimately there are many diverse locations throughout Florida offering safe (alligator free!) Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. 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! Essential Tips to Follow. 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. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Nature . We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. 7. adventure for everyone involved. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Search no more! Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. 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. That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. 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 . The Lower Keys offer spectacular kayaking opportunities throughout Bahia Honda State park or Key West National Wildlife Refuge as well as numerous backcountry routes such as Coke Hole Cut near Big Pine Key or Nine Mile Bank south of Sugarloaf Cove. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. It features islands, creeps, shallow rivers, and small towns. Rainbow Springs State Park. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Florida is full of breathtakingly beautiful waterways, but it's important to remember that the Everglades wetlands areas are favorite habitat for some 12-foot long creatures! South Florida also has some excellent kayaking trails that contain completely different flora, fauna, and wildlife. 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! The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? [Whats The Best Method? Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Learn More: What to wear bioluminescent kayaking? The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. . The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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! Through their spatial data system, visitors can find specific bodies of water with features like depth contours and boat launches or ramps as part of their database. 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. 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. You can even get out of your kayaks and hike around the parks and trails scattered throughout the area. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. The animals to see include bald eagles, pelicans, fish, and sea turtles that you can see swimming below your boat. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. CNN . But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. If anyone alligator gets too close, you should make loud noises to scare it away. As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. 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! 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! locations for kayaking adventures just remember to always stay aware even when beach hopping in northward or heading down south towards Dry Tortugas National Park they arent called The Danger Islands by accidents.. That's where we come in. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. But this goes back to respecting their territory. 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. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. While the idea. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. 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 . Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. 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!) Just off Florida's southwest coast is a chain of magnificent mangrove islets. 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. Next up on you list might be Sarasota Bay near Bradenton Beach in Sarasota County which is one great spot for beginners wanting calmer waters with less chance of windy weather or current changes like what youll find on larger bodies like Lake Okeechobee or the Gulf Coast areas like Tampa Bay or Naples Bay area along the Paradise Coast near Marco Island in Collier County. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. Located in the Ocala National Forest, you'll find that this hidden gem is less crowded than some of the other kayak spots around Orlando. 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! According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. 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. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. 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 " higher central hills " of FL down the middle of the state have to least alligators, the driest land fewest ponds and swamps, and - obviously - the most hills, grass, trees, brush and forest lands. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. It is advised that you take a shuttle back to the starting point; however, you know how much you can handle so you can paddle back if you can. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Never paddle alone. Salt water crocs live in the north of the country where there are fewer people to interact with. 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. This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. The Lido Key Mangroves. 3 Santa Fe River. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. 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! That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! 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. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. 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. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. 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