Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! Clam Pass. In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. 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. For those who prefer coastal paddling trips or adventures near beaches, then websites like PaddlingFinder can help narrow down searches by location proximity while also providing trip reviews from other users. What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? 15 Unique Places To Go Kayaking In Florida - Florida Trippers 1. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. Nature . Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. Unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, majestic rivers and views of celestial skies not seen elsewhere in the state of Texas! Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. 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. Blackwater River. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. Paddling with Alligators According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. 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. 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. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Learn More{{/message}}. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. 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. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? - windpaddle.com Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. 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. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. The 7 Best Mangrove Kayaking In Florida | PyeNye The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. Where can I kayak in Florida without alligators? In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Whether interested in fresh/salt/coastal paddles or discovering new necessary equipment, these organizations have made it much easier and safer than ever before locating outdoor activity centers free from gator encounters when visiting The Sunshine State! A post shared by Dry Tortugas National Park (@drytortugasnps) One of the best snorkeling spots in Florida is located 70 miles west of Key West. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. The best area to kayak in Bradenton is right by Coquina Beach: Coquina Beach is also known as Bradenton Beach and there is a giant bay area next to it where there are many open water and kayaking trails available to do the following things: Just explore the area. Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring 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! Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? 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. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. Great Kayaking Spots in Florida | VISIT FLORIDA The 10 Best Places to Paddle Board in Florida | ISLE | Blog Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. 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. So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. April 7, 2022. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Good luck. Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. That's where we come in. 2. getupandgokayaking. The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. 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! >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. With its crystal-clear water and shady banks, the river is a great place to spend a relaxing day on the water. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. My life is all about it. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. Where to See Alligators in Florida | VISIT FLORIDA 15 Best Lakes in Florida | PlanetWare Little Manatee River, Wimauma. 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. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. 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. Paddling with gators in Florida's Myakka River State Park 7 The St. Johns River. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. There are numerous places along the way that a kayaker could pull over for a quick swim in the various swimming holes and spring vents of varying depths. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. Can You Kayak Near Alligators? - Kayakaa Santa Fe River. One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. 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There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Plus don't forget Biscayne National Park located near Miami; here visitors will find some coastal mangrove ecosystems with miles upon miles of shallow water channels ready for exploration by novice kayakers! Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. 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). In summary, although there are potential risks associated with taking part in wildlife-filled waters throughout points in Florida, there still exist plenty of reputable sources which can guide individuals on finding aquatic recreational experiences away from human/alligator interactions. Best places to kayak in Florida: 5 spots in Okaloosa, Walton counties 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!) You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! Silver Glen Springs. In truth, they aren't. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. While the idea. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. 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. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Don't throw Cheetos at it. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. Manage Settings 2 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. 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! Alligator swims toward woman, tries to bite paddleboard at Central Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. 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. All in all, there are so many amazing spots across Florida where you can take part in a safe yet exhilarating kayaking experience no matter if youre a beginner or experienced pro - guaranteed those who come here seeking adventure will not be disappointed!
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