If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. Shoal River. Is it Safe to Kayak with Alligators? - Wild Louisiana Tours 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. The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. - Just Go! 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! 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. 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: Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. It is also great for all levels of kayakers. >> the tail went on our kayak. My life is all about it. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Suwannee River Wilderness. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. 17 Best Places to Kayak in Miami, FL - Kayak Guidance The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. The water stay shallow and calm, perfect if you want to avoid any alligator encounters. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. CNN . The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. 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. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. 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Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). 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! 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Where to kayak in florida without alligators? - cgaa.org And never attempt to capture or kill an alligator, as this is illegal in Florida. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? 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. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Tarpon Springs, Florida. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. Thank you! 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Fun Outdoor Ventures According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. Safe Places to Kayak in Florida | Florida Adventurer Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. Weeki Wachee Springs. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Everything You Need To Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. 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. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida? A Practical Guide Before You Head Out Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. It is also a family-friendly river perfect for scenic and wildlife viewing. 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. Alligator that menaced a Florida paddleboarder is killed | WUSF Public He said that they are not made for chasing prey and that making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? If you see an alligator, stay at least 50 yards away from it and don't feed them. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Blackwater River. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. If youre an avid kayaker, theres no question that Florida is the place to visit. The way the land is situated is quite unique. An alligator slammed into the side of a kayak, tipping the boater into If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. 10 Picturesque Places to Go Kayaking in Florida - Trips To Discover Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. 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. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. this is why I only kayak in my bathtub. : r/watchpeoplesurvive - reddit The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? - CLJ - Community Literacy Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. They can also move quickly on land. 1. Just about 90 minutes north of Tampa Bay, Crystal River is actually a large network of about 40 natural springs, originating in King's Bay before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.Only accessible by boat, Crystal River has earned its nickname as a "water lover's paradise" with a multitude of activities and wildlife to see. Yes! We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Kayaking with Alligators - Canoe-Kayaks.com Suwannee River Wilderness. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. Yes! 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 is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. Just off Florida's southwest coast is a chain of magnificent mangrove islets. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. You should also pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Essential Tips to Follow. 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. 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. 15 Best Lakes in Florida | PlanetWare 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 Lido Key Mangroves. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. 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! 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? Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. Never paddle alone. 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! 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! If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Read more. A: When kayaking, its important to pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. 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. ]. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. Search no more! Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide.
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