Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. 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. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. 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 river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. CNN . The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Our posts may contain affiliate links. 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? This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. 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: This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. 1. Thank you! Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. 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! 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. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. Crystal River. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. The way the land is situated is quite unique. Ichetucknee Springs. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Know Now! 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. 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!). It contains miles of sand beaches and island-pocked labyrinths of mangroves that call for paddlers and provide habitats for various wildlife. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. This is one of the safest places to kayak. 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! Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known 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 . Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. - Just Go! 2. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Just off Florida's southwest coast is a chain of magnificent mangrove islets. But this goes back to respecting their territory. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. My life is all about it. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? 3 Santa Fe River. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. They can also move quickly on land. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. Ages 3-85, max of 20 per group. Never paddle alone. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. adventure for everyone involved. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. 7 The St. Johns River. ]. Kayaking Myakka River. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. You can even get out of your kayaks and hike around the parks and trails scattered throughout the area. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. Blackwater River. Yes! Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. 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. The smooth flow allows you to admire the scenery. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. 3. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! This post may contain affiliate links. 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. Anastasia Paddling offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals on the Salt Run river. In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. 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) 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! So, it would have been very easy for someone to take an egg or a hatchling home, just kind of without anyone noticing," Jarrod Forthman . Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? 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 Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. 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! If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 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. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, majestic rivers and views of celestial skies not seen elsewhere in the state of Texas! TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. 4. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. 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.. 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. When is the best time to see manatees in 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. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Rainbow Springs State Park. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. Silver Glen Springs. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. 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. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. 2. 1. The Great Calusa Blueway. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. Formerly known as Dunn's Lake, this sparkling spot covers more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Best places for kayaking in Florida. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Crescent Lake. getupandgokayaking. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! 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! 1. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. 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.. 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 . 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. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. 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/. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Ginnie Springs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. 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! Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. 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. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating.
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