Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. So what are you waiting for? 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? 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! The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? 5 The Manatee River. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. Essential Tips to Follow. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. 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.. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. - Just Go! Companies like Flamingo Flatboats Tours Inc provide guided experiences tailored around beach front recreational areas with safety rules employed to ensure encounters with wildlife remain controlled circumstances in order to preserve nature while allowing visitors insight into this unique environment. You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. Rainbow Springs State Park. >> oh my goodness. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. You will find everything from calm waters for beginners to rapids for experts. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Crystal River. - Just Go! So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. 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! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. 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 . If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. This area consists mainly marshland waters where kayakers can take small trips via networked canoe trails without having to worry too much about gators being around every corner! The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Yes, there can be alligators in the Great Calusa Blueway depending on conditions and time of year it is paddled through that region. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. 1. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. But this goes back to respecting their territory. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. When kayaking, your safety is of utmost importance. 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. 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. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Alligators attacking kayaks . Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. You may come across turtles, and herons and may see an alligator or two. Learn More{{/message}}. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. 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 . Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. 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! Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. 8 The Hillsborough River. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any 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. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. [Whats The Best Method? Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! 2. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. 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. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. With over 8,000 miles of coastline and thousands of lakes, rivers and even springs to explore, the Sunshine State offers something for every level of kayaker. There's even a nearby boat ramp so you can launch your kayaks right into the saltwater lagoon just watch out for schools of tarpon though! And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. The Great Calusa Blueway. Happy reading! 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. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. There is something for everyone. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Additionally alongside most springs you'll often find campgrounds providing convenient spots often right alongside waterways allowing visitors ample opportunity dip their boats into cool temperatures 365 days outa' year while having a basecamp they can return each day after paddlin' round larger regions - this gives newcomer kayakers ample time refine their craft before hitting bigger open waters later down the line if desired at all! So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Thank you! Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". Shoal River. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. time to kayak out of the area into safety. Boat tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; reservations are not required. The only clear vessel is our Clear 2-Person Kayak, the weight limit for clear kayaks is 400lbs. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. adventure for everyone involved. - Just Go! The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). When you kayak through alligator-infested waters, you should know what to do when you encounter one. Florida is the ultimate destination for any kayaker who wants to explore different kayaking locationslakes, 1,700 rivers, and more than 700 springs. - Just Go! Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. There is no doubt about unlimited kayaking adventurers in Florida. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. 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 offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. 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. Read more. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Kayaking Myakka River. You can even get out of your kayaks and hike around the parks and trails scattered throughout the area. 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! 1. 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? With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. 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/. And dont forget your camera! Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. 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. It is also great for all levels of kayakers. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Yes! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. No matter where you rove about within this paradise state known for its glorious sunsets peeking through cypress stands enshrouded in clouds framing majestic everglades wetlands from which rises extraordinary wildlife choruses flocking cobalt skies at day along magical night as Venus brightens come nightfall you'll find some truly amazing non-swampy spots well worth your exploration whether it's tepid springs rippling waterways overflown riverbanks inviting blow dredge islands or shaded mangroves negotiating intra coastal passes entrenched within sizable saltwater estuaries that offer untamed paddles truly deserving any outdoor enthusiast delight pursuit! The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. The water flows freely. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring River. 00:58 - Source: CNN. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. 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. 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. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! We love outdoor adventures! They can also move quickly on land. From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. 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 kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. 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.. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. 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. 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. 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. The paddling track has sand bars where you can stop and rest or even picnic if you feel like it. You know water sports you know me! Rainbow Springs State Park. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. 1. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Clam Pass. 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. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators.