where to kayak in florida without alligators

Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. 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!3. Crescent Lake. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. - Just Go! Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. 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/. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. 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! Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. KayaksPoint is a blog about kayaking, canoeing and various activities based on kayaks like fishing, adventures, trips, destinations, kayak gears, boats, and your go-to resources! We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Know Now! Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Don't poke it with your paddle. 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 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. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . The water levels fluctuate a lot, and you need to be sure that it is neither too high nor too low for you to handle.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',645,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',645,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-645{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. 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. By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. 8 The Hillsborough River. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 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! Fun Outdoor Ventures is owned and operated by Susan and 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 they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. The 31-mile trail winds through the Blackwater River State Forest and offers viewings of one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers on the planet, which varies in color from a rich coffee brown to light yellow, depending on the depth. Happy reading! seminole county deputies. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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!) CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 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. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. Formerly known as Dunn's Lake, this sparkling spot covers more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Crystal River. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. The Santa Fe River is 78 miles long, and the paddle trailer starts from swamps in north Florida to Oleno state park, where it disappears underground and appears in River state park, three miles away. 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. Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? 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.. The kayak run takes 4 hours to complete and includes a few rapids and a very narrow trail with alligator infested water. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is 246 miles long and it offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding wilderness, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, etc. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. Blackwater River. Ichetucknee Springs. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? 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! - Just Go! - Just Go! Essential Tips to Follow. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. See wildlife like Manatees. So what are you waiting for? Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! The only clear vessel is our Clear 2-Person Kayak, the weight limit for clear kayaks is 400lbs. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. However, the experienced kayaker can venture beyond the mangroves and onto the reef for a more thrilling experience on lovely days with calm seas. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. You can read more about me on my about page. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . Learn More: What to wear bioluminescent kayaking? For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. With over 700 square miles of open water and plenty of sheltered coves available, this giant body of water provides plenty of opportunities to practice paddling techniques while enjoying breathtaking surroundings. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. 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? 1. If anyone alligator gets too close, you should make loud noises to scare it away. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Best places for kayaking in Florida. This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. 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. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Great Kayaking Spots in Florida | VISIT FLORIDA, Top 10 Places to Kayak in Florida (2020 Update), Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators Travel Youman, Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Florida is the ultimate destination for any kayaker who wants to explore different kayaking locationslakes, 1,700 rivers, and more than 700 springs. 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. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? This will put you and your dog in more danger.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'kayakspoint_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0'); You should try to keep a distance of at least 30 feet if you can. 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. To stay away from alligators even further north head over to Lake Taraweba near Bonita Springs where coastal wildlife like dolphins can be seen playing in calmer waters compared to saltier parts of Florida's coast line. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida.1. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. 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! . There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . The animals to see include bald eagles, pelicans, fish, and sea turtles that you can see swimming below your boat. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. This post may contain affiliate links. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. Read more. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! 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. While the idea. 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. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Regardless which slice of Floridian paradise you choose, remember there are still unforeseen threats such as snakes hidden among rock formations along your path that should remain top priority during any amount time spent outdoors. 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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. 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! | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. And never attempt to capture or kill an alligator, as this is illegal in Florida. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? There's nothing like a freshwater spring to keep you cool while paddling around the river or spending time listening for birdsong along its banks. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. 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. 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. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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! Shoal River. Blackwater River. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. 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!) Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. 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) The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. Alligators are attracted to small animals and may see them as prey. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. My life is all about it. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Anastasia Paddling offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals on the Salt Run river.

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