Finally, resources are also available directly through retailers who provide rental services as well as guided experiences in Florida waters. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Where to kayak in florida without alligators? - cgaa.org Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. Yes, it actually happens! It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! Located in the Ocala National Forest, you'll find that this hidden gem is less crowded than some of the other kayak spots around Orlando. The Suwannee River: Start off in the swamps north of Okeechobee, then head along this stunning river as it winds its way towards Suwannees outlet bay coasts near Tampa Bay! The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. If you get too close to the alligator, it may give warning signs that should make you move away. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Travel Youman Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. 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. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Don't let that put a damper on planning ahead as Florida still offers plenty tranquil spots where adventurous types can indulge in serene scenery without any predators coexisting alongside them - phew! Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Essential Tips to Follow. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. It is also great for all levels of kayakers. 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. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. Yet the statistics of alligator attacks seem to show that it can be done relatively safely, as long as the paddler follows a few protocols. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. 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! 1. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. 2 where to kayak in florida without alligators; 3 Santa Fe River; 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River; 5 The Manatee River; 6 Madison Blue Spring State Park; 7 Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? this is why I only kayak in my bathtub. : r/watchpeoplesurvive - reddit 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. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. 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. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. A paddler, Brady Toensing, 54, of Reddick, Florida, said in an interview that he saw a fishing boat pass him on the . The Best Kayaking in Florida: A Paddling Guide To The 10 Must-See Spots 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. You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. Hiking Safely in Florida | Dogs | Florida Hikes That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. You will find everything from calm waters for beginners to rapids for experts. Locations such as Crystal River just north Tampa Bay offer not only gorgeous scenery but also year round protection from Florida's notorious heat providing an (often overlooked) opportunity given other areas may become quite hot during summer months. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. Best Places to Stay. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. 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! 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Manage Settings Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. 8 The Hillsborough River. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. South Florida also has some excellent kayaking trails that contain completely different flora, fauna, and wildlife. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. The Great Calusa Blueway. One reason Ocala is among the best towns for kayaking in Florida: Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest, where the swimming is excellent if you like 72 degree water. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. Does Tarpon Bay Have Alligators? | FishingIsEasy We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators: In-depth - KayaksHome Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. Nature . The Loxahatchee River. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators : r/PonzoBlogs The water stay shallow and calm, perfect if you want to avoid any alligator encounters. 15 Unique Places To Go Kayaking In Florida - Florida Trippers 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) There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring River. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 7 The St. Johns River. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. . Alligators attacking kayaks . 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 first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Ultimately there are many diverse locations throughout Florida offering safe (alligator free!) Contents. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! adventure for everyone involved. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. 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. Ichetucknee Springs. In truth, they aren't. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as . The Best Places to Kayak in Bradenton Florida Revealed! As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. 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.. 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! Best places to kayak in Florida: 5 spots in Okaloosa, Walton counties Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. You can read more about me on my about page. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? 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! 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. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. The smooth flow allows you to admire the scenery. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. 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.. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. 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! The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? 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Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? Safe Places to Kayak in Florida | Florida Adventurer Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? - windpaddle.com Good luck. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? >> oh my goodness. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Don't poke it with your paddle. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. This post may contain affiliate links. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. Crystal River. The male alligator 11 feet, 10 inches long was shot in the head one evening near dusk last month by a trapper contracted . 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. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. Ages 3-85, max of 20 per group. See wildlife like Manatees. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands.