The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. 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. 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. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 00:58 - Source: CNN. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. 6. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida.1. If anyone alligator gets too close, you should make loud noises to scare it away. 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. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! 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. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Suwannee River Wilderness. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. Best places for kayaking in Florida. It is also great for all levels of kayakers. There is something for everyone. Plus, the natural beauty of cypress trees and limestone formations spotted throughout your journey make this experience worth it alone. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. 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. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. 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. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. 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! Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. However, its important to remember that kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. 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! Learn More{{/message}}. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! If your preference is saltwater paddling opportunities instead, then websites such as KayakFloridaKeys offer great suggestions for all levels of skill including beginner friendly trips from Key Largo all the way down through Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! 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! Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! 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. See wildlife like Manatees. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). 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. from. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. 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. Happy reading! The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. Manage Settings All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. They can also move quickly on land. Best Places to Stay. 1. So what are you waiting for? To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. My life is all about it. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. 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) 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 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! In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. 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! Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. 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. While the idea. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. "Alligators are dangerous animals.". If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. The Lower Keys offer spectacular kayaking opportunities throughout Bahia Honda State park or Key West National Wildlife Refuge as well as numerous backcountry routes such as Coke Hole Cut near Big Pine Key or Nine Mile Bank south of Sugarloaf Cove. 1. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Flip flops or watershoes are appropriate to wear when kayaking in Florida, as when getting in and out of the kayak your feet will get wet. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. Santa Fe River. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Tarpon Springs, Florida. Blackwater River. You will also come across many birds. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! [Whats The Best Method? However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. April 7, 2022. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. Alligators attacking kayaks . Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? 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. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. It is between May and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. 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. getupandgokayaking. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. adventure for everyone involved. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. Our posts may contain affiliate links. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Emus, giraffes, camels, antelopes, water buffalo, and other exotic species may be seen at the Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari, which is located approximately an hour south of Orlando. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. When kayaking, your safety is of utmost importance. 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! per adult. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. This river is easily navigable on your own, but you will have a more informative trip if you decide to take one of the guided tours. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. 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! 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 . - Kayak-sensei. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. These are also things that one might warn a . This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. 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! Never paddle alone. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. Crystal River. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. These springs are found in the Weeki Wachee state park in west-central Florida, and the water is turquoise. 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!) When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. And never attempt to capture or kill an alligator, as this is illegal in Florida. - Just Go! What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? https://www.kayak-sensei.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.
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