Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. Whether you want to explore the crystal clear springs, tour through peaceful mangroves, or experience the tranquility of paddling around a remote island, non-swampy locations abound across Florida's many waterways. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? Santa Fe River. 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. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. The Loxahatchee River. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. 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. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Manage Settings 1. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. If you get too close to the alligator, it may give warning signs that should make you move away. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. In most areas, the water is less than 10 feet, but there are some areas where the water is around 25 feet. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. It is located in the Silver river springs state park in Ocala. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. South Florida also has some excellent kayaking trails that contain completely different flora, fauna, and wildlife. 6. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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). Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. 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. 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. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. 2. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. 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. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. This post may contain affiliate links. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. 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. Don't poke it with your paddle. The water flows freely. Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. 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 area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Manatee River. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. 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 youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! If you plan on kayaking, the best time to visit Ichetuknee Spring is during winter, as the waters are quieter without all of the tubers. This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. 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! This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. 2. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? Thank you! It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. 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}. 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! The alligator can hiss or bellow. The male alligator 11 feet, 10 inches long was shot in the head one evening near dusk last month by a trapper contracted . Well-marked and user-friendly, the 190-mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is a paddler's paradise of secluded beaches and protected estuaries that are laced with mangrove islands and tunnels as well as tidal creeks. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). The Okaloosa County-managed Wayside Park next to the Cox Bridge section of State Road 85 near the south end of Crestview is a convenient way to get on the Shoal River. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. It is between May and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. 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. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. - Kayak-sensei. CNN . 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. 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. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. After so much time spent on a kayak, grab some food at one off the great seafood restaurants dotted around Bonita Springs if hunger pangs set while out on the lake. 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.. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. We cover the whole outdoor arena. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. "Alligators are dangerous animals.". Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. Best places for kayaking in Florida. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Blackwater River. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. time to kayak out of the area into safety. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. Ginnie Springs. Located in Dunnellon, this river is 5.7 miles long. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. 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. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. Yes, it actually happens! My life is all about it. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? . Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. 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. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. 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. 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! Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. You may come across turtles, and herons and may see an alligator or two. 3 Santa Fe River. Suwannee River Wilderness. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. 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! This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! 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. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. 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. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Leave no trace. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. 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. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. from. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! Happy reading! Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Dissuade alligators from residing here and create a fun-filled stress-free environment for the average kayaker to enjoy their outdoor adventure.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1-0'); The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190 mile long network of paddling routes situated along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Next up on you list might be Sarasota Bay near Bradenton Beach in Sarasota County which is one great spot for beginners wanting calmer waters with less chance of windy weather or current changes like what youll find on larger bodies like Lake Okeechobee or the Gulf Coast areas like Tampa Bay or Naples Bay area along the Paradise Coast near Marco Island in Collier County. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. That's where we come in. Wildlife exploration in Florida. Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as . The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. 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 paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. Rainbow Springs State Park. However, you might run into some obstacles. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. 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! In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. - Just Go! Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. 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? 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.