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. 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. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. If you're a fan of kayaking and love the Sunshine State, but don't want to worry about running into any alligators, there are still plenty of places where you can safely paddle around. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. However, you might run into some obstacles. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Check availability. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. 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. You should take the following precautions in case of an encounter: If you plan on kayaking in alligator-infested waters, you should ensure not to bring your dog. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . 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. 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 goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. 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. 6 The Loxahatchee River. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. Crystal River. It can be dangerous if you don't take safety precautions such as paying attention to eroded terrain while hiking and avoiding areas with loose rocks when climbing cliff walls and hillsides as well wearing adequate clothes for protection from desert temperatures or cactus damage. 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. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. 00:58 - Source: CNN. . Weeki Wachee Springs. It contains miles of sand beaches and island-pocked labyrinths of mangroves that call for paddlers and provide habitats for various wildlife. 1.1 Rainbow River: 1.2 Lake Eola: 1.3 Crystal River: 1.4 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: 1.5 Little Manatee River State Park: Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. In Florida, the weather can be hot and humid, so its important to wear light, breathable clothing. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. 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! Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. 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. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect 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. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. We love outdoor adventures! If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! See wildlife like Manatees. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. 3 Santa Fe River. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! 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 season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. 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;}. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. 1. 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. 2 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. During the mating season, alligators can also be aggressive because it is warmer and their metabolism is high, making them hungry and desperately searching for food. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. My life is all about it. 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. The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. The Lido Key Mangroves. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. 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. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. 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. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. 2022 Kayak-sensei Built with Kayak-sensei. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? Happy reading! Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. The Great Calusa Blueway. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. 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. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. 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! Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. 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. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Some of these places have alligator populations living close by, and others are entirely alligator-free. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. There is something for everyone. Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida.1. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. 2. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. In summary; when seeking beautiful locations suited perfectly for entry-level paddlers interested in exploring those big bodies suchas lake Okachobee plus cozy spots suchas Bartenton Springsjust head south towards NorthwestFlorida ain't no better location t meet yer goals quite likethe Sunshine State itself - meanderingriverways lushmangroves hiddenlagoons azureblue springs & unmatched wildlife abound now matterwhere ya venture east t westsouth t north treattwo chose yer destinationwithin Floridapaddling neverends ferBeginners who seek adventurein Kayak formenjoythe ride Sunshine Staters yellGO ADVENTURE NOW!! 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 since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. 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. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, Are There Alligators In The Florida Springs, Why Does Florida Have So Many Alligators and Crocodiles, 9 Of The Best Places to Kayak In Central Florida, 5 Of The Canoe and Kayak Rental Tours In Central Florida, Best Places to Kayak In Florida [North, South & Central], Can Kayaks Be Transported Upside Down? Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. 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. You could visit Kings Spring, which is 75 feet . 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? He said that they are not made for chasing prey and that making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. 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. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. This is one of the safest places to kayak. 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? Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. Just off Florida's southwest coast is a chain of magnificent mangrove islets. Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? 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!