Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. 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. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. It is located in the Silver river springs state park in Ocala. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! 6 great places to kayak and canoe in Fort Myers, Naples Florida In addition head South towards Everglades National Park - absolutely one fo the best spots for kayaking in all of Florida--for an incredible saltwater adventure across shallow channels and coastal flats consisting mostly mudflats but also patches of oyster bars interspersed between lagoons teeming with wildlife such as wading birds gliding across glass like reflections offered by oddly colored greenish waters below flooded sawgrass meadows illuminated by dazzling sunlight above! Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. Do Alligators Bother Kayakers In Florida? [Safety Tips] What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. Paddling with Alligators 2. 6 The Loxahatchee River. So what are you waiting for? 3. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. 2. You know water sports you know me! One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. 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. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. You may come across turtles, and herons and may see an alligator or two. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Best places for kayaking in Florida. Disney World for Beginners: A Complete Guide in 2023, 30 Disney World Bucket List Attractions in 2022, 10 Best Disney Springs Breakfast Restaurants in 2022, 11 Essential Disney World Restaurants for Adults in 2023, 8 Best Disney Resorts with Splash Pads in 2022, 9 Disney Springs Kid Friendly Restaurants in 2023, Best Disney Springs Quick Service Restaurants in 2022, Epcot with Toddlers: A Complete Guide from Rides to Strollers, The 13 Best Drinks at Disney Springs in 2022, The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022, The Best Hotels Walking Distance to Disney Springs, 10 Best Bookstores in Florida to Visit in 2022, 5 New Smyrna Beach Seafood Restaurants in 2022, 8 Restaurants with the Best Brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022, A Day on the Water in New Smyrna Beach: Fishing Charters, Boat Rentals, and Boat Tours, Anastasia State Park Camping: A Guide for Florida Travelers, The Best Kid Friendly Breweries in Orlando, The Best New Smyrna Beach Restaurants on the Water in 2022, Cayo Costa Camping: An Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure, 9 Amazing Themed Hotels in Las Vegas in 2023, 7 Kid Friendly Breweries to Visit in Portland, Maine, Plan an Amazing Glacier National Park Family Vacation, 6 Best Hikes in the Badlands for Families in 2023, One Day in Badlands National Park: An Epic Itinerary. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Happy reading! Tarpon Springs, Florida. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. 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. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. 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. 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Starting at Everglades City, rent a kayak at one of the several outlets and head out into the famous swamp for an up close look at alligators, turtles, and ancient mangrove forests. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards. Locals can come to Haulover Canal to see manatees in the winter, and several tour groups offer manatee kayak tours including Get Up and Go Kayaking. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. 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! What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? - CLJ - Community Literacy These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. 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. 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!! The Lido Key Mangroves. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. An alligator slammed into the side of a kayak, tipping the boater into Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. What is the Steering Wheel on a Boat Called? The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. 8 Best Places to Kayak in Florida (And Avoid Alligators) And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Read more. . You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. This will also help you understand how to react when you encounter one. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 1. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Ages 3-85, max of 20 per group. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! >> oh my goodness. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. 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. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. 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. For kayakers, those tubing rivers the Ichetucknee and the Rainbow are at their best in winter because the wildlife avoids the crowds. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? 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! Although Florida is known for its alligators, there are plenty of places in the sunshine state that offer paddling opportunities without the fear of coming face-to-face with one. 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. Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. It's a good idea to run away if you can get away from an alligator with a distance of around 20 or 30 feet. getupandgokayaking. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. You can read more about me on my about page. 6. The " higher central hills " of FL down the middle of the state have to least alligators, the driest land fewest ponds and swamps, and - obviously - the most hills, grass, trees, brush and forest lands. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida.