A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Kayaks Point Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. 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). If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Kayak Gator Free!! You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. 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. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Looking for places to kayak in Florida that don't have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its alligators. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. 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. 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. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Rainbow Springs State Park. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? - TimesMojo Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Good luck. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. 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}. 6. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. So, it would have been very easy for someone to take an egg or a hatchling home, just kind of without anyone noticing," Jarrod Forthman . The male alligator 11 feet, 10 inches long was shot in the head one evening near dusk last month by a trapper contracted . BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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! 2. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. Paddling with gators in Florida's Myakka River State Park 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. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. 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. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. per adult. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? - Kayak-sensei Kayaking and Canoeing with Alligators - Is it safe? - Car and Tent It is located in the Silver river springs state park in Ocala. You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. Complete Guide. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. 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. And if luck favors - anglers can also find largemouth basses swimming across this clean river as well making fishing quite enjoyable too at times during peak seasons alright? You can read more about me on my about page. That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. Alligator that menaced paddleboarder in viral video is killed by These include: Looking for places to kayak in Florida that dont have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Yes! 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. . . Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Suwannee River Wilderness. 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. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. 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. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Check availability. Anastasia Paddling offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals on the Salt Run river. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. 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. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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. 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! 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!) You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. 2. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. 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! Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. 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. 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Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for 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. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? |Tricks To Stay Safe In 2023 And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. The water flows freely. Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. 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. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. 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. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. But this goes back to respecting their territory. 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. 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. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. 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. Florida is the ultimate destination for any kayaker who wants to explore different kayaking locationslakes, 1,700 rivers, and more than 700 springs. Where to Kayak in Florida Without Alligators Or with them! Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. Search no more! 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. 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! When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. 00:58 - Source: CNN. 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. 8 Florida Everglades Alligator Attack: 9 Common alligator behavior; 10 What time of day are alligators most active? 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. 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. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. $80.00. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? 9 Best Place For You (2022) It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. The paddling track has sand bars where you can stop and rest or even picnic if you feel like it. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Kayaking In Florida: Top 23 Launch Spots Mapped Kayaking Near Me Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. . You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? . The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. 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. 1. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Suwannee River Wilderness. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. The alligator can hiss or bellow. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife 17 Best Places to Kayak in Miami, FL - Kayak Guidance 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing.