where to kayak in florida without alligators where to kayak in florida without alligators

Silver Springs is a great place to see manatees in the winter and is a family friendly kayaking destination, known also for its glass bottom boat tours and controversial rhesus monkey population. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ichetucknee Springs. Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. 6 The Loxahatchee River. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. 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! Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. 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. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! There's nothing like a freshwater spring to keep you cool while paddling around the river or spending time listening for birdsong along its banks. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. They can also move quickly on land. Check availability. See wildlife like Manatees. 00:58 - Source: CNN. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Pay attention to signage: Many areas that are popular for kayaking, such as state parks and nature preserves, have signage indicating the presence of alligators. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. That's where we come in. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. 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. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. General Parking for Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park located at 205 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. 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. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. You can read more about me on my about page. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. You know water sports you know me! Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. ). Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. April 7, 2022. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! Alligators are attracted to small animals and may see them as prey. 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. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. South Florida also has some excellent kayaking trails that contain completely different flora, fauna, and wildlife. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. This site 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. The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! 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. Keep in mind that due to its size Lake Okeechobee can sometimes experience windy weather so its important to be aware and prepared for more challenging conditions than expected when venturing out here. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. 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. Yes, it actually happens! Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. Finally, resources are also available directly through retailers who provide rental services as well as guided experiences in Florida waters. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'kayakspoint_com-box-4','ezslot_4',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-box-4-0'); If you are planning to kayak in water infested with alligators or you fear you might come across an alligator, you should know the typical behavior. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. 2 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. With zero pressure from swimmers or motor boats it's perfect for those wanting a less invaded area and its completely free from alligator presence too! Crescent Lake. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. Rainbow Springs State Park. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. You may come across turtles, and herons and may see an alligator or two. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Complete Guide. 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. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. 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 Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. 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. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. 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. 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! 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! 6. It features islands, creeps, shallow rivers, and small towns. This state park is located on Anclote Key, a small island off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Formerly known as Dunn's Lake, this sparkling spot covers more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. Don't throw Cheetos at it. Yes! 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. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. 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. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. You can be in an area that's 25 feet deep then take 2 steps and you'll be in an area that's only 10 feet. The Lido Key Mangroves. Unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, majestic rivers and views of celestial skies not seen elsewhere in the state of Texas! Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good?