The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! That's where we come in. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Our posts may contain affiliate links. My life is all about it. 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. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Never let your children stick their arms out in the water, especially when you are heading in unfamiliar locations. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. 2022 Kayak-sensei Built with Kayak-sensei. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. 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. Everglades Safari Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the last tour departs at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for adults cost . In Florida, the weather can be hot and humid, so its important to wear light, breathable clothing. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Weeki Wachee Springs. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Never paddle alone. You may come across turtles, and herons and may see an alligator or two. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. 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. - Just Go! The current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Just about 90 minutes north of Tampa Bay, Crystal River is actually a large network of about 40 natural springs, originating in King's Bay before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.Only accessible by boat, Crystal River has earned its nickname as a "water lover's paradise" with a multitude of activities and wildlife to see. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! Where can I kayak in Florida without alligators? You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. 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. The 31-mile trail winds through the Blackwater River State Forest and offers viewings of one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers on the planet, which varies in color from a rich coffee brown to light yellow, depending on the depth. adventure for everyone involved. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. 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. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. There is no doubt about unlimited kayaking adventurers in Florida. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. . 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.. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. The best area to kayak in Bradenton is right by Coquina Beach: Coquina Beach is also known as Bradenton Beach and there is a giant bay area next to it where there are many open water and kayaking trails available to do the following things: Just explore the area. So what are you waiting for? 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. This area consists mainly marshland waters where kayakers can take small trips via networked canoe trails without having to worry too much about gators being around every corner! 1. Don't throw Cheetos at it. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of 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! 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. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. It is approximately a 6-mile long trail with a relatively swift current perfect for inexperienced kayakers or those who wish to have a lazy float down the river. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. Bear in mind that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef is very popular over the weekends, especially if it is good weather, attracting crowds of kayakers and people on jet skis and motorboats.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-box-4','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-box-4-0'); For the average kayaker, open-water paddling in the protection of the mangrove wilderness is a calming experience. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. . Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. 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! 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Santa Fe River. 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. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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!! paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? If youre an avid kayaker, theres no question that Florida is the place to visit. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 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. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. In truth, they aren't. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. You know water sports you know me! Suwannee River Wilderness. We cover the whole outdoor arena. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. 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. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. 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. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. 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. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. Find yourself mountain biking trails before warming up at the local coffee shop nearby what better way could one spend a day? Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. It is between May and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period. The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. If you get too close to the alligator, it may give warning signs that should make you move away. 2. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. However once your safety concerns have been addressed its only a matter enjoying one paddle away from paradise in The Sunshine State!. They can also move quickly on land. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. He said that they are not made for chasing prey and that making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. 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. Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? - Just Go! Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. You will also come across many birds. Just 48 minutes west of Gainesville, you'll find Ginnie Springs near a town called High Springs. 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. Little Manatee River, Wimauma. 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. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring River. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. 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! Wildlife exploration in Florida. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. 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? In addition there are two wonderful refuges nearby Big Pass near Lido Key which sometimes provides seasonal manatee sightings when paddling around calm waters here - as well as Little Sarasota Bay just across US 41 from Siesta Key where secluded bays ringed with luxuriant foliage provide shelter from most sea-breezes coming up from further south which makes finding safe places to paddle fun even on windier days! The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. 00:58 - Source: CNN. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. time to kayak out of the area into safety. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. It would help if you kept as much distance between you and the alligator as possible. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. adventure for everyone involved. 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. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. 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}.