Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. That's where we come in. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. With stunning scenery, clear water, wondrous rock formations, and banks lined with majestic cypress trees, the 6 mile long Ichetuknee River is a wonder to kayak. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. The smooth flow allows you to admire the scenery. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. Wildlife exploration in Florida. There are numerous places along the way that a kayaker could pull over for a quick swim in the various swimming holes and spring vents of varying depths. Heading over near Tampa Bay will bring you to Weedon Island Preserve kayaking trails that wind through gorgeous coastal estuaries offering expansive views and abundant wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, osprey and more! Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. 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. The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. Manage Settings Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. Crystal River. 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. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Manatee River. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. The crystal clear blue waters offer views usually only seen by snorkelers with matchless visibility making sighting sea life like turtles amazingly easy during routine paddle trips fascinating any beginner into a whole new world beneath their glass-bottom boats! Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. 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! Kayakers should note that this destination isn't exactly crocodile free - after all wildlife do roam here - however sightings tend to be more rare in these regions (but still stay alert!). Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? While the idea. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. Weeki Wachee Springs. 2. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. 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. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. The kayak run takes 4 hours to complete and includes a few rapids and a very narrow trail with alligator infested water. 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. The variety here is breathtaking as visitors paddle up low lying creeks where they can gaze at remarkable birds among pristine trees draped in mosses and lichens before reconnecting with their destination shoreline. The alligator can hiss or bellow. If you plan on kayaking, the best time to visit Ichetuknee Spring is during winter, as the waters are quieter without all of the tubers. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. This post may contain affiliate links. Continue with Recommended Cookies. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. It features islands, creeps, shallow rivers, and small towns. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Hey there kayak lovers! Read more. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. 1. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. 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. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. 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 Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. A post shared by Dry Tortugas National Park (@drytortugasnps) One of the best snorkeling spots in Florida is located 70 miles west of Key West. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. KayaksPoint is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. Get into some mangrove areas. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. ). Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. So what are you waiting for? They can also move quickly on land. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. 7. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! 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! adventure for everyone involved. Silver Glen Springs. Best places for kayaking in Florida. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. The Great Calusa Blueway. In addition there are plenty campgrounds located along this stretch so that you can take a break whenever needed and go back on the road afterwards with just minimal contact with alligators if at all!3. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. The waters of the swimming area are crystal blue, and there are a variety of shallow shores and mellow oxbow lakes that you can explore nearif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rainbow Springs. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. Don't throw Cheetos at it. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to 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! 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. See wildlife like Manatees. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-blackwater-river-state-forest/, https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/, https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-great-kayaking-in-florida/, https://www.tripstodiscover.com/kayaking-in-florida/. It would help if you kept as much distance between you and the alligator as possible. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. . And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Yes, it actually happens! 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. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. 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. Companies like Flamingo Flatboats Tours Inc provide guided experiences tailored around beach front recreational areas with safety rules employed to ensure encounters with wildlife remain controlled circumstances in order to preserve nature while allowing visitors insight into this unique environment. Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. Our posts may contain affiliate links. 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. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. - Just Go! Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? The water flows freely. 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 ones you simply cannot go without visiting. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. . These springs are found in the Weeki Wachee state park in west-central Florida, and the water is turquoise. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park.