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

There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. The Lido Key Mangroves. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. $80.00. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. 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. Finally, resources are also available directly through retailers who provide rental services as well as guided experiences in Florida waters. per adult. 6 The Loxahatchee River. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. Leave no trace. Ultimately there are many diverse locations throughout Florida offering safe (alligator free!) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Tarpon Springs, Florida. 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. In truth, they aren't. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. locations for kayaking adventures just remember to always stay aware even when beach hopping in northward or heading down south towards Dry Tortugas National Park they arent called The Danger Islands by accidents.. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. This being said, Florida and Louisiana are the only states where you'll find alligators throughout the entire state. 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. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. The park is generally considered safe for travelers who take necessary precautions for their own well-being such as being mindful about drinking only bottled water when camping out or refraining from wandering deep into trails without a guide present because borders with Mexico share common land entrances near the national park.. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. The paddling track has sand bars where you can stop and rest or even picnic if you feel like it. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. 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/. You know water sports you know me! And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. 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. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! 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.. 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! Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. This is one of the safest places to kayak. During the mating season, alligators can also be aggressive because it is warmer and their metabolism is high, making them hungry and desperately searching for food. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. 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!! And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. Good luck. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. The only clear vessel is our Clear 2-Person Kayak, the weight limit for clear kayaks is 400lbs. Is kayaking in Florida your first time, and you're looking for a place where you won't have to worry about getting into trouble? Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. time to kayak out of the area into safety. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as . Copyright 2023 Just Go! 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! In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. 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). Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. CNN . When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. Our posts may contain affiliate links. Just off Florida's southwest coast is a chain of magnificent mangrove islets. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . 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! 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. Manage Settings 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. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . Rainbow Springs State Park. 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. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. 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. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). The Great Calusa Blueway. 1. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! 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! This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? April 7, 2022. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. 3 Santa Fe River. But when you get in the way of the alligator and its safety, its not a good sign as it will probably attack your kayak because it will feel cornered. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. 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. This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. It would help if you kept as much distance between you and the alligator as possible. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills.