| Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. That is why although there have been kayak attacks by alligators, they have not been many. 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. . Thank you! First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. - Just Go! Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. This will also help you understand how to react when you encounter one. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. We love outdoor adventures! Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring River. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. 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.. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. Suwannee River Wilderness. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. However, you might run into some obstacles. While the idea. Alligators attacking kayaks . He said that they are not made for chasing prey and that making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. KayaksPoint is a blog about kayaking, canoeing and various activities based on kayaks like fishing, adventures, trips, destinations, kayak gears, boats, and your go-to resources! There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. You know water sports you know me! A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? Yes! Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. Crystal River. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. 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. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. 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 . Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. April 7, 2022. References:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',632,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. That's where we come in. 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! If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. 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. 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. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). Finally don't forget Florida's famed natural springs! 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. You'll leave with great memories and gorgeous pictures. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. 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. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. 7. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. 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! They can also move quickly on land. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. The Great Calusa Blueway. The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. Kayak rentals are available here if needed or you can bring your own equipment.. Florida's east coast has something special stored up north near Jacksonville: Little Talbot Island State Park which features awesome sandy dunes and beachfront access points directly onto lush barrier island marshes perfect for some day paddling or camping trips; plus no risk getting up close & personal with any crocodiles this time! Get into some mangrove areas. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. $80.00. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . You will also come across many birds. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. 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. 6. 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. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). 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? By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. But this goes back to respecting their territory. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. 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. It is also a family-friendly river perfect for scenic and wildlife viewing. In summary, although there are potential risks associated with taking part in wildlife-filled waters throughout points in Florida, there still exist plenty of reputable sources which can guide individuals on finding aquatic recreational experiences away from human/alligator interactions. 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. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! - Just Go! But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. In the extreme circumstance that a large alligator lunges at or bites your boat, rap the alligator on its snout with your paddle and quickly paddle away. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length!