Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Suwannee River Wilderness. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? 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. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? 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! 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.. However, you might run into some obstacles. 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. Kayaking in Florida. One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). 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! 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 inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? 7. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. 2022 Kayak-sensei Built with Kayak-sensei. Yes! These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. 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 . Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. 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! Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Just off Florida's southwest coast is a chain of magnificent mangrove islets. With over 700 square miles of open water and plenty of sheltered coves available, this giant body of water provides plenty of opportunities to practice paddling techniques while enjoying breathtaking surroundings. However, its important to remember that kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Suwannee River Wilderness. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. That is why although there have been kayak attacks by alligators, they have not been many. Nature . The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! 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 " higher central hills " of FL down the middle of the state have to least alligators, the driest land fewest ponds and swamps, and - obviously - the most hills, grass, trees, brush and forest lands. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. 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. 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. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. That's where we come in. 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. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. Never paddle alone. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. 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 spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. Whether interested in fresh/salt/coastal paddles or discovering new necessary equipment, these organizations have made it much easier and safer than ever before locating outdoor activity centers free from gator encounters when visiting The Sunshine State! In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. You will also come across many birds. For kayakers, those tubing rivers the Ichetucknee and the Rainbow are at their best in winter because the wildlife avoids the crowds. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. 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. 8 The Hillsborough River. 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? The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. getupandgokayaking. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! 1. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . You may come across turtles, and herons and may see an alligator or two. Learn More{{/message}}. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Leave no trace. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. 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. time to kayak out of the area into safety. That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. Finally, resources are also available directly through retailers who provide rental services as well as guided experiences in Florida waters. The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. My life is all about it. Manatee River. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. The Loxahatchee River. The male alligator 11 feet, 10 inches long was shot in the head one evening near dusk last month by a trapper contracted . While the idea. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. The Nile crocodile has the largest body count of crocs due to people having to go to the edge of the river for water ect. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. They can also move quickly on land. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. With its crystal-clear water and shady banks, the river is a great place to spend a relaxing day on the water. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. Don't poke it with your paddle. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. 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! Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. 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!). Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! All in all, there are so many amazing spots across Florida where you can take part in a safe yet exhilarating kayaking experience no matter if youre a beginner or experienced pro - guaranteed those who come here seeking adventure will not be disappointed! in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. Yes, it actually happens! The river ends at Rodgers Park near the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Crescent Lake. 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. Along with Anastasia State Park paddle boards and kayaks, the company also offers bike rentals, sailboat rentals, and beach chair and supply rentals. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! 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..
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