The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. Manatee River. 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! 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. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. Additionally alongside most springs you'll often find campgrounds providing convenient spots often right alongside waterways allowing visitors ample opportunity dip their boats into cool temperatures 365 days outa' year while having a basecamp they can return each day after paddlin' round larger regions - this gives newcomer kayakers ample time refine their craft before hitting bigger open waters later down the line if desired at all! Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. Alligators rarely attack without reason, and usually won't linger in one area as long-time visitors do - this means it's important for kayakers not just be careful but also mindful of where their boats are so that any . Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . Blackwater River. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. Know Now! This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. Thank you! Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Nature . Essential Tips to Follow. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. Yes! Florida is the ultimate destination for any kayaker who wants to explore different kayaking locationslakes, 1,700 rivers, and more than 700 springs. Our posts may contain affiliate links. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. In Florida, the weather can be hot and humid, so its important to wear light, breathable clothing. When kayaking, your safety is of utmost importance. Ichetucknee Springs. 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Ages 3-85, max of 20 per group. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. These are also things that one might warn a . They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. 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. 1. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. 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. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. 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. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. - Just Go! 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! Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. 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. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Plus don't forget Biscayne National Park located near Miami; here visitors will find some coastal mangrove ecosystems with miles upon miles of shallow water channels ready for exploration by novice kayakers! Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Emus, giraffes, camels, antelopes, water buffalo, and other exotic species may be seen at the Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari, which is located approximately an hour south of Orlando. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Leave no trace. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. Shoal River. 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. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? (Kayak Drowning Possibilities), List Of Top Kayak Swimwear Brands Of USA; What To Wear When Kayaking, The Santa Fe River is a tributary of the Suwannee River and is approximately 78 miles (126 kilometers) long and has a watershed of approximately 1,380 square miles, Weeki Wachee Spring is a natural spring located in Weeki Wachee, Florida and it is a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. 6. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. This post may contain affiliate links. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Along with Anastasia State Park paddle boards and kayaks, the company also offers bike rentals, sailboat rentals, and beach chair and supply rentals. The Silver River is known for its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_River_(Florida), https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/suwannee-river-wilderness-state-trail, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_River_(Florida). WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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! 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.. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. from. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. Finally pay homage to ancient tradition by visiting multiple areas on Tampa Bay that were once used as traditional Seminole fishing camps during times past! The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. time to kayak out of the area into safety. 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! 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. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. 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. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. The alligator can hiss or bellow. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. Santa Fe River. If you get too close to the alligator, it may give warning signs that should make you move away. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. After so much time spent on a kayak, grab some food at one off the great seafood restaurants dotted around Bonita Springs if hunger pangs set while out on the lake. Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? There is plenty of wildlife around here that includes birds, turtles, fish, and maybe even a few otters which makes it an exciting (and safe!) - Just Go! Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Contents. We love outdoor adventures! Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable sources online that can help direct you to some of the best places to kayak without fear of gators. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! There is something for everyone. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. 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? Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. 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.