Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. 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. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? 8 Best Places to Kayak in Florida (And Avoid Alligators) So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. 1. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! 16 Best Natural Springs In Florida You Must Visit Alligator swims toward woman, tries to bite paddleboard at Central When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. Kayaking Myakka River. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. The alligator can hiss or bellow. Rainbow Springs State Park. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Alligator that menaced a Florida paddleboarder is killed | WUSF Public The Santa Fe River is 78 miles long, and the paddle trailer starts from swamps in north Florida to Oleno state park, where it disappears underground and appears in River state park, three miles away. Paddling with gators in Florida's Myakka River State Park If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. There are no alligators in the swimming area, but if you had to kayak further down the river, you would probably come across a couple. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. That is why although there have been kayak attacks by alligators, they have not been many. My life is all about it. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Safe Places to Kayak in Florida | Florida Adventurer Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! 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. 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. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Along with Anastasia State Park paddle boards and kayaks, the company also offers bike rentals, sailboat rentals, and beach chair and supply rentals. One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. 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. Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. 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). Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. . The Loxahatchee River. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. 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! They can also move quickly on land. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? - CLJ - Community Literacy Locals can come to Haulover Canal to see manatees in the winter, and several tour groups offer manatee kayak tours including Get Up and Go Kayaking. The Suwannee River: Start off in the swamps north of Okeechobee, then head along this stunning river as it winds its way towards Suwannees outlet bay coasts near Tampa Bay! 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Florida wildlife officials have now killed a nearly 12-foot alligator that swam within inches of a frightened paddleboarder in a popular state park during an encounter in September recorded on video that went viral. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? - TimesMojo However, the experienced kayaker can venture beyond the mangroves and onto the reef for a more thrilling experience on lovely days with calm seas. It is approximately a 6-mile long trail with a relatively swift current perfect for inexperienced kayakers or those who wish to have a lazy float down the river. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. He said that they are not made for chasing prey and that making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? |Tricks To Stay Safe In 2023 This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Find yourself mountain biking trails before warming up at the local coffee shop nearby what better way could one spend a day? The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. 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! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: AuthorsBased on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.Find his team on Twitter here. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. 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. 17 Top Spots for Snorkeling in Florida - American Oceans You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. 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! Plus, the natural beauty of cypress trees and limestone formations spotted throughout your journey make this experience worth it alone. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. What are the risks to canoeists and kayakers from alligators? Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. Located in the Ocala National Forest, you'll find that this hidden gem is less crowded than some of the other kayak spots around Orlando. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators: In-depth - KayaksHome Ginnie Springs. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? - Kayak-sensei In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. 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. If you see an alligator, stay at least 50 yards away from it and don't feed them. Alligators in North and South Carolina are mostly found along the coast. Perhaps the most famous of the Sunshine State's natural springs, Ginnie Springs has some of the best kayaking in Florida. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. Learn More{{/message}}. Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 6. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. It features islands, creeps, shallow rivers, and small towns. 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. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Read more. 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! . This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. You know water sports you know me! Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? 3 Santa Fe River. There is something for everyone. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. 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 water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. 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. Best places to kayak in Florida: 5 spots in Okaloosa, Walton counties Hey there kayak lovers! 5 The Manatee River. 6 The Loxahatchee River. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early.