where to kayak in florida without alligators

Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. This area is a part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy kayaking in the mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. 1. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. . in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. 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. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. 6. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. $80.00. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. - Just Go! 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! In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. 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. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. Alligators are attracted to small animals and may see them as prey. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . 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! 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. 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. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. The best area to kayak in Bradenton is right by Coquina Beach: Coquina Beach is also known as Bradenton Beach and there is a giant bay area next to it where there are many open water and kayaking trails available to do the following things: Just explore the area. Where can I kayak in Florida without alligators? In truth, they aren't. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. 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. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as . 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 . Ages 3-85, max of 20 per group. Alligators attacking kayaks . Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. Hey there kayak lovers! The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. Yes! From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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 is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. To stay away from alligators even further north head over to Lake Taraweba near Bonita Springs where coastal wildlife like dolphins can be seen playing in calmer waters compared to saltier parts of Florida's coast line. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The 31-mile trail winds through the Blackwater River State Forest and offers viewings of one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers on the planet, which varies in color from a rich coffee brown to light yellow, depending on the depth. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. You can read more about me on my about page. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. 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. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. Will A Kayak Drown Me If I Turn Upside Down? 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!). This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of 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!! Don't poke it with your paddle. It can be dangerous if you don't take safety precautions such as paying attention to eroded terrain while hiking and avoiding areas with loose rocks when climbing cliff walls and hillsides as well wearing adequate clothes for protection from desert temperatures or cactus damage. >> oh my goodness. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. " Silver Glen Springs (Marion County, FL) " by, Paul Clark licensed under CC BY 2.0. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? Flip flops or watershoes are appropriate to wear when kayaking in Florida, as when getting in and out of the kayak your feet will get wet. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! Rainbow Springs State Park. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. 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. Dissuade alligators from residing here and create a fun-filled stress-free environment for the average kayaker to enjoy their outdoor adventure.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1-0'); The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190 mile long network of paddling routes situated along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. 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. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! 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. The alligators seldom attack a kayak if left alone, but there is always a risk when dealing with large predators. Formerly known as Dunn's Lake, this sparkling spot covers more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida. 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. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. There's nothing like a freshwater spring to keep you cool while paddling around the river or spending time listening for birdsong along its banks. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. per adult. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. If you want something a bit more adventurous, take a tour around Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola it features twisty mangrove tunnels for fun exploring in addition to peaceful lagoons perfect for easy paddling. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. There's even a nearby boat ramp so you can launch your kayaks right into the saltwater lagoon just watch out for schools of tarpon though! If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. 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. Best places for kayaking in Florida. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. Do alligators go in the canals in Florida? For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. 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! The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. This 500-acre park offers lots of open spaces as well as access to scenic parts of the Cat Fish Creek Nature Trail and Seminole Wilderness Area with impressive views along the way. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. 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. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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! Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Along with Anastasia State Park paddle boards and kayaks, the company also offers bike rentals, sailboat rentals, and beach chair and supply rentals. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. There is something for everyone. General Parking for Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park located at 205 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. That is why although there have been kayak attacks by alligators, they have not been many. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . But this goes back to respecting their territory. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Crescent Lake. Kayaking Myakka River. Complete Guide. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. And dont forget to apply sunscreen!

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where to kayak in florida without alligators