where to kayak in florida without alligators where to kayak in florida without alligators

Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. 3 Santa Fe River. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. While the idea. Happy reading! 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. adventure for everyone involved. - Just Go! 7. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. You could visit Kings Spring, which is 75 feet . Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . If youre an avid kayaker, theres no question that Florida is the place to visit. LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Little Manatee River, Wimauma. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. When an alligator sees you, the first thing it will want to do is get away to safety. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. Fun Outdoor Ventures is owned and operated by Susan and 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 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. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. 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. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. It is between May and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period. 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. Is kayaking in Florida your first time, and you're looking for a place where you won't have to worry about getting into trouble? This post may contain affiliate links. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. 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. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. 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. Contrary to what we have been made to believe, alligators are not aggressive animals. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. CNN . With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. My life is all about it. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. The Okaloosa County-managed Wayside Park next to the Cox Bridge section of State Road 85 near the south end of Crestview is a convenient way to get on the Shoal River. 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. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. . The Great Calusa Blueway. The alligator can hiss or bellow. Boat tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; reservations are not required. If you plan on kayaking, the best time to visit Ichetuknee Spring is during winter, as the waters are quieter without all of the tubers. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. Salt water crocs live in the north of the country where there are fewer people to interact with. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? 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. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Blackwater River. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? 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 . It is also great for all levels of kayakers. You can read more about me on my about page. Never let your children stick their arms out in the water, especially when you are heading in unfamiliar locations. per adult. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. 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. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! This will also help you understand how to react when you encounter one. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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! The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . If your preference is saltwater paddling opportunities instead, then websites such as KayakFloridaKeys offer great suggestions for all levels of skill including beginner friendly trips from Key Largo all the way down through Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Great Kayaking Spots in Florida | VISIT FLORIDA, Top 10 Places to Kayak in Florida (2020 Update), Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators Travel Youman, Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. It features islands, creeps, shallow rivers, and small towns. (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. 1. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Copyright 2023 Just Go! This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. But when you get in the way of the alligator and its safety, its not a good sign as it will probably attack your kayak because it will feel cornered. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Blackwater River. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! 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! If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. Just maintain a safe distance - 10 feet is the bare minimum. Leave no trace. For kayakers, those tubing rivers the Ichetucknee and the Rainbow are at their best in winter because the wildlife avoids the crowds. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Kayaking Myakka River. The water levels fluctuate a lot, and you need to be sure that it is neither too high nor too low for you to handle.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',645,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',645,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-645{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. 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. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. 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. During the mating season, alligators can also be aggressive because it is warmer and their metabolism is high, making them hungry and desperately searching for food. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. 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. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. ). Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. $80.00. Tarpon Springs, Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. Nature . Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Crescent Lake. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-blackwater-river-state-forest/, https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/, https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-great-kayaking-in-florida/, https://www.tripstodiscover.com/kayaking-in-florida/. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. - Just Go! If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present.