Blackwater River. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. 1.1 Rainbow River: 1.2 Lake Eola: 1.3 Crystal River: 1.4 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: 1.5 Little Manatee River State Park: Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. 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. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. Alligators look for easy prey, and a dog of any size can fall victim. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! 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. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? 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! That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. With crystal clear water and a gentle current, its easy to enjoy a peaceful paddle here. If youre an avid kayaker, theres no question that Florida is the place to visit. Weeki Wachee Springs. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee 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!3. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. The current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Nature . The best mangrove kayaking in the United States is a 2-hour tour through the canals of Lido Key. ). Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. 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. Companies like Flamingo Flatboats Tours Inc provide guided experiences tailored around beach front recreational areas with safety rules employed to ensure encounters with wildlife remain controlled circumstances in order to preserve nature while allowing visitors insight into this unique environment. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. The only clear vessel is our Clear 2-Person Kayak, the weight limit for clear kayaks is 400lbs. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. 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. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. 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! Alligators can be found in the area but prefer to keep to the marsh areas where kayakers and others do not paddle. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. 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. 2 where to kayak in florida without alligators; 3 Santa Fe River; 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River; 5 The Manatee River; 6 Madison Blue Spring State Park; 7 Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. 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! The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. It would help if you kept as much distance between you and the alligator as possible. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. Where can I kayak in Florida without alligators? Well-marked and user-friendly, the 190-mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is a paddler's paradise of secluded beaches and protected estuaries that are laced with mangrove islands and tunnels as well as tidal creeks. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. 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. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. Read more. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Central Florida while exploring the park's various creeks and lakes via your kayak or canoe. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. 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!) Essential Tips to Follow. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Alligators are attracted to small animals and may see them as prey. 8 The Hillsborough River. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. You know water sports you know me! 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. 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. 2022 Kayak-sensei Built with Kayak-sensei. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 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. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. In most areas, the water is less than 10 feet, but there are some areas where the water is around 25 feet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can read more about me on my about page. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Leave no trace. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. 1. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Manage Settings 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!! Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. That's where we come in. 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. Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. Check availability. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. A: When kayaking, its important to pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. 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. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. 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. You should take the following precautions in case of an encounter: If you plan on kayaking in alligator-infested waters, you should ensure not to bring your dog. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Salt water crocs live in the north of the country where there are fewer people to interact with. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). 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! That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. 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. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. - Just Go! Wildlife exploration in Florida. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! 00:58 - Source: CNN. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? Plus, the natural beauty of cypress trees and limestone formations spotted throughout your journey make this experience worth it alone. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. There is no doubt about unlimited kayaking adventurers in Florida. 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. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. 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. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. South Florida also has some excellent kayaking trails that contain completely different flora, fauna, and wildlife. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. 1. >> oh my goodness. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. adventure for everyone involved. This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. 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. 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. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. 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. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators.