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! Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . For those who prefer coastal paddling trips or adventures near beaches, then websites like PaddlingFinder can help narrow down searches by location proximity while also providing trip reviews from other users. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. Kayak rentals are available here if needed or you can bring your own equipment.. Florida's east coast has something special stored up north near Jacksonville: Little Talbot Island State Park which features awesome sandy dunes and beachfront access points directly onto lush barrier island marshes perfect for some day paddling or camping trips; plus no risk getting up close & personal with any crocodiles this time! The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Wildlife exploration in Florida. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. 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. 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. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. This will also help you understand how to react when you encounter one. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. This beautiful and diverse state has many amazing kayaking spots where you can paddle without seeing any gators. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 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. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! 8 The Hillsborough River. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Leave no trace. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. Good luck. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Learn More: Are inflatable kayaks any good? My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? They can also move quickly on land. These springs are found in the Weeki Wachee state park in west-central Florida, and the water is turquoise. The Great Calusa Blueway. Almost everyone new to paddling waters with alligators has the same primal fear of an attack. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Never let your children stick their arms out in the water, especially when you are heading in unfamiliar locations. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'kayakspoint_com-box-4','ezslot_4',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-box-4-0'); If you are planning to kayak in water infested with alligators or you fear you might come across an alligator, you should know the typical behavior. $80.00. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! Contrary to what we have been made to believe, alligators are not aggressive animals. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. 7. 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. In most areas, the water is less than 10 feet, but there are some areas where the water is around 25 feet. The alligator can hiss or bellow. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. 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! People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. 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! Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. 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! Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. There is something for everyone. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. 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. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. Manage Settings There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. This state park is located on Anclote Key, a small island off the coast of Tarpon Springs. You should also pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). 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. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. Learn More: What to wear bioluminescent kayaking? Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. Thank you! 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Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. 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. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. 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. Where can I kayak in Florida without alligators? You can read more about me on my about page. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Best Places to Stay. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. Read more. In addition head South towards Everglades National Park - absolutely one fo the best spots for kayaking in all of Florida--for an incredible saltwater adventure across shallow channels and coastal flats consisting mostly mudflats but also patches of oyster bars interspersed between lagoons teeming with wildlife such as wading birds gliding across glass like reflections offered by oddly colored greenish waters below flooded sawgrass meadows illuminated by dazzling sunlight above! Just 48 minutes west of Gainesville, you'll find Ginnie Springs near a town called High Springs. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Rainbow Springs State Park. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. 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. Know Now! Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance 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). . - Just Go! As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. CNN . A paddler, Brady Toensing, 54, of Reddick, Florida, said in an interview that he saw a fishing boat pass him on the . The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. 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. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience.