Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. Seeing gators on the state's lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. Copyright 2023 Just Go! 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. The animals to see include bald eagles, pelicans, fish, and sea turtles that you can see swimming below your boat. 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. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. 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. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. 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? 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. 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. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. Ichetucknee Springs. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. The " higher central hills " of FL down the middle of the state have to least alligators, the driest land fewest ponds and swamps, and - obviously - the most hills, grass, trees, brush and forest lands. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. 1. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? What is the Steering Wheel on a Boat Called? Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. 2. That's where we come in. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. One of the best non-swampy destinations is located in North Central Florida--Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. . Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. (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. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Alligators in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas all seem to be found in the southern regions of the state. . Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Minutes away from Cocoa Beach, enjoy an "old Florida" mangrove tunnel called "The Amazon" in the Thousand Islands with Cocoa Beach Kayak as a naturalist guide that provides insight into this magical world. Other safe spots include several parks near New Smyrna Beach such as Ponce de Leon Inlet near Spruce Creek Preserve which provides an amazing journey with its large marshy creeks leading out into calm estuaries teeming with a variety wildlife--minus any gators! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Yes! But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. 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. Along with Anastasia State Park paddle boards and kayaks, the company also offers bike rentals, sailboat rentals, and beach chair and supply rentals. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Heading over near Tampa Bay will bring you to Weedon Island Preserve kayaking trails that wind through gorgeous coastal estuaries offering expansive views and abundant wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, osprey and more! 7 The St. Johns River. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. 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. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. adventure for everyone involved. Santa Fe River. The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Wildlife exploration in Florida. 1. The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. It would help if you kept as much distance between you and the alligator as possible. We love outdoor adventures! You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. 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. 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. 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! Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. 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. The Loxahatchee River. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn More{{/message}}. She said: "I also highly recommend adding Clam Pass in Naples to your list. The best mangrove kayaking in the United States is a 2-hour tour through the canals of Lido Key. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. The ones you simply cannot go without visiting. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This is one of the safest places to kayak. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. 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! Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. 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 . Kayakers can start at the fort king waterway that connects to the Silver Spring River. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. People concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator . Know Now! "There was only one alligator of this size in the area," Sapp wrote in an email. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Little Manatee River, Wimauma. 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 temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. 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. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. Everglades Safari Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the last tour departs at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for adults cost . (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). 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. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. 1 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? - Just Go! You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. 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 wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. 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. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Touring the Everglades mangrove tunnels; kayaking or canoeing down Crystal River; exploring unique habitats along St. Mark's river outlet in Wakulla Springs State Park; 9-mile paddle on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail at Big Bend National Park. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. 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. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. 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. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak.
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