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. 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. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Happy reading! John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. What Is Oil Canning on a Kayak? Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. 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? Rainbow Springs State Park. This is one of the safest places to kayak. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. 1. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. 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. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. When you kayak through alligator-infested waters, you should know what to do when you encounter one. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. The Loxahatchee River. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, Are There Alligators In The Florida Springs, Why Does Florida Have So Many Alligators and Crocodiles, 9 Of The Best Places to Kayak In Central Florida, 5 Of The Canoe and Kayak Rental Tours In Central Florida, Best Places to Kayak In Florida [North, South & Central], Can Kayaks Be Transported Upside Down? These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. (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. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. If you're a fan of kayaking and love the Sunshine State, but don't want to worry about running into any alligators, there are still plenty of places where you can safely paddle around. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. 1. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. Good luck. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. With crystal clear water and a gentle current, its easy to enjoy a peaceful paddle here. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. 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. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. It is advised that you take a shuttle back to the starting point; however, you know how much you can handle so you can paddle back if you can. You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. 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. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. 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. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Locations such as Crystal River just north Tampa Bay offer not only gorgeous scenery but also year round protection from Florida's notorious heat providing an (often overlooked) opportunity given other areas may become quite hot during summer months. 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 first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! The Silver River is known for its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_River_(Florida), https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/suwannee-river-wilderness-state-trail, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_River_(Florida). Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! There is no doubt about unlimited kayaking adventurers in Florida. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Alligators are still a common sight in Florida for everyone who has ever visited or lived there. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. But this goes back to respecting their territory. Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. If you remain close to the saltwater near the coastline. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. 2 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. Yes, it actually happens! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. If you would prefer to do a kayaking tour in a saltwater environment, here are some great options: Florida springs are the real star of Florida kayaking. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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!) Although Florida has a large alligator population. You will also come across many birds. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. LAUNCH ON GOOGLE MAPS. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. 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! Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. They can also move quickly on land. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. 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. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. Manatee River. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. 5 The Manatee River. 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. 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. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! 1. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. So what are you waiting for? Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. time to kayak out of the area into safety. It is approximately a 6-mile long trail with a relatively swift current perfect for inexperienced kayakers or those who wish to have a lazy float down the river. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. - Kayak-sensei. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Plus, the natural beauty of cypress trees and limestone formations spotted throughout your journey make this experience worth it alone. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without 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.
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