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/. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. 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? The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. 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. In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. Keep in mind that due to its size Lake Okeechobee can sometimes experience windy weather so its important to be aware and prepared for more challenging conditions than expected when venturing out here. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Florida has some of the most picturesque, natural springs in the world. $80.00. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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? Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. These springs are found in the Weeki Wachee state park in west-central Florida, and the water is turquoise. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Plus since most of its banks are also lined with wetlands so full visibility helps keep away any potential danger due to hidden predators like alligators too! For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. 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. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. Basically, don't go paddling close to alligators to try and get a closer look. 2. (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. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The water stay shallow and calm, perfect if you want to avoid any alligator encounters. If you get too close to the alligator, it may give warning signs that should make you move away. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. Next up on you list might be Sarasota Bay near Bradenton Beach in Sarasota County which is one great spot for beginners wanting calmer waters with less chance of windy weather or current changes like what youll find on larger bodies like Lake Okeechobee or the Gulf Coast areas like Tampa Bay or Naples Bay area along the Paradise Coast near Marco Island in Collier County. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. 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. The park offers a 13-mile paddle trail for experienced kayakers but more importantly has no gators! This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Little Manatee River, Wimauma. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. 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. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. And if luck favors - anglers can also find largemouth basses swimming across this clean river as well making fishing quite enjoyable too at times during peak seasons alright? 1. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! However once your safety concerns have been addressed its only a matter enjoying one paddle away from paradise in The Sunshine State!. First and foremost is the Everglades National Park, located in South Florida. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. This wouldn't be a list of the best places to paddle board in Florida without mentioning the mangroves. CNN . If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. 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. 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? So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Contents. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. 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 . 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. Manage Settings per adult. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination 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. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. 4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Pay attention to signage: Many areas that are popular for kayaking, such as state parks and nature preserves, have signage indicating the presence of alligators. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Alligators have pretty scarce here since the area doesn't contain enough food sources to sustain them. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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! 6 The Loxahatchee River. This post may contain affiliate links. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? 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. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. Crescent Lake. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. The brisk flowing water easily Carrie's you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. A novice can find adventure in a one-hour paddle or the seasoned veteran can tie several segments together for an all-day . 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. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Yes, it actually happens! It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. 1. - Kayak-sensei. getupandgokayaking. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. Be sure to head over towards Apalachicola when visiting Northwest Florida an area full of sugar sand beaches, marshes and islands made specifically for kayak exploration! In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. . When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. This area consists mainly marshland waters where kayakers can take small trips via networked canoe trails without having to worry too much about gators being around every corner! We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Some of these places have alligator populations living close by, and others are entirely alligator-free. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only.

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