The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Never let your children stick their arms out in the water, especially when you are heading in unfamiliar locations. 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. 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. Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. The kayak run takes 4 hours to complete and includes a few rapids and a very narrow trail with alligator infested water. 1. There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. Learn More{{/message}}. For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. It offers facilities as well with accommodation available even overnight. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. from. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. There are numerous places along the way that a kayaker could pull over for a quick swim in the various swimming holes and spring vents of varying depths. CNN . {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. The water levels fluctuate a lot, and you need to be sure that it is neither too high nor too low for you to handle.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',645,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',645,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-645{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. 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. No matter where you rove about within this paradise state known for its glorious sunsets peeking through cypress stands enshrouded in clouds framing majestic everglades wetlands from which rises extraordinary wildlife choruses flocking cobalt skies at day along magical night as Venus brightens come nightfall you'll find some truly amazing non-swampy spots well worth your exploration whether it's tepid springs rippling waterways overflown riverbanks inviting blow dredge islands or shaded mangroves negotiating intra coastal passes entrenched within sizable saltwater estuaries that offer untamed paddles truly deserving any outdoor enthusiast delight pursuit! Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. Cypress trees are on the shores of the river, several miles. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. 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. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. Locals can come to Haulover Canal to see manatees in the winter, and several tour groups offer manatee kayak tours including Get Up and Go Kayaking. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. 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! Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. 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. Where Can You Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? Although Florida is known for its alligators, there are plenty of places in the sunshine state that offer paddling opportunities without the fear of coming face-to-face with one. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. While the idea. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Bear in mind that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef is very popular over the weekends, especially if it is good weather, attracting crowds of kayakers and people on jet skis and motorboats.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-box-4','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-box-4-0'); For the average kayaker, open-water paddling in the protection of the mangrove wilderness is a calming experience. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Located in the Ocala National Forest, you'll find that this hidden gem is less crowded than some of the other kayak spots around Orlando. 5 The Manatee River. The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. 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. 3 Santa Fe River. WHERE TO LAUNCH: Billy's Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | WHO: 727-265-2268. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Yet the statistics of alligator attacks seem to show that it can be done relatively safely, as long as the paddler follows a few protocols. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. " Silver Glen Springs (Marion County, FL) " by, Paul Clark licensed under CC BY 2.0. 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! Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. 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! Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. 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. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. For kayakers, those tubing rivers the Ichetucknee and the Rainbow are at their best in winter because the wildlife avoids the crowds. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. Shoal River. Yes! When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Crescent Lake. The Lower Keys offer spectacular kayaking opportunities throughout Bahia Honda State park or Key West National Wildlife Refuge as well as numerous backcountry routes such as Coke Hole Cut near Big Pine Key or Nine Mile Bank south of Sugarloaf Cove. Ginnie Springs. paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. 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. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. 6 The Loxahatchee River. 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. If you are looking for an elusive kayaking experience in Florida sans gators, youre in luck! During the mating season, alligators can also be aggressive because it is warmer and their metabolism is high, making them hungry and desperately searching for food. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. However, there are some amazing places to visit where you can still enjoy your time on the water while feeling secure in your safety. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Regardless which slice of Floridian paradise you choose, remember there are still unforeseen threats such as snakes hidden among rock formations along your path that should remain top priority during any amount time spent outdoors. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. 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. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Manage Settings Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. 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! The water stay shallow and calm, perfect if you want to avoid any alligator encounters. If you notice an alligator that approaches people or shows no wariness when people are nearby, you can report it to the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing.