We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. 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! Santa Fe River. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. You definitely wont be alone while paddling through this spectacular natural space! The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. per adult. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. However, the experienced kayaker can venture beyond the mangroves and onto the reef for a more thrilling experience on lovely days with calm seas. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. That said, if youre a novice looking to get your feet wet (literally!) The Great Calusa Blueway. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? - CLJ - Community Literacy 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. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? - Kayak-sensei 1. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. 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. Paddling with gators in Florida's Myakka River State Park 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. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. 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. Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators - Everything You Need To 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. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as . This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. 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. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. What is the Steering Wheel on a Boat Called? Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. 2. It can be dangerous if you don't take safety precautions such as paying attention to eroded terrain while hiking and avoiding areas with loose rocks when climbing cliff walls and hillsides as well wearing adequate clothes for protection from desert temperatures or cactus damage. There is something for everyone. 2. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? - TimesMojo There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. 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. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Plus, the natural beauty of cypress trees and limestone formations spotted throughout your journey make this experience worth it alone. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The Lido Key Mangroves. You'll love going for a swim or paddle boarding through the ice-blue waters. 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. 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! Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 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. 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! BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Paddling with Alligators Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? 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. It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. See wildlife like Manatees. In summary, although there are potential risks associated with taking part in wildlife-filled waters throughout points in Florida, there still exist plenty of reputable sources which can guide individuals on finding aquatic recreational experiences away from human/alligator interactions. 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. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 6 great places to kayak and canoe in Fort Myers, Naples Florida Shoal River. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. 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! Through their spatial data system, visitors can find specific bodies of water with features like depth contours and boat launches or ramps as part of their database. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. 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. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. Safe Places to Kayak in Florida | Florida Adventurer Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. . So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! The Santa Fe River is 78 miles long, and the paddle trailer starts from swamps in north Florida to Oleno state park, where it disappears underground and appears in River state park, three miles away. 1.1 Rainbow River: 1.2 Lake Eola: 1.3 Crystal River: 1.4 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: 1.5 Little Manatee River State Park: Manatee River. Even if you're careful, you may run into an alligator or two on your visit, particularly if you're kayaking or boating. 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. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. 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..