Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. 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. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. - Just Go! The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. Copyright 2023 Just Go! The current is steady, and you could paddle for three hours and at a good pace or relax and enjoy the scenery. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 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. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. 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. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You should also pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. >> the tail went on our kayak. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. This river is 246 miles long, located in northwest Florida, and stretches to Mexico. 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!) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. You should, therefore, do your research and know when the water levels are high enough to enable you to paddle comfortably. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. 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. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. 6 The Loxahatchee River. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. This water is perfect for kayaking, as the temperature is 72 degrees all year round, and it is clear. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Shoal River. Fortunately, though, Florida has no shortage of other channels and waterfronts that offer wonderful opportunities for kayakers of all experience levels. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. from. The best mangrove kayaking in the United States is a 2-hour tour through the canals of Lido Key. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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? Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. April 7, 2022. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. 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You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 3 Santa Fe River. However once your safety concerns have been addressed its only a matter enjoying one paddle away from paradise in The Sunshine State!. If you see an alligator, stay at least 50 yards away from it and don't feed them. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Plus don't forget Biscayne National Park located near Miami; here visitors will find some coastal mangrove ecosystems with miles upon miles of shallow water channels ready for exploration by novice kayakers! There's even a nearby boat ramp so you can launch your kayaks right into the saltwater lagoon just watch out for schools of tarpon though! But kayakers should be aware of the alligators that inhabit these waterways. Unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, majestic rivers and views of celestial skies not seen elsewhere in the state of Texas! Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Silver Glen Springs. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. Contents. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! 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. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Check availability. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. However, you might run into some obstacles. "They shouldn't be fed," and "Stay at least fifty yards away from them.". The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Our posts may contain affiliate links. >> oh my goodness. - Just Go! You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. 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. Thank you! With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. These include: Looking for places to kayak in Florida that dont have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its alligators. Crystal River. This will also help you understand how to react when you encounter one. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. 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. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Blackwater River. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are some of the places that might be included. 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. Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. 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! The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. Blackwater River. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. However, the experienced kayaker can venture beyond the mangroves and onto the reef for a more thrilling experience on lovely days with calm seas. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. time to kayak out of the area into safety. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? 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. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. . 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}. You will find everything from calm waters for beginners to rapids for experts. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. Alligators can be found in almost any body of fresh water across Florida. Yes! You don't want a gator to feel threatened by your presence, or they might charge at your kayak. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? You know water sports you know me! It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. In addition head South towards Everglades National Park - absolutely one fo the best spots for kayaking in all of Florida--for an incredible saltwater adventure across shallow channels and coastal flats consisting mostly mudflats but also patches of oyster bars interspersed between lagoons teeming with wildlife such as wading birds gliding across glass like reflections offered by oddly colored greenish waters below flooded sawgrass meadows illuminated by dazzling sunlight above! Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . It's best known for Fort Jefferson, a massive, yet unfinished coastal fortress. 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 . One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. Rentals range from $25-50 depending on the length of time, and they do have some guided tours available. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. The Manatee River runs along the gulf coast of Florida, and it includes expansive waterways of 46 miles. 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!) There is no doubt about unlimited kayaking adventurers in Florida. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. 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. The Loxahatchee River. Complete Guide. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit.