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! Ichetucknee Springs. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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! Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. 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. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. Boat tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; reservations are not required. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. Paddling upstream may be difficult, but you can manage if you want a challenge. 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. 3 Santa Fe River. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. 6. 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. seminole county deputies. Find yourself mountain biking trails before warming up at the local coffee shop nearby what better way could one spend a day? Check availability. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. 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. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. ). This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Read: Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. 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. First off on your list should be Lake Okeechobee. There are some measures that increase safety, which we will discuss. The Lido Key Mangroves. Tarpon Springs, Florida. The 31-mile trail winds through the Blackwater River State Forest and offers viewings of one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers on the planet, which varies in color from a rich coffee brown to light yellow, depending on the depth. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. We cover the whole outdoor arena. What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Noble Hammock is another one of the best places to kayak in Miami, FL. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. So I wanted to share the benefit of my years of experience as a Florida paddler kayaking and canoeing by . In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. 00:58 - Source: CNN. time to kayak out of the area into safety. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. Santa Fe River. The way the land is situated is quite unique. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs . This tour takes guests through the famous mangrove tunnels and into the open water near Otter Key. When you kayak through alligator-infested waters, you should know what to do when you encounter one. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. 1. $80.00. 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? Learn More: How much is it to go kayaking? The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. Crescent Lake. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Kayaking season runs from fall to spring so it wont be as congested as kayaking in the summer. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. locations for kayaking adventures just remember to always stay aware even when beach hopping in northward or heading down south towards Dry Tortugas National Park they arent called The Danger Islands by accidents.. You could get traffic from glass-bottom boats with tourists. Don't poke it with your paddle. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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. A tributary of St. Johns River, Crescent Lake is located in Flagler and Putnam counties. Kayak rentals are available here if needed or you can bring your own equipment.. Florida's east coast has something special stored up north near Jacksonville: Little Talbot Island State Park which features awesome sandy dunes and beachfront access points directly onto lush barrier island marshes perfect for some day paddling or camping trips; plus no risk getting up close & personal with any crocodiles this time! For those hot days, Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees all year. By Cary Hardy May 31, 2022. They will probably hide when they see you, but you also should take precautions. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. One great option near Orlando is Lake Monroe County Park. Blackwater River. If you see one in the wild, don't approach it. Essential Tips to Follow. 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. Our posts may contain affiliate links. Alligators rarely attack without reason, and usually won't linger in one area as long-time visitors do - this means it's important for kayakers not just be careful but also mindful of where their boats are so that any . Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. "Alligators are dangerous animals.". So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water, and there is an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. - Just Go! KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. 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. Yes, there are alligators in Big Bend State Park. 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. 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? When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as . 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. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Just south from Lake Monroe County Park is another great spot for paddlers: Pretty Lake Canoe Trails located in Edgewater, FL. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. Just 48 minutes west of Gainesville, you'll find Ginnie Springs near a town called High Springs. Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a large variety of birds. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. 8 Florida Everglades Alligator Attack: 9 Common alligator behavior; 10 What time of day are alligators most active? To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. [Whats The Best Method? (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. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. There are some freshwater springs-fed rivers in Central Florida that are popular with tourists. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. Touring the Everglades mangrove tunnels; kayaking or canoeing down Crystal River; exploring unique habitats along St. Mark's river outlet in Wakulla Springs State Park; 9-mile paddle on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail at Big Bend National Park. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Get into some mangrove areas. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Contrary to what we have been made to believe, alligators are not aggressive animals. 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. After so much time spent on a kayak, grab some food at one off the great seafood restaurants dotted around Bonita Springs if hunger pangs set while out on the lake. If you see an alligator, stay at least 50 yards away from it and don't feed them. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . The variety here is breathtaking as visitors paddle up low lying creeks where they can gaze at remarkable birds among pristine trees draped in mosses and lichens before reconnecting with their destination shoreline. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 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! In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Never paddle alone. If you love bonding with nature and just admiring Gods creation, this is one place you could go to. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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.