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: It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. 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.. " Silver Glen Springs (Marion County, FL) " by, Paul Clark licensed under CC BY 2.0. With zero pressure from swimmers or motor boats it's perfect for those wanting a less invaded area and its completely free from alligator presence too! 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. Finding the safest places to kayak in Florida can seem like a daunting task, with the vast water system that lies within its borders. Copyright 2023 Just Go! Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. Learn More{{/message}}. April 7, 2022. >> the tail went on our kayak. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. Crescent Lake. The water stay shallow and calm, perfect if you want to avoid any alligator encounters. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Finally pay homage to ancient tradition by visiting multiple areas on Tampa Bay that were once used as traditional Seminole fishing camps during times past! Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. 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. 2. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. 2. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. - Just Go! Blackwater River. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. 6 The Loxahatchee River. Manatee River. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. It is located in the Silver river springs state park in Ocala. 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. The crystal clear blue waters offer views usually only seen by snorkelers with matchless visibility making sighting sea life like turtles amazingly easy during routine paddle trips fascinating any beginner into a whole new world beneath their glass-bottom boats! The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 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! If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. One such source is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which offers detailed information on available freshwater paddling trails in the state. Hey there kayak lovers! It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. The Silver River is known for its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_River_(Florida), https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/suwannee-river-wilderness-state-trail, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_River_(Florida). Contents. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. 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! Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Do You Need a License to Kayak In Minnesota? This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. 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. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. In summary; when seeking beautiful locations suited perfectly for entry-level paddlers interested in exploring those big bodies suchas lake Okachobee plus cozy spots suchas Bartenton Springsjust head south towards NorthwestFlorida ain't no better location t meet yer goals quite likethe Sunshine State itself - meanderingriverways lushmangroves hiddenlagoons azureblue springs & unmatched wildlife abound now matterwhere ya venture east t westsouth t north treattwo chose yer destinationwithin Floridapaddling neverends ferBeginners who seek adventurein Kayak formenjoythe ride Sunshine Staters yellGO ADVENTURE NOW!! Finally, resources are also available directly through retailers who provide rental services as well as guided experiences in Florida waters. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy . You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. Manage Settings 1. According to some people, the Suwannee River is Floridas best as it accommodates any skill level of paddler. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Nature . adventure for everyone involved. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Whether you want to explore the crystal clear springs, tour through peaceful mangroves, or experience the tranquility of paddling around a remote island, non-swampy locations abound across Florida's many waterways. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. 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! 2 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. 00:58 - Source: CNN. With crystal clear water and a gentle current, its easy to enjoy a peaceful paddle here. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Alligators are unlikely to attack a kayak if the situation is calm and the rowing is smooth. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Weeki Wachee Lake, Apalachicola River Paddling Trail and Suwanee River Wilderness Trail are some of the best Kayaking trails In Florida. As well the human population that interacts with the Nile is much higher. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. Here are some great places to visit if you want alligators-free kayaking in Florida. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Clam Pass. The kayak run is for advanced kayakers and adventure seekers only. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. Blackwater River. The river has an underground cave system filled with water, up to 180 feet below the surface. 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! In truth, they aren't. If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. These springs are found in the Weeki Wachee state park in west-central Florida, and the water is turquoise. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. You will also come across many birds. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. 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. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. Here you'll have your pick between cruising down a winding river canoe trail or relaxing with an inner tube float trip. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. 2 where to kayak in florida without alligators; 3 Santa Fe River; 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River; 5 The Manatee River; 6 Madison Blue Spring State Park; 7 Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? This post may contain affiliate links.