It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. This post may contain affiliate links. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. Kayaking Near Orlando (11 Great Places to Paddle) - Paddle About These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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. CNN . To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. 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. Additionally alongside most springs you'll often find campgrounds providing convenient spots often right alongside waterways allowing visitors ample opportunity dip their boats into cool temperatures 365 days outa' year while having a basecamp they can return each day after paddlin' round larger regions - this gives newcomer kayakers ample time refine their craft before hitting bigger open waters later down the line if desired at all! paddle only within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. 4. 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. ). April 7, 2022. Kayaking in Florida. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. 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. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. While the idea. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. You know water sports you know me! 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! 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. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, Are There Alligators In The Florida Springs, Why Does Florida Have So Many Alligators and Crocodiles, 9 Of The Best Places to Kayak In Central Florida, 5 Of The Canoe and Kayak Rental Tours In Central Florida, Best Places to Kayak In Florida [North, South & Central], Can Kayaks Be Transported Upside Down? As you move along the path, it will alternate between full shade and full sun. https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-blackwater-river-state-forest/, https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/, https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-great-kayaking-in-florida/, https://www.tripstodiscover.com/kayaking-in-florida/. Blackwater River. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. 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. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Be sure to head over towards Apalachicola when visiting Northwest Florida an area full of sugar sand beaches, marshes and islands made specifically for kayak exploration! This is something that you would say to someone who has never seen an alligator before. An alligator may be timid of kayakers, but they can be aggressive in specific periods. 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. Noble Hammock is a must-visit if you want to experience the best kayaking in Miami. The lake is home to many turtles and other wildlife, and its downtown location makes it perfect for an afternoon excursion. These springs are found in the Weeki Wachee state park in west-central Florida, and the water is turquoise. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). Kayaking In Florida: Top 23 Launch Spots Mapped Kayaking Near Me Where To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators? (Quick Facts) The best way to deal with alligators is to avoid them at all costs. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! If you're looking for the best non-swampy places to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. However once your safety concerns have been addressed its only a matter enjoying one paddle away from paradise in The Sunshine State!. 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. FunOutdoorVentures.com 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 paddling track has sand bars where you can stop and rest or even picnic if you feel like it. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? 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. 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. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Finally if neither of these take your fancy why not try Lake Wales? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. And dont forget your camera! 1 Is it safe to kayak in Florida? The waters of the swimming area are crystal blue, and there are a variety of shallow shores and mellow oxbow lakes that you can explore nearif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rainbow Springs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Best Places to Stay. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. The kayak run takes 4 hours to complete and includes a few rapids and a very narrow trail with alligator infested water. Find yourself mountain biking trails before warming up at the local coffee shop nearby what better way could one spend a day? In general, taking dogs into any of Florida's swampy areas is a bad idea. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . For more information, call us at 321-735-9400 today. It is best for the sea kayaker looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Florida. 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. 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. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. The rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks can offer some great kayaking opportunities. A: When kayaking, its important to pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time.