A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. The state has one million wild alligators and another million on alligator farms. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Alligators are a top predator that has entered popular culture and frequently appear in the news, usually in connection with some crazy Florida story. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Yes, you can make money with a 3D printer. Should I be worried about alligators in Florida? Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? According to reports and recent studies, there have been 22 Alligators attacks in Florida from 1999 to 2021. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. (FDACS) estimates that the number of gator sightings in Florida has been on the rise over the past few years. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. The reason being is that alligators don't like the cold water. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. Unlike humans who peak as teens, alligators continue to grow as long as they live. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you don't have to worry about them here. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators w ere killed or relocated in 2017. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Hi there! Home University Of Florida What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Fort Myers and Jacksonville. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. Does every lake in Florida have alligators? Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Any body of fresh or brackish water in Florida potentially has an alligator in it, though they tend to be wary of people and usually retreat or keep their distance. 14 Best Places To See Wild Alligators In Florida Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the United States! 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. American alligators are no longer an endangered species, but are protected under a classification that allows only people with special licenses and permits to take them. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Dont go near grassy areas that have a swamp or lake nearby as they love to hide in vegetation areas because it provides good camouflage. There are an estimated five million alligators in the United States, with a quarter located in Florida; the largest population of alligators thrives in Gainesville. They look like something that crawled out of the prehistoric era. To experience the best of the area, here are five standout wildlife experiences to weave into your trip. The parents were incensed about the attack and the fact the alligators were left to roam around. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that these creatures are somewhat monstrous in appearance. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Some of these waters are Ichetucknee, Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. Alligators are ectothermic- they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the water's edge. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. America Reports. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Pre-registration is required for each. Alligators are no strangers to cannibalism. There were crocodiles and alligators in the past, though they didn't look the same as the ones in existence today. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. 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? This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. After an 85-year-old woman was killed by an alligator in a neighborhood in St. Lucie County, Florida, three more alligators have been removed from the same area. Others in the Archoasur clad include the dinosaurs and pterosaurs. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Blackwater River Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Rainbow Springs State Park Santa Fe River The Great Calusa Blueway All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so plan accordingly to reduce the chances of running into them. Now there are signs up warning guests about the possibility of encountering a gator in certain areas. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Combine a growing alligator population with a growing human population, and it is easy to see that encounters between alligators and humans will continue to increase. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. November 6, 2022. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. Stay cautious its better to be safe than sorry. There are gators in every part of Louisiana. Bear in mind that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef is very popular over the weekends, especially if it is good weather, attracting crowds of kayakers and people on jet skis and motorboats.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-box-4','ezslot_4',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-box-4-0'); For the average kayaker, open-water paddling in the protection of the mangrove wilderness is a calming experience. Dont approach to take selfies; dont approach to check if its alive. Crystal River: This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. Are there alligators everywhere in Florida? Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. Myakka River State Park is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida. 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. Alligators can be found everywhere in Florida, especially near the freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. over a year ago. Animals thinking about hanging out on low-hanging branches above the water may want to think again. With over 200,000 wild alligators calling this park their home, this is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida! The Little Manatee River is perfect for kayaking, with its gentle current and scenic banks. kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. The freshwater spring-fed rivers are some of the more popular areas in central florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. However, that doesn't stop people from referring to them as such, and why wouldn't they? Avoid walking around the shoreline if the water isnt clear. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. [Whats The Best Method? They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Florida has over 30,000 Lakes and every single one of these lakes is home to gators so always be careful while walking around Lakes in Florida. However, certain conditions, such as water quality, the presence of marine wildlife, large waves and rip currents might make a specific beach unsafe at a given time. They can be found in freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and occur at the northern end of their range in south Florida. Scientist Brian Switek stated that "crocodilians are capable of breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in vegetable matter, so the fruit-eating by these archosaurs could be a nutritional supplement. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. 3. A Miami-Dade police officer has been caught on video wrangling an alligator in southern Florida. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Along with being apex predators, these incredible animals can also grow to exponentially large sizes. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. The only way to avoid gators in florida is to not live close to fresh water. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Be mindful of where they are located at all times. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about an alligator that crawls into your house through the kitchen window. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. This list was updated and expanded with more facts and information about the alligators of Florida - as well as their closest cousins. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Running away is a good option and a distance of around 20 or 30 feet is usually all it takes to get safely away from an alligator. If you do encounter an alligator keepa safe distance of at least 50 feet. They are unlike any other reptile, and there are a great many of them out there. It is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live together. Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. How Deep is Lake Superior? . All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota . In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. If you see an alligator at a spring, if there has been a recent report of one, or there are No swimming signs up, then do not swim. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. This website participates 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. After several years of teaching, I transitioned into the world of educational consulting. My life is all about it. As if it wasn't bad enough to imagine an alligator chomping down on your arm or leg, did you know they will have anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 teeth? On average, the state sees about seven unprovoked bites per year. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. The No. ]. Still, its important to remember youre a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as such. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. So we decided to create a place where we could gather all our concerns, and who knows, maybe we could also help someone else in our situation. In Florida, the weather can be hot and humid, so its important to wear light, breathable clothing. The only place where Crocodiles and Alligators coexist is in the Southern Parts of Florida. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. Never paddle alone. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. Even then it's not a guarantee. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. And crocodile are only found in south FL. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. American crocodiles are not found in Orlando but are found in South Florida, the Caribbean, Southern Mexico and Central America. 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