Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Thanks for reading! Some of these waters are Ichetucknee, Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. Alligators will typically chase a human only to defend their territory. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Myakka River State Park is located near Sarasota and is near Tampa Bay so it is a great option for many tourists. It's not all that surprising, given how well-kept the waters are. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. And 383 unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or handling of an alligator. Virtually any body of water can hold alligators. Video. In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. Fun Outdoor Ventures is owned and operated by Susan and 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. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. 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. 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. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. However, that doesn't stop people from referring to them as such, and why wouldn't they? And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you don't have to worry about them here. You might see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor's swimming pool. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. The reason being is that alligators don't like the cold water. RELATED: Father of boy killed by gator couldnt pull child from gators jaws. Witnesses called 911 and firefighters recovered the woman's body . They can also move quickly on land. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. Theres a famous saying in Florida that if the water is more than 2 inches deep assume there are alligators and venomous snakes in it. Hi there! It is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live together. Still, its important to remember youre a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as such. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Good luck. Rather than being predetermined by DNA, the temperature of an egg before it's hatched is a determining factor in its gender. Alligators are not usually seen in the Ichetucknee Springs. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Leave alligators alone. Hey there kayak lovers! Pools arent uncommon. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. What body of water in Florida has the most alligators? It is also the only state where you can see rare white alligators, which are native to Louisiana. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? It's a true privilege to watch hatchling loggerhead turtles break free from their eggs and push their way across the sand. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. Alligator bites are most likely to occur in or near water, as alligators are not well-equipped to catch prey on dry land. 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/. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. After several years of teaching, I transitioned into the world of educational consulting. Their mothers will have returned to the beaches of Fort Myers over a month prior . Although bites from alligators resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when enjoying yourself in and around water. The agency also reports that Florida's population of alligators has increased by nearly 50 . How Many Campuses Does The University Of Florida Have? Alligators are apex predators, one that has popularized popular culture and frequently appears on the news, typically attached to a crazy story coming out of Florida. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 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. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc.What Floridians fear most, according to their Google searches. Ultimate Guide To Florida Alligators | Facts About Gators In Florida. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? Yes, you can make money with a 3D printer. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about an alligator that crawls into your house through the kitchen window. It's not just us who have to fear being eaten by an alligator; even other alligators have to be cautious around each other! By comparison, humans only have about 52 teeth in their lifetime and two sets max. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1.3 million gators statewide and about 13,000 in Lake Jesup. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. They can literally be in any puddle of water, said Boynton Beach resident Richard Cochran, who removed nuisance alligators for the state until last year when an unrelated back injury sidelined him. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. This beautiful river near Dunnellon is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by. And dont think the prehistoric predators are confined to wildlife areas. (FDACS) estimates that the number of gator sightings in Florida has been on the rise over the past few years. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Twenty five of those attacks have been fatal. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Are there alligators everywhere in Florida? 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. November 6, 2022. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. Ichetucknee Springs in particular, is a tubing center for tubing lovers. There were crocodiles and alligators in the past, though they didn't look the same as the ones in existence today. 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? A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? 3. Most Orlando lakes are connected by channels or pipes. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. An 85-year-old woman died Feb. 20 after an alligator grabbed her dog in a St. Lucie County community along Florida's East Coast. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Can you store stands in a bizarre journey? How do you know if a lake has alligators? I dont like to kill them, and I had a license not to for a couple of years. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! This area is also one of the spots where you can find alligators in the wild and has become one of Florida's most popular destinations for recreational hiking and camping. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. This list was updated and expanded with more facts and information about the alligators of Florida - as well as their closest cousins. 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