It contains miles of sand beaches and island-pocked labyrinths of mangroves that call for paddlers and provide habitats for various wildlife. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. In bad weather, it is not uncommon to find displaced alligators on the streets, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. The specific species of crocodile that lives in Florida is the American Crocodile. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most more than 2,300. The FWC estimates that the state is home to approximately 1.3m alligators of every size across its 67 counties, which offer around 6.7m acres of suitable wetland habitats for the animals. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. It is one of the best things to do near Sarasota and definitely one of the most fun. Leave no trace. RELATED: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Loch Ness Monster. . They are found in parts of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. 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. My life is all about it. That said, alligator-on-human attacks are somewhat frequent, more so than other predators such as sharks, because alligators have grown increasingly bold in where they venture. The state also traps alligators that are longer than three feet and pose a danger to people, their pets, or their property. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River The Great Calusa Blueway Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Rainbow Springs State Park And dont forget to apply sunscreen! Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. Complete Guide. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. Just like last week, there was an incident involving a massive alligator scaling a fence into a Navy base. Odds are, the alligator will release and retreat because they don't want to go after prey that could potentially harm them. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. In an article published in the Washington Post, it was reported that the park had more than 200 alligators removed between 2006 and 2015. In many cases, the loss of this natural fear is due to people feeding alligators something that is against the law. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. The agency also reports that Florida's population of alligators has increased by nearly 50 . The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. Over the past decade, Florida has averaged seven unprovoked alligator bites to humans per year that are serious enough to require medical treatment. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. A map of where nuisance alligators have been removed includes all areas of the state, from Pensacola to the Keys. They are not made for running after prey, he said. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. So they are in Clearwater, but not in saltwater. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Why are there no alligators in Florida springs? In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. Anna Maria Island is located off the coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. Both alligators and crocodiles will eat fruit, and even veggies, when available. 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 Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Although Florida has a large alligator population. Hi there! You should also pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Crocs feel more at-home in our saltwater canals than gators. Are there alligators everywhere in Florida? Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. Males can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh 800 pounds, with the largest ever recorded measuring 17.5 feet. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. Cochran said if a nuisance gator is 4 feet or longer and the trapper doesnt have a special permit to take it alive, its usually killed. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. 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. 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. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. And other interesting facts. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. Can we use lake water for the Shower and the Hot tub? You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. We love outdoor adventures! Alligators have always frequented Disney World, but the issue came to a head in 2016 after a tragic incident involving an alligator killing a two-year-old boy at a Walt Disney World hotel. It has more alligators than any other state. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? With its crystal-clear water and shady banks, the river is a great place to spend a relaxing day on the water. National Geographic did an entire study disproving this fact. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! 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. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. With that being said, alligators aren't even the largest of their kind - there are crocodiles that can get even bigger than that, as well. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. What time of day are alligators most active? So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. There are less than 2,000 crocodiles in the United States. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. 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. Thats because alligators can leap up to five feet out of the water to snag their dinner. 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. Are there alligators everywhere in Florida? Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. Explanation: Hydrogen, helium and lithium were forged 13. Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. 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 if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Let's get one thing straight; alligators and crocodiles are not living fossils. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Do Not Corner An alligator What to do if an alligator is chasing you? A video posted on Twitter shows one gator crawling across a road before charging onto the sidewalk and into trees. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. Even tiny Palm Beach had at least one removed during the same time period when a wayward gator found itself on the beach side of the Intracoastal. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. Learn More{{/message}}. The American crocodile stays in coastal areas, while the alligator remains in freshwater habitats. West Palm Beach and its suburbs racked up a total of 205 removals over the past two years, with 139 taken from Wellington and 77 from Palm Beach Gardens. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. What would happen if you touched strange matter? The biggest difference between a crocodile and an alligator is their snouts. Where In Florida Are There No Alligators Or Crocodiles? Since then, it has grown somewhat to 300 by 2017. How Can I Go To School For Free In Florida? It is illegal to feed or harass alligators in Florida. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. So what are you waiting for? How Many Campuses Does The University Of Florida Have? Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? Video of the capture, shared online by the Miami Dade Police Department, showed an officer with a lasso as he tried to bring in the large hissing gator. Alligators stay beneath the water and wait for the food to approach, and then they attack. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. by Wallace Thomas. It is also the only state where you can see rare white alligators, which are native to Louisiana. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. Instead, the FWC operates the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, where people can report a suspicious gator. The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. And dont think the prehistoric predators are confined to wildlife areas. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. 3. That said, if you are unlucky enough to cross paths with an angry gator and it bites you, that doesn't automatically mean you're doomed. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. The species is a living garbage disposal, consuming nearly everything. 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. Theyve attacked 410 people in the state since the FWC began keeping records in 1948. Though theres a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. 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