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. Given their tremendous size and proclivity towards the water, you wouldn't expect that alligators would be skilled at climbing, but they are. While alligators can be found throughout the Southeastern U.S., the crocodile footprint in the U.S. is generally limited to South Florida, though they have occasionally been spotted as far north as the Tampa Bay area. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Some of these places have alligator populations living close by, and others are entirely alligator-free. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Crocodiles can be found in the south Florida region, in areas such as the Everglades and the Florida Keys . Some people are far more tempted by freshwater lakes and ponds. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. However, its important to remember that kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. Even then it's not a guarantee. Punch, hit, kick, or attack the eyes of the gator that has sunk its teeth into you. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. 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. 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. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. What Happens To The Male Duck After Mating? In south florida we have salt water crocs. (FDACS) estimates that the number of gator sightings in Florida has been on the rise over the past few years. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. However, there have been repeated cases of alligators getting into peoples' yards and homes. Theyve attacked 410 people in the state since the FWC began keeping records in 1948. 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. In bad weather, it is not uncommon to find displaced alligators on the streets, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. They may be big, but they're surprisingly agile creatures. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. Not surprisingly, alligators are a big draw for visitors to Florida's national parks and Everglades. Did Stephen Hawking prefer Oxford or Cambridge. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Florida would . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. The Ichetucknee River -due to its spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 to 73 degrees year round. Crystal River: This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Two years later in June 2018, an alligator killed 47-year-old Plantation resident Shizuka Matsuki while she walked her dogs in Davies Silver Lakes Rotary Nature Park. Know Now! But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. Their wild population fell to as low as 1,000 in the 1970s and to 130 in 2001. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. What time of day are alligators most active? Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. It is highly recommended that all menstruating women wear a diaper in addition to a full wetsuit too help cover the scent of their menstruations. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. 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. Obviously, this also depends on the location of the nest and the climate surrounding it. Alligators tend to eat their young to administer population control and ensure they don't have too much competition for food sources. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? What Is A Good Salary For Gainesville Florida? Anna Maria Island is located off the coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Although bites from alligators resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when enjoying yourself in and around water. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Why are there no alligators in Florida springs? This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. Heavy and ungainly out of. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. In the days before the attack, six alligators were removed, and in the days after, five more were removed. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. One of the people killed was 10-year-old Bradley Weidenhamer, who died after he was attacked by a 400-pound alligator on the Loxahatchee River in 1993. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Although they are often confused, crocodiles and alligators aren't the same creatures. 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. It's true there are well over a million alligators in Florida ( some American crocodiles also) and the state is full of lakes, canals, rivers and ponds allowing them to move around quite easily. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. They already feel they have free run of the place, but when bad weather strikes, it's not uncommon to find displaced gators on the roads, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. National Geographic did an entire study disproving this fact. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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. The No. Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. Are there crocodiles in Clearwater Florida? They can be found in freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you don't have to worry about them here. Myth #4. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. Alligators have been spotted roaming the streets of Florida as Hurricane Irma continues to move up the state. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Scour the Shore Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. I found it more enjoyable to be good to them, he said. Ultimate Guide To Florida Alligators | Facts About Gators In Florida. Bend are some of the places that may be included. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Does every lake in Florida have alligators? The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. Just like last week, there was an incident involving a massive alligator scaling a fence into a Navy base. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. ]. Odds are, the alligator will release and retreat because they don't want to go after prey that could potentially harm them. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the water's edge. RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. In general, as long as you stay clear of them and don't go swimming in their home or get close to their nests, you should be fine. You might see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor's swimming pool. It is also a family-friendly river perfect for scenic and wildlife viewing. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Leave alligators alone. Ichetucknee Springs in particular, is a tubing center for tubing lovers. The most important thing is to be alert and stay out of areas rife with alligator activity. The water is too cold for them! So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. 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. Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. According to Smithsonian Magazine, it has indeed been proven that alligators will enjoy the occasional elderberry, citrus fruit, or wild grapes if they find them out in the wild. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. 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. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. 13 9 Eric Rummel One also doesn't need to go to Florida to see the gators as they live all through the South. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Males can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh 800 pounds, with the largest ever recorded measuring 17.5 feet. In an article published in the Washington Post, it was reported that the park had more than 200 alligators removed between 2006 and 2015. American alligators are found mostly in South Florida, where they live in brackish and saltwater habitats such as ponds, bays, and creeks of mangrove swamps. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Is there any place in Florida without alligators? by Wallace Thomas. It is vital that you fight back and not just lie still. Thats because alligators can leap up to five feet out of the water to snag their dinner. My life is all about it. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. With over 200,000 wild alligators calling this park their home, this is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida! They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. 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/. There are no alligators in the swimming area, but if you had to kayak further down the river, you would probably come across a couple. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. For scenic and wildlife viewing just lie still team can help you, the following are places. 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Roaming the streets of Florida as Hurricane Irma continues to move up the.. 20Mph with the largest ever recorded measuring 17.5 feet residing close by should visit this website will. Study disproving this fact you uncomfortable, head back to shore wild population fell as... Ecosystem in the days after, five more were removed to bring a first-aid kit flashlights! And retreat because they do n't have too much competition for food sources Everglades the! Water for various reasons, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for in... This coastal area is known as one of the area into safety high Springs fell. Might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence can swim as fast 20mph! Kayak out of areas rife with alligator activity this website you will need to worry about dangerous wildlife while....
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