Where To Go Kayaking In South Florida?

Kayaking in South Florida offers a unique experience with clear, turquoise coastal waters, white sand beaches, and wild Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties. This comprehensive guide provides essential tips and tricks for kayaking along the Gulf Coast or Atlantic Coast, exploring freshwater lakes, wild rivers, and mangrove tunnels. Oleta River State Park is a great option for kayaking in South Florida, offering a 6-hour admission fee per car and daily access from 8 am to sundown.

The Loxahatchee River in Jupiter is one of the only two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the state. The 7 best kayak fishing locations in South Florida include the Loxahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee, Everglades National Park, Lake Ida Chains of Lakes, Biscayne Bay, and Oleta. Paddling gives a more personal experience of the wilderness, getting you close to the water and flora without the noise of motors.

Some of the top places to kayak in South Florida include the Loxahatchee River, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Peanut Island, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula, the Great Calusa Blueway, Marco Island area, and the South-Central region. Other popular destinations include the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour, Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour, Island City Eco Paddle and Lesson to 9.3 Acre Nature Preserve, and Florida’s Little Talbot Island.

With 20 locations across Florida, there are plenty of amazing tour options for kayakers to choose from.

Where is the best place to kayaking?

Top 10 Places to Kayak in the UKThe Cornish Coast. © Ianwool Dreamstime.com – Kynance Cove Cornwall Photo. … The Scottish Lochs. © J McSporran, Loch Chon, Scotland. … A white water centre. © Lee Valley White Water Centre Gowhitewater.co.uk. … The Lake District. … The Tees, Co. … The Thames in London. … The Wye Valley. … Pembrokeshire.

Top 10 Places to Kayak in the UK. Kayaking is a fantastic sport and whether you are a beginner or an adrenaline-seeking expert paddler, the UK has places to kayak for everyone. From peaceful inland lochs of Scotland to the rapids of Welsh rivers you are sure to find somewhere that floats your boat. We have written this article for all types of kayaker (not just for sit on top kayakers) and we hope it inspires your next trip!

© Ianwool | Dreamstime.com – Kynance Cove Cornwall Photo.

Cornwall has a plethora of options for kayakers of all abilities. On calm days the coast makes for great exploring of the beaches and cliffs, even for novice paddlers. On windier days with a bit more swell, it is the perfect opportunity to get in some kayak surfing on the waves. Below is Kynance Cove, on the Lizard Penninsula. This is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Cornwall due to the number of small sheltered beaches, cliffs and outcrops.

Can you drink on a kayak in Florida?

Alcohol and many other drugs are especially dangerous when combined with any form of boating. Do not operate any boat, even one without a motor, while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drinking and paddling is considered boating while intoxicated. The Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 brings stronger enforcement and fines for violations.

SUP Englewood is required to report violations to law enforcement.

Most boating accidents involve collisions due to operator inattention or carelessness. Be aware of dangers approaching from any direction.

Is kayaking popular in Florida?

Weeki Wachee. Weeki Wachee, a spring-fed river in Florida is a popular destination for kayaking and other water-based activities. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river.Kayaking along the Weeki Wachee River is an excellent way to relax and escape from the stresses of daily life.

Weeki Fresh Water Adventures is the only rental facility you need for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Visitors can enjoy a 2.8-mile journey down the clear and tranquil Weeki Wachee River, surrounded by pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife, including manatees, turtles, otters, storks, pelicans and many species of fish. The journey takes place mainly under the shade of cypress, oak trees and Florida palms. The crystal-clear waters of the river offer stunning views of lush vegetation and a variety of wildlife.

Kings landing. Kings Landing is situated right along the pure waters of Rock Springs Run, one of the three main tributaries supplying the Wekiva River Basin. The Wekiva River Basin is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, known for its clear water, ecological significance and cultural heritage.

Do you need a permit to kayak in Florida?

Permit-free activity. You don’t need to register your kayak before launching it for your adventure. You also don’t need a license to paddle in Florida’s public waters.

The law requires the Florida Certificate of Registration and validation decal for all vessels operated in public waters, but kayaks are exempted.

The exemption is due to the law applying only to gas or electric motor-powered vessels, not paddled or pedaled ones.

Most kayaks are non-gas, non-diesel, non-motor powered, automatically exempting them from registration.

Do all Florida lakes have gators?

(WFLA) — With over 1 million alligators living in waterways all across Florida, it’s safe to assume that if you see a body of water, there’s an alligator in it. While wildlife officials advise residents and tourists to stay clear of bodies of water, some waterways house more alligators than others.

Where can I kayak with dolphins in Florida?

Guided Dolphin and Manatee Viewing Tours. Calypso Kayaking is your go-to source for seeing the Florida dolphin and the manatee in the area closest to Orlando and Cocoa Beach. These tours take place in the natural setting located in the Indian River Lagoon. These guided trips take place on kayaks (or paddle boards if you prefer) and are available most of the year. Learn more here.

Bottlenose Dolphins in Florida. The dolphin that visitors come to see here in Florida is the bottlenose dolphin. Dolphins are mammals (not fish) that reach lengths of 8 feet. These guys eat about 25 lbs of fish every day, and are highly active in the Florida inshore and backcountry areas.

Dolphins communicate with sounds like clicks, moans, whistles, and squeaks…but not through their mouth-they make all of these different noises through their blowhole on the top of their head.

How to avoid alligators in Florida?

Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

Tools and Resources. The FWC works to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing the following safety information tools.

Living with Alligators Video. To report nuisance alligators call: 866-FWC-Gator (866-392-4286)

Where to kayak in Florida without alligators near?

Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren’t occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Ichetucknee Springs in specific, has frequent tubing activity where people can tube through it almost like a lazy river. If this area was populated with alligators, I don’t imagine they’d be there very often. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is an inshore saltwater paddling area that is very much safe for kayakers or adventurers to visit. It also spans 150 miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast and features low-lying islands, shallow rivers, various creeks and rivers, and even a few small towns. It also features various different wildlife like various fish and sea turtles, which you can see up-close and personal. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through.

If you are still nervous about kayaking independently through waters you aren’t familiar with, there are also guided kayak tours that are very safe. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. They also know what to do in the event that something happened. Guided tours are a great way to experience kayaking safely, while also learning about the wildlife and the area.

Although you may have concerns about being in open waters where alligators or sharks may frequent, it is important to understand the facts and statistics in order to accurately avoid an attack by these animals. In Florida, it is more likely that a shark attack will take place than an alligator attack, but both are rare. Floridians obtaining serious injury by a random, unprovoked alligator is really only about a one in 2.4 million chance. With that being said, it is still important to not provoke alligators in order to respect their space, and not risk an attack. To avoid an alligator attack, here are some things to know. Firstly, alligator attacks are pretty rare, but they do still occur. The best rule of thumb when spotting an alligator is to stay away from it. That may seem obvious, but they are very territorial predators so it is best to keep your distance. If you are near one unexpectedly, move away from them immediately. Also, understand the signs of an aggressive alligator. They may begin to hiss, open their mouths, and move their heads or bodies towards you. You must move away from that alligator as quickly as possible as they are very fast animals.

When should I go bioluminescent kayaking in Florida?

Bioluminescence season can begin as early as late May or June, but thepeak of thebioluminescence season is between July and September. Booking your tour during a new moon will amplify the glittering water and shimmering stars. Other factors that may affect the glow are rain and storms. Rainwater can dilute the effects of the bioluminescence. When booking your trip, make sure to ask the guides what the conditions are like. They will always do their best to bring you to where it’s most brilliant.

Bioluminescent Tours on the Space Coast. Space Coast tour operators gear up for bioluminescence season every year. No matter if you’re paddling a kayak or relaxing on a pontoon, any tour you take will be the most memorable part of your Space Coast summer vacation. Knowledgeable operators guide you through various parts of the lagoon to secluded spots known for fish and wildlife activity. As your kayak and the wildlife move through their native habitat, an explosion of activity lights up the water and reveals the magical world just beneath the surface. You’ll never experience something quite like it.

Check tour availability with each operator, and make sure you book your excursion in advance. They often sell out.

Where can I see bioluminescence in South Florida?

Bioluminescence is Magic on Florida’s Space Coast. Summers on the Space Coast are truly out-of-this-world. From June to October, the waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and Indian River Lagoon come alive with bioluminescence. Glittering dinoflagellates and pulsing Comb Jellies, create mystical light shows that you can see for yourself when you embark on a kayak excursion fromone of the manyguided tours here on our coast. This natural phenomenon is an inexplicable experience that you’ll have to see to believe. If you’ve never witnessed watershininglike the stars in the night sky, book a summer trip to the Space Coast now and cross one more thing off your bucket list.

What Causes Bioluminescence?. Anything and everything that comes in contact with the bioluminescent dinoflagellates in the Lagoon emits a green-blue glow you’ll never forget. Every stroke of the paddle, every move made by the mullet, manatees, and dolphinsbelow the surface becomes a mesmerizingspectaclethat you can only experience a few places in the world.

Bioluminescence season can begin as early as late May or June, but thepeak of thebioluminescence season is between July and September. Booking your tour during a new moon will amplify the glittering water and shimmering stars. Other factors that may affect the glow are rain and storms. Rainwater can dilute the effects of the bioluminescence. When booking your trip, make sure to ask the guides what the conditions are like. They will always do their best to bring you to where it’s most brilliant.

What is the best place to kayak in Florida?

Silver River. Best wildlife. Rich with history. … Chassahowitzka River. Great for swimming. True adventure: paddling, swimming, and diving. … Rainbow River. Clearest water. 200′ underwater visibility. … Gum Slough Creek. Untouched and secluded. Has a different feeling in different times of year. … Dora Canal. 800 year old cypress trees.

Florida ticks all the boxes on every paddler’s checklist: there’s pristine water conditions, plenty of locations to paddle, and its diverse flora and abundant, native fauna make it a world-class kayaking heaven.

What makes Florida stand out is that no matter your destination, even if two locations are relatively close to each other, you’ll find something geologically different, something special. There’s so much clear water paddling that it’s hard not to look down into the water and stare at what’s below you – there’s always plenty of distractions wherever you look. This makes for a kayaking experience to rival the kayaking in Oregon. There are many places you can choose to kayak, but I heartily recommend the locations below, especially if you’re looking to reconnect with nature and have a truly unique Florida experience.

Unbelievable wildlife: monkeys, alligators, birds, turtles, manatees.

Is it safe to kayak in Florida?

Check the tide charts before departure, and be aware how weather, especially winds, affect the tides. Low tides on the Big Bend, Nature Coast, and Florida Bay areas of special concern in the winter months. In colder months, be aware of the symptoms and treatment for hypothermia. Cold water can be extremely dangerous.