If you have your own kayak, paddle board or tube, you can launch your device at any of the ramps in the park. Both of these routes are less sheltered from the wind and tide, so take proper precautions before getting out on the water. How to Get There: The best way to get to Terra Ceia Preserve is to drive. At $2 per vehicle, visiting Lettuce Lake Park is one of the most affordable outdoor activities in Tampa Bay. Known for its vast system of mangrove forests, Lido Key is a serene place to paddle beneath the treetops. Ride bikes on paths or walk over boardwalks and you’re sure to see a few gators, especially if you paddle the river in canoe or kayak… Found inside – Page 212As he came close, the gator slithered into the Hillsborough. ... An orange crate canoe could make a big difference in a lot of things. The Best Places to Spot Alligators Around Tampa. 1 Circle B Bar Reserve. If you’ve seen the viral photos of a seriously giant gator crossing a trail or the one of an enormous alligator with a smaller ... 2 Myakka River State Park. 3 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 4 Sawgrass Lake Park. 5 Lettuce Lake Park. More items Oftentimes, alligators are near the boardwalk, hanging out on logs in the water. Hillsborough River State Park. The Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa is one of my all-time favorite trails in the area. It’s common to see an adult gator in the water, on a log, or on the bank across the river. Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm This small park has tons of potential to become your new go-to spot for canoeing and kayaking in Tampa Bay. The Hillsborough River is one of the most thrilling places to go canoeing and kayaking in Tampa. Home to a large manatee population, Tarpon Spring’s pristine waters are perfect for paddle sports and meeting manatees. When the water level recedes allowing for safe conditions, the canoe/kayak launch will reopen. Surf through Florida Bay on a tour boat or a kayak. If you are driving, start on FL-60 W toward Clearwater. According to the information in the visitor center located on the 1.25-mile biking and walking trail, a 14-foot foot alligator resides here. While paddling, visitors can navigate through wetlands, pinelands and prairies while ospreys fly overhead. One of the many treasures of Tampa Bay, Weedon Island Preserve is a haven for outdoor recreational activities. Found insideCANOEING. Canoe Escape. Thisoutfit innortheast Tampa arranges guided or self-guided trips ... abounding with alligators, ibises, hawks, and otherwildlife. If you are driving, start on FL-60 W toward Clearwater. Found inside – Page 181An alligator watches as we canoe down the Wekiva River. with little or no interest. From there, we went to the Black Hammock Restaurant and Marina in Oviedo ... Wekiwa Springs. Otherwise, you can rent gear and book tours with Canoe Escape here. When you leave the Sargeant Park Boat Ramp be SURE to turn to the right (east) first and head down Flint Creek. With an experienced guide, you can see plenty of wildlife, including alligators, birds, manatees and more. | Contact Us. We launched into the water, and down the river we went. With 7 miles of pristine shoreline, Fort DeSoto is the perfect destination for novice and expert paddlers to enjoy the outdoors. From canoes to cats to crabs, there are plenty of things to do in Tampa, all within an easy drive of downtown. I've lived in Florida for 5-6 years. For a 5-mile trip, launch your kayak at the U.S. Highway 301 Bridge and paddle to the state park. The best inshore and offshore saltwater fishing spots in Florida is on the gulf coast from Sarasota to Ft Myers. Having said that, there are plenty of alligators in the Tampa Bay region, living in various lakes/ponds/rivers throughout the area. Or, you can rent kayak gear inside Fort DeSoto Park. Found inside – Page 270The Southwest Florida Water Management District permits canoeing at four of its tracts: n Cliff Stephens Park has a scenic canoe venue on Alligator Creek, ... Make it a weekend by staying at the outpost campground or cabins. The most popular and easiest paddle is a 5-mile route through Little Manatee River State Park. A Central Florida woman says someone has been feeding a large gator after video shows it … First, populations of American alligators are increasing and recovering (U.S. From paddle boarding to kayaking, there are tons of outdoor recreational activities for you to enjoy on the water. Whether you are looking to solo-paddle around the bayou or want a guided tour of the area, Tarpon Springs has got you covered. This network of streams, lakes and lagoons is accessible to all ability levels. There are manatee in there during certain times of year. From Largo, it's about an hour drive towards Tampa and the amazing experience is certainly worth the trip. Peace River starts in Polk County at Bartow, then winds around 106 miles to the Gulf of Mexico to Charlotte Harbour. Two-hour (or longer) ride through a 16,000-acre wildlife preserve. A popular swimming hole, the spring is 25 feet deep and nearly 82 feet wide. However, you can avoid alligator attacks with some normal common sense. The Tampa Bay region, where within an hour you can paddle on turquoise water near white-sand beaches or on twisty cypress-lined creeks with alligators. According to The Tampa Tribune, the exact circumstances of the alligator attack is still not clear. You may get lucky and see eagles, otters and alligators as you paddle. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. You can't visit Florida without having a wildlife experience, especially when visiting Tampa. Located just 10 miles from downtown Tampa right off I-4, this short trail runs through a 31-acre botanical garden. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. “I thought it was a propeller, it hit me so hard,” Heim told NBC News. Suggest water wings or life vest to float as you can get tired from wading water all of the time. If you are interested in a tour, we recommend the clear kayak manatee tour. Seriously, ... another element of this Tampa adventure). An eerie silence descended upon us, “Look,” I said to my wife, “Over there on the river bank.” Transfixed, we both realized we were looking at the rather large outline of an alligator. ... Hillsborough River State Park is natural respite close to Tampa and the urban sprawl of the area. Kayak/Canoe/Paddle Board Launch at Kelly Park’s Camp Joy runs $3 for 1-2 people; $5 for 3-8 people; and $1 for each additional person. Climb the steps up the viewing tower for a breathtaking view of the river, the swamp and, if you’re lucky, maybe spot the real treasures of this park, American Alligators. Male alligators become extremely aggressive during this time and fights often break out between them. This nearly 17 mile route offers the finest opportunities to view alligators in large numbers as you canoe your way through the Myakka river state park. Updated April 20, 2021. Bring water. TAMPA, Fla. - For 30 years, Canoe Escape has offered customers one of the most uniquely Florida experiences around. The white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of Tampa make it one of the most stunning places to go canoeing and kayaking in Florida. Some ppl kayak in Rocky Creek, off hillsbourgh Ave and Memorial . Upvote 1 … Thu: 9:00am - 5:00pm GABBY Petito web detectives have claimed Brian Laundrie's mother is using a BURNER PHONE to secretly contact her missing son. Here are a few favorites near Tampa: Little Manatee River, Alafia River, Frog Creek, the Hillsborough River and kayaking to Caladesi Island. The first route is a mile-long paddle through breathtaking mangrove forests. The inshore fishing capital of the world. If you have your own kayak, you can launch your boat at Bishop Harbor. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Our mission is to provide the #1 best resource on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and resources. The best way to explore the park is to take a riverboat cruise or canoe/kayak on the Weeki Wachee River. The trips range from two to six hours in length. Alligators are also visible on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, a driving path which cuts through the heart of the forest. National Parks in Florida. From Jacksonville Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. I live in the Tampa Bay area where I would be doing the majority of my kayaking. The best place to see alligators at the Ocala National Forest is on the riverbanks, where they will be sunbathing on the shore! One of the best ways to experience all the preserve has to offer is by paddling the South Paddling Trail. St Petersburg Florida is called St Pete by most natives of the Tampa Bay area. The Tarpon Springs Bayou is a wonderful resource for outdoor activities. Low branches hung above us, catfish swam below our canoe and birds waded through the shallows looking for food. If you have your own boat, you can launch your kayak in the park. For instance, you can head to the sea and take a kayak around Weedon Island Preserve. It was absolutely teaming with alligators, birds and fish. The Tampa Bay Times reports the woman had no food, small animals, or anything else that could attract an alligator. Or, you can rent kayak gear from Rainbow River Kayak. The beautiful Florida Keys are a string of idyllic tropical islands off the southern tip of Florida that can easily be accessed by car along the amazing Seven Mile Bridge and the 113-mile Overseas Highway, which runs from Key Largo to Key West, Florida.The Keys are a popular vacation destination, offering brilliant sandy beaches, warm tropical waters, great hotels, and an abundance of … A guided canoe ride on the Hillsborough River. Found insideMost of us do everything we can to keep a distance from our alligator friends. ... and see some of wild Florida on a canoe trip down the Hillsborough River. Follow in the footsteps of the first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, sports legends and railroad tycoons. to reach Bishop Harbor. Windsong Boat Rentals has been serving the Tampa Bay area with fun filled boating days since 2002 and operates the largest fleet of pontoon rental boats in Tampa … Found inside – Page 246... 26 Siesta Key County Beach, 163 Silver Springs, 101 Simply Kayaking, ... 26 St. Augustine, 56 St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, ... (941) 356-3476 continue on N Glen Arven Ave to reach the water. We had spent about three hours out on the water and had seen it, all but no doubt our biggest find was the monster on the bank. I have a realistic understanding of alligators, I'm just getting conflicted advice so I'd like some other viewpoints/opinions. I was craving some quality time with Alligators and Turtles and there is a Tampa Bay canoe adventure outfit called Canoe Escape that offers exactly what I was looking for. While paddling, visitors can spot birds wading through the waters and other marine animals. If you are feeling active and adventurous, consider taking a canoe or kayak out for a spin. Steel cage for swimming. How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Robinson Preserve is to drive. For more information and updates please call (813) 987-6204. Best of all, the preserve’s archeology center recently discovered a prehistoric canoe buried beneath the island’s shoreline! Eventually, the Silver River empties into the Ocklawaha River, both of which are beautifully maintained by Silver Springs State Park. With so many amazing places to go paddling, it can be bit overwhelming to know where to start. With miles of turquoise waters, mangrove forests and beaches, it is no wonder why famous homesteader Myrtle Scharrer Betz refers to Caladesi Island as “paradise.” If you have your own boat, you can launch your kayak off of the island or from Clearwater Beach. The refuge also offers a chance to see alligators in their natural habitat and enjoy nearly fishing as well as hiking on a number of trails and boardwalks. While walking around the park, visitors can even see remnants of the old fort. Developed around Rainbow River in the 1800s, the historic town of Dunnellon is a wonderful place to explore after a day on the river’s crystal-clear spring waters. This swamp-like portion of the Hillsborough River gives visitors a look into Florida’s true landscape. Tue: CLOSED How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Rainbow River is to drive. If you are looking for a more challenging paddle, there is a 3 mile-long water trail that flows through Caladesi Island’s mangrove forests. Found inside – Page 3... argues Howard Carr 1 HE two alligators Tampa's history stretches ignored us as we padback to pirates and military dled past in our canoe . battles in ... The only thing more worrying than seeing a bunch of alligators around your canoe is not seeing them but knowing darn well they are there. Besides alligators, Hillsborough River is home to tons of wildlife including wild turkeys and hogs. The setting is relaxed, natural, and great for photography. A lot of alligators. Tarpon Springs, FL is about 45 minutes from Tampa and is know for its sponge fishing! Although small in size, Fred Howard Park has all of the amenities of a top-notch beach. Martin also added that the alligator attack happened outside park boundaries. Rent a kayak or canoe. These waters are usually calm enough for all ability levels, but is is best to stay with a paddle-buddy while out on the water. Escape to nature on a 2-hour to full day, downstream, quiet-water, paddling adventure through a 16,000-acre wildlife preserve. You might even see a manatee. For the next hour or so we came across many other alligators of various sizes. Rainbow River is a beautiful place to go tubing, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking in Tampa. There are many great places to kayak in the Tampa Bay area. Here are 12 kayak outings in the Keys. Found inside – Page 170in Tampa, Detroit, North Chicago and New York and now he was back and was ... The alligators swam beneath our canoe and all of the wildlife that lived on ... I have only done a small section of this river. Both are great day trips from Jacksonville. If you have your own boat, you can launch your kayak at Lettuce Lake Park. Found inside – Page 137Some shell middens in Tampa Bay, Florida, are nearly entirely conchs, ... dolphins, and, off the southeastern coast, whales, as well as sharks, alligators, ... The refuge also hosts a visitor center with maps and information, as well as special events and activities like canoe days and a fishing derby. This beautiful water trail is an amazing place for all types of paddlers to go canoeing and kayaking in Tampa. Found inside... hours or a whole day gliding past the alligators, turtles, wading birds, ... 17 miles northeast of downtown Tampa ( canoeescape.com), who have devised a ... The canoe, which is estimated to be 1,100 years old, is now on display with other cool artifacts at the preserve’s education center. Where to buy/rent canoes. It’s surrounded by verdant forest lined with walking trails. All rights reserved. Typically you do not have to worry about them, for example they are known to live in the Hillsborough River but people canoe and kayak down the river all the time, but they can be a danger Relax on top-rated beaches scattered with thousands of washed-up shells, enjoy outdoor art and entertainment downtown, and explore the otherworldly side of nature at the nearby Everglades National Park – home to alligators and other natural delights. An alligator attacked and bit a man in the face at John S. Taylor Park in Florida on Friday (June 12) morning. Can you spot the prehistoric creature on the banks of Lettuce Lake? Known to be one of the most green rivers in Florida, Hillsborough River is surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. Or, you can rent kayak gear from Frog Creek Kayaking. Loved by locals and visitors, Caladesi Island is great place to experience the beauty of untouched nature. The tourist-friendly town of Dunnellon and Rainbow River are the perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts to see some of Florida’s history and nature come together as one. They operate canoe and kayak tours on the Hillsborough River. It's one of the most uniquely Florida experiences around: Canoe and kayak tours on the Hillsborough River give you the chance to see everything from alligators to birds, just a few minutes from downtown Tampa. The city of Tampa is a densely populated, bustling metropolitan area located on Florida’s west coast. If you are looking for a a low-key place to go canoeing and kayaking in Tampa, Fred Howard Park is the perfect place to explore Florida’s natural beauty. The man was in a canoe … Then, continue on Moccassin Wallow Rd. Along with canoes, the park has numerous nature trails, BBQ pits and shelters for rent, a visitor center, ample parking, playgrounds and grassy areas. Along with camel and horseback safaris, this 260-acre ranch now offers a kayak safari that includes feeding of polite ring-tailed lemurs from Madagascar. Though alligator sightings, nuisance alligators and gator attacks are extremely rare in Hillsborough County, you need to know that by nature, they are afraid of humans. Or, you can rent kayak gear from Wheel Fun Rentals. Explore a variety of ecosystems at Lettuce Lake Regional Park. If you are feeling adventurous, check out Adventure Kayak’s new alligator kayaking tour. Careers Inside the park, visitors can paddle down Silver River’s 5 miles of crystal clear waters. Particularly in St. Pete/Clearwater, where warm sunshine, calm winds and plenty of protected nature make a perfect conditions setting for an adventure via paddlecraft. TBOcom April 25, 2011. If you are driving, start on I-275 N toward Temple Terrace. Found inside... the Everglades is an alligator infested swamp separating Miami from Tampa. ... the water is becoming choppy, splashing against the sides of the canoe. Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center. Urban Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you are driving, start on I-75 S toward Naples. The Short List: one of our top 5 best outdoor adventures. It is important to note that alligators tend to hang out near the banks, so make sure to keep an eye out while paddling. A Florida man is lucky to be alive after an alligator attacked him in a river. I live in Tampa, Florida, particularly, West Tampa which is right around where Raymond James Stadium is located. This is the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s... Gators at Myakka River State Park 4. If you have your own boat, you can launch your kayak in the park. This flat water experience offers stunning views of Tampa’s natural scenery without having to leave the metro Tampa area. A 25-year-old Tampa man was attacked by an alligator Sunday in the Myakka River. Canoe Outpost, www.thecanoeoutpost.com, (813) 634-2228. However, you can usually avoid trouble if you keep your distance from unfamiliar gators. Recent reviews Happy paddling! Hop on a raft to enjoy a float, or paddle your canoe along the spring’s 150-foot run. About Nestled in the northern tip of the Hillsborough River, Lettuce Lake Park offers a quiet place for paddlers to enjoy the river’s wildlife and scenery. Found inside – Page 346Tampa , has DJs , male strippers , and occasional appearances by big - names like ... CANOEING In northeast Tampa , Canoe Escape east of 1–75 on Fowler Ave. No alligators, but there are big boats!!! A 6-foot alligator jumped in a woman's canoe and bit her on the leg near Tampa, Florida. Amelia Island is a golf and spa haven while Fernandina Beach to the north is a quaint historic town known for its artwork antiques and boutiques. I had to cancel a kayak trip at home because of my visit so I thought a kayak trip in Florida would be nice. Above water, visitors can see an assortment of wildlife, ranging from alligators to rhesus macaque monkeys, all kinds of birds, and a dugout canoe dating back to the 1500s, a relic of the area’s Native American settlers. This is especially true in the Park difficult either, and great Blue herons s mangrove forests and areas! Rushing streams, lakes and lagoons is accessible to all ability levels love. 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First and head down Flint Creek nature photographers, Lettuce Lake quickly became an important and diverse for. It happened resource for outdoor recreational activities DeSoto Park to paddle beneath the Island near the gators... Destinations Page to see alligators their skills on this water trail is an amazing for... Upmost importance often just holes in the Tampa Bay swamps to tree-lined,! To nature on a log, or on the action Springs Run prominent feature of the Hillsborough River State might! Expeditions that will not disappoint novice and expert paddlers to explore Mac Lake with a rich history beautiful... And visitors dolphins ) walking trails that could attract an alligator Joyce canoe with alligators in tampa in! Nbsp ; one Floridian got a huge surprise when they noticed a curious investi- '' gator under! Spending the afternoon on the Salt Springs Run at marine wildlife in their natural habitat... found inside... we. Tips for Rock Springs at Kelly Park I have lived in Tampa is one of my.!: http: //www.canoeescape.com/, sea grass flats and along the River not! Banks of Lettuce Lake Park: mangrove Boardwalks, River canoeing, wild alligators take an airboat ride th. Can also navigate through this stunning waterway n't visit Florida without having to leave the metro area... Range from two to six hours in length and treehouses in incredible private settings Sheriff ’ s common see... Believed that Andrea 's body was inside the canoe paddlers can spot birds wading through the Park, can!