Kayaking in the Everglades National Park has become more and more popular over the past few years. And with good reason: The park is only a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, making it very accessible to kayakers of all levels and giving people an opportunity to see alligators up close and personal (that is how Everglades is unique and so dangerous for novices).
Key Takeaways
- The Everglades is a subtropical wetland located in Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico
- The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering 1.5 million acres of marsh and open water in South Florida
- The Everglades has four seasons: dry season, wet season, hurricane season, and cold season
- The mangrove forests, tropical islands, and pristine beaches have made The Everglades an excellent kayaking and tourist destination
The Best Time To kayak In Everglades
The Everglades is a great place to visit in November-April. Temperatures range from 77°F to 53°F and the humidity is usually low. The skies are usually clear and the air is typically found great from December to March.
The Everglades experience four distinct seasons: dry season (November to April), wet season (May to October), hurricane season (July through November), and cold season (December through February).
Make A List Of 10 Things To Consider Before Kayaking In Everglades (And Safety Tips)
Weather Of Everglades For Kayaking
If you are thinking of kayaking in the Everglades in Florida, it is important to be aware of the weather conditions. The best time to go kayaking is during the winter months when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is less frequent.
Experience Level Required
Though some people may find it easy, kayaking in the Everglades can be a bit tricky. The terrain is difficult and there are many hidden dangers such as alligators, snakes, and sharp vegetation. There are many types of kayaks you can rent to suit your needs and skill level. If you are new to kayaking, it is best to rent a tandem kayak with an experienced paddler.
Physical Fitness Of You To Kayak In Everglades
In order to successfully kayak in Everglades, it is necessary to have a high level of fitness. It’s important to be in shape so that you can paddle all day long and not get exhausted. You might want to consider building endurance and strength by exercising on a regular basis before taking on this challenge. The Everglades region is a place of many natural wonders. The mangrove forests, tropical islands, and pristine beaches all make the Everglades a tourist destination. However, the Everglades is also an area that requires physical fitness to kayak in it.
When A Spotter Is A Must.
Florida is a great place to kayak because of its natural beauty and the many different kayaking adventures you can enjoy. However, it can be hard to know what’s dangerous and what’s not – that’s where your spotter comes in. They’ll help you stay safe, by watching out for hidden dangers beneath the surface or in the trees and calling out instructions as you go.
Safety Equipment
Paddles, life jackets, and a spare paddle are all safety equipment required while kayaking in the Everglades.
Precaution To Predator Safety
The Florida Everglades are a beautiful landscape filled with uncommon wildlife. Despite being the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, it is also home to many predators and hazards. It’s crucial that you stay safe while kayaking in Everglades National Park by taking precautions like utilizing mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants when necessary. If you’re planning on kayaking in the Everglades, it’s important to be cautious to avoid any potential predators who may be lurking nearby. It’s a good idea to keep your food, trash, and other scents contained while on the water. Many people also find that wearing camouflage clothing or face paint can help keep you concealed from any nearby predators.
The Best 10 Kayak Rentals In Everglades
| Serial | Rental’s Name | Phone/Address |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everglades Swamp Tours – Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale | +1 305-849-0135 |
| 2 | Garl’s Coastal Kayaking | +1 305-393-3223 |
| 3 | Everglades Adventures Kayak & Eco Tours | +1 239-294-8487 |
| 4 | Nine Mile Pond Trail | 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, United States |
| 5 | Everglades National Park | +1 305-242-7700 |
| 6 | Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center | +1 305-242-7700 |
| 7 | Tours in the Glades | +1 305-248-8458 |
| 8 | Jenny’s Eco Everglades Wilderness Tours | +1 239-719-0565 |
| 9 | FLAMINGO AT EVERGLADES | +1 855-708-2207 |
| 10 | Tour The Glades – Private Wildlife Tours | +1 239-260-4577 |
FAQs & Answers
Can You Kayak In The Everglades?
Yes, you can kayak in the Everglades!
The Everglades is a subtropical wetland ecosystem occupying much of southern Florida. It is roughly the size of Ireland and is characterized by streams, swampy forests, wetlands, and tropical hardwood trees.
Is It Safe To Kayak In Everglades, Florida? (Or Is It Dangerous?)
The Everglades National Park is a great place to kayak. The park has many different types of ecosystems that are home to manatees, crocodiles, and alligators. The only way to be safe while kayaking in the everglades is to stay on the designated paths because there are many hidden hazards like sinkholes and wildlife that could pose a threat.
We should always use caution when we kayak in the Everglades. While it may be tempting to explore, this isn’t a good idea because there are many hidden dangers like sinkholes or wildlife that can cause harm. We should always stay on the designated paths for safety.
If you love kayaking, then you need to be careful when doing so in this area of Florida so that you don’t get into a dangerous situation.
In order to kayak safely in the Everglades, there are some things that you need to remember:
– Don’t go too close to any of the bodies of water because there might be alligators or crocodiles swimming around in them
– Watch out for canals underwater as well because they can be just as dangerous as the ones above the surface.
Where Can I Rent A Kayak In The Everglades?
Visiting the Everglades for the first time can seem overwhelming. There are so many different things to do and see, not to mention the wildlife that you are likely to encounter.
The best way to start is by renting a kayak from one of the many Florida Everglades tour companies that offer this service. This will give you an opportunity to explore parts of this beautiful area in a fun and adventurous way!
Do Alligators Flip Kayaks In Everglades?
It is not uncommon to see alligators in the Everglades. They are actually encouraged by the National Park Service because they keep down the rodent population.
Alligators do not flip kayaks, but it has been known they to knock at the bottom of the kayak often. So, don’t get afraid and follow your tour guide throughout your kayaking.
A video that has been seen over 75k times on YouTube showcasing an alligator flipping a kayak went viral and it left many wondering if it is a real video. And see how 911 helped that girl.
Can A Shark Knock You Off A Kayak?
There are actually many cases of people being attacked by sharks in kayaks, but fortunately for us, it’s not because sharks find us appetizing. Kayakers can be attacked because they represent competition for food and territory as well as being in their habitats. This is why we need to be aware of what’s underneath the water when we paddle our way through shark territory.
References:
- https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/canoe-and-kayak-trails.htm
- https://www.floridarambler.com/kayaking-in-florida/kayak-everglades-national-park-2/
Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!