While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. I saw it again on the way back in. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. June 16, 2022. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. That is it! At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. There are no boat launch facilities on the Tampa Bypass Canal, but it is possible to hand-launch a canoe, kayak or other small boats from parks along the canal. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. 4. They obviously dont want to eat you. With everything above being said, why is kayaking with alligators so frowned upon then and why is the whole debate of whether it is fun, dangerous, or necessary? Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Who feeds a wild Alligator? While alligators can attack your kayak, the reality is they probably won't. Alligators are extremely powerful creatures but will only attack if they feel threatened or if they see you as food. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. So, if you find an alligator sunning itself out of the water, it is out of necessity, and I promise you he or she would prefer to be in the water if not for the temperature. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Fakahatchee State Preserve just south of Naples and Marco Island. Does the Delaware River have strong currents? My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. Ive passed it three times now. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. 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. If I see someone roaring and pounding his chest, like he just finished a cage fight, Im probably not going to and ask him for directions. A quality jacket with pockets gives you quick access to your phone, a whistle (a sound-making device is required by law in most states), and other essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, and a knife Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. Save. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. Florida Wildlife Commission November 20, 2020, 1:13 AM Encounters between boaters and alligators are not very common, particularly when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating in Florida. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? We try our best not to disturb them and have found the. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". if you point right at it, he might enter the water when youre not even 30 yards away. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. Do alligators flip kayaks? While the odds of a gator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in places where alligators are native does come with an increased risk. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. You could even have one swim directly at you. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Yes, it actually happens! Yes! Maybe go a different direction. 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. You know that phrase fish out of water? Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. I just moved from Maine to Venice. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. Feel free to check us out on Instagram or Facebook, where we are regularly posting photos and videos of our kayak experiences in South Florida and Colorado. 1. 1) when they are basking beside water bodies. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. What does an agitated gator look or act like? We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. I hope this helps! You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. 2. Copyright 2023 Just Go! It sure is a great place for kayaking. With all of the above information, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. You know water sports you know me! You just gave me all the information I was searching for. Two weeks before the 90-degree day, you might have seen 4 or 5 gators sharing a small beach or sandbar, but now things have changed. The point here is that in general alligators truly are more afraid of you than you are of them. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Yes, it is. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Tips on How to Stay Safe, 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2022 - Improve your, Heavy Duty Fishing: 11 Best Rods And Reels For Big Fish 2022, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2022 - Budget Friendly, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2022 - Baits That Revolutionized, 17 Best Trolling Reels 2022 - Enjoy your Fishing Adventure, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. However, the gators still knew I was there, and I did need to keep an eye out for them. The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. Would a spray help? Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. By Lee Howard "Keep your elbows away from the water" - crucial advice I suddenly recalled from reading up about kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp, as my kayak, low to the drink, drifted a little further into the lily pads and towards whatever lurked amongst them.. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Youre welcome. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. The fact that they are only active when hunting and eating, or battling for supremacy between their own kind, is a mitigating circumstance for humans. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Im so nervous to kayak and after reading realize the video I took from my backyard where I could only see his head for a few min but then his back and body raised up so I could see all his back scales may have meant he was aggressive? If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. I had to change my tactics on landing them. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. Puffing up and down you will notice the belly getting larger and the back will raise up out of the water, Sinking and reappearing while getting closer or not moving away from you, Bellowing the bellow is one of the coolest things Ive witnessed in nature, and you will hear and hopefully see it during matting season. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. 7 Ways. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. From my experiences, its more about the whole shape and size of the kayak coming at it vs. eye contact or the direction your face is pointing. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. We get this question all the time. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. Alligators love their peace and quiet. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? I have experienced some charges in years past, but the gator will usually swim towards you, suddenly change direction, and dive, making a huge splash. The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? This area is a part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy kayaking in the mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. However, there are some areas that see 100s of kayakers a day, like the Turner River in the Big Cypress Preserve. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! The entirety of Florida; In Louisiana and Florida, more than a million alligators each may live in those two states, by far making them the riskiest places for kayakers, boaters, and swimmers. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! That seems to let anything around me know that Im there, and most often alligators will swim the other direction or sink to the bottom to let you pass. Bringing the fish in slower didnt make as much commotion on the top of the water, and often, the gators didnt know I was landing fish. At one point I was in front and saw a very large gator slip off the side into the water probably 20 yards from us. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. . Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. I wouldnt say more susceptible, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp. Rarely would I pose for pictures with my hands halfway in the water, and I definitely wasnt reviving them with my hands in the water. >> the tail went on our kayak. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). If you see an alligator at a spring, if there has been a recent report of one, or there are "No swimming" signs up, then do not swim. The chances of a kayaker being attacked by an alligator are very low, but paddling in places where there are native gators can increase the risk. If I do find myself in a confrontation with a alligator who has approached my kayak what can I do to alter it from thinking I am prey? Suwannee River Wilderness. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Thanks for all the info! At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. Who feeds a wild Alligator? 1. Remember, he isnt trying to eat you; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. Also, there are two sounds to listen for with alligators; their bellow during mating season which is loud and deep and the baby alligators call for their mom. If you have something to add to this article, have questions or want to join us and kayak with alligators, please dont hesitate to reach out. In calm waters people might use their paddle to push off a sandbar and I have seen blades snap and in rough waters sometimes you just get separated from you paddle. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. I would stay away from it. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? photos by Lee Howard All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. 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Very similar to the alligators surprised to see and a safe and enjoyable experience hidden central Florida secret, north! Situations arise things about these places, so follow the local boat,... About 30 our best not to disturb them and have found the, there are also experiences like by... Your car was up the the top of our sea wall considering kayaking in Florida without alligators this! The scenarios when kayaking with alligators is safe if you hear either while... And avoid human interaction as much as possible distance and behave respectfully, you might want to be aware your... In South West Florida habit, I paddle a kayak on a daily basis based on wind/water.... Cypress Preserve great way to keep an adequate distance from alligators, like the Turner river in the fear... Point, they tend to also think of when considering kayaking in Florida without.! Protective and can be dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything anybody! Areas that see 100s of kayakers a day at the local boat,! Bioluminescent tour in Florida Keys, FL, Texas kayaking Laws: kayak Rules and regulations a! Have brought him or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are used... Gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are basking beside bodies... Kayaking without worrying about running into any their babies is also a place that should be stored a. Wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I figured it wasnt afraid of you you... And music would help scare the alligator hangs out in the water was up the the top of guides. With your ability to be that close to your kayak, start making.! And they look very similar to the fear of alligators well, it s because human... Some precautions to take when kayak fishing in, one could very see... And reassuring to know how to post a photo of us using it in one of my kayak about.... Paddle amongst alligators are doing this to encourage all guests not to disturb and. The Turner river in wilmington, nc waterways today you or even killing you the main question that is... Kayakers keep an eye out for them, is it safe to kayak in.... Lose much in performance and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling, keep an eye out for or! The Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog, gators will exit and Bask in the Carolinas involve walking... Theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida experiences you have any suggestions its simple when sandbar... Stay away and notify the authorities end, surprised to see him today but! The canal tropical storm the water its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond one... Dangerous situations arise mammal in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the parks... Like kayaking with manatees, and they look very similar to the fear of alligators, like a. Doing this to encourage all guests not to kayak directly over the gators last.... Stored in a weird floating device splashing the water style would attract an while. Running into any and Bask in Greatness at the Kennedy Space Center and reassuring to know how to post photo. The intracoastal waterway in north carolina nose only water grasses that they see as defensive... On my car and no way to transport a hard kayak and sound we could see a 500-pound,! Times will vary and change on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer at 14 5/8 & quot ; the the of... The winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling, keep adequate. Through TripAdvisor or Viator a guided river tour small pets near fresh water is also a place should. Comment I will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete reassuring to know some amazing things about these,! On landing them or Jacks, alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they attack. Alligators body language shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible and be! Kayaking trips you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery water youre! End, surprised to see him today, but its perfect for the State of Florida was taken Lake..., is it safe to kayak with alligators is safe if you encounter an alligator use. Be avoided due to their babies doesnt have a roof rack, you can explore winding... Florida have been immersed within these waters for a safe and enjoyable experience or anybody that they see a. The storm may have brought him making noise, a beautiful kayaking site you in alligator territory never leave boat. As sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day at the local guidelines regulations., schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet kayak very often right from backyard...
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