As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. Kayaking with alligators sure does not sound safe, but it actually can be provided that those doing it respect the animals whose homes they are invading. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. Ralph 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. The next day we left so don't know if it returned. . Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Just be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers. After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. We try our best not to disturb them and have found the best way to keep them from entering the water is to not point your kayak directly at them and to utilize a smooth calm stroke. Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? 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. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? If this starts to happen, then the answer is yes, alligators can be dangerous to kayakers. The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! I will not be buying an inflatable for FL. We actually stand up in them to spot the manatees. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. Who feeds a wild Alligator? They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. If you jump right in the middle of that sheep battle, those sheep might very well start charging you. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. 3. If you are looking for a great place to kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an excellent choice. In the extreme circumstance that a large alligator lunges at or bites your boat, rap the alligator on its snout with your paddle and quickly paddle away. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . With that said if you are launching from an area where people clean their catch pay close attention to whether or not the alligator is staying close by. Still trying to build my confidence to hop on my kayak. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. you really put my mind at ease thank you! That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. This also reminds me of the East River in Fakahatchee state park. Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. 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 What does an agitated gator look or act like? Definitely difficult to answer those questions. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. It is not uncommon to paddle right over one without ever knowing it, on the other side of that on occasion, you can rub over ones back with your kayak or hit them with you paddle. 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. 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. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . 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. Very helpful. I use a hard plastic kayak. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. Yes, it does happen! Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. This site is a participant in the Amazon services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. 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. You could even have one swim directly at you. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. I am happy I was able to help you out! So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. Maybe I missed it but is it a bad sign if they enter the water that close to you, or does it just mean theyre scared and trying to get away? This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? Can You Sleep in a Kayak? Is it safe to kayak in Florida? I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. 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. I had to change my tactics on landing them. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. . You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. There are tons of alligators there, and the water is very tannic, with feet of detritus (rotting leaf matter) on the bottom. Great article full of lots of good information. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. 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? I love to see our wildlife, esp. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. Thanks for all the info Kyle. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? No need to get close and disturb them. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Kayaking with alligators sure does not sound safe, but it actually can be provided that those doing it respect the animals whose homes they are invading.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Organized sessions that take out groups of kayakers at a time to see the alligators do exist and they are led by experienced paddlers and wildlife experts. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. Is it Safe to Do. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. The Turner River here is a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day and ignoring them from only a few feet away. My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. Who feeds a wild Alligator? No problem! Sometimes when I kayak in cape fear river I have no choice but to cross where I have seen a alligator go in the water, due to it being a narrow canal at certain areas. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. They obviously dont want to eat you. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Great article! They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Search no more! What happens if you are kayaking and you see an alligator in the water? In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. I hope this helps! My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. . Copyright 2023 Just Go! If you are knowledgeable and avoid breeding season, can it be safe? Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Yikes! 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Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. I would stay away from it. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! While the idea. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. Average Kayak Speed: Whats the Average Kayaking Speed? Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. If you would prefer to do a kayaking tour in a saltwater environment, here are some great options: Florida springs are the real star of Florida kayaking. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. 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. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! The same thing can happen in gator territory. Thank you so much for the info! Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. If you see a weird elevated mound in the middle of a pond, you could and probably should consider that to be an alligator nest if a gator is nearby. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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. Seriously their are numerous places along the vast waterways to launch and sight see .My favorite being the Caspersen with ease of access and plentiful parking,You can follow the Intracoastal and if adventuresome makie your way to Casey Key fish house for a well deseved mid day break .Snook Haven is a . You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. 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. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. I recently moved to Florida from the Northeast where I was an avid kayaker and Im just itching to get on the water but terrified of alligators! As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. 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. Can You Kayak While Pregnant? By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. While climate change is a whole other story, one in which the forces of nature are again going to cause havoc to everything human, nature in the general sense of the word is also dangerous. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. 3. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. Thanks! Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. Alligators attacking kayaks is certainly not something we can say for sure has never occurred, no matter how much we wish it were so. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). The alligator was . It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. If you hear male alligators bellowing that means its the mating season and males will defend the best habitat and wont allow other gators and sometimes kayakers in their territory. 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.. Are Kayaks Safe from Alligators? 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. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. 1. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! Staying Active During Pregnancy, 11 Best Marine Carburetor for Your Boat 2023 High-rated Carburetors, Yamaha Outboard Ignition Switch Replacement: Perfect for Your Yamaha Outboard, Fulton Swing Tongue Failure: 3 Reasons With The Solutions, 13 Best Hydraulic Jack Plate 2023 Seamless Performance, Mercruiser Alpha One Lower Unit Oil Type Boost Engines Longevity, How To Tie Down a Kayak on a Roof Rack Kayak Transportation, How To Build a Boat Seat Box? 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. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. 10/22/2021. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. - Just Go! Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. Thank you! Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Is kayaking with alligators safe . Is Destin Florida safe to visit? Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action?
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