is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators

Thanks for all the info! Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. CNN . That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. Know Now! This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. I wouldnt say more susceptible, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. 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. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Now, the larger older alligators will start to eat larger prey such as smaller white-tail deer, but a gator that is eating deer is probably over 11 to 12 feet. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. The alligator was . You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. if you point right at it, he might enter the water when youre not even 30 yards away. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. I hope this helps! By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. 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. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Since alligators eat fish. Most often, nothing. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. I was definitely nervous but figured it was scared to, plus it was a little cooler then so I figured its behavior was due to avoiding me. Yes, it is. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River These are also most often in high-traffic areas such as a retaining pond in a neighborhood or golf course where the alligator has lost its fear of humans. Similarly, if I see an alligator swimming back and forth quickly, snapping its jaws or, better yet, bellowing and vibrating the water with its back, You better believe Im going to go around that alligator. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Dropping your paddle shaft on the top of your kayak is the absolute best way to make noise, that sound will carry under water a long distance. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. I would stay away from it. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). 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. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. 1. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Just keep kayaking and stay alert. Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. For this reason, it's important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. The when-to and when-not-to point your kayak at an alligator was particularly informative to me. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. You are more than welcome to get in touch if you have anything you would like to contribute to this page, have any questions, or would like to experience kayak with alligators with us. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. 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. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. 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. Just be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . . They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. You also might have that once in a million alligator attach and if you break your main paddle on its head you will need a backup. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. 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. Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. No problem! You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. 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. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. This usually works for us and turns them away. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. Ive passed it three times now. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. 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. 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. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 5 Reasons to Know. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Locals can come to Haulover Canal to see manatees in the winter, and several tour groups offer manatee kayak tours including Get Up and Go Kayaking. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! 1. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 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. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. There are tons of alligators there, and the water is very tannic, with feet of detritus (rotting leaf matter) on the bottom. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? Please, let me explain. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. The same thing can happen in gator territory. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. Alligators live throughout Florida. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. Youre welcome. 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. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? 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If you jump right in the middle of that sheep battle, those sheep might very well start charging you. If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Keep your Distance. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. However, as with any outdoor . When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? Canoeing and kayaking in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon. Very grateful for the thorough advice. 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. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. 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 . The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. 1. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? 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 have had a couple of sightings of alligators. There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Please, trust us on this. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. You know water sports you know me! They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. Yikes! Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. Yes! This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Even if they swim at you, they are hopefully false charging. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. It might not be full-on mating season just yet, but at this time, gators are on the move, they are sizing up their neighbors, and they are looking for the prime waters throughout the glades. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? - Just Go! 7 Ways. 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. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. That is it! Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. 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. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. The sides of my kayak arent very high and it makes me nervous that one may come barreling out of the water and attack my kayak. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. 3. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Great article full of lots of good information. 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. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. The second time, a small turtle was on its back, so I wasnt 100% sure it was the alligator until the turtle slipped off into the water. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? Great article! Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. When people are kayaking in the Southern United States, one fear runs through everyone's minds.And that's what happens if I see an alligator.And for those who didn't know, yes, people kayak with alligators in the United States of America.But that opens the question, "Is it safe to kayak with alligat. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. 1) when they are basking beside water bodies. 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). Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. Always pay attention to your surroundings. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book one today! Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. They obviously dont want to eat you. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep!
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