Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book one today! Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Great informative article. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. If you notice an alligator that approaches people or shows no wariness when people are nearby, you can report it to the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. What does an agitated gator look or act like? Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. 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. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Should I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my paddle? If you jump right in the middle of that sheep battle, those sheep might very well start charging you. 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. I love to see our wildlife, esp. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. This usually works for us and turns them away. Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. 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. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. You know that phrase fish out of water? They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. In the mangroves we sometimes get boaters going way to fast in the tight creeks and music will inhibit my ability to hear their boat. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Please, trust us on this. This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. 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. 10/22/2021. Let me rephrase that, these are the scenarios when you should take extra precautions when kayaking with alligators and when you should pay closer attention to their body language and your surroundings. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. I had actually thought the noise was an old, maybe even exhaustless vehicle rattling on the highway . That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. We actually stand up in them to spot the manatees. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. 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. 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. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. 3. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. Ive passed it three times now. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. 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. Would a spray help? What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? 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. In June I was solo kayaking through Lil Big Econ Forest from the Canoe Launch on County Rd 419 all the way to snow hill rd. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. That very easily could be an alligator fight. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! Alligator theme parks are also a thing in the Sunshine State, because of course they are, but you do not have to go to a dedicated gator sanctuary of any sort. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. From what I've read, it's also much safer than I would have believed. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. 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. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Why Is Boat Speedometer Not Working? 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. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. Please, let me explain. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. I wouldnt say more susceptible, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. - Just Go! 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. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. - Just Go! Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. 2023 KayakPaddling.net 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. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. 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. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. 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 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. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. Alligators attacking kayaks is certainly not something we can say for sure has never occurred, no matter how much we wish it were so. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. 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. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. Great article, thank you. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. 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. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. Thank you Kyle! Female alligators are great mothers, and they will defend their nest and young. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. 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. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. They make everything more difficult for you and us. #1 Never Feed Alligators #2 Leave Your Dog At Home #3 Try To Avoid Alligator Territory #4 Leave Them Alone During Mating Season #5 Keep A Healthy Distance #6 Don't Make The Alligator Feel Cornered | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Wear a life jacket! And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. . Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. . Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. must have been at least 6-7feet tip to tail! Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. 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. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. you really put my mind at ease thank you! If you are knowledgeable and avoid breeding season, can it be safe? Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. Silver Springs is a great place to see manatees in the winter and is a family friendly kayaking destination, known also for its glass bottom boat tours and controversial rhesus monkey population. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. 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 It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. 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. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. 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. If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. I would stay away from it. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. Most alligators that slip into the water ahead of the arrival of a kayak are taking refuge on the river or lake bottom until the 'hazard' passes. No problem! We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. 1. Had the gator not entered the water I probably wouldnt have noticed until we were just a few feet away from the bank he/she was sitting on, which is scary considering we kept getting caught up in trees and plants in the water. It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. This post may contain affiliate links. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! 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. Thank you. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. 3. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". Alligators live throughout Florida. The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened.
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is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators