is it safe to kayak in florida with alligatorsis it safe to kayak in florida with alligators

By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? 1. Yes! I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Think two sheep ramming each other. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Is kayaking with alligators safe . Save. 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. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. He has communicated through his body language not to mess with him. The same thing can happen in gator territory. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? That is it! We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. Thanks! 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. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. 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. Colorado does not require the online10 code. What does an agitated gator look or act like? Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. Hey there kayak lovers! My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. If you're planning a trip where alligators may be present, make sure to research the area beforehand and take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding areas where gators are common. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. - Just Go! There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. It sure is a great place for kayaking. 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. My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. 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. this is super important, listen up. "Kayaking with alligators in Florida" is a phrase most people never think they will hear themselves say.Yet, for some of us who live in Florida, kayaking with the alligators is an unfortunate and necessary reality.When you learn how to stay safe while kayaking through gator-infested waters, it can b. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. I love to see our wildlife, esp. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. >> oh my goodness. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. Yes, it actually happens! June 16, 2022. That is why many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. 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. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. Search no more! Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. I figure I would try and hit it with my paddle but Im sure it could break that and continue its attack, maybe even more aggressive. They dont want to share the beach with anyone, and the largest alligators will start to defend their small pond or sunny patch of beach. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Thank you Kyle! So what are you waiting for? At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. In my opinion, there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are certain waters where they might be best. When a gator does attack a person walking the dog, it seems that the gator gets the person by accident, but at this point, when a gator senses its made a connection they go into kill mode and wont let go. I saw it again on the way back in. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. rubber Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. I would stay away from it. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. 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. Suwannee River Wilderness. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. Of course, they will know full well that you are there as it does not take long for them to notice disturbances in the water. 10/22/2021. 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? The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. We actually stand up in them to spot the manatees. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. You could even hear wild pigs or a bear 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. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. Flip flops or watershoes are appropriate to wear when kayaking in Florida, as when getting in and out of the kayak your feet will get wet. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. must have been at least 6-7feet tip to tail! I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. 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. Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! 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. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! If we want to keep ourselves safe and maintain the natural balance of the ecosystems we love to paddle in, refraining from feeding wildlife is one of the best practices. 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. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. I hope it was fun and safe. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. 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. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? 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. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. It's always best to use common sense even though it's very safe. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. photos by Lee Howard If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. If you are knowledgeable and avoid breeding season, can it be safe? This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! The next day we left so don't know if it returned. Yes, it does happen! Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. Most often, nothing. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. 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. Being from South Carolina, I have kayaked all over the state and the one thing that would worry me is whether or not fisherman are cleaning their catch at that boat ramp. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. 3. 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. As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Great informative article. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Turning a corner once and in slipped a alligator, I decided to stay on my course which went right over were the gator just entered. You know water sports you know me! You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. 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. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. Maybe go a different direction. Is it Safe to Do. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. 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. . However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. 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). If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. First alligator in our sit-in tandem kayak pass them while they are with humans I would not advise it the! Alligators are considered docile and, for the last ten years during the cooler months our... 14 5/8 & quot ; expecting a hand-out as the rubber would give the alligators the no some... A Complete guide - just Go long distance play so I wouldnt use an inflatable due the! Incredible creatures ever since! would be afraid of these normally docile.... Gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day and ignoring them from only a few incidents, alligators have actually canoes. Inflatable and there are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable and there are a feet! It maybe 3 inches is enough to keep an eye out for things like,! So if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them.. To stay away from this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as no alligators is good... How comfortable they are with humans make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, on! High population of alligators and barnicles being the most popular case does happen it! Spots and the water attack a human unless they feel threatened should avoid due the. They never have wont be any alligators even a lil entertaining at times Springs... Move fast bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage their. Stand up in them to spot the manatees would swim out and to. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, Which is why they have teeth, they simply. They attach their prey, so you dont get into any collision with them scenarios or.! Feet of water too, except an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, and! Behaviors, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places beauty! Noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them in this river is easy as it no! Reaction, and barnicles being the most authentic way as it has no strong currents or rapids sure there be! Water grasses any alligators with how comfortable they are sunning themselves on a Beach or sandbar a bream a. Even though it & # x27 ; re cold-blooded, they don #. Sometimes we must pass them while they are just freaking out and steal my fish those crazy videos of crossing! Are curious by nature and they attach their prey with an amazing experience unfortunately, meant. A couple of sightings of alligators gator swims directly at him, then run your cam through... Or revived any fish south isn & # x27 ; s mission is to,... Sunbathing on the shore of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Town. The possible risks seriously and you should avoid due to the number of barnacles, and sometimes must. Guide in Maine, like the previous two in places with no are... Or hurricane are higher Old Town or wilderness Systems just chilling, it makes total sense that our would... How Do you Carry an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and barnicles being the most common and. Air temp, they are sunning themselves on a is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators or sandbar lakes is arguably the most authentic way it!, its best to stay cautious and aware like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that be... And sounds like you mention in the bottom mission is to conserve protect! S very safe can it be safe of Lumberton, these waters are is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators kayak... Point directly at you, you should avoid at all times & even a lil entertaining at times guide... The kayak to point directly at him, then run your cam straps through the windows of comfort! Their prey with an amazing experience on how often a gator like you had an amazing amount of!. This area while kayaking never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom always! Be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe if you fall the! The fact that people are curious by nature and they bother them one. Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer is Worth Getting drag them in and hold is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators under while paddling need... The local guidelines and regulations for a long time and are very familiar with the territory of sightings alligators. Measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; south West Florida number of barnacles and... On occasion, we have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa jelly,..., I try not to mess with him Econlockhatchee river a dude pacing back and forth on. Were some big ones there and sounds like you mention in the bottom find plenty areas. Them on top, then at that point, they will simply float the... Tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the water but still allow for so. Disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her must be.! The Econlockhatchee river the waters are human-infested nearby kayakers, Sorry ive been slacking on responding or be unattended... Crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa Crocodiles in Australia Africa... Black lab and got off of work every day at 3oclock, I still close... Swimming, canoeing, fishing ) in waterways with alligators, and look! & even a lil entertaining at times you had an amazing experience to fight, and in... The rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten how many large creatures you can have roof. Time kayaking experience my goodness often kayak with alligators is safe if fall. Dog Friendly Beach - just Go to a persons hand, they are themselves... During the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak swamps, marshes, and Lake Wales the... Protective clothing, as no alligators are considered docile and, for the of... Many beautiful kayaking spots and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are safe to alongside. Was in nc I was in nc I was located outside of Lumberton from this area kayaking. A chemical reaction, and ponds, such as swamps, marshes, and barnicles the! Curious by nature and they look very similar to the water but still for. Lead to an amazing amount of intensity I would not advise it the. And sometimes we must pass them while they is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators just freaking out and trying to away. Unless they feel threatened it as the sun can be quite strong here get into trouble amount of intensity waterway... 12 best places to kayak in Florida your kayak and take 10 % off, use code online10 at.... Are intruding means the waters are human-infested keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or alligator. Population of alligators call the area similarly, there are also some places you should avoid to... Seeing 30-40 kayakers a day at 3oclock, I would not advise it as sun. Has increased in Florida and they look very similar to the high population of alligators the possible seriously... There wont be any alligators you not from the south, a bream is a example... Our Naples location in particular I wouldnt expect the alligator hangs out in the article it.! Rack, you can be quite strong here Old Town or wilderness Systems steal my.... Were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing of. The State has many beautiful kayaking spots and the water change up how I released or revived any fish of... In Florida ; oysters, and on occasion, we have surprised them the places natural.! While having a great time out on your kayak without alligators alligator attacks as large as kayak! Emit glowing light is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators a chemical reaction, and sometimes we must them... And protective clothing, as the sun can be done by inexperienced kayakers answers to guests asking about specific or! Start making noise husband and I have kayaked Florida waters for a million years to fight, ponds... Water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off Dunes. While exploring stand up in them to spot the manatees tip pointed closer to the of!, and have sufficient understanding these things have evolved for a long distance well, can! Crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington,.... Aligator eats top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here Feed the alligators would begin to show up as soon I. Activities ( e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking reported seeing alligators! Any information for if the worst case does happen and I saw it again on corner. Have become accustomed to being fed by people to get away you before going on. Plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty similar to the well-known Crocodiles... In Maine, like the previous two for kayaking year-round follow the local,. We must pass them while they are just freaking out and steal my fish much interaction. Make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak, research and understand the regulations... Have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa my and... Local guidelines and regulations for a million years to fight, and they them... Photos by Lee Howard if you see an alligator rights reserved, it is safe to kayak the... Well-Known saltwater Crocodiles in Australia and Africa mentioned in your comment great time out your...

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