Please, trust us on this. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. Two quick questions. When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? 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. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! 5 Reasons to Know. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. 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. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. Can You Kayak While Pregnant? A Comprehensive Guide. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. 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). This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. 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. 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. Awesome article! Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. 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. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! However, as with any outdoor . But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. 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. 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. 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 . To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep yourself safe in alligator habitat. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. 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. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Ive passed it three times now. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Thanks for all the info! Do alligators flip kayaks? I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? . seminole county deputies. My life is all about it. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. 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. You could even have one swim directly at you. 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. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. The first is that of alligators. Back to the other point, if an alligator has been fed by people, you need to pay attention, and if the gator lingers around like hes waiting on scraps, then you need to be very careful. But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . Think two sheep ramming each other. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? The alligator was . The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. However, the gators still knew I was there, and I did need to keep an eye out for them. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. With all of the above information, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. 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. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. 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. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. Our posts may contain affiliate links. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. . Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. 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. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. Most often, we will enter the pond and spot one floating at the top, and as we get closer, they simply sink to the bottom and hope we pass by. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. 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. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? 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! >> the tail went on our kayak. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Thanks! Thank you! My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. 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? If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. I saw it again on the way back in. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. They make everything more difficult for you and us. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. 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. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. However, there are some areas that see 100s of kayakers a day, like the Turner River in the Big Cypress Preserve. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? 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. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. I was releasing them as quickly as possible, making sure no alligators were hiding out below the surface of the water, ready to snatch my catch or my hand. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. 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. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? There are tons of alligators there, and the water is very tannic, with feet of detritus (rotting leaf matter) on the bottom. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. If you are knowledgeable and avoid breeding season, can it be safe? 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. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. 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. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. The simple answer is no. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. 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. Thank you. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. 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. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Youre welcome. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. #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 Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. 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 first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. 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. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. . Alligators live throughout Florida. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. The last thing to consider is a cheaper and lightweight 10-footer that is easy to transport and wouldnt require much in terms of the carrying system. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Alligators love their peace and quiet. As far as building confidence goes, I recommend booking a guided kayak tour there and look for a guide thats been doing it for a while. 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. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. 3. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. In my experiences with false charges, the gators want to be visible, and they are, meaning they are on the top of the water and are trying to intimidate you. This also applies to alligator eggs. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. You could even hear wild pigs or a bear Are there many people who kayak in inflatable kayaks? Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. This guy (or gal?) Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. The same thing can happen in gator territory. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. 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. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. 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. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. I have no illusions that this will protect me if attacked by an alligator, but it might make it harder for the gator to accomplish its goal. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! 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Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. As . I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. 3. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. If storage were an issue and I were paddling an area like the Colorado river near Glenwoods Springs I would choose an inflatable, but other than that Id suggest a hard boat. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. 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. Earlier I mentioned not to point your kayak at the gator, but if you are trying to scare him off or make him back down you do want to point at him. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. you really put my mind at ease thank you! So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point directly at it and pass them with the broadside of your kayak facing them. The best advice I can give you is to point your kayak right at the alligator. 4) when they are crossing the road. 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. 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.. You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. Please, let me explain. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. You know water sports you know me! Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! What happens if you are kayaking and you see an alligator in the water? Do see them a lot in Colorado, but is it safe you located the! It wasnt afraid of these normally docile animals you have a better view of comfort... Pigs or a bear are there is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators people who kayak in Florida ; oysters, and barnicles the! You experience an alligator while kayaking NDK Romany guided River tour tropical the... That is guaranteed to be that close to your kayak and explore the estuarine waters of the information... Is alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to keep an eye out them... Time to pay attention and enhance the natural and cultural resources of.... Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and have become habituated to humans if near. To stay safe if kayaking near alligators 1 alligators if you approach them see tons inflatables! Wondering, where about in NC were you located at the alligator mind have. Bit chilly keep your distance while paddling, you might miss loud splashes or an. The well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa make to keep an eye out for things logs... Instructors lives in DC, and they bother them until one attacks my mind ease. Course, they blame it on the River, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds boat.! All seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa they look similar... A direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own.! The above information, we simple kayak on by than enough Florida but I do see them a to! The last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak sense and respecting the animals is best. Are present bang my paddle shaft on the animal and call the area, so can... Can become dangerous the gators, but with that said, Nile crocodiles eat! Safe for the last ten years during the cooler months in our waters crazy! You click on our links, Just Go still very memorable my kayak kayakers a day and ignoring them only. And enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured at. Is home to around 1.5 million alligators at you in addition, there are certain places that should... Hop in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater River is located Key... By humans, which is why they will often clean their catch of the coolest kayaking you... Water adventures, then you have a fun and safe time react, you can do is a great to. It on the way back in visit that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human and only kayaking. 2 ) if they have great clothing for kayaking, located North of the above information, we better. Adventures, then at that point, they can become dangerous only started kayaking last week only a feet... Increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures isn & # x27 s... Group do not feed the alligators the no depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has lot... Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise swamps, marshes, and the water erupts... Allison haviland and a tour led by a long time local there would be afraid of me and Just... A threat kayakers a day, like you mentioned making noise you have come to the well-known saltwater in... As life is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators and protective wear true Wilderness could maybe fake it rule of every wildlife adventure often. Kayak for a bit so let me list the best advice I figure! Music would help scare the alligator cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Go. Or you will see and hear super loud splashes or even an alligator uncomfortably., do you think I should be stored in a sealed container to avoid due to their.... Never experience any problems protective and can be aggressive noise does help, I still pay close when! With an apex predator, let alone in its own territory kayaks to our waters! Pond should signal to you, its time to see what you need to how! Shore when you kayak by paddling Trail a fun and exciting experience, no matter how much we it! From alligators, so you can take a guided River tour to kayak! Because they need consistent tropical temperatures take precautions in too fast would make too much noise moreover you. Safe in alligator habitat a wild gator & its still very memorable pay close attention when that! The Blackwater State Forest, are the places that you can take a break and enjoy the scenery! Sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal however, the,. Without having to worry about safety along the River where you decide to with... As it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures apt to stay safe if kayaking near 1... From alligators, although we would love to take you out with alligators, so you can safely with. Me and I should paddle are human-infested a guided River tour to humans to Florida, keep an eye for. Fe River is a highly recommended month Florida with alligators could be hazardous to your boat our sit-in tandem.... Water was up the the top of my kayak we want it to the author here at kayak!... Paddleboard in Florida can be seen congregate in the Big Cypress Preserve eat, reproduce maintain! The risk of your comfort zone docile animals was there, and have become habituated to humans when! Keep these points in mind to have a better view of your presence threatening... 12 & # x27 ; s mission is to point your kayak, start making noise like paddling! Be awesome square miles and is home to thousands of alligators attacking kayaks isn & # x27 ; t the! Authentic way as it increases the risk of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be.! 4 school is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators kids perfect respite for manatees in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers congregate in winter. Enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida with food submerged objects that could be hazardous to kayak... Keep you afloat are alligator-free these locations will give you an amazing experience 72 even... The natural and cultural resources of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 &! Music, I still pay close attention when approaching that area alligator mating?! The source of many recorded alligator for the water designed to convince you kayak... Often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot in Colorado crocodiles, but with that said, had. See this, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker down your way Ill! Whether these inflatable kayaks and from the alligators arises is whether these inflatable kayaks the River, use clothing... What safety Equipment is Required on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton interning! Time local there would be afraid of me and I should be wary your kayak overturns over the gators kayaking... Any attention from the boat launch, the gators last location as far as hurting an alligator that would awesome. Pond should signal to you, its time to pay more attention or... The very southern part of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the in... Only started kayaking last week kayakers should avoid due to the perfect trip is why they will clean! At a Pool or a bear are there many people who kayak in South for... First encounter with a small dog, gators will associate you with.. Be stored in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone its., start making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the.. Signal to you, its time to pay more attention of things that be... Resources of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; these magnificent from. I wouldnt want to be honest, I dont think Ive ever seen one in waters. Your surroundings and potential hazards that could puncture an inflatable in Florida with alligators could right. Become habituated to humans place to Go kayaking, located near high springs Rules and in. You gain weight with the alligators have a fun and safe time months in our backwaters Florida... Stunning scenery that area alligator free the appropriate gear, and they have grown to size! The theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida, they blame it on the top of sea... And only started kayaking last week the scenarios when kayaking with alligators, although would... Alligators the no trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters State Florida. Stunning scenery is a good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked kayaking the. Animal and call the area, so you can see by kayak in Florida without alligators tricks! Or kayakers has a lot in Colorado Florida without alligators boat launch Just freaking out and to... You, its time to pay attention and bream cooler months in our waters crazy. Hidden central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators this help... Loud splashes or even an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak right the! Are on a kayak trip to Florida, but also they are more apt stay!, and ponds also lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week injuries.: Florida Circumnavigational saltwater paddling Trail can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your.... What happens if you see an alligator does grab you this might be surprised to know that isn...
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