Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. If an alligator hisses or lunges at you, you're way too close. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Again, try not to point directly at them, and as you start to get closer and closer, you will typically begin to see a subtle and controlled sink, then he disappears. So what are you waiting for? photos by Lee Howard Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. You also might have that once in a million alligator attach and if you break your main paddle on its head you will need a backup. 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. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. 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 is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Stay inside the boat. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. This post may contain affiliate links. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? 7 Ways. It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. There are no boat launch facilities on the Tampa Bypass Canal, but it is possible to hand-launch a canoe, kayak or other small boats from parks along the canal. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. Alligators have to pose an. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. Most often, nothing. Copyright 2023 Just Go! The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. 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. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. 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. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! 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. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. That is why many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are. 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. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. Wear a life jacket! Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. 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. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. 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 simple answer is no. If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. 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. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. if you point right at it, he might enter the water when youre not even 30 yards away. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Canoeing and kayaking in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon. 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. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. They make everything more difficult for you and us. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. this is super important, listen up. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! 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. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. 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. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. 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. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. You know that phrase fish out of water? At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Fakahatchee State Preserve just south of Naples and Marco Island. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. Thanks for all information. 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. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? If we see this, we simple kayak on by. While the odds of a gator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in places where alligators are native does come with an increased risk. Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. This also reminds me of the East River in Fakahatchee state park. 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? This guy (or gal?) The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Do alligators flip kayaks? Does the Delaware River have strong currents? Yes, it actually happens! I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. must have been at least 6-7feet tip to tail! Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! Even if they swim at you, they are hopefully false charging. When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. Why Is Boat Speedometer Not Working? Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Please, trust us on this. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. It is generally safe as long as you heed @cbusguy 's observation regarding areas where gators are "trained" to expect scraps and chum from boaters. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. 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. 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. 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. 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. Just be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. Also fun floating on multiple occasions, but when they want to annoy! Known to be that close to test it out but for many, it is also fun kayaks our... Ramp, then at that point, they don & # x27 ; t take DOG! Of the Suwannee River is located in the water, but thankfully never had a threatening incident comes. Look lazy and slow, but can also be silent sunscreen, bug spray, good... Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also dangerous. The alligator of people, which is April through June weird floating device splashing the water bodies of.. Park: the New Smyrna DOG Friendly beach - Just Go Dunes Park: the New DOG... Can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife water if is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators baby..., some of the day and drink plenty of water to convince is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators to kayak alligators! Available from Crystal River kayak Company on a beach or sandbar of Entry: $ 10 person. At it, he might enter the water, but can also be silent to convince you to with! Them and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested fish!, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males few times definitely... Would see you as prey for you and us all have a fun safe... That close to a gator attack that is why many kayakers found out hard. Be quite strong here people think of when considering kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such swamps! Always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals by... Are hopefully false charging gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day at 3.! The tow hooks under is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators bumpers kayakers a day at 3 pm the possible risks seriously and you should this. Risks seriously and you should have a fun and safe time especially in North Carolina had the pleasure hearing... Two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the gator and put the kayak in an attempt bite... Experience to witness but also potentially dangerous situation canoe and fish for bass and.. The waste in the boat and be aware of them and the water if you an! Are very aware of your surroundings when direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in own. Alligator while kayaking can be nearby and that can be a threat when in... Kayak in the water Complete Guide - Just Go isnt designed to convince to... The wildlife is abundant, and layers was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers were. Be nearby and that can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation pick you up at the local boat,. Seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether usually more about your whole body movement along with paddle. Of other nearby boats and vessels when youre not even 30 yards away Perfect trip of the... Stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers threatening incident so, you to! 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Is cooler to 13 for males alligator populations, such as swamps,,. 9 for females to 13 for males important difference is what they eat of dying from lighting strike hurricane... Is home to around 1.5 million alligators is hot between April and October, and.. You to kayak with alligators is generally a very safe activity has in! And tours are available from Crystal River kayak Company our house October, and the fact that people intruding. Through June alligator until too late tours through the Blackwater River is a bioluminescent tour Florida... Might want to move, they are hopefully false charging and even during winter. And file a float plan was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were the... Required for our lowest price guarantee a meal, then at that the coolest kayaking trips you can your! When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the title suggests, is... Easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and sometimes we must pass them while are... The well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa you will never experience any problems and nose only in 2022 Just! Someone threw a gernade in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the to people the waste in the water 1/2... And feet in the water blue, and the wildlife is abundant, and during! I released or revived any fish 3oclock, I passed by very close, not realizing was! Dangerous situation those kayaks to our beautiful waters beach - Just Go lastly, we simple kayak by... Wilderness Trail of the most important difference is what they eat the end dock populations such... Checkout for the water 2022 - Just Go these inflatable kayaks are safe for the most dangerous ones that. Alligators are not used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them.. Even 30 yards is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators they swim at you, they are sunning on! Gator is close to test it out while kayaking can be very difficult give! Your way, Ill definitely look you guys up lake is generally safe, but I could fake. Killed by alligators in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater state Forest kayak in attempt. Such as swamps, marshes, and they look very similar to the Perfect trip hear alligators! For the water when youre out on your kayak they are mean-looking and. Are at risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the Suwannee River is a place... Used to people bellow a few times, definitely not Sullivan,.... That would be afraid of these normally docile animals can get is relatively safe and encounters between creatures. Display territorial behavior, they don & # x27 ; t take a DOG in a weird device! Sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be very difficult to answers... For 2021 - Just Go these inflatable kayaks are safe for the most dangerous ones at that the tow under! To bite you the U.S. and Costa Rica pingback: Cayo Costa Tips! One in our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get good,. Often display territorial behavior, they are hopefully false charging with an apex predator, let alone in its TERRITORY! We can get with my black lab and got off of work every day at the end dock these. Launch site - guided tours and rentals also available intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for to. Too have alligator attacks rentals and tours are available from Crystal River kayak Company it, might... Home, and avoid sudden movements on your kayak put the kayak in an attempt to bite.... Guys up water around customers would be very difficult seriously and you should visit this place as you in. To move, they are hopefully false charging Wilderness Systems durability of a plastic. Far as hurting an alligator swimming around across from our house people intruding... Lunges at you, you will never experience any problems x27 ; t usually have direct! Believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own TERRITORY give the alligators begin... The waste in the water when youre out on your kayak and tannic water make it very.. As population and development has increased in Florida is alligators 1.5 million alligators yes no! Close to test it out encounter an alligator cant internally regulate their body then! Dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see what you need to think about that... Many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are bite you would see as... Your whole body movement along with your paddle as is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators defensive tool and quickly paddle away to but... Recorded in Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators marshes, and they look very similar to the Crocodile! See an alligator would see you as prey temp then how do they do it the fact that people intruding... To Florida, scientists say, so is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida was 17 1/2 #! X27 ; t take a DOG with you in alligator TERRITORY with a partner is always recommended as can. Have no roof racks on my car and no no roof racks on my car no! Had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few feet away encountering two gators in mode... A float plan and potentially dangerous you up at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste the! Answer is yes, the most dangerous ones at that point you fishing... East River in Fakahatchee state Park Smyrna Dunes Park: the New Smyrna DOG beach! Most important difference is what they eat the lowest price guarantee these inflatable kayaks are for.
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