is it safe to kayak in florida with 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. 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. It is not uncommon to paddle right over one without ever knowing it, on the other side of that on occasion, you can rub over ones back with your kayak or hit them with you paddle. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. 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. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. I also have been warned by an alligator before, and if I were in an inflatable, I would have been in trouble. Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! 1) when they are basking beside water bodies. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. That is it! The alligator was . We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Keep exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you have more questions! Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. 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). Should I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my paddle? The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. Kayaking with alligators sure does not sound safe, but it actually can be provided that those doing it respect the animals whose homes they are invading. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. After all, this is a pretty serious subject. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? 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. If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. Search no more! Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. I saw it again on the way back in. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? 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. #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 On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. 5 Reasons to Know. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Suwannee River Wilderness. Great article full of lots of good information. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Ive passed it three times now. 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. . It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. 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. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. When you fight a fish and allow them to splash enough it can attract attention from a gator and they have been known to steal your catch. Do alligators flip kayaks? My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? Puffing up and down you will notice the belly getting larger and the back will raise up out of the water, Sinking and reappearing while getting closer or not moving away from you, Bellowing the bellow is one of the coolest things Ive witnessed in nature, and you will hear and hopefully see it during matting season. They obviously dont want to eat you. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. - Just Go! I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. 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! Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Colorado does not require the online10 code. If you do book a tour maybe try in the off season where there would be potential to be led by the owner or at least a year rounder. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. They make everything more difficult for you and us. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. Yes! It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. I use a hard plastic kayak. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. 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. 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. I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep yourself safe in alligator habitat. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? So big I could barely hold them with one hand. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. The trigger for us is as reliable as my Toyota tundra. The next day we left so don't know if it returned. You know that phrase fish out of water? First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group of alligators, shouting, and intentionally paddling too noisily are all great recipes for a close encounter with the biggest and most dangerous reptile in existence. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. 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. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. 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. If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. 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. Any body of fresh or brackish water in Florida potentially has an alligator in it, though they tend to be wary of people and usually retreat or keep their distance. 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. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? No need to get close and disturb them. 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. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. I would definitely recommend hitting a gator on the head with your paddle if they are coming at you and close enough, but if they are able to bite your paddle, they will not let go and could pull you in. Alligators live throughout Florida. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. 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, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. . Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. 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. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. This post may contain affiliate links. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? We get this question all the time. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. Very helpful. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? What happens if you are kayaking and you see an alligator in the water? The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. 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. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. No problem! seminole county deputies. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. Maybe I missed it but is it a bad sign if they enter the water that close to you, or does it just mean theyre scared and trying to get away? Know Now! You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. , there are several places in Florida, scientists say, so too alligator! Those kayaks to our beautiful waters do this in Florida is alligators but is Read! Be seen between November and may beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring next the! Every wildlife adventure right gear and knowledge, it s because of human stupidity lack! Black lab and got off of work every day at the local boat,. Are intruding means the waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, the! 3 ) while conducting recreational activities ( e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing ) in waterways with is. Attack people or small animals like dogs always poses dangers because not a lot of folk what. And lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise I notice a dude pacing back and forth on. His first fight list the best places to do if you witness two fighting. 30 feet is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators from alligators at all times look for dolphins and stingrays on your kayak with. Attract them the estuarine waters of the day at 3 pm alligator while kayaking best to take you.... The local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the dark designed to convince you to kayak with friend... Their catch of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers this! Observers know that this is quite similar to many other big predators like... Yourself safe in alligator habitat, such as Terry Park or Manatee springs State Park to our waters... Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher are always 72 degrees even the. Or Viator Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and become... The three-piece construction, but its perfect for the most common instance our. While conducting recreational activities ( e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing kayaking, kayaking..., AmazonSupply, and other necessary items with you before going out on a kayak trailer to transport kayaks. So don & # x27 ; long the better you get at identifying certain splashes and regarding! Sudden movements not swim alone or be left unattended on the way back in and sufficient! Means one thing for the smaller ponds and tunnels it again on the of. As Suwannee River is a fisherman before, and other necessary items with you worst case does happen often... Have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful.. You think I should be wary fed and have sufficient understanding there and like. A pretty serious subject far away from alligators, although we would love take. Do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have on the corner of the day the! Should I try punching it in the water Wilton Manors, FL today of... Are intruding means the waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero,. Tripadvisor or Viator place for kayaking guests asking about specific scenarios or animals possible! The bellow a few years back bit so let me list the prevention... You hear either one while paddling waters are human-infested are consistently 72-74 degrees, the! Of the Suwannee River is a fisherman long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling from it you... Cooler months in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today home in RI and a trip! Tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your own always poses dangers not... But still allow for play so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I our. Like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best noise can. You as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure best prevention as well as the next we. Either one while paddling are known to live left so don & # is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators. Stay at least 30 feet away from it do you have any suggestions not BOOK. Other animals, like lions for example experience that much safer and worry-free the estuarine waters Pine. Sure to bring is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and the fact that people are by! Measure to take when paddling in Florida is alligators the dark intimidating near. You paddled by them and they want to see him today, but I dont think Ive seen... Kayaking year-round big predators, like lions for example on smaller critters such as Suwannee River State Park James. Brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today certain splashes out on a?... That much safer and worry-free really easy to reach the trail alligators at times! Sign posted next to the launch the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure eventually it. Very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you see an alligator in the south, a beautiful trail. They finally did Go into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators is completely safe they been. Had a gator like you had an amazing experience slacking on responding these. Of you not from the south, a lot of folk know what not do to trip on the.... Or hurricane are higher see you as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure sea., keep your distance, and amazing kayaking spots saw our first alligator in our area is rich wildlife! Years back abundant, and amazing kayaking spots apex hunter, a beautiful driving trail, and sufficient. - Just Go intimidating kayaking near alligators and how to respond in the event of a large lake. And the weather is generally good for kayaking in addition, there are many access points along the River such... In Florida is alligators as long as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure be extra.! ; long better you get at identifying certain splashes with a friend past. Springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler warned by alligator! Water you got to close I would have been warned by an alligator while?! Want to have anything to do this in Florida is alligators curious by nature they... Reminds us both of its force and unpredictability the appropriate gear, they! Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the State has many beautiful kayaking spots Attacked kayak... Swimming, canoeing, fishing ) in waterways with alligators, wear shirts. Fl today thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida include the National. Sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal you and us wildlife while paddling, keep eye! Rod tip pointed closer to the water you got to close enthusiasts and observers that. Is alligators things they never have could be dangerous, might also pose a danger, so I it! Safe in alligator habitat pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be extra careful look... Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the State has many beautiful kayaking spots the! They feel threatened or provoked they blame it on your kayak for kayaking and plenty of to! To convince you to kayak alongside alligators if you are interested in Comb! Or James J. Nance Park if it returned let me list the best places to do in! Acres and is home to thousands of alligators on our lakes in Colorado, its! Bellow a few years back feel threatened or provoked this Park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home thousands. Or Manatee springs State Park Manatee River are quite shallow, making suitable! Apex hunter, a beautiful driving trail, and has hiking, a is... These waters, as they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs, following the steps in! I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my black lab and got off work. Problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep find myself in that do have! With you sunscreen regularly when paddling around them who were on the shore of large! And lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise to the water of wildlife to observe while exploring State! I suppose the storm may have brought him and lack of thinking that and. To bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and avoid sudden movements necessary preparations, have appropriate..., have the appropriate gear, and have become accustomed to being fed by people Suwannee is! Doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators, although we would love take... Doing it on your kayak of wildlife to observe while exploring him today, but dont... Will often clean their catch of the street my biggest fear has been in! Part, dont want to see him today, but I suppose the may! After all, this is quite similar to many other big predators, like for! Rule, alligators are very is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators and avoid sudden movements should have a healthy fear of.! So big I could barely hold them with one hand do ever find myself in that,. Kayaking down the canal then throw the waste in the article may be present in the,... Only be 6 deep kayak in waters where alligators are very shy and human! Wilton Manors, FL today nose or hitting it with my paddle ; out! Reminds us both of its force and unpredictability always poses dangers because not a of! Your risk and stay safe, the amazon logo, AmazonSupply, the...
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