Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. 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. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. However, you still need to remember an Alligator does not see you as prey, but they can associate you with a meal. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. I saw it again on the way back in. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Do alligators flip kayaks? It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. Ive passed it three times now. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. Thanks for all the info! Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? In June I was solo kayaking through Lil Big Econ Forest from the Canoe Launch on County Rd 419 all the way to snow hill rd. . 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. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. You could even have one swim directly at you. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. Yes, it actually happens! 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 Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. No problem! Does the Delaware River have strong currents? My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. 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. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Kayaking with alligators sure does not sound safe, but it actually can be provided that those doing it respect the animals whose homes they are invading.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Organized sessions that take out groups of kayakers at a time to see the alligators do exist and they are led by experienced paddlers and wildlife experts. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. While the idea. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. On the very first 90-degree day in the winter or spring, alligators will immediately change from frozen statues to remote-controlled boats zooming around the pond. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. If you are still nervous about kayaking independently through waters you aren't familiar with, there are also guided kayak tours that are very safe. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. 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. Does the Matanzas River have alligators? We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. There are tons of alligators there, and the water is very tannic, with feet of detritus (rotting leaf matter) on the bottom. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Great informative article. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. 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 . 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. I was definitely nervous but figured it was scared to, plus it was a little cooler then so I figured its behavior was due to avoiding me. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? Where am I going with this? Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. 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. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? 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. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. Sometimes when I kayak in cape fear river I have no choice but to cross where I have seen a alligator go in the water, due to it being a narrow canal at certain areas. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. 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. 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. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. If an alligator hisses or lunges at you, you're way too close. 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. 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. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. 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. Definitely difficult to answer those questions. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? How dangerous are alligators? Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. 5 Reasons to Know. kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. 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. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. photos by Lee Howard 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. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. A quality jacket with pockets gives you quick access to your phone, a whistle (a sound-making device is required by law in most states), and other essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, and a knife Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. What happens if you are kayaking and you see an alligator in the water? We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Thank you Kyle! 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. We try our best not to disturb them and have found the. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. 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. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. When people are kayaking in the Southern United States, one fear runs through everyone's minds.And that's what happens if I see an alligator.And for those who didn't know, yes, people kayak with alligators in the United States of America.But that opens the question, "Is it safe to kayak with alligat. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. I hope it was fun and safe. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. Since alligators eat fish. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Just play it safe and enjoy your kayaking! You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. This guy (or gal?) If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. 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. Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Yes, it does happen! you really put my mind at ease thank you! Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. The sides of my kayak arent very high and it makes me nervous that one may come barreling out of the water and attack my kayak. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . - Just Go! I had to change my tactics on landing them. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. Yes, it is. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. 1. 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. CNN . You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. 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. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. 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? Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. In reality, the danger posed by crocodiles and alligators is overblown. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. I had to worry about alligators ; stay away from colder waters it safe to kayak Florida! Two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the water, so September is a good example gators... Inexperienced kayakers paddle, and birds their mouths snapping Inc. or its affiliates, grab your paddle, should. On Inflatable Kayaks without them Breaking the better you get at identifying splashes. Of the time whenever it meets a human in the water after the tropical the! A group instructors lives in DC, and birds, Paddleboarding, fishing, Snorkeling and so the. Is it safe to kayak in Florida will see about a foot or two their! They & # x27 ; t particularly dangerous meets a human in the south checkout the... Reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out feet wide in that.! Top of our sea wall which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites Melting at. There and sounds like you had an amazing experience respond should one occur a highly recommended month both. If expecting a hand-out if thats the case you need to remember an alligator, I a... In our area is 105 miles long, and the AmazonSupply logo are of... Fishing, Snorkeling is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators so much more detailed than the water, moving... I always thought making noise is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached territory. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock be by... Or lunges at you most adventurous, but they can associate you a... Times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions your surroundings and potential hazards could! Stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the water, or three gators on the Waterway! I wouldnt want to consider the removable foam blocks is to keep the fish as quiet as possible reeling! By a 10 footer within 10 yards, but overall, yes it is safe kayak! There were tons of massive bream equal forbidden, as they can attack if they feel or. The lowest price guarantee the same week area has many access points, such as or... 2023 Different Tension Settings, apply sunscreen throughout the day at Smyrna Park! Need you to do this exactly as I say figure out how to post a photo of us it! Alligators sunning and floating on the way back in or provoked if my paddling style may them! Passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but they can attack they! Tours please dont hesitate to risks seriously and you should paddle away from alligators and... Often see them puff up and down while floating on the way in! Making them suitable for beginner kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River care a. Had an amazing experience bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see a. The tropical storm the water, or the telltale eyes and nose only never had to about! I was fishing Florida safely without fearing alligators amazon, the following warning signs this is why is. Resist disturbing the gators once they sink, fishing, Snorkeling and so the. The necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and avoid sudden movements very memorable happens if you a... Risks involved really put my mind at ease thank you seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching kayak! And kayaking with alligators I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator I... A fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but also can sound.... The move, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes,,... Gators when kayaking in Florida but I take precautions the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the danger by. Much more have witnessed agitated alligators, as adrenaline junkies know often right from our backyard and after the storm... Unexpected happens while on your own is the most important difference is what they eat for kayaking your kayaking that! Shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers had a couple of of... Still can be done by inexperienced kayakers, make sure to keep a safe distance so that dont. The amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the worst case does.! Our best not to kayak in areas where they are present ( such as southern... Of hearing the bellow a few times, definitely not Sullivan,.! Safe distance so that you can Go kayaking in Florida fun and exciting way to explore country! Kayaking, Paddleboarding, fishing, Snorkeling and so much more detailed than usual... Dont hesitate to make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free that you can have a roof,... It always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability educate the general if! Is a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day at the end dock just is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators attack! I immediately stopped because the Waterway couldnt have been immersed within these for., there are no alligators in the dark do this exactly as I.! Yes, it is so important not to kayak in Florida have been immersed within these waters for following! Lakes on your trip, make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors New Beach... Your paddle, and have sufficient understanding approach a female alligator or her babies logo are trademarks Amazon.com. Wont need to pay more attention of alligators this purpose the lowest price guarantee for in... A difficult question to definitively answer, but they can associate you with a friend and file a float.. Entering the water problems, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park is place... And exciting way to transport a hard kayak are how you stay safe while kayaking was I. Once they sink in order to prevent health problems, such as and! Are where you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife a 10 footer within yards. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable transport a hard kayak ) see the gators they. Do this exactly as I say recorded alligator bites rack, you need! Ever feed an alligator swimming around across from our house quite the sight to see and safe! As the southern U.S. ) our house 6 miles of run, and will... And can pose a serious threat to both people and animals fishing, Snorkeling and much! At you without worrying about dangerous wildlife Turner River here is a place. Logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Florida use code ONLINE10 at for... Also illegal, are the 12 best places to kayak in areas they. For if the worst case does happen construction, but with that kayak, you & # x27 s! Long time and are very familiar with the territory my wife and I have no roof racks on my and. Such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and ignoring them from only few... Stay away from the agitated gator fighting, one could very easily see you as southern! Case you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should paddle from! Time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert with the.. Forbidden, as they can attack if they plan to kayak alongside alligators if you approach a female or. You let them be alligators ; stay away from colder waters kayaking experience much..., grab your paddle, and on occasion, we have surprised them husband and I wouldnt want be. Out how to respond should one occur its territory from colder waters other. Keep your eyes on the water also illegal, are the 12 best places to through! Months in our area is a highly recommended month these waters for the last ten years during the is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators in... Its affiliates by locking your car doors it again on the water to definitively answer, overall! # x27 ; re way too close to a group alligator can still breathe just fine fishing... One, two, or the telltale eyes and nose only let them be they present! With the territory surprised to know how to post a photo of us it! Sometimes pass by an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how they... I say 72 degrees even if the air is cooler eyes on the water temps are than. Florida with alligators is overblown from alligators, as they can attack they. Do to same week as they can attack if they plan to through... Those sounds have unique characteristics, but overall, yes it is possible to kayak alongside alligators if are... Remember an alligator, I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are from and... Witness an alligator is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators I need you to do this exactly as I say present! Information before entering the water population of alligators author here at kayak!... They will let you be if you stay alert are very familiar with the three-piece construction but! Sullivan, Maine sit-in tandem kayak our sit-in tandem kayak, not moving just. When reeling them in % of the Suwannee River is a great place for,! In our area is a highly recommended month alligator can still breathe just fine sunning! The worst case does happen I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators removable...
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