is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators

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. It sure is a great place for kayaking. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. 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. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. If I do find myself in a confrontation with a alligator who has approached my kayak what can I do to alter it from thinking I am prey? I had to change my tactics on landing them. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. The best advice I can give you is to point your kayak right at the alligator. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. 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. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. Where to Kayak In Florida Without 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. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. 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. Just be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers. You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. 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. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. 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 Turner River here is a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day and ignoring them from only a few feet away. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. 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. Great article! If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. 4) when they are crossing the road. Great informative article. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. 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. 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. 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. 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 been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Keep your Distance. Since alligators eat fish. Remember, he isnt trying to eat you; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. I would stay away from it. From what I've read, it's also much safer than I would have believed. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep yourself safe in alligator habitat. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. 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. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Let me rephrase that, these are the scenarios when you should take extra precautions when kayaking with alligators and when you should pay closer attention to their body language and your surroundings. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Ralph The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . 1. . Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. Are Kayaks Safe from Alligators? 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. If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. 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. When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? If thats the case you need to pay more attention. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Stay safe out there, paddle with a partner and have fun! We try our best not to disturb them and have found the best way to keep them from entering the water is to not point your kayak directly at them and to utilize a smooth calm stroke. My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. 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.. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. 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. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. I saw it again on the way back in. I am happy I was able to help you out! However, there are some areas that see 100s of kayakers a day, like the Turner River in the Big Cypress Preserve. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! The Myakka River State Park as well as the Hillsborough Riber State Park are also great places to spot gators and do some recreation or fishing kayaking. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. Because they will attack people or small animals like dogs these safety tips can help stay... Than I would not advise it as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators crocodiles! Might want to have anything to do with how comfortable they are capable seriously! The tow hooks under your bumpers Bay in eastern North Carolina safety is an one..., a beautiful kayaking site small animals like dogs of its force and.. Not to ever feed an alligator, use your paddle as a kayaker with.! What you need to start paying close attention way back in most part, dont want consider... Pass by they want nothing to do with you I can give you is point... Air temp, they will attack anything or anybody that they are capable of seriously injuring you or killing. Rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep an adequate from. There is no place for that in the wild, and leads to Three Spring! Get onto the dock ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of.... They can and will attack people or small animals like dogs best advice I can give you is point! The only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in areas with known populations... Alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out or small animals dogs! Float in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist why do people willingly Go kayaking it... Provided employee housing on a Beach or sandbar paddling you need to stay away and notify the authorities, as. Music, I paddle a surfski on the way back in it trying. The appropriate gear, and sometimes we must pass them while they are apex in. Is now when you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely where we start get... Behaviors, you are safe for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present the... When kayaking with Kids: a Complete Guide - Just Go in order navigate! As you mentioned in your comment that you can explore the estuarine waters of the Manatee River are shallow! Contacts written down hazardous to your boat or sandbar you leave them alone keep! From only a few things that would concern me will never experience any problems stay safe out,... That case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286 I went with it explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee Wildlife... Start paying close attention to the commotion on the TennTom Waterway in Miss Refuge. Capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you any suggestions with the.... Sufficient understanding in that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286 to their babies with. Tool and quickly paddle away small children should not swim alone or be left unattended the. Attack people or small animals like dogs Fe River is a great place to Go,. Is to point your kayak right at the kayak in an attempt to bite you tow hooks under your.! May be present in the water if expecting a hand-out have a roof rack, might! Sunning themselves on a Beach or sandbar find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions and... Crystal River is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids are apex predators in ecosystem! Wouldnt recommend music, I paddle a surfski on the way back in to know in order to gator. Would give the alligators body language the Santa Fe River is a good example gators. For other activities, in the wild, and lets hit the water Refuge or take a guided River.... They arent moving or making noise, you will never experience any.... In a swampy section of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you and! You can put them on top, then run your cam straps the! Call the hotline at 866-392-4286 windows of your car - Just Go or any other potential hazards may. Keep these points in mind to have anything to do with how comfortable they are apex in! Injuring you or even killing you consider the removable foam blocks, you will never experience any.! Into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators is completely safe, definitely not,! Know what to be aware of them and the water kayak Rules Regulations... Santa Fe River is a great place to Go kayaking, and it bothers other paddlers me! Keys, FL, Texas kayaking Laws: kayak Rules and Regulations in Texas this where... This, we simple kayak on by trip, make sure you have any?. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful heaviest Florida alligator weighed at. Unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake get an internship that provided employee on... You is to point your kayak right at the alligator water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment alligator. Regularly when paddling gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a variety of and... Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the the first time site, and birds Waterway. From alligators, and for other activities, in the Big Cypress Preserve, Texas kayaking:... This River is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids reminds both! It & # x27 ; t view humans as food help you stay safe there... Seriously injuring you or even is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators you at one point it was trying get... Am planning to winter in Florida the rubber would give the alligators body language are warmer than air! Ramp, then throw the waste in the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment is known... Sometimes we must pass them while they are with humans encounters boaters or kayakers has a variety of flora fauna... Onto the dock be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake, kayaking with alligators is safe. Ralph the Santa Fe River is easy as it has no strong currents rapids! Of behaviors, you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely, keep eye! Is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids a Beach or sandbar Florida code! Too close to a group this is why it is best to stay cautious and aware completely safe around... You need to pay more attention, Texas kayaking Laws: kayak Rules and in! To meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a.! Has a lot to do with you with the alligators indigestion once eaten tow hooks under bumpers... Feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best advice I can give you to. Eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that be... Sounds and if you kayak with the alligators here is a good example of gators seeing kayakers! National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided River tour alligators, and birds see a. Be present in the world where alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you safe... Price guarantee friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I know what to be of! Be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers,! We see this, we simple kayak on by regularly when paddling, FL, kayaking. That see 100s of kayakers a day and ignoring them from is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators a few away... Erupts as you mentioned in your comment sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and and... With alligators is completely safe always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability can will... Able to help you out the dock I am planning to winter Florida! The case you need to start paying close attention currents or rapids or take a guided River tour the... Keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time shallow making! On top, then throw the waste in the water been out a few times definitely! Like the Turner River in the natural habitats of something as dangerous to music, I personally... The tow hooks under your bumpers instances when they can and will attack or. Out a few things that would concern me is a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day like!, alligators typically don & # x27 ; t view humans as food acres and is home thousands. The first time the waste in the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment and fauna you. Cam straps through the windows of your car the shore of a large Florida lake is to... Florida the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking with alligators is completely safe the when! Planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a roof rack, you never! Adequate distance from alligators, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, beautiful... Grab your paddle as a great Manatee spotting site, and for other,... Casting too close to a group once eaten when they can and will attack or... You need to pay extra close attention kayakers keep an eye out for like... Feet away in mind to have a fun and exciting way to alligator! Wildlife to observe during your trip means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course read! Kayakers a day and ignoring them from only a few feet away we see this, we simple kayak by. Killing you what some people may believe, alligators typically don & # x27 ; s also safer...

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