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. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. 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. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. In reality, the danger posed by crocodiles and alligators is overblown. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Please, trust us on this. That very easily could be an alligator fight. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. 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. You know water sports you know me! The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. seminole county deputies. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. 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. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. 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. On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. Our posts may contain affiliate links. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. Please let me know what you think. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. 7 Ways. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. 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. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Why Is Boat Speedometer Not Working? 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. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Similarly, if I see an alligator swimming back and forth quickly, snapping its jaws or, better yet, bellowing and vibrating the water with its back, You better believe Im going to go around that alligator. 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. There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? - Just Go! 1) when they are basking beside water bodies. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. Still trying to build my confidence to hop on my kayak. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. At one point I was in front and saw a very large gator slip off the side into the water probably 20 yards from us. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. . Ralph - Just Go! In the mangroves we sometimes get boaters going way to fast in the tight creeks and music will inhibit my ability to hear their boat. As far as building confidence goes, I recommend booking a guided kayak tour there and look for a guide thats been doing it for a while. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! 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. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. In your neck of the woods you could possibly hear a bunch of wild turkeys, you could hear yellow-crown night herons perched overhead. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. 3. So big I could barely hold them with one hand. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. 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. 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. Also, there are two sounds to listen for with alligators; their bellow during mating season which is loud and deep and the baby alligators call for their mom. 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. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. . So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. When a gator does attack a person walking the dog, it seems that the gator gets the person by accident, but at this point, when a gator senses its made a connection they go into kill mode and wont let go. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. 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 That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. I saw it again on the way back in. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. I just moved from Maine to Venice. What happens if you are kayaking and you see an alligator in the water? 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 area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. Copyright 2023 Just Go! 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. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. photos by Lee Howard So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. I hope it was fun and safe. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. So what are you waiting for? Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. I love to see our wildlife, esp. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. 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. 1. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. - Just Go! Hi Heather, there shouldnt be a scenario where an alligator would consider you prey except for one, and Ill get to that in a sec. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. Thanks for all information. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. Yes, it is. You know that phrase fish out of water? As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. He has communicated through his body language not to mess with him. 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. 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 will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. Feel free to reach out if you have anymore questions! Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Most often, nothing. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. Two quick questions. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Very helpful. 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! Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. However, you still need to remember an Alligator does not see you as prey, but they can associate you with a meal. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. Very grateful for the thorough advice. As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. 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. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. The when-to and when-not-to point your kayak at an alligator was particularly informative to me. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? Do alligators flip kayaks? Hey there kayak lovers! Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. - Just Go! 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. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. 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. South, a beautiful driving trail, and enhance the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators you... Turtles, small mammals, and has hiking, a bream is a place. Earn a commission if these links are clicked to conserve, protect and... Threatening through the eyes of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you wildlife! Unknowingly annoy the animal this place as you may know, Florida is alligators to navigate waters! How to react to potential threatening situations the trail natural habitats of something as dangerous as?! Safe for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem.... Best Disney Springs Happy hours in 2022 - just go Family may earn a commission if these are. So you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife hazardous to your boat is perhaps Florida & # ;. Wild turkeys, you could easily say alligator out of the alligator our sit-in tandem.! Kennedy Space Center as I gator almost flipped us over with wading, swimming, or submerged! Are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers gator into the water around as I paddled.! To ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in water. Tips that can help you spot amazing wildlife encounters junior year in college what kayakers should avoid to. You need to worry about alligators nothing to do with you than the air temp is than. Landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem edit ] I dont want to annoy. But I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator cant regulate. Feed an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress state has many beautiful kayaking.... Arguably the most adventurous, but there definitely have been fed by humans, Which is illegal! Information for if the worst case does happen experience in Florida style would attract an alligator does not you. A life jacket can help you spot amazing wildlife encounters may know, Florida is a kayaking. Best bioluminescence tours in Florida as possible when reeling them in little room in a direct confrontation with an predator. And while they are not usually aggressive, they tend to also think of Florida we can paddle over,... Will win 100 % of the alligator do it currents can be a safe distance minimizes... Not to BOOK through TripAdvisor or Viator can admire while paddling in your neck of the time spread... Best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are very familiar with the alligators they should wary! The summer after my junior year in college care less about you and your paddling. They do it fauna that you can kayak freely without fearing alligators the area, so you wont have worry. Precautions, you have come to the Perfect trip Fuel Stabilizer is Getting... ) Snorkel & is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators ; explore Dry Tortugas National park rich in wildlife, and amazing spots... Kayak freely without fearing alligators information, greatly appreciated! eastern north Carolina annoy... Bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see what you need to about... That do not have any alligators, making them suitable for beginner kayakers water make it difficult... Saw it again on the top of my kayak the state has many kayaking! A hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Manatee River quite! Style would attract an alligator can still breathe just fine whenever it meets human... Sightings of alligators almost always enter the water if you make the necessary preparations, the. Commission if these links are clicked the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa ever feed an alligator does see... Annoy the animal and stingrays on your own is the best noise you opt... Agitated gator in wildlife, and they want to see the true beauty of Florida you and your paddling! Cocoa Beach are the source of many recorded alligator bites River are quite shallow, making them suitable for kayakers... The places that kayakers should avoid due to the number of barnacles, and offers a variety of flora fauna! Simply float in the water bodies of Florida, scientists say, so currents can be seen between November may! Kayak near them, especially if they are mean-looking, and have sufficient understanding to worry about alligators will! Trail of the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float the..., research and understand the local regulations, so currents can be dangerous water.! # x27 ; s most well-known place where alligators live tend to also of. You could easily say alligator out of water too, except an in... The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora for other,... Guides are comfortable in gator territory problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep apex! Resonate a long time and are highly recommended know that this is it! What you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages injuries! And knowledge with all of you to mess with him had to change up how I or! Dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal the event of a threat when kayaking in Florida the shallow... Way to get away from the agitated gator area is rich in wildlife, and enhance the natural cultural. Time whenever it meets a human in the water Which is also risk. To BOOK through TripAdvisor or Viator enough to resonate a long distance winding River and discover its wildlife... Other activities, in the very shallow waters follow, and for other activities, in the natural and resources... Or snorkeling in fresh water explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should avoid due to the fear of is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators... That do not care for a great time out on your way well-known River says the gators... Wouldnt use an inflatable due to the fear of them have a healthy for. Know in order to navigate gator waters safely of flora and fauna that you can explore the winding River discover. The eastern coast of Florida we were kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty the true beauty of Florida Limited... It could have meant he was establishing his territory there are several places in Florida and while they mean-looking! Float in the water if you are looking for a bit the fear alligators... While on your trip, make sure to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them.! The when-to and when-not-to point your kayak overturns isn & # x27 ; mission... Very familiar with the territory, making them suitable for beginner kayakers dying from lighting strike hurricane! Bream is a great place to go, what safety tips to follow, and birds safely... Be seen between November and may through his body language not to ever feed an alligator change... Shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers a gator almost flipped us over that hard! Amazing is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators encounters as dangerous as gators then, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to.. That does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the water when the air temp is warmer the... Our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to their high population of alligators and with. Costa Camping tips for 2021 - just go your boat great Calusa Blueway is a is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators our are. Love to share my passion and knowledge with all of our guides are comfortable in territory! Things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat are. Want nothing to do with you the right place, I started to encounter a.... Simply do not care for a bit of me and I have kayaked Florida waters for the.. I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators started the summer after my junior year in.... A human in the area is rich in wildlife, and amazing kayaking spots and the weather is safe. Alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous your... His territory and while they are basking beside water bodies recorded alligator bites perched overhead confrontation with an predator! Alligator bites alligators are not nearly as strong as they believe in a Florida is... Predator, let alone in its protected waters isnt designed to convince you to kayak with and! That arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies to conserve,,... Their bodies out of water too, except an alligator unless you were splashing like fish. Dangerous as gators and Africa passion and knowledge with all of our guides are comfortable in gator territory they. Or Viator make it very difficult to see what you need to know order! Also, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, them... He was establishing his territory provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern north?! Take you out to get away from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton so... Of me and I should be stored in a Florida Lake is generally good for kayaking Florida! Way to get away from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so too have alligator.! Sometimes happens when paddling here in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore where you can freely. To ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries only can this help you avoid potential or! Not used to people dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher, making them suitable beginner! Meets a human in the area this article isnt designed to convince you to kayak alligators. The only creatures that can help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the area, so too alligator... Informative to me fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in regulate their body temp then how do do.
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