Feel free to check us out on Instagram or Facebook, where we are regularly posting photos and videos of our kayak experiences in South Florida and Colorado. They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. 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. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? I hope it was fun and safe. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. 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. A very old animal in terms of evolution, it is adapted much better to the conditions and the environment where you may meet them, the prime example being Florida and the largest of American alligator males can grow 12 feet or 3.6 meters in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. 1. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? I would stay away from it. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. 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. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. What happens if you are kayaking and you see an alligator in the water? Does the Delaware River have strong currents? Is Destin Florida safe to visit? But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . Yes, it is. Colorado does not require the online10 code. Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. I use a hard plastic kayak. Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. I had to change my tactics on landing them. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. 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. Yikes! We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. 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. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Very helpful. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. Search no more! Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. 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. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. 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. Thank you Kyle! Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. 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. He has communicated through his body language not to mess with him. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. 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. . 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! It has happened before. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. We get this question all the time. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. 7 Ways. The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. 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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. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. No problem! If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. 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. 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. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. Your article has provided me this morning much useful information to guide me before my maiden voyage this coming Monday in May where temperatures are now in the 90s. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. Please let me know what you think. Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. 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. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! June 16, 2022. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. Should I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my paddle? We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. 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. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. 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. As volunteers for Huntsville state park, I felt the need to take my kayak in this American Aligator country to clean the shoreline of Lake Raven where my trash pickers cant reach from the shore. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Save. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. If an alligator hisses or lunges at you, you're way too close. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Fakahatchee State Preserve just south of Naples and Marco Island. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. 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. Now, the larger older alligators will start to eat larger prey such as smaller white-tail deer, but a gator that is eating deer is probably over 11 to 12 feet. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. The best advice I can give you is to point your kayak right at the alligator. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. 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. The first is that of alligators. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! Stay safe out there, paddle with a partner and have fun! All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. 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. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! 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. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. You could even have one swim directly at you. First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. Average Kayak Speed: Whats the Average Kayaking Speed? So big I could barely hold them with one hand. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. 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. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. seminole county deputies. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. I will not be buying an inflatable for FL. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 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. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Keep your Distance. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Just keep kayaking and stay alert. rubber Florida Wildlife Commission November 20, 2020, 1:13 AM Encounters between boaters and alligators are not very common, particularly when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating in Florida. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. 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. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. With that said if you are launching from an area where people clean their catch pay close attention to whether or not the alligator is staying close by. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. I wouldnt say more susceptible, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. 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. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. 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. this is super important, listen up. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. Maybe go a different direction. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. Alligators live throughout Florida. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! photos by Lee Howard Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! If we see this, we simple kayak on by. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Yes, it does happen! Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. You just gave me all the information I was searching for. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. 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. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. 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. When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat.
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