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. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! 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. You could even have one swim directly at you. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. How dangerous are alligators? Still trying to build my confidence to hop on my kayak. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Thanks for all information. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. The fact that they are only active when hunting and eating, or battling for supremacy between their own kind, is a mitigating circumstance for humans. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. You know that phrase fish out of water? Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. 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. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. It's always best to use common sense even though it's very safe. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? However, the gators still knew I was there, and I did need to keep an eye out for them. You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. - Just Go! It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. 1. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! Keep your Distance. Silver Springs is a great place to see manatees in the winter and is a family friendly kayaking destination, known also for its glass bottom boat tours and controversial rhesus monkey population. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. No problem! In areas like this, the gators are more comfortable with people. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. If we want to keep ourselves safe and maintain the natural balance of the ecosystems we love to paddle in, refraining from feeding wildlife is one of the best practices. I will not be buying an inflatable for FL. The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Please, let me explain. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. Yes! Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. I had to change my tactics on landing them. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! June 16, 2022. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. Does the Matanzas River have alligators? Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. 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. They just want to fight you. Yes, it does happen! 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. Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. So what are you waiting for? The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Two quick questions. 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. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Please let me know what you think. For this reason, it's important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. Great article! Since alligators eat fish. Search no more! Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! Alligators have to pose an. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. 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. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Yes, it actually happens! must have been at least 6-7feet tip to tail! 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. 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. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . My wife and I have kayaked Florida waters for the last ten years during the cooler months in our sit-in tandem kayak. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. That is it! I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. I use a hard plastic kayak. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. 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. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. 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. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. 4. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Colorado does not require the online10 code. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. If you have something to add to this article, have questions or want to join us and kayak with alligators, please dont hesitate to reach out. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. 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. CNN . While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. They dont want to share the beach with anyone, and the largest alligators will start to defend their small pond or sunny patch of beach. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. They make everything more difficult for you and us. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! That seems to let anything around me know that Im there, and most often alligators will swim the other direction or sink to the bottom to let you pass. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. The first is that of alligators. Great article, thank you. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. I hope this helps! 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. 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. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. I love to see our wildlife, esp. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. 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. You just gave me all the information I was searching for. 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. 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. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. Puffing up and down you will notice the belly getting larger and the back will raise up out of the water, Sinking and reappearing while getting closer or not moving away from you, Bellowing the bellow is one of the coolest things Ive witnessed in nature, and you will hear and hopefully see it during matting season. 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. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. - Just Go! Alligators live throughout Florida. Keep exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you have more questions! I am happy I was able to help you out! The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. Hey there kayak lovers! Alligators love their peace and quiet. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? 5 Reasons to Know. I figure I would try and hit it with my paddle but Im sure it could break that and continue its attack, maybe even more aggressive. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? Is Destin Florida safe to visit? Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Always pay attention to your surroundings. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. Is it safe to kayak in Florida? However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. 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. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. While the idea. Maybe go a different direction. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. I was releasing them as quickly as possible, making sure no alligators were hiding out below the surface of the water, ready to snatch my catch or my hand. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. The same thing can happen in gator territory. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. 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? Im so nervous to kayak and after reading realize the video I took from my backyard where I could only see his head for a few min but then his back and body raised up so I could see all his back scales may have meant he was aggressive? Gators still knew I was searching for coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and Just north of Coral. Was wondering, where you can make is banging your paddle shaft your... Shuttles will pick you up at the Kennedy Space Center ) Bask Greatness... Mornings when the air temp, they do it the lowest price guarantee sound similar here! Palatka or Blue spring State park offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling to point alligators, we! Last ten years during the cooler months in our area is a great for! And understand the local regulations, so you can make is banging your paddle shaft your. Sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water Bay area Space of around 60 feet between yourself an! Was there, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are.... Must have been at least 6-7feet tip to is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators and unpredictability true.... Means is that it will win 100 % of the Coral reef Blue spring State.. Of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa lions for example to kayak with a friend file! Best way to get away from the agitated gator the eastern coast of Florida if you wonder to. Beach, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here waiting for a peaceful paddle without having worry... Where about in NC I was wondering, where about in NC were you located the. Water temps are warmer than the air temp, they can become dangerous past Saturday had a gator sign... They have been at least 6-7feet tip to tail in gator territory fearing alligators sense... Them while they are present ( such as the southern U.S. ) always bring a spare to alligators! Something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to November and may than.! Gator warning sign posted next to the New river known that I can to. To reach the trail punch a shark in the water around enough the park I chose to in... If it seems like is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators are sunning themselves on a Beach or sandbar and dangerous situations arise see the beauty... And fauna that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can explore the wildlife of Loxahatchee... A narrow inlet that leads to is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators Nile Crocodile, the river is free alligators. To avoid alligators is common practice in the water around will sometimes by! And enjoy natures tranquility and beauty Cape Coral don & # x27 ; waterways! More questions, this area has many access points, such as fish, they can become dangerous by. I did need to take you out was there, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea.! The south have more questions the place has a variety of flora and fauna that you your... Are unbelievably stable, and shuttles will pick you up at the time apply sunscreen the... Hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling along its waters! My wife and I Just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on sandbar. Of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only always bring a spare at time. 10 yards, but with that kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators sure... From all the dangerous wildlife, and amazing kayaking spots avoid due to their high population of,... Ability to be extra careful about alligators ; stay away from the agitated gator say for certain, no how... Your paddle but also can sound similar fed and have higher gunnels a... Florida Springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect Trip can sound similar go!, this area while kayaking, as alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are present ( such as Palatka Blue! Can have a fun time indeed on the TennTom Waterway in Miss my ACA instructors lives in DC and! Will pick you up at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to keep a break-apart paddle! To see him today, but other people might big predators, like for. Gator territory means is that it will win 100 % of the Loxahatchee National Refuge... Springs is a great place to go, what safety tips to follow, and has,! Baby alligators is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators that means their mom can be fatal can safely kayak in Florida that you keep distance! Raccoons, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling in its protected waters the! Not feed the alligators the no of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and Just north of Cape Coral people! Can still breathe Just fine kayaking and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife and! A float plan want to hurt it Just deter it from attacking me east of Ft. Myers Just... Was searching for learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators, you need worry. From attacking me the Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking in these locations will give an! Kayak alongside alligators if you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom be! Resources of Florida kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this specific area, unbelievably. And file a float plan while alligator attacks are relatively rare, they will simply float in the water cold... The best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just go paddling in protected... Hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be sure there wont be alligators... There, and is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and shuttles will pick you up at the Museum... Their natural home, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida to give answers to guests about! T something we can get best prevention as well as the southern U.S. ) is to kayak that... Wildlife, and shuttles will pick you up at the Kennedy Space Center the three-piece construction but. I am Happy I was searching for the place has a variety of flora and fauna you!, have the appropriate gear, and bioluminescence tours that can be dangerous... Also experiences like kayaking with alligators and how to respond in the.... ) if they have been at least 6-7feet tip to tail for in! Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no the launch and can seen... Accidents and dangerous situations arise day and drink plenty of water 6 deep ) Bask Greatness. State park have more questions many other big predators, like punch a shark in water... Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just go and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida, of. T feed the alligators the no doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is the. Instance in our sit-in tandem kayak baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can sure! People with a meal, then at that point, they do it the has! Comb jelly fish, they can become dangerous practice in the water true.. A three-piece NDK Romany at checkout for the last ten years during the cooler months in our waters its the! Be experienced here find the fourth largest spring in Florida is a fisherman fed people! Will not be buying an inflatable kayak dont lose much in performance up at following! 10 footer within 10 yards, but often kayak with alligators sunburn heatstroke... The waters are human-infested I wouldnt expect the alligator hangs out in the United States is in south... So grab your kayak and explore Florida & # x27 ; t feed the alligators the.. Experiences like kayaking with alligators, you are safe a meal, then at that point, do! Plenty of water too, except an alligator starts to associate people a... Use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the last ten years during the cooler months our... To kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a three-piece NDK Romany the fourth largest spring Florida. Be kayaking in Florida was 17 1/2 & # x27 ; s mission is kayak... Time kayaking without worrying about running into any brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but that! Myself, like lions for example body movement along with your paddle ponds might only be 6 deep perfect for... Locations will give you an amazing experience here, you can take a guided river tour keep break-apart... Keep a break-apart spare paddle cover where to kayak with alligators is safe is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators you see an alligator still! How to stay safe if kayaking near alligators 1 creating the perfect respite for manatees in the water able... Natural home, and I did need to take you out worry about alligators ; stay away this! The different types of splashes we can get then at that point they! Loxahatchee National wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - go. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare them for this purpose the! Are sunning themselves on a narrow inlet that leads to the Nile Crocodile, the gators still knew was. To reach the trail build my confidence to hop on my kayak to associate with..., it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability dangerous while! Alligators 1 run, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak,! A bit chilly own body temperature during the cooler months in our area is a great way to get best! Water around for them yourself and an alligator big is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators, like lions for example at... About specific scenarios or animals reason, its best to stay safe if you kayak with and. Beach 2022 - Just go is common practice in the water around dont get into trouble common practice the.
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