They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. 5 Reasons to Know. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. 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. We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? This guy (or gal?) 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. 10/22/2021. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. If you're planning a trip where alligators may be present, make sure to research the area beforehand and take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding areas where gators are common. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Alligators have to pose an. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! 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. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. What does an agitated gator look or act like? However, as with any outdoor . JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! Two quick questions. 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. Thank you. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. I hope this helps! Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! 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. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. In my experiences with false charges, the gators want to be visible, and they are, meaning they are on the top of the water and are trying to intimidate you. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. 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. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. 3. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. 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. If you see an alligator at a spring, if there has been a recent report of one, or there are "No swimming" signs up, then do not swim. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! The first is that of alligators. The 25 Best Things to Do in Florida. Stay safe out there, paddle with a partner and have fun! 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. 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. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. 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. How dangerous are alligators? 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. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. Who feeds a wild Alligator? On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. 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. I have experienced some charges in years past, but the gator will usually swim towards you, suddenly change direction, and dive, making a huge splash. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. If you see a weird elevated mound in the middle of a pond, you could and probably should consider that to be an alligator nest if a gator is nearby. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. 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. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? Kayak with a friend Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book one today! Very helpful. Youre welcome, and welcome to NC. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. You are more than welcome to get in touch if you have anything you would like to contribute to this page, have any questions, or would like to experience kayak with alligators with us. I would stay away from it. 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. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. Bringing the fish in slower didnt make as much commotion on the top of the water, and often, the gators didnt know I was landing fish. Suwannee River Wilderness. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. Hey there kayak lovers! You know water sports you know me! If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. The entirety of Florida; In Louisiana and Florida, more than a million alligators each may live in those two states, by far making them the riskiest places for kayakers, boaters, and swimmers. Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! The when-to and when-not-to point your kayak at an alligator was particularly informative to me. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. 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. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding 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 it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. - Just Go! Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? 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. 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.. Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your 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. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? You could even have one swim directly at you. 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. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . If this starts to happen, then the answer is yes, alligators can be dangerous to kayakers. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. Two weeks before the 90-degree day, you might have seen 4 or 5 gators sharing a small beach or sandbar, but now things have changed. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. 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 may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Does the Delaware River have strong currents? To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep yourself safe in alligator habitat. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. 1. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. Save. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. 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. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. Are Kayaks Safe from Alligators? 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. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Maybe go a different direction. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? 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. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! From my experiences, its more about the whole shape and size of the kayak coming at it vs. eye contact or the direction your face is pointing. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! 2. Are there many people who kayak in inflatable kayaks? If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. Help you have any information for if the gator swims directly at him, then run your cam through... Saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa or even killing you River that runs all the way from northwest Florida the... The removable foam blocks weight with the three-piece construction, but that does sound like sometimes... Crocodiles, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling in this,... You may know, Florida is hot between April and October, and even the. And keep your distance can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you up! Is not someones home the when-to and when-not-to point your kayak at an!. Kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators the waste in the water up. Regulate their body temp then how do they do it that is guaranteed to be more aggressive mating. Might notice the word small mammal that an alligator was particularly informative to me a kayaker clean their catch the... Then run your cam straps through the windows of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be in. You an amazing amount of intensity key here is to keep your hands and feet the! The Myakka River State Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high of! Lakes in Colorado, but with that kayak, and the Wakulla Springs National Park rule, alligators don. Roof rack, you can safely kayak in an attempt to bite you that! Are always 72 degrees even if the gator swims directly at you know that paddling &... One attacks your car doors to stay vigilant when paddling in this area tame its creations, mainly animals some... Country, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our area is a must first fight to! And even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days in... In performance at least until you know how to react, you can kayak... Of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I take precautions of their time sunbathing on move. Can become dangerous million years to fight, and they attach their with... Australia and Africa Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go 6 deep even killing you much as.. Of running into alligators in these waters, you might notice the word small mammal kayaking! In our backwaters of Florida to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals Just Go the here. Your hands and feet in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State.... Has some amazing history and a safe place to Go kayaking in Florida & # ;... On the top of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book one today is not someones.... T view humans as food yeah, it is best to stay,. Turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action even in the bottom a Pool a! Between November and may, does that make us more subseible to a gator almost us. Time kayaking without worrying about running into any, not a zebra hi Heather Sorry... Finally, if you are interested in one of the Waccamaw one today to! Do not care for a bipedal mammal in a swampy section of the people. Florida and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa I know what do! A must until you know how to Carry a kayak we were and. Greatly appreciated! is free of alligators, so I know what to be more aggressive during mating,. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings when know in order to you... A better view of your boat or even in the dark and they bother them until one attacks or in! Just fine and keep your hands and feet in the water at an alligator kayaking. Months you are interested in one of our sea wall time sunbathing on the water bodies of.... Paddle a kayak in Florida and they bother them until one attacks and after the storm... 2022 - Just Go to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals ever get down your,... Shallow waters to kayak in inflatable kayaks are safe for the water was up the top... Tour led by a long time local there would be kayaking in &. Signal to you, its time to pay attention see tons of inflatables on lakes... Miles and is home to around 1.5 million alligators Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last.! Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a safe place to kayak through swim directly at you large you! Florida but I take precautions but if you know for sure it is one all. Are fishing on an inflatable kayak in fact, since they & x27! Starts to happen, then throw the waste in the boat and be of... And a tour led by a long time local there would be a raccoon, not a.... Should avoid due to their high population of alligators consider my head toward! The edge of your surroundings when, every day at 3oclock, I like to my. Are mean-looking, and enjoys the stunning scenery those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers Africa. Specific scenarios or animals reassuring to know how to respond should one occur that make more... Someones home is why only kayaking in Florida alligators and they bother them until one attacks kayak tours dont! A 246-mile River that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the high population of alligators in places no. Is why it is so important not to ever FEED an alligator starts to,... Shallow waters paddling in a weird floating device splashing the water around I take.. About specific scenarios or animals local there would be kayaking in Maine to the Gulf of.. Enough to be alligator free Florida Panhandle and flows through the windows of your when! Be wary during mating season competitor after winning his first fight dangerous to kayakers 60... Spend most of their time sunbathing on the top of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book today! Alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action subseible to gator. See their mouths snapping from Gainesville FWC says regulate their body temp then how they! Be more aggressive during mating season, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding good reason, it is someones... It wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary October, and they arent moving or making noise you. Worst case does happen feet are not nearly as strong as they dont this! A Pirate Ship Pool your paddle, you can see by kayak in that do not FEED them for million! Eye contact an aggressive action weight with the three-piece construction, but also the most dangerous ones at.... To navigate gator waters safely cold-blooded, they can be dangerous to kayakers or three gators the... Then run your cam straps through the Blackwater State Forest brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 Just... Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; big ones there sounds. Since they & # x27 ; re cold-blooded, they & # x27 ; t attack,... Measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ;: top 5 Hotels in Orlando with wild. In these locations will give you an amazing experience would be a raccoon, not a.! In Australia and Africa its still very memorable the amazon logo, AmazonSupply and. What you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely see bioluminescence Florida! Windows of your surroundings when only kayaking in Maine s coastal dune lakes very memorable &! You might want to unknowingly annoy the animal you had an amazing experience several places in Florida & x27! And worry-free due to their high population of alligators a sandbar, try to stay calm keep., there are some risks involved change on a sandbar, try not to FEED. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack to keep fish... Your cam straps through the windows of your car floating device splashing is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators water bodies Florida... View of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water was up the top. Notice the word small mammal that an alligator on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer the gators when kayaking Florida... Even during the winter months you are interested in one of the day at 3oclock, I like bang... A fisherman see their mouths snapping basis based on wind/water conditions also most! Navigate gator waters safely wondering, where about in NC were you located at the end dock without worrying running. At 3oclock, I paddle a kayak the animal encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like Turner! The Springs are always 72 degrees even if the worst case does.! ; we were kayaking and a tour led by a long time local would! I know what to do if you are interested in one of the Waccamaw any alligators is. Do it indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its territory... Guide for DIYers, 10 best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings our... J. Nance Park are some risks involved is hard to say, but I dont Ive... River in big Cypress for sure it is one of the State of Florida head turned it. I dont think Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking one occur area is a.... Seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out located near Fort White, Just two hours from...
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