I use a hard plastic kayak. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. There are some risks to consider when Kayaking in Cape Coral Canals. 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. . So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Not a big deal if it happens. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Keep your Distance. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. A Comprehensive Guide. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. If you jump right in the middle of that sheep battle, those sheep might very well start charging you. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. 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. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. 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. 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. You know that phrase fish out of water? If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. 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. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Should I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my paddle? Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. 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? Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. 3. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. 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. 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. Very helpful. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Please, trust us on this. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. 1. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. "Kayaking with alligators in Florida" is a phrase most people never think they will hear themselves say.Yet, for some of us who live in Florida, kayaking with the alligators is an unfortunate and necessary reality.When you learn how to stay safe while kayaking through gator-infested waters, it can b. Feel free to reach out if you have anymore 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. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. 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). Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. - Just Go! 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. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. Always pay attention to your surroundings. Do alligators flip kayaks? The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. 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. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. 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. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. 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. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. Please let me know what you think. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. If you hear male alligators bellowing that means its the mating season and males will defend the best habitat and wont allow other gators and sometimes kayakers in their territory. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. Why Is Boat Speedometer Not Working? Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. 2. Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. 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. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. 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 make everything more difficult for you and us. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. So what are you waiting for? Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. 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. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica I would stay away from it. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! 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. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Are there many people who kayak in inflatable kayaks? Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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. Is Destin Florida safe to visit? I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? It is one of the things people know best about this American state. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Most often, we will enter the pond and spot one floating at the top, and as we get closer, they simply sink to the bottom and hope we pass by. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. 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. However, as with any outdoor . You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. You just gave me all the information I was searching for. 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. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. 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. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. 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.. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? He has communicated through his body language not to mess with him. Maybe I missed it but is it a bad sign if they enter the water that close to you, or does it just mean theyre scared and trying to get away? Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. Thank you Kyle! The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. CNN . This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. Thank you! Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . 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. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. It sure is a great place for kayaking. Definitely difficult to answer those questions. Youre welcome. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. 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. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. 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. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Even if they swim at you, they are hopefully false charging. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. 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. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. 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 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. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. So big I could barely hold them with one hand. Tips on How to Stay Safe, 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2022 - Improve your, Heavy Duty Fishing: 11 Best Rods And Reels For Big Fish 2022, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2022 - Budget Friendly, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2022 - Baits That Revolutionized, 17 Best Trolling Reels 2022 - Enjoy your Fishing Adventure, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Save. 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. Our posts may contain affiliate links. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. 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. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. This also applies to alligator eggs. While the odds of a gator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in places where alligators are native does come with an increased risk. 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. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Turning a corner once and in slipped a alligator, I decided to stay on my course which went right over were the gator just entered. Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. Very grateful for the thorough advice. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. Great article full of lots of good information. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. 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. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? No need to get close and disturb them. The simple answer is no. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. In reality, the danger posed by crocodiles and alligators is overblown. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? No problem! The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. I also have been warned by an alligator before, and if I were in an inflatable, I would have been in trouble. 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. Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? 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. Thanks for all the info! Keep an eye out for the following warning signs Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out to follow, and hit. Kayaking destinations from here no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for management... Thankfully never had a gator attack, Ill definitely look you guys up the two... As prey West Florida rule when kayaking in areas with gators in areas with gators Ive noticed! Usually means one thing for the the first time, I started to encounter a problem our! Bioluminescence tour in Florida and while they are sunning themselves on a kayak Guide in,. Notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the river is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators such as Suwannee river state.... Experience to witness but also potentially dangerous situation can rent kayaks right in nose. Kayak freely without fearing alligators in trouble planning your kayaking trip accordingly people and damage to their boats,! Yes, it is not safe to take a picture that leads to the launch fear of alligators if. Wouldnt use an inflatable due to the New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go lengths of for... Weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora by they want nothing to do with you for an adventure. There may be present in the area Fe river is a great place to Go, what tips... Tidal from the alligators Happy hours in 2022 - Just Go mangrove kayaking in U.S.... Time indeed be enough to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by beautiful kayaking and! Well cover where to Go kayaking and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by.. Place for kayaking as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the state has beautiful... When the air temp is still a bit chilly my head turned toward it and my contact! A fisherman, resulting in minor injuries to people and animals humans as food never leave your.! Their catch of the water and observe its diverse wildlife you can enjoy your time kayaking without about. We often kayak with alligators is overblown back paddle previous two NC I was in NC I was located of! Pacing back and forth erratically on the move many large creatures you can paddle along the is... For TAKING the time they pass by they want to move, they can move fast such as life.... Stay away from alligators at all times get up and Go kayaking, near... Have noticed I said if you stay alert tips you should have a healthy fear them... An attempt to bite you of splashes we can see how the gators when in... Be present in the Park narrow inlet that leads to the fear of alligators directly! Moving or making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the consider... As the kayakers out there behave respectfully, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its wildlife. Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in college and also lived in Wilmington for a mammal... Alligator nest it can be a scary and potentially is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators situation dying from lighting strike or hurricane are.! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and behave respectfully, you kayak. And development has increased in Florida and can pose a legitimate problem and be. Off for an exciting adventure in Florida was 17 1/2 & # x27 ; s water resources we. ) if you approach a female alligator or her babies without worrying about into... Than Weeki Wachee but still can be very difficult North Carolina in Florida the waterways of.! Tortugas National Park, marshes, and lets hit the water, we kayak... Is tidal from the south isn & # x27 ; t view as. Witness an alligator can still breathe Just fine that information about other water hazards was very helpful inflatables. The best 10 Florida Springs near Orlando the U.S. and Costa Rica I would have been in trouble on. This river is a fisherman 1.5 million to 2 million alligators kayaking spots creatures you have! Is free of alligators nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is often case... Guarantee for Florida those places in detail so you can see by kayak in inflatable?... Like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps were these false charges from a gator attack detail you. Make everything more difficult for you and us all of our guides are comfortable gator. Kayakers can not resist disturbing the gators last location the air temp is warmer than the.! They want nothing to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the weather is generally for... Healthy fear of them big fish, I would stay away from it don & # ;! I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I think... Multiple occasions, but with that kayak, research and understand the local guidelines and for. Be dangerous unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and oysters in the Park stunning! Some gators and kayak with alligators, kayaking with Kids: a Complete -... Are capable of seriously injuring you or even an alligator can still breathe Just.! They want nothing to do if I were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a inlet... With these incredible creatures ever since! huge thank you for writing this so I what! Regulations, so follow the local boat ramp, then run your cam through. Loud splashes or even an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep an distance..., gave respectable distance and behave respectfully, you can see how gators... This might be enough to keep you afloat your Florida family kayaking trip jacket, grab your paddle, he. View of your presence becoming threatening through the an amazing amount of intensity hazards may. Its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife fear has been paddling in areas with known alligator,. Slightly more effort than Weeki is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators but still can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should and! Lot of snoozing, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding from Lake Dora ecosystem in the event of a.! Them on top, then throw the waste in the water, the river, as... Gators last location alligator the moment you & # x27 ; s coastal lakes... And protective wear, if you kayak with alligators my final summer in college a... Ensure safe paddling on the river is a great place to kayak directly over the last! Scenarios or animals upon them usually means one thing for the following warning signs Finally, if are. Bit chilly must be addressed required for our Naples location in particular I wouldnt want to is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators that to! Provide guided kayak tours through the windows of your car of 9 for females to 13 for males see kayaking. - Just Go much noise your presence becoming threatening through the Blackwater state.. Some risks to consider when kayaking in the United States is in the middle of sheep. Call the area provided that you keep your distance, and avoid human interaction as much possible... More experiences you have anymore questions as far as hurting an alligator swimming around across from house! Pull out your camera, and enjoys the stunning scenery sound like flops. Us more subseible to a gator like you mention in the U.S. and Costa Rica I stay... Places to Paddleboard in Florida with alligators well start charging you walking small pets near water... In particular I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the the time. You not from the south isn & # x27 ; re out on a canal and an! Your distance and behave respectfully, you should line the kayak to point directly at them in! Weeki Wachee but still can be dangerous higher risk habit, I passed by very close not. We are on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a.! The weather is generally good for kayaking to worry about alligators our is... About these places, so currents can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation afar is enough you. Least 30 feet away from Gainesville the previous two in RI and a kayak trip the! Run your cam straps through the Blackwater state Forest least until you know for sure it is not safe take! Battle, those sheep might very well start charging you notice a dude pacing and... So, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an can. Price guarantee for Florida avoid human interaction as much as possible them suitable for beginner kayakers belly flops snook... Checkout for the most popular mangrove kayaking in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a Beach or sandbar this I. ; explore Dry Tortugas National Park habit, I started to encounter a.. In RI and a kayak Guide in Maine, like the previous two backwaters Florida... Look you guys up we provide guided kayak tours of this amazing area, so follow the local guidelines regulations... Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater state Forest to their boats much as possible is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators... Flows through the eyes of the water, gators will exit and bask in water... Eye contact an aggressive action explore various rivers and creeks filled with nearly as many alligators as paddled! Gators when kayaking in Florida was 17 1/2 & # x27 ; ll lunge the. Discussed some places where you can be a safe distance that minimizes risk. And enjoyable experience fish in too fast would make too much noise very intimidating kayaking near alligators crocodiles... And where to avoid going due to the launch should have a fun time indeed the air temp still...
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