This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. 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. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. Yes! 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. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. 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. After all, this is a pretty serious subject. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Our posts may contain affiliate links. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. If storage were an issue and I were paddling an area like the Colorado river near Glenwoods Springs I would choose an inflatable, but other than that Id suggest a hard boat. The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. 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 with Alligators is not 100% safe! Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! 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. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. this is super important, listen up. . Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. These are also most often in high-traffic areas such as a retaining pond in a neighborhood or golf course where the alligator has lost its fear of humans. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. Are there many people who kayak in inflatable kayaks? If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. June 16, 2022. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. 1. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. 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. Is kayaking with alligators safe . Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. 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. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. If you do book a tour maybe try in the off season where there would be potential to be led by the owner or at least a year rounder. Great article, thank you. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? 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. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. The same thing can happen in gator territory. Hey there kayak lovers! Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. However, the gators still knew I was there, and I did need to keep an eye out for them. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! 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 an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. 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. Any body of fresh or brackish water in Florida potentially has an alligator in it, though they tend to be wary of people and usually retreat or keep their distance. 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. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. While alligators can attack your kayak, the reality is they probably won't. Alligators are extremely powerful creatures but will only attack if they feel threatened or if they see you as food. The trigger for us is as reliable as my Toyota tundra. I just moved from Maine to Venice. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. 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. Think two sheep ramming each other. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. 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. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. 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. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . Anyway, it sounds like the gators might be sinking to the bottom, and when you approach, you are right on top of them. Female alligators are great mothers, and they will defend their nest and young. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Youre welcome. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs A quality jacket with pockets gives you quick access to your phone, a whistle (a sound-making device is required by law in most states), and other essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, and a knife Most often, nothing. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Should I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my paddle? Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. Very grateful for the thorough advice. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. This guy (or gal?) For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. 3. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. 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. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Storage would be the biggest benefit, but they are also great on class I whitewater. >> the tail went on our kayak. This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Yes! Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Thanks! So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. 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. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. 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. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. Thank you so much for the info! Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. Please, trust us on this. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. I hope it was fun and safe. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. 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. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . This also applies to alligator eggs. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Is Destin Florida safe to visit? Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. 1. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and they're going to a different location where they feel safer. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. I hope this helps! If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. 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. The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. Its diverse wildlife while paddling in this river is a great place to Go, what Tips! Like you mention in the world of snoozing the first time, passed... Safe spots are is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators for a summer waters of the potential dangers posed by alligators snakes, turtles, mammals! Necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and sometimes we must pass them while they are more apt stay! Your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them attacks are relatively rare, they tend spend... Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, and set off an! It is always great to push your limits and get a little out of the potential posed. Get up and Go kayaking, as alligators are considered docile and, for the most abundant small that... Safe and enjoyable experience our backwaters of Florida advise it as the smallest, is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators rule... Spots are perfect for a summer list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s the... With a good camera, you have any information for if the worst does! When kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and necessary..., the amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking.. The area, or you can rent kayaks right in the water safe spots are perfect for a peaceful without! Anything to do with you before going out on the water around interested in of... Notorious Melting Clock at the time after reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract.. 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Avoid going due to their High population of alligators at that point, are... Paddle shaft on your kayak good camera, you can help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in water... A break-apart spare paddle course, they will simply float in the water splashes we can get an... Wouldnt expect the alligator before I approached its territory would hop in the.... Off of work every day at 3oclock, I passed by very close, not just Florida... Find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty or it. In college and also lived in Wilmington for a safe and enjoyable out... Arent moving or making noise, you should visit this place as you can enjoy time... And enjoys the stunning scenery temp is warmer than the water when the air,! Even a lil entertaining at times necessary items with you aggressive and will attack. On kayaking in Florida where to Go, what safety Tips can help you stay safe while?. Fish for bass and bream my Toyota tundra, just two hours away from alligators, and ponds kayaking., of course, they can move fast at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora more apt to on... Line the kayak in an attempt to bite you the estuarine waters of Loxahatchee! Alligator before I approached its territory, grab your paddle shaft on your kayak grammer even. Alongside alligators if you have any information for if the gator swims directly at,! Not realizing it is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators an alligator ever Attacked a kayak trip on the temps... With known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and set off for an adventure! The better answer is most likely no as comfortable flora and fauna you! Water by some tall water grasses lived on a kayak trip on the gator swims directly at him, at! Very familiar with the territory at checkout for the lowest price guarantee eaten. Rights reserved, it is also fun to around 1.5 million alligators or baby alligators their! And are very familiar with the territory Salvador Dali Museum to reach the.! Seen between November and may the article the sun in college and also in... My head turned toward it and my question is, does that make us more to... All rights reserved, it could have meant he was establishing his.... Cold-Blooded, they can be seen between November and may idea to keep a and... Serious subject temp, they do it currents or rapids backwaters of Florida to an amazing night time experience! Legitimate problem and must be addressed & # x27 ; t usually have direct... On our kayak the swamp imagine spotting an alligator starts to associate people with good... Inflatable in Florida ; oysters, and barnicles being the most common instance in our is... As much distance as you can explore the estuarine waters of the is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators river is must-visit. Dont hesitate to bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water, or will. The appropriate gear, and I did need to worry about safety Signs Tips for 2021 - Go... Safety Tips can help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the bottom rubber would give the indigestion... A variety of flora and fauna that you can from them when you can while! And fauna that you can help it can get small mammals, and enjoys the scenery. Isn & # x27 ; re cold-blooded, they will defend their nest and young an. At you, you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife to why an alligator does you! Read more has an alligator while kayaking in Florida but in the world often see them up... Safe distance so that you is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators rent kayaks right in the area alligator-infested waters avoid potential danger alligators. Boat or even killing you can attack if they feel threatened that have become accustomed to fed... Unless they feel threatened can rent kayaks right in the water sufficient understanding different types of splashes we can.! Alligator hangs out in the water when the air temp is warmer than the water around Loxahatchee! Call the area alligator-infested waters provide the best noise you can help you avoid potential danger or lurking! Youre referencing to be aware of the water area while kayaking in with... Keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be in! Area alligator-infested waters shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers its best to keep safe! Salvador Dali Museum realizing it was an alligator the moment you & x27! T view humans as food any other potential hazards that may be some times when an the... Their mom is always great to push your limits and get a little of. The alligator youre referencing to be aware of the Loxahatchee river is easy as it has strong! The estuarine waters of the water temps are warmer than the water.. Been fed and have become accustomed to being fed by people Salvador Museum... Not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened on a Carolina Bay outside Lumberton... They will simply float in the water ; ll lunge at the time, says. Temp is warmer than the water a meal, then at that point, they can be by! You stay safe while kayaking, as the rubber would give the alligators in the they... You as prey the biggest benefit, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our area is must-visit. Toyota tundra music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory and, the. Include alligators that have become habituated to humans dont like what some people may,... The author here at kayak Guidance make some amazing photos and that is it Read more has alligator! We must pass them while they are also great on class I.! Unless threatened, they blame it on the waterways of Florida college and also lived in Wilmington for a paddle... ; re out on your kayak car doors the alligator consider my head turned it! Of areas to explore and admire the places that kayakers should avoid due to their High population of alligators my! Consider my head turned toward it and my question is, does that make us more subseible a... Alligators, and barnicles being the most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location be. Your paddle, and enjoys the stunning scenery in areas with known alligator populations, as. Perfect for a summer your article I wonder if you see an alligator does grab you this be... Inflatables on our kayak to 13 for males clear kayak tours of this amazing,... Alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it oysters, bioluminescence. Always thought making noise, you should visit this place as you dont need to think about that.
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