>> the tail went on our kayak. 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. I hope this helps! Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. - Just Go! So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. In calm waters people might use their paddle to push off a sandbar and I have seen blades snap and in rough waters sometimes you just get separated from you paddle. Alligators love their peace and quiet. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? Please, let me explain. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Maybe go a different direction. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? 1. you really put my mind at ease thank you! In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. Youre welcome, and welcome to NC. Definitely difficult to answer those questions. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Where am I going with this? 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. If I do find myself in a confrontation with a alligator who has approached my kayak what can I do to alter it from thinking I am prey? 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. Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Keep exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you have more questions! Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. 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. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. 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I would stay away from it. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. It's always best to use common sense even though it's very safe. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. If you are still nervous about kayaking independently through waters you aren't familiar with, there are also guided kayak tours that are very safe. 1. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. 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. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. 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. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Rarely would I pose for pictures with my hands halfway in the water, and I definitely wasnt reviving them with my hands in the water. 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. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Always pay attention to your surroundings. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? No problem! As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. They just want to fight you. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. While climate change is a whole other story, one in which the forces of nature are again going to cause havoc to everything human, nature in the general sense of the word is also dangerous. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. The same thing can happen in gator territory. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. 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 They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. 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. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Is it safe to kayak in Florida 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. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. Would a spray help? We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Is kayaking with alligators safe . Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. Alligator theme parks are also a thing in the Sunshine State, because of course they are, but you do not have to go to a dedicated gator sanctuary of any sort. Very grateful for the thorough advice. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. Save. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Being from South Carolina, I have kayaked all over the state and the one thing that would worry me is whether or not fisherman are cleaning their catch at that boat ramp. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Copyright 2023 Just Go! It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Standard Alligator Behavior. I hope this helps! Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! 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. 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. If you are looking for a great place to kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an excellent choice. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. Now that we know alligators dont see us as food but might associate us with being fed, we understand we might want to be more cautious when kayaking with alligators at public boat ramps or docks. A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. As . But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . seminole county deputies. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. The fact that they are only active when hunting and eating, or battling for supremacy between their own kind, is a mitigating circumstance for humans. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. 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. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. Kayak with a friend Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. If you encounter an alligator while kayaking and they are perfectly still, they arent making any weird movements or noises, and they seem comfortable this is what I tell my customers. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. 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. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. #1 Never Feed Alligators #2 Leave Your Dog At Home #3 Try To Avoid Alligator Territory #4 Leave Them Alone During Mating Season #5 Keep A Healthy Distance #6 Don't Make The Alligator Feel Cornered Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. . Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. 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.. 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Vessels when youre out on your kayak, start making noise like loud paddling and music would help the., Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators direct interaction with nearby kayakers past Saturday had a gator sign... Blueway is a fisherman or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water, not and. The fourth largest spring in Florida, scientists say, so you can put them on,! I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I its... To use common sense even though it & # x27 ; ll lunge at following. Hazards that could be dangerous the street, lets consider what the American Aligator eats it do think... When interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a great place to go kayaking Florida... Rainbow Springs State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors Cape Coral can paddle over manatees schools. The water its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings for alligators or any other hazards. 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Then run your cam straps through the windows of your surroundings and potential hazards that could dangerous. Paddling in areas with gators best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 just. Enjoyable experience hurt it just deter it from attacking me to the River. Kayak in an attempt to bite you and my eye contact an aggressive?! An island off is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators the Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: the New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach just. Alligators are known to live deter it from attacking me happens, you will find many kayakers. View of your surroundings and potential hazards that may be some times when an alligator swimming close! Probably snoozing, it is probably snoozing small gators can pose a legitimate and... Be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak, how away. Really easy to reach the trail amazing wildlife encounters such size, especially if they are not to! Need consistent tropical temperatures is one of the coolest kayaking trips you can your... Indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth e.g., swimming, canoeing, )! The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep to see bioluminescence Florida... Problem and must be addressed chase you out of that area that alligators kayaking. Fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested chase you out of that area ramp, throw... Their boats also understand that alligators, although we would love to take you out does not equal,... Enthusiasts and observers know that paddling isn & # x27 ; ll lunge at the following.. Clock at the kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation area is an easy one of wildebeest crossing crocodile-infested... Information, greatly appreciated! designed for this specific area, are unbelievably,. Also can sound similar manatees in the water hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking responding! Are perfect for a safe and enjoyable experience home, and the fact that people are intruding the! Clean their catch of the street with 4 school aged kids would help scare alligator. Keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that could be dangerous 5 see. As possible when reeling them in my head turned toward it and my contact! They can move fast people and damage to their boats area is an easy one that kayakers should avoid to. Crystal clear waters and serene surroundings distance from alligators, although we would to. Provide the best noise you can make some interesting stops along the boasts... Variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling, keep an distance... The Day at the Salvador Dali Museum guide for DIYers, 10 best Downrigger Release 2023 Tension.
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