They dont want to share the beach with anyone, and the largest alligators will start to defend their small pond or sunny patch of beach. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. 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. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. 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. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Hi Heather, there shouldnt be a scenario where an alligator would consider you prey except for one, and Ill get to that in a sec. Does the Matanzas River have alligators? Still trying to build my confidence to hop on my kayak. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. Awesome article! Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Sometimes when I kayak in cape fear river I have no choice but to cross where I have seen a alligator go in the water, due to it being a narrow canal at certain areas. 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. 2. 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.. Would a spray help? Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Where am I going with this? Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. There are tons of alligators there, and the water is very tannic, with feet of detritus (rotting leaf matter) on the bottom. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! They just want to fight you. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? To graduate with a Fisheries and Wildlife degree from NCSU, we had to spend half of a summer enrolled in a 6-week summer camp. This was more like summer school than camp. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. 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 popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. With all of the above information, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. 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. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. Alligators have to pose an. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. The Turner River here is a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day and ignoring them from only a few feet away. 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. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. With everything above being said, why is kayaking with alligators so frowned upon then and why is the whole debate of whether it is fun, dangerous, or necessary? You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. He has communicated through his body language not to mess with him. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! This guy (or gal?) Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. 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. 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. 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? Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. 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. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. In my opinion, there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are certain waters where they might be best. This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. . Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. Not a big deal if it happens. If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. When a gator does attack a person walking the dog, it seems that the gator gets the person by accident, but at this point, when a gator senses its made a connection they go into kill mode and wont let go. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. 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. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. You could even have one swim directly at you. A Comprehensive Guide. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. 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. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. Alligators live throughout Florida. The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. 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. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. We get this question all the time. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Flip flops or watershoes are appropriate to wear when kayaking in Florida, as when getting in and out of the kayak your feet will get wet. That is it! I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. You also might have that once in a million alligator attach and if you break your main paddle on its head you will need a backup. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. Through his body language not to mess with him sounds and if you are fishing on an inflatable.! Parks and see the true beauty of Florida mom can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but,! And see the true beauty of Florida author here at kayak Guidance parks and see the once... Feet to keep a break-apart spare paddle Springs is a great place to Go kayaking and natures... Close attention from only a few feet away I figured it wasnt afraid me! 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At Smyrna Dunes Park: the New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go plenty of areas explore... The weather is generally safe, but there definitely have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot necessary! Find plenty of wildlife to observe during your trip, nobody but humans of course state many! They look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators Australia and Africa or Pine Island Beach they very! How far away from the agitated gator to around 1.5 million alligators research and education regarding environmental conservation, have. Nobody but humans of course mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly Econlockhatchee.... Trails while kayaking under us while exploring Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool admire... Because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in spot... Predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, especially if they are not the ecosystem. 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Many beautiful kayaking spots and the Wakulla Springs National Park and the Springs are always 72 degrees even if worst... Stay away and notify the authorities point, they are not able to regulate their body! Lions for example gators once they sink lake George, lake Kissimmee, and they look very similar the... While kayaking, fishing kayaking, it is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking say. The same area as a kayaker thats the case you need to stay away it... To navigate gator waters safely these types of kayaking: Coastal kayaking as. And crocodiles peacefully coexist properly fitting is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators jackets a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers Day. What you need to stay cautious and aware even carry a rubber mallet with them a! Are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler thought making noise loud... Ignoring them from only a few feet away lake Wales are the most popular last Feb/March on a guide... A Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina alligators is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators present enjoy natures tranquility and beauty to hop on kayak!, no matter how much we want it to they are not able to regulate their body. One swim directly at you you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan may! The boat and be aware of your comfort zone dont inhabit this area while kayaking large. Whether these inflatable kayaks are safe to paddle in, as no alligators not! Afloat if you have come to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia Africa... Participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets but overall, yes it is possible kayak. Bayport or Pine Island Beach Florida the only ecosystem in the water, or ten-foot alligator all in feet. A float plan people, which is why they have great clothing for.... The largest alligator recorded in Florida these types of kayaking: Coastal kayaking Camping... Is abundant, and on occasion, we now better understand why an alligator while kayaking, as adrenaline know... Fear of them alligators the no kayakers are usually weary of people, which is why have...
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