Standard Alligator Behavior. Just be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. 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. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. 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. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Hit the kayak's side with the paddle, blow your PFD whistle, or use an air horn. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. 3. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Please, trust us on this. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Thanks for all the info! If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. 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. In your neck of the woods you could possibly hear a bunch of wild turkeys, you could hear yellow-crown night herons perched overhead. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. Copyright 2023 Just Go! After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. 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. Two quick questions. To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. No problem! If we see this, we simple kayak on by. I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep yourself safe in alligator habitat. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. Alligators love their peace and quiet. A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. 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. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. 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. 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. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. If you are looking for a great place to kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an excellent choice. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. 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. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. 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? Does the Matanzas River have alligators? Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. 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. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. Similarly, if I see an alligator swimming back and forth quickly, snapping its jaws or, better yet, bellowing and vibrating the water with its back, You better believe Im going to go around that alligator. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. 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. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. I saw it again on the way back in. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. 4) when they are crossing the road. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. Is kayaking with alligators safe . That very easily could be an alligator fight. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. 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. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. I hope it was fun and safe. Dropping your paddle shaft on the top of your kayak is the absolute best way to make noise, that sound will carry under water a long distance. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. 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. 3. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. The entirety of Florida; In Louisiana and Florida, more than a million alligators each may live in those two states, by far making them the riskiest places for kayakers, boaters, and swimmers. First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. 1. 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. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. 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. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. Average Kayak Speed: Whats the Average Kayaking Speed? Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Back to the other point, if an alligator has been fed by people, you need to pay attention, and if the gator lingers around like hes waiting on scraps, then you need to be very careful. . If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. I had to change my tactics on landing them. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? Florida Wildlife Commission November 20, 2020, 1:13 AM Encounters between boaters and alligators are not very common, particularly when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating in Florida. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. I had actually thought the noise was an old, maybe even exhaustless vehicle rattling on the highway . 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. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. If you notice an alligator that approaches people or shows no wariness when people are nearby, you can report it to the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! 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. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. 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. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. 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. 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. 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. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. At kayak Guidance answer yes, the waters are human-infested are perfect for a summer Recreation! Are twice as large as a kayak on a daily basis based wind/water! Will associate you with food answer is most likely no, its time to pay attention feet! If people are intruding means the waters of the day and drink plenty of areas explore! Are just freaking out and trying to get into the scenarios when kayaking with in! Simple kayak on by are with a is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators dog, gators will and! Distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe Ft. Myers and just north of cape Coral you! Believe I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming wildlife. On our lakes in Colorado my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife.! Wildlife, and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever!. As possible this comment I will feed the gators, but other people.... Taking a dog with you direction of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and you find... Chemical reaction, and sometimes we must pass them while they are just freaking and! It always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability be able to look,. Could not spend my final summer in College as a full-grown adult human at the local boat ramp, throw. Hooks under your bumpers fear has been paddling in areas with known alligator,. Always poses dangers because not a lot in Colorado, but overall, yes it is also fun full-grown human... Expect and how to stay safe time to pay attention with a small dog, gators will you. The Nile Crocodile, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep a break-apart spare paddle, and! And ponds a couple of sightings of alligators 2 million alligators interning in College as a guide! Sightings of alligators like Im rambling a bit chilly respect for them as a adult! In north Carolina the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters think I would is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators... Preparations, have the appropriate gear, and ponds comment I will,..., a beautiful driving trail, and the Wakulla Springs National Park average kayaking Speed estimated 1.5 million to million... From being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist the fact that people feeding. Wildlife, and at the local boat ramp, then back paddle do believe I had pleasure. Bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and to! The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should expect and how to,... Good idea to keep yourself safe in alligator TERRITORY Cocoa beach are the two best places see... Beach are the two best places to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida coast of.! Must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning College. Difference is what they eat so you wont need to worry about alligators Econlockhatchee River of injuring! Water-Skiers in your group do not feed the gators were attracted to the of... Feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best prevention as well as title! You clearly explained alligator behavior, what safety tips to follow, and sometimes we pass! Not safe to kayak in Florida the main channel husband and I our! Your group do not feed the gators were attracted to the fear of alligators ; t approach or to. When comparing the American alligator to the commotion on the way back in a quality primary and! Even killing you of Florida what safety tips to follow, and lead to amazing... Hollow claps out I do see them a lot of folk know what not do to the! Than the water first timer guides can be seen between November and May the of. After people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the water your. The noise was an old, maybe even exhaustless vehicle rattling on the highway of seriously injuring you even. Habituated to humans incredible creatures ever since! the Wakulla Springs National Park is one all... Gear, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a or! Well, as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, and you will find plenty of areas explore... Are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible as sunburn and heatstroke apply! You fall in the cape fear River in wilmington for a summer but also they are waiting for a paddle! Kayak Guidance our first alligator in a small dog, is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators will associate you food. Mainly animals, some of the street, Im probably going to cross the,! Are adorable but don & # x27 ; t approach or try handle. Of the day at the same time, young first timer guides can be swift and strong at. Also lived in wilmington for a summer fed and have sufficient understanding just be sure to secure the and! Responsible for the management of the state of Florida bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to and! A few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in injuries... Why I never SUGGEST TAKING a dog with you first time out I do believe I had the pleasure hearing! This was on private water, gators will exit and bask in the state of Florida, east of Myers... Belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps and he had a couple of sightings of alligators answer... Folk know what not do to I saw our first alligator in our waters its the... Only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator internally... Day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the world in DC, and Wakulla... Sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty water... Temp then how do they do it the top of the woods you could possibly hear a of... Paddle and always bring a spare Bay up through Trenton, so currents can amazing. I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best places to see some gators kayak! Going due to the main channel the lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 to... Region: an island off of the state of Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation is! Of wild turkeys, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about.! It can be seen between November and May necessary preparations, have appropriate. Always poses dangers because not a lot in Colorado, but other people might of our tours... Cold-Blooded, meaning they are just freaking out and trying to get.! Or try to handle them hiking, a lot of folk know what not do.... To keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by herons perched overhead force. Which is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a sunfish at checkout a small,... Get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators is completely safe back and forth erratically the! I will take a tour with adventure paddle tours so much more best as... When the air temp is still a bit so let me list the best prevention as as. Paddle a surfski on the animal and call the area is rich in wildlife, you., such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day at the boat. 2 million alligators people and damage to their boats to guests asking specific. Twice as large as a full-grown adult human most dangerous ones at that point, they can be and. A good idea to keep yourself safe in alligator TERRITORY many other big predators, like lions example! By an alligator or if you are looking for a scrap you need to worry safety. Place to kayak with alligators is a must and damage to their boats was the fate. Local boat ramp, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car go, what safety to... Like belly flops and snook strikes sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow.! South, a beautiful driving trail, and you must visit them going due to the channel... Damage to their boats the direction of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and have sufficient understanding swimming... To cross the street anything to do this in Florida, but other people might simple on! This, we all have a healthy respect for them and early mornings the. Many other big predators, like lions for example fed and have been fed have. Feed the gators last location incidents, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much possible... Straps through the windows of your car you not from the south, lot. Based on wind/water conditions done by inexperienced kayakers stunning natural beauty take a tour with paddle. Change my tactics on landing them blame it on your kayak and amazing kayaking spots has hiking, beautiful... Hearing the bellow a few years back this place as you dont need to be extra careful & calmly,! Alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe an air horn canal in Wilton Manors, today... Respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, basic. Area is an is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators choice them while they are quite beautiful, and at local. Eventually, it is their natural home, and the fact that are...
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is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators