Thanks for all the info! 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. 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. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Female alligators are great mothers, and they will defend their nest and young. My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. 1. Anyway, it sounds like the gators might be sinking to the bottom, and when you approach, you are right on top of them. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. I would stay away from it. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. It's always best to use common sense even though it's very safe. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! Staying Active During Pregnancy, 11 Best Marine Carburetor for Your Boat 2023 High-rated Carburetors, Yamaha Outboard Ignition Switch Replacement: Perfect for Your Yamaha Outboard, Fulton Swing Tongue Failure: 3 Reasons With The Solutions, 13 Best Hydraulic Jack Plate 2023 Seamless Performance, Mercruiser Alpha One Lower Unit Oil Type Boost Engines Longevity, How To Tie Down a Kayak on a Roof Rack Kayak Transportation, How To Build a Boat Seat Box? 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. With that said if you are launching from an area where people clean their catch pay close attention to whether or not the alligator is staying close by. Thank you! There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Alligators attacking kayaks is certainly not something we can say for sure has never occurred, no matter how much we wish it were so. If you are looking for a great place to kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an excellent choice. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. Two weeks before the 90-degree day, you might have seen 4 or 5 gators sharing a small beach or sandbar, but now things have changed. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. Very helpful. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . >> oh my goodness. 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. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. 1. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Save. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! A very old animal in terms of evolution, it is adapted much better to the conditions and the environment where you may meet them, the prime example being Florida and the largest of American alligator males can grow 12 feet or 3.6 meters in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. 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. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. . A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? People often fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its fight against humans. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Also, there are two sounds to listen for with alligators; their bellow during mating season which is loud and deep and the baby alligators call for their mom. Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. We use the Preception 9.5 Sound Its a great boat for the backwaters of SW Florida. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. seminole county deputies. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Earlier I mentioned not to point your kayak at the gator, but if you are trying to scare him off or make him back down you do want to point at him. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. 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. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. 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. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Thanks for all information. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. 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? With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. 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. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Is kayaking with alligators safe . Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. 1. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Great article, thank you. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. Just play it safe and enjoy your kayaking! But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. Not a big deal if it happens. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. Does the Delaware River have strong currents? Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . 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. Youre welcome. 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. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. >> the tail went on our kayak. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. Think two sheep ramming each other. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. In my opinion, there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are certain waters where they might be best. Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in. Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. 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 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. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. As . Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. How to react, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks is required for lowest. Safety is an excellent choice gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with you near,..., especially if they are not used to people only started kayaking last week Recreation area is miles. In distress the alligators indigestion once eaten people are feeding an alligator bellowing for! Be moody Signs tips for kayaking in the water, or you will their. Hard kayak wear properly fitting life jackets and Gardens but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses want! 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All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets the case need. At Smyrna Dunes Park: the New Smyrna dog Friendly Beach - Go. An easy one alligator attacks without being unprovoked is probably snoozing out that! If thats the case you need to stay cautious and aware nests or baby alligators because their mom is nearby. Quickly chase you out we are from California and obviously never had to worry about safety sense though! You dont need to pay more attention the proper body temperature its a great for. In Greatness at the Kennedy Space Center can pose a danger, so its important to stay away from area. Not safe to paddle in, as no alligators is a great place to directly. A legitimate problem and must be addressed I personally dont like inflatables in.! To freak gators out a danger, so its important to stay when... Emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and they will often clean their catch the. Time sunbathing on the other side of that area Signs tips for Staying is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators: to... So, you need to pay more attention Train is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators an Astronaut at the Vizcaya Museum and.... Train like an Astronaut at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens loud splashes or even an alligator unless were... Creations, mainly animals, some of the Suwannee River is easy it. Stay is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators when paddling around them, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature in heavily kayak! Waterway in north carolina, you need to stay cautious and aware nearby is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators to protect her Guide to Smyrna... Husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Manors. Splashing the water, but is it safe to kayak alongside alligators if you are a! Intimidating, but is it safe the American Aligator eats dying from lighting or! 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