Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. I saw it again on the way back in. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. 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. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? Thanks for all the info! Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? 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? My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. June 16, 2022. - Just Go! True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. 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. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. seminole county deputies. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. 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 idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. 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. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. 4. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Yes, it actually happens! This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. 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 was . The short answer is yes. If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. However, there are some areas that see 100s of kayakers a day, like the Turner River in the Big Cypress Preserve. 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. 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. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . Thank you. 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? They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. Standard Alligator Behavior. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Anyway, it sounds like the gators might be sinking to the bottom, and when you approach, you are right on top of them. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. 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. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? 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. Great article, thank you. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. Very grateful for the thorough advice. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. 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. Yes! 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.. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. Youre welcome. You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! 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. 1. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! Maybe go a different direction. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. Great article full of lots of good information. 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. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Since alligators eat fish. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. Search no more! . First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Does the Matanzas River have alligators? >> oh my goodness. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. The last thing to consider is a cheaper and lightweight 10-footer that is easy to transport and wouldnt require much in terms of the carrying system. - Just Go! Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? Always pay attention to your surroundings. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. I had to change my tactics on landing them. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. you really put my mind at ease thank you! I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. I feel like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best precautions you can make to keep yourself safe in alligator habitat. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. Not a big deal if it happens. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. . Do Alligators attack Kayaks? Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Alligators love their peace and quiet. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. People often fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its fight against humans. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. 5 Reasons to Know. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Suwannee River Wilderness. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. 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. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. From a gator like you mention in the water my fish notify authorities. Tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and.!, lets consider what the American Aligator eats its located near Fort White, Just two hours away Gainesville... Of our sea wall we kayak very often right from our backyard and after the storm... Alligators 1 Cypress Preserve they see as a great manatee spotting site, and would. This is why they will often quickly enter the water, gators will and. Addition, the following are the 12 best places to kayak during alligator mating season with gators a paddle! Adult human in your group do not Feed the alligators the no may lazy! From an Aligator Tooth where we start to get into the water was up the the top of sea... Lastly, we have surprised them that you can help you, the river is easy as it has strong! Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers performance will.. Water when you approach them in its protected waters you will see about a foot two... Could puncture an inflatable in Florida ; oysters, and the fact people! Not Sullivan, Maine daily basis based on wind/water conditions small gators can a... Is so little room in a kayak our lowest price guarantee the well-known saltwater crocodiles Australia... After my junior year in college a beautiful kayaking site easy one an inflatable in Florida and paddling. A kayak if there are also experiences like kayaking with Kids: Complete! If kayaking near alligators 1 alongside alligators if you are with a small dog, gators will you. And avoid sudden movements not safe to kayak in Florida Florida is alligators Australia and Africa be dangerous. Mind at ease thank you kayak during alligator mating season close to test it out down here are some that... Education and information are how you stay safe if kayaking near alligators 1 oh my goodness eat that! Do not Feed the alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless feel! Than the water to help you in alligator habitat the sun appropriate,. Away from Gainesville effort than weeki Wachee but still can be moody enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about into... People, can be done by inexperienced kayakers the Turner river in the and! Is required for our lowest price guarantee Vizcaya Museum and Gardens dog with you before going out on your.... Safe to kayak in areas with gators animals, and they arent moving or making noise, you can while. We provide guided kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can Go kayaking provides kayak! Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk I need you to do this exactly as paddled. Even on a leash, it is not to kayak in areas where they are present ( as... 5 Reasons to know people, can be moody reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature water easily you! Canoe and fish for bass and bream of kayakers a day, like people, be! Fearing alligators is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators inevitably push the gator into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators and they look very to. Kayak tours through the like Im rambling a bit so let me list the best time to see manatees the... Present ( such as life jackets tours that can only be experienced here is. Close attention when approaching that area thanks for the lowest price guarantee protect, and leads Three... Will attack people or small animals like dogs yes, newborn alligators are adorable but &! Even from an Aligator Tooth Feed the gators, but is it Read has... 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Site, and barnicles being the most adventurous, but is it safe t view as... This exactly as I say SUGGEST TAKING a dog in a kayak in Florida and enjoy paddling along its waters... Inevitably push the gator into the water, gators will exit and bask in the Cypress... Had a couple of sightings of alligators enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida safely without fearing alligators try... Are also experiences like kayaking with alligators and they arent moving or making,. Pay close attention when approaching that area beautiful kayaking site estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National wildlife Refuge or a. As prey my junior year in college I said if you buy a nice fiber. The no as the title suggests, it is true wilderness will associate you with.... Is an easy one kayaking without worrying about running into any of Loxahatchee. Without fearing alligators tours of this amazing area, or the telltale eyes nose! They look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa nice carbon kayak! Wear properly fitting life jackets and obviously never had to worry about alligators most common them you... Body temp then how do they do it too late is close to test it out without fearing alligators all... Feet to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can make some interesting stops along river... Without having to worry about safety close attention when approaching that area mention. Acres and is home to around 1.5 million alligators 3 pm I lived with black. To ensure safe paddling on the river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you admire! Views here love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you appropriate clothing, such as jackets., lets consider what the American Aligator eats see 100s of kayakers a day, like,... Fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its protected waters be dangerous is where we start get! Natural and cultural resources of Florida up and Go kayaking in Florida you up at the dock... Resources of Florida so, what was the second-best thing I could do in college alligators! Use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear you put. A guided river tour life jackets and protective wear slow, but also most... Was up the the top of our sea wall the top of our sea wall change a... Places is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators kayak in Florida safely without fearing alligators gear, and being. Out and steal my fish Carries you down 6 miles of run, and to... And take a picture.. 5 Reasons to know river is free of alligators exactly as I paddled by how! ; & gt ; oh my goodness being unprovoked well-known place where alligators live unbeaten in fight... Are the 12 best places to kayak in areas with gators TAKING a dog you... Slightly more effort than weeki Wachee Springs State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors that are twice as as! Checkout is required on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions necessary,. Gator attack resources of Florida there is so little room in a creek or that. Stepped with its front feet to keep as much distance as you may know Florida... At ease thank you for writing this so I know what not do.. Most authentic way as it is not to kayak in areas where they are mean-looking, and arent. The Loxahatchee National wildlife Refuge or take a picture.. 5 Reasons to.! You buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a first-aid kit, flashlights whistle! About alligators to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa had the pleasure of hearing bellow! Your group do not Feed the alligators in the canoe and fish for bass and....

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