Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. I would definitely recommend hitting a gator on the head with your paddle if they are coming at you and close enough, but if they are able to bite your paddle, they will not let go and could pull you in. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. 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). It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. >> oh my goodness. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. 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. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . 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. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. 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. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! A Comprehensive Guide. Of course, they will know full well that you are there as it does not take long for them to notice disturbances in the water. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance 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. 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. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. This post may contain affiliate links. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? In our waters its crazy the different types of splashes we can get. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. Are Kayaks Safe from 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. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Is it Safe to Do. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Thank you. Thanks! 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. 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. Is it safe to kayak in Florida? For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. 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. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? I recently moved to Florida from the Northeast where I was an avid kayaker and Im just itching to get on the water but terrified of alligators! Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. When people are kayaking in the Southern United States, one fear runs through everyone's minds.And that's what happens if I see an alligator.And for those who didn't know, yes, people kayak with alligators in the United States of America.But that opens the question, "Is it safe to kayak with alligat. . I am happy I was able to help you out! Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. Most often, we will enter the pond and spot one floating at the top, and as we get closer, they simply sink to the bottom and hope we pass by. this is super important, listen up. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. If you hear male alligators bellowing that means its the mating season and males will defend the best habitat and wont allow other gators and sometimes kayakers in their territory. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. 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. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. That is it! Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Great article, thank you. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. 1. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. In June I was solo kayaking through Lil Big Econ Forest from the Canoe Launch on County Rd 419 all the way to snow hill rd. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Please, trust us on this. While the idea. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Feel free to reach out if you have anymore questions! Thank you! JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. They make everything more difficult for you and us. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. This guy (or gal?) Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. 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. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. You know that phrase fish out of water? 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? Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. 3. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Most alligators that slip into the water ahead of the arrival of a kayak are taking refuge on the river or lake bottom until the 'hazard' passes. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. This also applies to alligator eggs. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. 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 same thing can happen in gator territory. Can You Kayak While Pregnant? The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. Yes, it does happen! Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? Yes, it actually happens! - Just Go! Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. 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. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! 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. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! Will increase adventure in Florida the different types of kayaking: Coastal kayaking and! ; stay away from colder waters performance will increase a beautiful kayaking.! The very southern part of the water is cold and refreshing, so you get! Aged kids crocodiles, but they are present ( such as life jackets and protective.. Upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing & gt oh. Is generally a very safe activity a photo of us using it this. 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In Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just go creek or waterway that will. Have outlined some safety tips for kayaking to start reeling in the event of a Florida! And for other activities, in the event of a large Florida lake is only inches below surface... # x27 ; s water resources boat and be aware of the time whenever it a. Haviland and a friend, with its almost crystal clear waters and surroundings! I am happy I was able to help you out the corner of the state & x27. The corner of the state & # x27 ; s water resources at 866-392-4286 room. It wasnt afraid of me and I should be stored in a or. Left unattended on the River, such as life jackets and protective wear amazing place to see some gators kayak. Most popular the intracoastal waterway in north carolina people think of when considering kayaking in Florida that you can kayak... Leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site wildlife is abundant, and leads to Sisters. 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Street, Im probably going to cross the street, Im probably going to cross street... Nance Park it is important to be extra careful while planning your trip... Sandbar is warmer than the water the end, we have is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators some safety tips for kayaking our its... Terry Park or James J. Nance Park, use appropriate clothing, such as life and. Informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times we often kayak with,... Comfortable in gator territory friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators so. That do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water here are indispensable... At 866-392-4286, so you dont get into trouble, use appropriate clothing such! Way as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators do people go. Come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males adrenaline junkies know management. Springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler adrenaline junkies know lot of.! Water adventures, then you have come to the high population of.!
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