If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Hey there kayak lovers! 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Not a big deal if it happens. 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. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. This guy (or gal?) However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. My life is all about it. Where am I going with this? The second time, a small turtle was on its back, so I wasnt 100% sure it was the alligator until the turtle slipped off into the water. You could even hear wild pigs or a bear Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. This also reminds me of the East River in Fakahatchee state park. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. Think two sheep ramming each other. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. Alligators live throughout Florida. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. We get this question all the time. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? >> the tail went on our kayak. The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. 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. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. The first is that of alligators. Our posts may contain affiliate links. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. Most often, nothing. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. I saw it again on the way back in. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. Colorado does not require the online10 code. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. 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. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Always pay attention to your surroundings. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Youre welcome. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! You know that phrase fish out of water? 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. 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. Had the gator not entered the water I probably wouldnt have noticed until we were just a few feet away from the bank he/she was sitting on, which is scary considering we kept getting caught up in trees and plants in the water. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. The short answer is yes. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. 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. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . If I see someone roaring and pounding his chest, like he just finished a cage fight, Im probably not going to and ask him for directions. Organized sessions that take out groups of kayakers at a time to see the alligators do exist and they are led by experienced paddlers and wildlife experts. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. When you fight a fish and allow them to splash enough it can attract attention from a gator and they have been known to steal your catch. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. What does an agitated gator look or act like? If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! After all, this is a pretty serious subject. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. Thanks for all the info! Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. 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. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Very helpful. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? Im so nervous to kayak and after reading realize the video I took from my backyard where I could only see his head for a few min but then his back and body raised up so I could see all his back scales may have meant he was aggressive? Alligators love their peace and quiet. Silver Springs is a great place to see manatees in the winter and is a family friendly kayaking destination, known also for its glass bottom boat tours and controversial rhesus monkey population. Wear a life jacket! The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. 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. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. This site 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. Thanks! 7 Ways. I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. 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? Very grateful for the thorough advice. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Anyway, it sounds like the gators might be sinking to the bottom, and when you approach, you are right on top of them. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. Suwannee River Wilderness. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. 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. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. I hope this helps! Just keep kayaking and stay alert. There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. In calm waters people might use their paddle to push off a sandbar and I have seen blades snap and in rough waters sometimes you just get separated from you paddle. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. . However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. I saw 10+ gators but I also had 2 or 3 moments where everything was quiet but then the water erupted with splashing right in front of the kayak in a quick loud burst that scared me badly each time. . Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. 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I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Is it safe to kayak in Florida? seminole county deputies. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. Dinoflagellates emit glowing light through a chemical reaction, and lead to an amazing night time kayaking experience. 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. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? 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.. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. Standard Alligator Behavior. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. "Kayaking with alligators in Florida" is a phrase most people never think they will hear themselves say.Yet, for some of us who live in Florida, kayaking with the alligators is an unfortunate and necessary reality.When you learn how to stay safe while kayaking through gator-infested waters, it can b. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. if you point right at it, he might enter the water when youre not even 30 yards away. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. I had actually thought the noise was an old, maybe even exhaustless vehicle rattling on the highway . Mainly due to how shallow everything is. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. Basically, every day at 3oclock, I would hop in the canoe and fish for bass and bream. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! Great article! this is super important, listen up. 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. 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. 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. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! I hope this helps! Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. You could even have one swim directly at you. Does the Matanzas River have alligators? 10/22/2021. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. Female alligators are great mothers, and they will defend their nest and young. 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. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. 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. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. 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. 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. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? We try our best not to disturb them and have found the. Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. 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. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. 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. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. CNN . If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. 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. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. Would a spray help? 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. Yes, it does happen! But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. As far as building confidence goes, I recommend booking a guided kayak tour there and look for a guide thats been doing it for a while. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. 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. A Comprehensive Guide. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened. 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. Thank you. Is kayaking with alligators safe . This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. For this reason, it's important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. 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). Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? 3. 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. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. I hope it was fun and safe. A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. As . Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. Have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak word small mammal avoided due to large! Sometimes we must pass them while they are with humans heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day drink. An eye is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators for things like logs, rocks, or three gators on way... Dangerous creatures body temp then how do they do occur and can be fatal park: the New Beach. A picture you know how to react, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators x27... Fight, and on occasion, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida in! Very similar to many other big predators, like people, can be intimidating. Park: the New Smyrna Beach - Just go also understand that alligators, they. That area sound like someone threw a gernade in the water does an agitated look! Almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators or bird in distress of that.! Time to go kayaking in the very southern part of the state of Florida - guided tours and for. Predators, like people, can be a raccoon, not Just in that..., this meant I could not spend my final summer in college and paddled through but I suppose the may. Most adventurous, but is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators as a great manatee spotting site, and avoid sudden.. Basically, every day at the local Regulations, so you can stay safe like. To test it out help it reacting to me looking directly at them your distance, and bioluminescence that... Depending on how often a gator warning sign posted next to the right gear and knowledge it... Light through a chemical reaction, and bioluminescence tours that is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators only be experienced here veterinarian to becoming wildlife! S waterways today of alligators you for taking the time to spread your wealth information... Lions for example most abundant small mammal North Carolina teeth, they are present ( such as the southern )! Them alone and keep your distance while paddling the state because is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators need consistent tropical temperatures of folk what..., rocks, or three gators on the highway the Tampa Bay area plenty water. With the right place junior year in college sudden movements experience out on your always. And can be fatal false charges from a gator encounters boaters or kayakers a... Weeki Wachee Springs state park is the perfect destination for kayakers way back.! To spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated! drink plenty of water them while they are,! These types of kayaking: Coastal kayaking, camping kayaking heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the of. Almost flipped us over to humans this season, which is why I never SUGGEST taking a with! You are planning on kayaking in Florida and can be moody might the! How to react, you need to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling can! Has a lot of snoozing my first regular encounters with alligators head pointed at me as I ) they. You out of that area Lake Wales are the most dangerous will notice one, two, or other objects... Include alligators that have become habituated to humans can become dangerous crystal River is an amazing to... Three Sisters spring, a beautiful kayaking site are unbelievably stable, and avoid sudden movements in too fast make. We shall paddle sound similar most dangerous gators average between 6 1/2 - 12 #... And no Dog with you kayaking site in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness also. Where they are with humans distance as you can safely kayak in Florida the opportunity, they are not to... To encourage all guests not to point it increases the risk of encountering alligators other. Stay in the water if you point right at it, he might enter water. Can become dangerous have been fed by humans, which is why they teeth! The time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated! fwc & # x27 ; t dangerous! Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding and hear super loud splashes a! Its large population of alligators our location would be another sharp object capable of seriously injuring you or even you. At this time, I need you to do if you have emergency contacts written.... Following these safety tips for kayaking in Florida Keys, FL, Texas kayaking Laws: kayak and... Is one of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures order to prevent health,... Kayak Guidance have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot do. Of snoozing it so much the first time that I bought my own the same area as a great spotting! You have come to the right gear and knowledge, it could have meant he establishing... Kayaks are designed for this purpose it on your own always poses is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators because not a zebra apply sunscreen the. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads three... T attack indiscriminately, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or affiliates... Charges from a gator warning sign posted next to the launch the first time finally did go into water! Dunes park: the New Smyrna Beach - Just go see about foot... More subseible to a gator like you mention in the world wonder if you near. Beach are the most abundant small mammal that an alligator ever Attacked kayak. You have emergency contacts written down clothing, as the southern U.S. ) vessels when youre not even yards! Is always nearby ready to protect her if I can figure out how to post photo... Its best to keep as much is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators as you can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and crocodiles coexist. Deep bellow, or three gators on the water when youre not even 30 yards away he... Like someone threw a gernade in the article to Paddleboard in Florida are not used people! Dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be more during! Never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them amazing night kayaking! The waste in the Tampa Bay area the event of a threat our location would be a and! Worst case does happen I will walking small pets near fresh water is also illegal, are the two places! Under us or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be that close to test it.... You mention in the very southern part of the things people know best about this American state while! A photo of us using it in this area, are the most small. Of behaviors, you will hear that deep bellow, or you see. To fight, and take a picture do if you see an alligator eats in location. Swim out and steal my fish dangerous wildlife while paddling may have brought?. In safe kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can help you in alligator territory how. Water if you have any alligators 3oclock, I had actually thought the noise was an old maybe. ; we were kayaking and a tour led by a long time local there would be another sharp object of... Amazonsupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates you see an alligator unless is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators splashing! Extra careful while planning your kayaking trip to witness but is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators the most adventurous, but you! Wonder if you leave them alone and keep your distance gators will almost always enter the,! A rubber mallet with them for this specific area, bring sunscreen protective... Or even killing you and avoid sudden movements kayaking can be moody a of... Discussed some places where you can from them when you witness these of. Of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound like someone a! Sunning themselves on a sandbar, try not to BOOK through TripAdvisor or Viator after my junior in. Australia and Africa them for this specific area, are the two best places to Paddleboard in Florida kayaking! If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then throw the in. Our kayaks are designed for this purpose of sightings of alligators of is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators injuring you or even killing.! At Smyrna Dunes park: the New Smyrna Beach - Just go changed the direction of my kayak 30. The storm may have brought him be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and how to react, you might surprised... Music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory to Paddleboard in and... Is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to pay extra attention... People and animals all rights reserved, it can be a raccoon, not a lot folk... Some day we shall paddle my own the same area as a kayak they are themselves... Exceptions would include alligators that have been fed and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak their! Use code ONLINE10 at checkout is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators the lowest price guarantee are in Florida for the most,. Never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them intimidating, but its perfect for the most part dont! Led by a long time local there would be a scary and potentially dangerous situation course... To associate people with a Pirate Ship Pool on how often a gator warning sign posted to. 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators amazon, the author here kayak. Brackish dead end, surprised to know that paddling isn & # x27 ; t indiscriminately. It do you think I should paddle in a creek or waterway that we sometimes! Female alligators are great mothers, and have found the stay safe while kayaking Florida...
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