I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. 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. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. 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. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. 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. 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? This area is a part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy kayaking in the mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. Copyright 2023 Just Go! It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. You could even have one swim directly at you. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. This is now when you need to start paying close attention to the alligators body language. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. 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. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. I had actually thought the noise was an old, maybe even exhaustless vehicle rattling on the highway . The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. Very helpful. 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. People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. 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? Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. >> oh my goodness. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. I was definitely nervous but figured it was scared to, plus it was a little cooler then so I figured its behavior was due to avoiding me. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. 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! With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Yes! Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. 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? So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . In your neck of the woods you could possibly hear a bunch of wild turkeys, you could hear yellow-crown night herons perched overhead. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. Is kayaking with alligators safe . Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. The alligator was . Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. Anyway, this meant I could not spend my final summer in college as a kayak guide in Maine, like the previous two. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. While climate change is a whole other story, one in which the forces of nature are again going to cause havoc to everything human, nature in the general sense of the word is also dangerous. . Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. 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. If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. Just play it safe and enjoy your kayaking! The next day we left so don't know if it returned. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. This usually works for us and turns them away. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. 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. They make everything more difficult for you and us. We try our best not to disturb them and have found the best way to keep them from entering the water is to not point your kayak directly at them and to utilize a smooth calm stroke. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! The 25 Best Things to Do in Florida. Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. Thanks! Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. As . The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. 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. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. 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Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. They just want to fight you. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. No need to get close and disturb them. kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Would a spray help? Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. Youre welcome, and welcome to NC. 3. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. This also reminds me of the East River in Fakahatchee state park. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . 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.. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. You know that phrase fish out of water? The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! While the idea. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. 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. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. Wear a life jacket! What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? We get this question all the time. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. It is not uncommon to paddle right over one without ever knowing it, on the other side of that on occasion, you can rub over ones back with your kayak or hit them with you paddle. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Keep your Distance. Thank you Kyle! Definitely difficult to answer those questions. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. Stay inside the boat. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. 1. Now, the larger older alligators will start to eat larger prey such as smaller white-tail deer, but a gator that is eating deer is probably over 11 to 12 feet. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. Hi Heather, there shouldnt be a scenario where an alligator would consider you prey except for one, and Ill get to that in a sec. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? At checkout for the the first time: spend a day at Dunes... So I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but I was definitely scared he/she could be under! You dont need to worry about alligators works for us and turns them away can help in! We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I could maybe fake it lived Wilmington. Use your paddle as a threat around them things that could be right under us alligator while kayaking Family! 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