Thank you Kyle! Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. The fact that they are only active when hunting and eating, or battling for supremacy between their own kind, is a mitigating circumstance for humans. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. In order to prevent health problems, such as sunburn and heatstroke, apply sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water. For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. As volunteers for Huntsville state park, I felt the need to take my kayak in this American Aligator country to clean the shoreline of Lake Raven where my trash pickers cant reach from the shore. On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. 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. On the very first 90-degree day in the winter or spring, alligators will immediately change from frozen statues to remote-controlled boats zooming around the pond. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. In areas like this, the gators are more comfortable with people. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. 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. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Two quick questions. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! Its helpful and reassuring to know how to respond should one occur. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. 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? We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. 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. 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. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. 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. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? That is it! I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. 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 storage were an issue and I were paddling an area like the Colorado river near Glenwoods Springs I would choose an inflatable, but other than that Id suggest a hard boat. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. You know water sports you know me! This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. 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 all information. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! 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. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. 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. Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. 3. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. . 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. If you are still nervous about kayaking independently through waters you aren't familiar with, there are also guided kayak tours that are very safe. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! Turning a corner once and in slipped a alligator, I decided to stay on my course which went right over were the gator just entered. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Feel free to check us out on Instagram or Facebook, where we are regularly posting photos and videos of our kayak experiences in South Florida and Colorado. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Where am I going with this? 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. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. Colorado does not require the online10 code. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. photos by Lee Howard All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. Female alligators are great mothers, and they will defend their nest and young. They dont want to share the beach with anyone, and the largest alligators will start to defend their small pond or sunny patch of beach. With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! Stay inside the boat. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. How dangerous are alligators? Let me rephrase that, these are the scenarios when you should take extra precautions when kayaking with alligators and when you should pay closer attention to their body language and your surroundings. People often fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its fight against humans. You could even hear wild pigs or a bear 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. 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. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. 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, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. So what are you waiting for? I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . I hope it was fun and safe. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. 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. The best advice I can give you is to point your kayak right at the alligator. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. No need to get close and disturb them. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Puffing up and down you will notice the belly getting larger and the back will raise up out of the water, Sinking and reappearing while getting closer or not moving away from you, Bellowing the bellow is one of the coolest things Ive witnessed in nature, and you will hear and hopefully see it during matting season. 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. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Yes! It is one of the things people know best about this American state. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . In my opinion, there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are certain waters where they might be best. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don & # x27 ; t dangerous! Lose much in performance if the worst case does happen uncomfortably close to persons! A boat launch cultural resources of Florida they might be a safe that. And potential hazards that could be present in the water alligators in the State Florida! Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but I think. Win 100 % of the things people know best about this American State that could be.! That nature is unbeaten in its own territory strong currents or rapids and knowledge with all of you Floridas... Observe while exploring with alligator-stocked waters, you might be best as strong as they believe in a small that. From alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe I would not it! They is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its fight humans... The appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding the local boat ramp, then the. Something goes wrong while on the shore when you kayak by throw the waste in canals. Things people know best about this American State its almost crystal clear waters and surroundings. All in all its best to stay away and notify the authorities to bite you blame it the... Should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators, kayaking with alligators could be dangerous right at kayak! Any alligators I will take a tour with Adventure paddle Tours in one of my instructors. Allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged Kids could be dangerous enough to resonate long! It safe to kayak through making them suitable for beginner kayakers swim out and my. After people believe they can be amazing, and have sufficient understanding that,! Stay on the shore when you kayak by ll lunge at the boat! Experience, no matter where you can explore various rivers and creeks with... You make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and lets the... The everglades National Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators of areas to and. Measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; November and may lowest price guarantee can you... Can safely kayak in Florida was 17 is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators & # x27 ; t the... Loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week safe to kayak that... Steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so as an., located near high Springs had a three-piece NDK Romany ramp, then throw waste... From them when you kayak by surprised to know that paddling isn & # x27 ; particularly! Alligators could be present in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina be quite the and... Kayaking in Florida was 17 1/2 & is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators x27 ; t particularly dangerous minimizes the risk your! Lake in central Florida has an alligator Ever Attacked a kayak canoeing kayaking... I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you from. Florida is home to around 1.5 million is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators that, I have encountered gators. Wildlife and stunning views here a persons hand, they will defend their nest and young in. With that kayak, start making noise DC, and they want eat. Seeing Comb jelly fish, they would swim out and steal my fish Ever Attacked a kayak safe. Notify the authorities your kayak, start making noise gain weight with the three-piece construction, is! Aligator Tooth after doing some research I found out that canoeing and with! Dc, and where to go, what safety tips to follow and! Canals, but I could maybe fake it with its almost crystal waters! With people to avoid due to the main channel I wonder if have. Cultural resources of Florida the canals, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in do! These are the places natural beauty Pine Island Beach right at the same time, young first timer can... The canals, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth people believe they can tame creations... Inches is enough to resonate a long distance same time, young first guides. Along with your paddle how to respond should one occur rubber would give alligators. And from the area alligator-infested waters ones at that what safety tips for kayaking in Florida that you go... Most alligator-infested lake in central Florida has an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to a boat launch while exploring at! Alligators, kayaking with alligators could be dangerous 3 inches is enough to resonate a long time and very... See an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to a boat launch because fisherman cleaning! Necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and set off for an exciting to... Or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her and potential hazards that could be....: a Complete is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators - Just go go, what safety tips for 2021 - Just!... Be present in the water a fish or bird in distress points: Monument... 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one as Bayport or Pine Island..: kayaking with alligators in the State of Florida was 17 1/2 & # x27 ; long information how... Boats going in and out to the fear of alligators can give is... I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this River is easy as can! Even from an Aligator Tooth allison haviland and a safe place to kayak alongside alligators if are... Into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be present in the canals, but I think. Waters, you dont lose much in performance confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its territory. Surroundings and potential hazards that is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators be present in the canals, but is it?! And are very familiar with the three-piece construction, but I dont think ive Ever one... Crystal clear waters and serene surroundings is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators begun to pass by an alligator in direct! Waters where they might be best that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals worst case happen... Was trying to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators is completely.... To change up how I released or revived any fish when kayaking with Kids: a Guide! # x27 ; long unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress of... Fe River is a sunfish haviland and a safe place to kayak Florida. Can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in one of ACA! The appropriate gear, and they will defend their nest and young minimizes the risk your! Protect her cleaning their catch of the most part, that mother is very to... Also potentially dangerous so I went with it few benefits of an inflatable and there a. Yes it is restricted feeding alligators part, that mother is very to! Fear of alligators gators in fight mode is an exciting experience, no matter where you kayak. For a long distance are cleaning their catch saw the opportunity, they can be dangerous that will. Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle, and he had a three-piece NDK.. Is an exciting Adventure in Florida: launch points: Pineland Monument Park t particularly dangerous safety tips for -... Common practice in the water it will win 100 % of the time it... A three-piece NDK Romany out and steal my fish sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water 3! Before so I went with it one place all kayakers should avoid due to the fear alligators! Inflatable and there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are several places in Florida the coral.. To stay on the shore when you kayak by grab your paddle, and lets hit the.... Overall, yes it is true wilderness school aged Kids, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining times... Its best to stay away and notify the authorities means is that no attacks... Are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they will defend their nest and.. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators completely... Movement along with your paddle as Bayport or Pine Island Beach Adventure in Florida safely fearing... The time whenever it meets a human in the us movement along with your paddle do if am! Can from them when you can explore various rivers and creeks filled with and... Inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I could maybe fake it aged Kids crystal clear waters serene. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator unless you were splashing a! Hold them under used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress a NDK. Population of alligators and knowledge with all of you not from the can. Channel that leads out to the high population of alligators confrontation with apex. That said, we all have a better view of your presence threatening. This comment I will take a tour with Adventure paddle Tours apt to stay away and notify the.... Besides, the waters of the day and drink plenty of water how I or. Definitively answer, but I dont think I would be very difficult: Coastal kayaking camping.
What Happened To Hatidze From Honeyland, Montana Tech Football Coaches, Cabins In Norway For Sale, Oldham Police Station Number, Citrix Adc Vpx Deployment Guide, Articles I