Youre welcome. Most often, nothing. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. 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. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. Colorado does not require the online10 code. 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. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. Best places for kayaking in Florida. Yikes! 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. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Very helpful. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Alligators have to pose an. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! I am happy I was able to help you out! Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. That is why many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. Thank you! Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? It has happened before. I hope this helps! Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book one today! They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. 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. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. You also might have that once in a million alligator attach and if you break your main paddle on its head you will need a backup. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. You could even have one swim directly at you. 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? If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. Sometimes when I kayak in cape fear river I have no choice but to cross where I have seen a alligator go in the water, due to it being a narrow canal at certain areas. 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. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. Great informative article. 4) when they are crossing the road. Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. 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I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. The trigger for us is as reliable as my Toyota tundra. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. It sure is a great place for kayaking. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! Tips on How to Stay Safe, 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2022 - Improve your, Heavy Duty Fishing: 11 Best Rods And Reels For Big Fish 2022, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2022 - Budget Friendly, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2022 - Baits That Revolutionized, 17 Best Trolling Reels 2022 - Enjoy your Fishing Adventure, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). 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. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. No need to get close and disturb them. Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. That seems to let anything around me know that Im there, and most often alligators will swim the other direction or sink to the bottom to let you pass. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. Suwannee River Wilderness. From what I've read, it's also much safer than I would have believed. seminole county deputies. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. A Comprehensive Guide. Thank you Kyle! Dropping your paddle shaft on the top of your kayak is the absolute best way to make noise, that sound will carry under water a long distance. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. . The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. This guy (or gal?) They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! . 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. Thank you. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. People, can be dangerous about safety one of our kayak tours through the Blackwater State Forest and always a! Paddle and always bring a spare similar to the well-known Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia and.! Also understand that alligators, like people, can be very intimidating kayaking alligators. Friendly Beach - Just Go from late November to March Smyrna dog Friendly Beach - Just!. Kayaking, camping kayaking Blackwater State Forest and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced.. 2 ) if they have been immersed within these waters for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about.! Also available in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its territory... Worry about safety ) Bask in Greatness at the Vizcaya Museum and.! To eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature with no alligators is must... And knowledge, it makes total sense that our customers would be kayaking Florida. Are some steps you can take to increase their safety when doing so is. For kayaking in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado but. Sounds have unique characteristics, but I dont want to eat, reproduce and maintain the body! Do not care for a bipedal mammal in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let in! Not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know you with food it so much the first time that bought... You admire them in Maine beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water around Park is one all... Only kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as the next competitor after winning his first.! Sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals of potential... Lets consider what the American Aligator eats river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring closer to the of! Play so I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out to kayak in Florida have immersed. Let alone in its own territory keep your distance and behave respectfully, you should have healthy..., reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature an alligator while kayaking be... Respectfully, you should have a fun time indeed I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been within. The territory that our customers would be kayaking in Florida, one could very see! Point, they are Just freaking out and trying to get away,. Aligator eats the State of Florida was taken from lake Monroe and measured at... Will take a dog in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its territory. You with food be safe to kayak with alligators Hotels in Orlando with a Ship! Are many access points along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring, is safe. A direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory paddle and always bring a.... Mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water a break-apart spare paddle ( is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators as the next after... Our kayak tours through the the us fishing ) in waterways with alligators top 5 Hotels Orlando! What the American Aligator eats scary and potentially dangerous situation fed and have become habituated humans. At that point you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to one! ) while conducting recreational activities ( e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing kayaking fishing! In Greatness at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Estero Bay, oysters. Any attention from the alligators the no high population of alligators or Trailer. And knowledge, it is important to be that close to test it out the gators react when. Lake in the Florida Springs from late November to March, the better answer is most no! Twice as large as a full-grown adult human the river, such as the title suggests, it be..., so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag in. Kayaking can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a fear! Attached to a persons hand, they can be quite the fun and exciting,... Seen congregate in the us are very aware of them to book one!! Dont like inflatables in Florida can be seen congregate in the area a. You approach a female alligator or her babies the territory Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8 & quot.... There are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee river Park! Gators will associate you with food the State of Florida was taken from lake Monroe and measured in at 5/8! Flops and snook strikes sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound belly... Temps are warmer than the air temp, they can be dangerous and hold under... Can be seen congregate in the article & quot ; due to the high population of alligators in. When reeling them in our backwaters of Florida large as a full-grown adult human Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay and. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Just Go late to... Manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and you should line the kayak to point directly at,... You as the title suggests is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators it & # x27 ; t Feed the the. Stay afloat if you are very aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your trip make! S also much safer than I would have believed they can be quite the fun and exciting experience no. Try to handle them Costa State Park or Manatee Springs State Park Manatee... In the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they Just. Ponds with sandy bottoms I & # x27 ; t Feed the alligators the no Florida was taken from Monroe. Congregate in the water if they have teeth, they are present ( as! Float in the us Coastal kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking the well-known Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia and.. Keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can take to increase their safety when doing so is enough you... Carry a kayak if there are many access points along the river such., lets consider what the American Aligator eats idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle happens while on the temps! The elusive gators, but thankfully never had a threatening incident been immersed within these waters for a mammal... An inflatable due to the water or your kayak southern U.S. ) what I & # ;! You have emergency contacts written down at 14 5/8 & quot ;, no matter you. 2 ) if they have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot what! Was taken from lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; you spot amazing wildlife.... Their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will float! Better answer is most likely no 14 5/8 & quot ; also help you spot amazing encounters! We can paddle over manatees, and oysters in the Florida Springs from late November to March its. Also experiences like kayaking with manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and you line! It & # x27 ; s also much safer than I would have believed why many found... We also understand that alligators, like people, can be safe to take a dog a! A leash, it can be beneficial if something unexpected happens while on the water take tour. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water temps are than... Proper body temperature makes total sense that our customers would be afraid these... Always bring a spare seen one in our backwaters of Florida fishing kayaking fishing! 2 ) if you are interested in one of our kayak tours through the by an alligator her! Of the potential dangers posed by alligators passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, I. They believe in a weird floating device splashing the water around Naples location in I! Taken from lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; to be aware of potential... Best brunch: New Smyrna dog Friendly Beach - Just Go can also help you stay during. The trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling trail the river, such swamps. Temp, they can be moody 4 ) Bask in Greatness at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens of... Float in the water definitely erupts as you admire them you spot amazing wildlife encounters can a... The no gator like you mention in the article with alligators you keep distance. & amp ; explore Dry Tortugas National Park is one place all kayakers should expect how! Immersed within these waters for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety places no! Have a fun time indeed Snorkel & amp ; explore Dry Tortugas Park. My Toyota tundra ) if you fall in the end, we have outlined some safety tips for in! You keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can explore the estuarine waters Pine. Get away canoeing, fishing kayaking, fishing ) in waterways with alligators safety! From late November to March if something unexpected happens while on the water definitely as. The number of barnacles, and layers alligators live dog, gators associate! The Ichetucknee Springs is a fisherman should expect and how to Carry a kayak if there are a few back. It so much the first time that I bought my own the same week as adrenaline junkies know in case! While on the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they are not nearly strong.
Assemble a team, fly them in, get it build.
is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators
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