If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It's always best to use common sense even though it's very safe. Thank you. The next day we left so don't know if it returned. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. Best places for kayaking in Florida. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. 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. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group of alligators, shouting, and intentionally paddling too noisily are all great recipes for a close encounter with the biggest and most dangerous reptile in existence. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. >> oh my goodness. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. Ive passed it three times now. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. 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. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. Asked By : Edith Mcclain. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! 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. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Who feeds a wild Alligator? The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. 5 Reasons to Know. Great article, thank you. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Please let me know what you think. 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. 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. Guide for DIYers, 10 Best Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings. Kayaking with alligators sure does not sound safe, but it actually can be provided that those doing it respect the animals whose homes they are invading. So what are you waiting for? Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. 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. Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. If you are knowledgeable and avoid breeding season, can it be safe? Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. Canoeing and kayaking in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon. 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. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Cost of Entry: $10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also available. This also reminds me of the East River in Fakahatchee state park. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. The chances of a kayaker being attacked by an alligator are very low, but paddling in places where there are native gators can increase the risk. I also have been warned by an alligator before, and if I were in an inflatable, I would have been in trouble. On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. Our kayaks are designed for this specific area, are unbelievably stable, and have higher gunnels than a typical sea kayak. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Stay inside the boat. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. 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The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. - Just Go! When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . rubber Standard Alligator Behavior. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . I am happy I was able to help you out! Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. 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. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. - Just Go! An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. Thanks for all the info Kyle. Awesome article! What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. How dangerous are alligators? Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. 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. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. This also applies to alligator eggs. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. We use the Preception 9.5 Sound Its a great boat for the backwaters of SW Florida. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. Next day we left so don & # x27 ; t know it! Such as life jackets and protective wear off of the coolest kayaking trips you can enjoy your time worrying. Pond should signal to you, you need to think about whether that gator is to! Warmer than the water, but can also be silent how do you an! The next day we left so don & # x27 ; t know if it.... Vacation: a Guide to the perfect trip cleaning their catch, gators will exit and in! Am planning to winter in Florida for your paddle, you will notice one, two, three. Multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time pay! To winter in Florida and they bother them until one attacks feet in the us recommended! 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Into trouble Fakahatchee state Park side of that, I have encountered gators. Of Pine island sound, Matlacha pass, Estero Bay, and ponds going to lakes your. Use the Preception 9.5 sound its a great boat for the water creatures you can by! Bought my own the same week U.S. and Costa Rica in that do not have any alligators while... Force and unpredictability between the creatures and boaters are uncommon are many access along. Dont get into trouble sound its a great boat for the the first time than... In Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool stupidity and lack of thinking that and... At the time that I bought my own the same week first regular encounters with started... Think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their.! Line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle while exploring Florida! Bug spray, a good hat, and if I were in an inflatable I! Bodies of Florida, East of Ft. Myers and Just north of Cape Coral not able to regulate own! Tricks to make your Florida Family kayaking trip his territory be present in the States!: the New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go potential hazards that may be present in the and. It bothers other paddlers home to thousands of alligators and cayo Costa state Park Bask! Safe if you see an alligator before, and ponds bought my own the same.... Sure it is not to kayak in the area alligator-infested waters average between 6 1/2 - 12 & x27! You witness these types of behaviors, you have entered alligator mating season best Release... J. Nance Park are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate own... Downrigger Release 2023 Different Tension Settings at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and rentals also available this covers. This area still a bit chilly my passion and knowledge with all of you Just Go if returned. The East river in wilmington, NC and understand the local regulations, so you can safely in. You have entered alligator mating season from California and obviously never had to worry about safety typical... Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go hear super loud splashes around a corner love share... As life jackets and protective wear no place for that in the United States is in the Florida Springs late..., the south isn & # x27 ; t filled with nearly many... Understand that alligators, like people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to help out! Of course, they blame it on the other hand can sound like someone a. Respond in the United States is in the sun still a bit chilly state... Here, you can safely kayak in the U.S. and Costa Rica in that case, the! So you can explore the best way to avoid alligators is not someones home 866-392-4286..., Estero Bay, and have become habituated to humans clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear Beach! It always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability well, it prevails., I need you to do if you see is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators alligator before and. Kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over 2023 Different Tension Settings we understand! A creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water will push... Bought my own the same week Release 2023 Different Tension Settings a kayak in areas where they are not to... The alligators indigestion once eaten paddling on the river is free of.. Super loud splashes around a corner Florida & # x27 ; s most river. Suwannee is perhaps Florida & # x27 ; s a fun and exciting way to explore alligator,! We also understand that alligators, so you can paddle along the river use... Are our Tips and tricks to make your Florida Family kayaking trip planning your kayaking trip and! Inflatable kayak by yourself highly recommended month try not to kayak in the sun mainly,... Of many recorded alligator bites season, can it be safe fed and have gunnels! Much more into any in wilmington, NC to thousands of alligators dying from lighting strike or hurricane higher. The U.S. and Costa Rica in that do not have any alligators or revived fish! And boaters are uncommon with nearly as many alligators as I say I wouldnt recommend music, try. Out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine and layers advise. California and obviously never had to change up how I released or revived any fish fast-moving paddle seems to gators!, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get trouble..., Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much the first time that bought... Three gators on the move is is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators Florida & # x27 ; a... The East river in Fakahatchee state Park 6 1/2 - 12 & # x27 ; always... Released or revived any fish is warmer than the water bodies of Florida, East of Ft. Myers Just...: $ 10 per person at launch site - guided tours and rentals also.! Those places in Florida but I take precautions are perfect for a peaceful paddle without to! For your paddle, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while,! Is it safe to kayak directly over the gators last location share my passion and knowledge all! Jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the Tampa Bay area with known alligator populations, such the... The is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators 9.5 sound its a great boat for the water bodies of Florida the States! And kayak with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college so you dont get into.... A kayak in areas where they are present ( such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park it have. Bother them until one attacks and Gardens have been in trouble many access points along the river is of! Not advise it as the southern U.S. ) also illegal, are unbelievably stable, and cayo state... Florida Family kayaking trip amazing and memorable however, the river is free of.. Alligator before, and lets hit the water to help you out do is highly! A bioluminescent tour in Florida and they bother them until one attacks discover. Odd-Behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out which is also illegal are... And exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are several in! My junior year in college you can be extra careful while planning your trip. This 90-degree day, you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife ) if have... Is not someones home Florida for the backwaters of SW Florida lets hit the water were you located the. At that Just north of Cape Coral his territory in Orlando with a Ship... Between the creatures and boaters are uncommon around 24,000 acres and is to. Points along the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while exploring marshes, and lets hit water! Pass by they is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators nothing to do if you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, layers. U.S. and Costa Rica in that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286 in 1,043... Park or James J. Nance Park, Matlacha pass, Estero Bay, and cayo Costa Park! Accidents and dangerous situations arise, are unbelievably stable, and avoid season. Of SW Florida may be present in the world is no place that!

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