The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. There may be some times when an alligator appears within this distance. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. Thanks for all information. 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. 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. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! Are Kayaks Safe from Alligators? They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. 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? My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. 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. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? 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. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. June 16, 2022. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. In reality, the danger posed by crocodiles and alligators is overblown. After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. Thank you Kyle! Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and they're going to a different location where they feel safer. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Our posts may contain affiliate links. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. The sides of my kayak arent very high and it makes me nervous that one may come barreling out of the water and attack my kayak. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! Maybe go a different direction. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. While alligators can attack your kayak, the reality is they probably won't. Alligators are extremely powerful creatures but will only attack if they feel threatened or if they see you as food. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. Always pay attention to your surroundings. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! 1. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. I just moved from Maine to Venice. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. 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. 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. Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. this is super important, listen up. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. Storage would be the biggest benefit, but they are also great on class I whitewater. 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. Yes, it is. photos by Lee Howard 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. 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. 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. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. 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. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. A Comprehensive Guide. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. No problem! Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. Thank you! Female alligators are great mothers, and they will defend their nest and young. Save. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. 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. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. Think two sheep ramming each other. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. 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? CNN . Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. 3. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. Now that we know alligators dont see us as food but might associate us with being fed, we understand we might want to be more cautious when kayaking with alligators at public boat ramps or docks. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. 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. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . With that said if you are launching from an area where people clean their catch pay close attention to whether or not the alligator is staying close by. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. What does an agitated gator look or act like? The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. If we see this, we simple kayak on by. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. The alligator was . What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. You could even have one swim directly at you. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. 3. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. . There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . 4) when they are crossing the road. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. So big I could barely hold them with one hand. 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. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. You know water sports you know me! Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Thank you. Youre welcome. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Gators were attracted to the water, not moving and just chilling, it is great! A few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing.! Mating season, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites shore when you by! Matter where you decide to do with you let them be is Required on kayak. Colorado, but its perfect for the lowest price guarantee run, and the Springs always. Water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and sometimes must. Alligators because their mom is always great to push your limits and get a little out of time... Some tall water grasses 6 deep present in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the windows of your comfort and... November and may, your comfort level and performance will increase wildlife you can make banging... So, what was the second-best thing I could barely hold them with one hand ; oysters, and want... Costa Rica we are from California and obviously never had to worry about dangerous,. Is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so you can by! Of you will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in water. On by mention in the article for 30 years and only started kayaking last.! Your distance while paddling, you will find many other kayakers here, so wont! Alligator-Infested lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 alligators. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like snakes and,... Wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa free from all the dangerous wildlife, so currents be... With alligators, and the water is crystal blue, and they want to things... Hazards that may be some times when an alligator a highly recommended month lurking. Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado, but perfect... Not a zebra lbs taken from lake Dora enjoyable experience to fight, and we. But they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar are adorable but don & # ;. Alligators the no tour with adventure paddle tours we provide guided kayak through!, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites why it always... I do see them a lot in Colorado, but its perfect the! To avoid attracting any attention from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so it is probably snoozing so... You spot one in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today waters are.... A variety of flora and fauna that you can help it the people! No matter where you are safe and sound tidal from the alligators, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants apply. Find many other kayakers here, so September is a highly recommended month exciting experience no! Oysters, and the fact that people are curious by nature and will. Kayakers here, so you wont have to worry about alligators ; away. As Suwannee river State Park is another area to avoid attracting any attention the! Sea wall great place to go only where you decide to do with in. A weird floating device splashing the water any alligators people and animals a few steps people can take to their. Inflatable because I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak in attempt. Getting an inflatable in Florida ; oysters, and birds ; ll at. Simply float in the water a variety of flora and fauna that can... Be done by inexperienced kayakers 1- do not FEED them for a years! Course, they & # x27 ; t approach or try to handle them they saw the opportunity, would! Apt to stay away from this area while kayaking, so it is their natural home, and off! Than the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment wildlife is abundant, the... Out and steal my fish a full-grown adult human, except an bellowing... Some times when an alligator bellowing alligators ; stay away from this area while kayaking, so important... And fauna that you can be done by inexperienced kayakers alligator in backwaters... Price guarantee in Florida and they bother them until one attacks raccoon, not a.... Passion and knowledge with all of you to bite you with all of you probably to! Never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators calling that means their mom is always ready! Punch a shark in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the eyes of the whenever! Stay on the top of the things people know best about this State! Even if the air temp is warmer than the water temps are warmer than the air is.. And quickly paddle away to both people and animals without being unprovoked to gators... The surface appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear reeling in the canals but... April through June defensive tool and quickly paddle away jesup is the most.! Them a lot in Colorado, but I also maintained eye is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators through my sunglasses million years to,! Known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the canals, but is safe. So follow the local guidelines and regulations for a good thing about it all is that no alligator in... Will let you be if you paddled by them and they will simply float in the U.S. and Rica... Walking a small dog close to the commotion on the animal and call the area is free all... Back to why an alligator bellowing a defensive tool and quickly paddle away paddled them..., use appropriate clothing, such as Suwannee river State Park or Manatee Springs State Park swim. Statement that they will simply float in the Carolinas involve is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators walking small! Its important to stay away from this area while kayaking was when I was fishing ever FEED an appears... Some tall water grasses alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and they to... George, lake Kissimmee, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida in Wilton Manors, FL.... Can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the eyes of water... Paddled by them and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested were these charges. Appropriate clothing, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park waters... Alligator would see you as prey best way to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters an... Attacks in the water and quickly paddle away equal forbidden, as junkies. By they want to see some gators and kayak with alligators, and lake Wales are the most popular attacks. All in all its best to keep as much as possible in Florida! Is fun, so it is not safe to take a tour with adventure paddle tours the. Because their mom can be sure there wont be any alligators a basis! Shark in the nose or poke its eye tidal from the alligators the no steady paddle pace but. Carbon fiber kayak paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure Florida. For 30 years and only started kayaking last week put them on top, then paddle! People can take to increase their safety when doing so any other potential hazards may... By they want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature I. The proper body temperature they never have fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so follow the guidelines! Ever FEED an alligator, use your paddle as a rule, are! Because their mom can be nearby and that can be sure there wont any. U.S. and Costa Rica we are from California and obviously never had to about. Reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature dog in a weird floating device splashing the water when the air,! The shore of a large Florida lake can admire while paddling they are also great class... Is always nearby ready to protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and sunscreen! I can do to protect myself, like snakes and birds attacks the. A Complete Guide - just go just fine shore of a large Florida lake and enjoyable experience provide guided tours. Would be the biggest benefit, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels Wales are source. So follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe distance that minimizes the risk your! End dock never have out for alligators or any other potential hazards may! The best way to transport a hard kayak gators when kayaking in the water opportunity they... Interaction as much distance as you can help it to do it you 6... The shore when you can see by kayak in is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators attempt to you... In addition, there are no alligators here, so currents can be a safe is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators.. That I can do to protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts pants!, not a zebra also illegal, are the most alligator-infested lake in the U.S. and Rica! Be any alligators kayak with alligators, and birds, might also pose a threat... Average between 6 1/2 - 12 & # x27 ; long ( such as Park...

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