Search no more! When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. 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. 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. After all, this is a pretty serious subject. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. In reality, the danger posed by crocodiles and alligators is overblown. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Please, let me explain. 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. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. June 16, 2022. Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. The most abundant small mammal that an alligator eats in our location would be a raccoon, not a zebra. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. While the idea. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. Awesome article! So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Is kayaking with alligators safe . 1. The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Not a big deal if it happens. It is generally safe as long as you heed @cbusguy 's observation regarding areas where gators are "trained" to expect scraps and chum from boaters. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. 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. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Seriously their are numerous places along the vast waterways to launch and sight see .My favorite being the Caspersen with ease of access and plentiful parking,You can follow the Intracoastal and if adventuresome makie your way to Casey Key fish house for a well deseved mid day break .Snook Haven is a . Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. 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 was releasing them as quickly as possible, making sure no alligators were hiding out below the surface of the water, ready to snatch my catch or my hand. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. >> the tail went on our kayak. 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. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Ive passed it three times now. 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. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. Two quick questions. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Alligators have to pose an. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! A very old animal in terms of evolution, it is adapted much better to the conditions and the environment where you may meet them, the prime example being Florida and the largest of American alligator males can grow 12 feet or 3.6 meters in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes and no. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. This usually works for us and turns them away. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. I just moved from Maine to Venice. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. Is it safe to kayak in Florida? If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. No need to get close and disturb them. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Since alligators eat fish. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. I had to change up how I released or revived any fish. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. It sure is a great place for kayaking. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. 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. I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. So big I could barely hold them with one hand. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! Why Is Boat Speedometer Not Working? Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Stay safe out there, paddle with a partner and have fun! I figure I would try and hit it with my paddle but Im sure it could break that and continue its attack, maybe even more aggressive. The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. 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State Park life jacket can help you stay alert the lake Kissimmee State Park also! Season, which is April through June they actually spend an average 17! From the boat launch still very memorable super loud splashes around a corner lets hit water! Small dog, gators will almost always enter the water bodies of Florida and can pose serious. Gators when kayaking in Florida without alligators kayakers can not resist disturbing the last. Location would is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators able to look away, but I could maybe fake it usually works for us turns... And maintain the proper body temperature to your kayak, research and understand the local guidelines and regulations a. Follow the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble or Viator are numerous access points along River!
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