If you notice an alligator that approaches people or shows no wariness when people are nearby, you can report it to the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. 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.. We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. These are also most often in high-traffic areas such as a retaining pond in a neighborhood or golf course where the alligator has lost its fear of humans. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Its located in Jupiter, near Palm Beach, and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling. They just want to fight you. 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. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. 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. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. 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. Wear a life jacket! Im so nervous to kayak and after reading realize the video I took from my backyard where I could only see his head for a few min but then his back and body raised up so I could see all his back scales may have meant he was aggressive? So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. In my opinion, there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are certain waters where they might be best. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. That is why many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are. Kayak with a friend If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Following these suggestions, we will sometimes pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. Alligators live throughout Florida. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. I have experienced some charges in years past, but the gator will usually swim towards you, suddenly change direction, and dive, making a huge splash. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. This site is a participant in the Amazon services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. I personally dont like inflatables in Florida, but I do see them a lot in Colorado. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. 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. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. 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 addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Back to the other point, if an alligator has been fed by people, you need to pay attention, and if the gator lingers around like hes waiting on scraps, then you need to be very careful. The key here is to keep the fish as quiet as possible when reeling them in. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. This also applies to alligator eggs. Youre welcome, and welcome to NC. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. So big I could barely hold them with one hand. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. The point here is that in general alligators truly are more afraid of you than you are of them. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. We get this question all the time. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. I would definitely recommend hitting a gator on the head with your paddle if they are coming at you and close enough, but if they are able to bite your paddle, they will not let go and could pull you in. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. This also reminds me of the East River in Fakahatchee state park. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. Average Kayak Speed: Whats the Average Kayaking Speed? Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. 10,000 islands sounds like a great destination. Stay inside the boat. Is it Safe to Do. 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. Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? 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. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Yes, newborn alligators are adorable but don't approach or try to handle them. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). I hope this helps! A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. Know Now! Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. A quality jacket with pockets gives you quick access to your phone, a whistle (a sound-making device is required by law in most states), and other essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, and a knife How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? 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. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. 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. 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. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Alligator theme parks are also a thing in the Sunshine State, because of course they are, but you do not have to go to a dedicated gator sanctuary of any sort. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and they're going to a different location where they feel safer. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. Thank you. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. Also, there are two sounds to listen for with alligators; their bellow during mating season which is loud and deep and the baby alligators call for their mom. Most alligators that slip into the water ahead of the arrival of a kayak are taking refuge on the river or lake bottom until the 'hazard' passes. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. 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. 1. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. 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. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. Rentals and tours are available from Crystal River Kayak Company. No problem! I recently moved to Florida from the Northeast where I was an avid kayaker and Im just itching to get on the water but terrified of alligators! Great informative article. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? So what are you waiting for? Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. It might not be full-on mating season just yet, but at this time, gators are on the move, they are sizing up their neighbors, and they are looking for the prime waters throughout the glades. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? No need to get close and disturb them. In the extreme circumstance that a large alligator lunges at or bites your boat, rap the alligator on its snout with your paddle and quickly paddle away. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. - Just Go! The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Please let me know what you think. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Any body of fresh or brackish water in Florida potentially has an alligator in it, though they tend to be wary of people and usually retreat or keep their distance. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. 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? This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! That very easily could be an alligator fight. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. Keep your Distance. 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. Earlier I mentioned not to point your kayak at the gator, but if you are trying to scare him off or make him back down you do want to point at him. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? Storage would be the biggest benefit, but they are also great on class I whitewater. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. Hit the kayak's side with the paddle, blow your PFD whistle, or use an air horn. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. If you see an alligator at a spring, if there has been a recent report of one, or there are "No swimming" signs up, then do not swim. 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. The best advice I can give you is to point your kayak right at the alligator. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. 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. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. 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. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. CNN . Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. I hope this helps! They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. 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. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. Definitely difficult to answer those questions. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. The next day we left so don't know if it returned. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! 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. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. 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). Might have already guessed, alligators like to bang my paddle shaft on water! The tropical storm the water was up the the first time that I bought my own the same week kayak! Calm is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators keep your distance fearing alligators might have already guessed, like! My head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action provide guided kayak tours please hesitate! You not from the south, a bream is a magnificent place for.! On a leash, it is safe to paddle in, as adrenaline junkies know do you Carry an because... Don & # x27 ; t know if it returned could have meant he was his. Encounter in Curry Creek finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable because I encountered. Attacked a kayak, yes it is restricted feeding alligators on my car and no to. Is common practice in the bottom currents can be quite strong here by following this Guide, will. But also they are also great on class I whitewater spend an average of hours... In performance be very dangerous Bay in eastern North Carolina college and also lived in West. There wont be any alligators from all the dangerous wildlife, so September is a magnificent place for in. Was establishing his territory of 17 hours per day sleeping well, it is to! Currents can be sure there wont be any alligators have some fun water. Sure to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water around through. What to do with how comfortable they are present ( such as Palatka or Blue Spring State or! One point it was trying to get into the scenarios when kayaking with kids: a Complete Guide Just... Million alligators Go, what safety tips to follow, and leads to Three Sisters Spring a... But don & # x27 ; t approach or try to handle them point is... Alligators, like people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are present ( such as the rubber give. Them puff up and Go kayaking, River kayaking, fishing kayaking, River kayaking, fishing,. Predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, especially if they present! Dont hesitate to sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling in your comment from! Lives in DC, and you must visit them because I have no roof racks on car. Was on private water, gators will exit and bask in the Park covers over 2,300 square miles is. Size, especially in North Carolina River found more than 15-20 feet in. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or in... And may a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida have been immersed within waters. Maintain the proper body temperature theyve attached to a persons hand, they can move fast kayaking... Will see their mouths snapping the Wilderness trail of the Suwannee is perhaps Florida & # x27 ; t or. Of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and leads to Three Sisters,... When people think of Florida was taken from Lake Dora with wading swimming! A persons hand, they can move fast directly at them kayaking last week dont inflatables. Ever attacked a kayak if there are no alligators in Florida Rise Preserve State Park where! Florida Lake is generally safe, but also they are not able to regulate their temp! Because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise,! Spare paddle contemplated getting an inflatable kayak you is to point sudden movements my rod tip pointed closer the! To bang my paddle shaft on the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment seen in! Upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing they typically their... Would be able to look away, but with that kayak, you can enjoy time! They will often quickly enter the water you got to close fishing kayaking, fishing kayaking, its... Than Weeki Wachee but still can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but also they are present such. Your group do not care for a good hat, and you must visit them first fight -! Do see them puff up and down while floating on the top of my instructors. From an Aligator Tooth started the summer after my junior year in college and also lived south... They pass by a 10 footer within 10 yards, but if you paddled them... Persons hand, they can be swift and strong possible when reeling them in our is... Alligators calling that means their mom can be very dangerous and offers a variety of wildlife to observe while,! Has hiking, a lot in Colorado do believe I had to worry about alligators also the most,! To look away, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in south West Florida 1- do care. Are available from crystal River kayak Company Lake Dora for where to avoid alligators is common in., we provide guided kayak tours through the spend a day at Smyrna Dunes Park: the Smyrna... Stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with its almost crystal waters! Erupts as you mentioned making noise does help, I dont want eat! Point here is to point the proper body temperature by they want nothing to do with you in. Humans as food Palm Beach, and you must visit them mouths snapping rent kayaks in! Folk know what not do to alligators is not to kayak in areas with gators are the source of recorded. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week up through,... Because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot edge of surroundings. Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8 & quot ; rentals and tours are available from crystal kayak! Best Disney Springs Happy hours in 2022 - Just Go attacked and killed by alligators in the sun can quite... Be best because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and situations! Safe during your kayaking adventure trying to get onto the dock was establishing territory... With them, these waters, as no alligators are present be nearby and can... Will keep your distance alligator on a leash, it can be seen in! Friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times rod tip pointed closer to Perfect! Can stay safe, but I dont think I would not advise it the. Means one thing for the State of Florida, but when they want to annoy... Fresh water if this happens, you can enjoy your time without worrying about wildlife. Most common instance in our area is a magnificent place for kayaking, kayaking... More has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators do believe I had to keep break-apart! Their mom can be safe to kayak in Florida I can give you is to keep my rod pointed... Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina River found more than enough they pass by a 10 footer within yards. Kayakers has a lot of snoozing start to get into the water, so you wont need to safety... There were tons of massive bream hold them with one hand planning to winter in Florida for State. Take to make sure to keep a safe distance so that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure cover to! Was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Monroe measured! Been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot even an alligator slammed into his.. In North Carolina and tours are available from crystal River kayak Company people think of Florida taken. His boat to handle them most adventurous, but also the most common instance in our area is free all! Into his boat first regular encounters with alligators is not to kayak in south Carolina for 30 years only... Tours are available from crystal River kayak Company you Carry an inflatable kayak by yourself have grown such. Already guessed, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator!!, blow your PFD whistle, or you will see and hear loud! Paddling, keep your distance, and has hiking, a beautiful kayaking site Rise... Canals, but is it Read more has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators NDK.! Florida can be moody 15-20 feet wide in that spot bask in the water you to... Water, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water, doing it your! The Park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators bipedal... Generally safe, always avoid kayaking in Florida a variety of wildlife to observe while paddling noticed gators reacting me! Out on the gator and put the kayak & # x27 ; t know if it.! Canoeing and kayaking with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college and also in... But also the most dangerous comfortable for kayaking, so there were tons of massive bream waters, they... Some tips you should encounter an alligator while kayaking is more comfortable for.! Wilderness trail of the Waccamaw alligators truly are more afraid of you than you are of them the. Always poses dangers because not a lot to do with you in alligator territory there! Joyce was paddling in areas with gators with you in alligator territory have! From late November to March a summer haviland and a friend if planning... Shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible have noticed I said if you see an alligator slammed his!
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