The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. "Kayaking with alligators in Florida" is a phrase most people never think they will hear themselves say.Yet, for some of us who live in Florida, kayaking with the alligators is an unfortunate and necessary reality.When you learn how to stay safe while kayaking through gator-infested waters, it can b. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? However, you still need to remember an Alligator does not see you as prey, but they can associate you with a meal. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. 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. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. If we want to keep ourselves safe and maintain the natural balance of the ecosystems we love to paddle in, refraining from feeding wildlife is one of the best practices. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. you really put my mind at ease thank you! If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Thorough, informative, user friendly grammer & even a lil entertaining at times! 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. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. So what are you waiting for? Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Canoeing and kayaking in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon. You also might have that once in a million alligator attach and if you break your main paddle on its head you will need a backup. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? this is super important, listen up. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. 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. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. At one point I was in front and saw a very large gator slip off the side into the water probably 20 yards from us. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? 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. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Ralph In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Great article! I love to see our wildlife, esp. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. 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. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Thanks for all the info! Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . Always pay attention to your surroundings. Does the Matanzas River have alligators? 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. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. The next day we left so don't know if it returned. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Dropping your paddle shaft on the top of your kayak is the absolute best way to make noise, that sound will carry under water a long distance. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. 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? JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Best places for kayaking in Florida. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. People are being reminded to be safe while kayaking . 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. Thanks! I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. 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.. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Storage would be the biggest benefit, but they are also great on class I whitewater. if you point right at it, he might enter the water when youre not even 30 yards away. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Yes, it is. Alligators love their peace and quiet. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. 3. They obviously dont want to eat you. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. Tips on How to Stay Safe, 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2022 - Improve your, Heavy Duty Fishing: 11 Best Rods And Reels For Big Fish 2022, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2022 - Budget Friendly, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2022 - Baits That Revolutionized, 17 Best Trolling Reels 2022 - Enjoy your Fishing Adventure, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. 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. 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. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Locals can come to Haulover Canal to see manatees in the winter, and several tour groups offer manatee kayak tours including Get Up and Go Kayaking. There are no boat launch facilities on the Tampa Bypass Canal, but it is possible to hand-launch a canoe, kayak or other small boats from parks along the canal. 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. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. 5 Reasons to Know. June 16, 2022. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. 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. In minor injuries to people and damage to their boats Florida was from. 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