Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? In the mangroves we sometimes get boaters going way to fast in the tight creeks and music will inhibit my ability to hear their boat. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in. We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. Alligators come in intimidating sizes, commonly reaching lengths of 9 for females to 13 for males. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. Not a big deal if it happens. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. 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. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. #1 Never Feed Alligators #2 Leave Your Dog At Home #3 Try To Avoid Alligator Territory #4 Leave Them Alone During Mating Season #5 Keep A Healthy Distance #6 Don't Make The Alligator Feel Cornered That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Mainly due to how shallow everything is. 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. That is why many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. 10/22/2021. Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? 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. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Again, try not to point directly at them, and as you start to get closer and closer, you will typically begin to see a subtle and controlled sink, then he disappears. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. Most often, nothing. Does the Delaware River have strong currents? Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. If you are in Florida, swim at a pool or a swimming area that is guaranteed to be alligator free. Alligators attacking kayaks is certainly not something we can say for sure has never occurred, no matter how much we wish it were so. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. June 16, 2022. Would a spray help? The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. this is super important, listen up. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. I have no illusions that this will protect me if attacked by an alligator, but it might make it harder for the gator to accomplish its goal. Great article! I would stay away from it. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. 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. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! I had actually thought the noise was an old, maybe even exhaustless vehicle rattling on the highway . However, as with any outdoor . Great article, thank you. No problem! Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Thank you so much for the info! Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Thanks! This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. 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. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. 3. 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. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! 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. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Save. You know that phrase fish out of water? Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. 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 heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Just keep kayaking and stay alert. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. "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. The point here is that in general alligators truly are more afraid of you than you are of them. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. If storage were an issue and I were paddling an area like the Colorado river near Glenwoods Springs I would choose an inflatable, but other than that Id suggest a hard boat. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. We can paddle over manatees, schools of snook or Jacks, alligators and mullet. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! 4) when they are crossing the road. 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. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. No need to get close and disturb them. If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. photos by Lee Howard While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. . Avoid kayaking in areas with known alligator populations, such as swamps, marshes, and ponds. Yes! This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. 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.. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. In June I was solo kayaking through Lil Big Econ Forest from the Canoe Launch on County Rd 419 all the way to snow hill rd. Great article full of lots of good information. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. Ralph Kayak with a friend This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. 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). The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. Know Now! Our posts may contain affiliate links. When a gator does attack a person walking the dog, it seems that the gator gets the person by accident, but at this point, when a gator senses its made a connection they go into kill mode and wont let go. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Very helpful. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. Paddling in Florida can be quite the fun and safe time, as can! Access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. 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