. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! In areas like this, the gators are more comfortable with people. 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. Suwannee River Wilderness. 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. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. I would stay away from it. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Is Destin Florida safe to visit? Its usually more about your whole body movement along with your paddle. Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? The 25 Best Things to Do in Florida. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Very helpful. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. 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If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. 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. 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. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. Answer: Kayaking with alligators is generally a very safe activity. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? Ive never noticed gators reacting to me looking directly at them. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. Save. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! 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. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. photos by Lee Howard If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. Are there alligators in Florida's coastal dune lakes? You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. 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. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. Even if they swim at you, they are hopefully false charging. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. 3. If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. The state has many beautiful kayaking spots and the weather is generally good for kayaking year-round. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! 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. 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. 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.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4-0'); 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, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and they're going to a different location where they feel safer. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. Our posts may contain affiliate links. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. If you are planning on kayaking in Florida, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. 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. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. I really dont want to hurt it just deter it from attacking me. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. Rarely would I pose for pictures with my hands halfway in the water, and I definitely wasnt reviving them with my hands in the water. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. 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. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. 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. 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. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. I will not be buying an inflatable for FL. When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Florida, Limited Edition Florida Print JellyPressStore. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. Alligators attacking kayaks is certainly not something we can say for sure has never occurred, no matter how much we wish it were so. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. 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