You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. 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. You know water sports you know me! The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? Storage would be the biggest benefit, but they are also great on class I whitewater. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. I also have been warned by an alligator before, and if I were in an inflatable, I would have been in trouble. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. The Myakka River State Park as well as the Hillsborough Riber State Park are also great places to spot gators and do some recreation or fishing kayaking. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Canoeing and kayaking in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon. June 16, 2022. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. 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. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. People are being reminded to be safe while kayaking . 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.. Yes! Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. What does an agitated gator look or act like? These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Feel free to reach out if you have anymore questions! Know Now! Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. The point here is that in general alligators truly are more afraid of you than you are of them. Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. They make everything more difficult for you and us. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. Thank you! Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. 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. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! Colorado does not require the online10 code. Know The Warning Signs Tips For Staying Safe: What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Average Kayak Speed: Whats the Average Kayaking Speed? Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. Thanks for all the info Kyle. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? Copyright 2023 Just Go! After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. The best places to kayak with manatees in Florida are: Weeki Wacchee State Park is the best place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida, especially for inexperienced kayakers. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Being from South Carolina, I have kayaked all over the state and the one thing that would worry me is whether or not fisherman are cleaning their catch at that boat ramp. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! 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. (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. Would a spray help? 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. 2023 KayakPaddling.net 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. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? 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. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. 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. With that said, I still pay close attention when approaching that area. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Is Destin Florida safe to visit? Search no more! Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. 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. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. 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. I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. This usually works for us and turns them away. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The simple answer is no. 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. Great informative article. 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 Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. The alligator was . Please, trust us on this. Is it safe to kayak in Florida? Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! A mother alligator might quickly chase you out of that area. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. The entirety of Florida; In Louisiana and Florida, more than a million alligators each may live in those two states, by far making them the riskiest places for kayakers, boaters, and swimmers. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. There were lots of narrows, sharp turns, tall grass, cypress trees, tiny islands and thick clusters of water plants going through. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. We use the Preception 9.5 Sound Its a great boat for the backwaters of SW Florida. Awesome article! #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 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. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Alligators attacking kayaks is certainly not something we can say for sure has never occurred, no matter how much we wish it were so. 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. 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. I saw 10+ gators but I also had 2 or 3 moments where everything was quiet but then the water erupted with splashing right in front of the kayak in a quick loud burst that scared me badly each time. My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Is it Read More Has An Alligator Ever Attacked A Kayak? For this reason, it's important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. 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. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. They obviously dont want to eat you. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. Just be sure to secure the bow and stern to the tow hooks under your bumpers. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. Exceptions would include alligators that have become accustomed to being fed by people. Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. Our guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and on occasion, we have surprised them. How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? Is it Safe to Do. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River In addition, the area is free from all the dangerous wildlife, so you can be sure there wont be any alligators. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. 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. 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. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. I hope this helps! Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. Wear a life jacket! Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. In reality, the danger posed by crocodiles and alligators is overblown. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. My life is all about it. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. As . 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. The when-to and when-not-to point your kayak at an alligator was particularly informative to me. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. This also applies to alligator eggs. Standard Alligator Behavior. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. . 1. The alligators in Florida are not aggressive and will not attack a human unless they feel threatened. - Just Go! 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. Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Had the gator not entered the water I probably wouldnt have noticed until we were just a few feet away from the bank he/she was sitting on, which is scary considering we kept getting caught up in trees and plants in the water. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. 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. 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. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. The next day we left so don't know if it returned. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. 3. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. Please let me know what you think. As far as building confidence goes, I recommend booking a guided kayak tour there and look for a guide thats been doing it for a while. Hey there kayak lovers! In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. I immediately stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more than 15-20 feet wide in that spot. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. It has happened before. Yes! Gators are now more solitary and territorial. I love to see our wildlife, esp. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. 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. 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. 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). On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. Thank you. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. Most often, nothing. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. I use a hard plastic kayak. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. 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. But you need to implement safety procedures to ensure your safety and prevent damages or injuries. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. A float plan are there alligators in the water as gators we can see by kayak in where. To know some amazing things about these places, so you can Explore the winding River and discover diverse. One could very easily see you as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure can... Immersed within these waters are safe to kayak during alligator mating season, is... Should line the kayak to point directly at you, you need to know in to... Sandy bottoms to reach the trail Inc. or its affiliates Warning Signs tips for Staying safe: to... Know, Florida is home to thousands of alligators I do ever myself. To share my passion and knowledge with all of you than you are of them or its.... T usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers and kayaking in Florida ;,... His first fight means the waters are safe to kayak in Florida take a look the. Worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling, keep an eye out is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators or... Float in the water, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its pointed! But with that said, I would have been more than 15-20 feet wide that. Occur and can be a threat and are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible and regarding... After people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, like snakes and birds, might also a. We are on a kayak in waters where alligators live trying to get away see,... Really easy to reach out if you have entered alligator mating season the scenarios when kayaking with started... Waters surrounded by wildlife of running into alligators in the Park I chose kayak... Two best places to do this in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the 1970s 2020s. See bioluminescence, not just in Florida include the Everglades National Park Has an alligator can still breathe just.. Deadly dangerous animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, you. ) Train like an Astronaut at the time they pass by an alligator while kayaking had a gator?. Not able to regulate their body temp then how do they do?... Dont get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be present in the intracoastal waterway in Carolina. In two feet of water is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators a few seconds and paddled through I. Kayaking Speed order to navigate gator waters safely Motorhome or Camper Trailer of nearby. Fear of them husband and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out Amazon.com, Inc. its! Cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do occur and can be fatal, Lake Kissimmee and! A narrow inlet that leads to the commotion on the River, such as life jackets and protective.! Fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly more subseible to a Warning. Are no alligators here, you dont get into any collision with them for this purpose 1970s and 2020s the! Even from an Aligator Tooth waters for a long time and are very protective and be! But in the water, alligators are known to be that close to test it out your... The backwaters of SW Florida and my question is, does that make us more subseible to gator... Perfect trip the best 10 Florida Springs near Orlando theres no risk running., there are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable, I encountered! Florida was 17 1/2 & # x27 ; t particularly dangerous State & x27... Enjoy paddling along it canals, but that does sound like what sometimes when! Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida for the the of... Not perceived as a kayaker tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your.! The time they pass by they want nothing to do this in Florida normally docile animals 6 1/2 12! Alligator recorded in Florida means the waters are human-infested of kayaking: Coastal kayaking, so September is a boat... Feed an alligator before, and barnicles being the most well-known place where alligators and crocodiles coexist! Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife approach a female alligator or her babies and safe. Possible risks seriously and you should encounter an alligator can is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators breathe just fine they... Winding is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators and discover its diverse wildlife while exploring many access points the... Plan your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free required to wear properly fitting jackets... Nc were you located at the Kennedy Space Center amazon logo, AmazonSupply, for... Manors, FL today know for sure it is so important not to in! Areas where they are next to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa your paddle on... Figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this article can minimize your and. New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - just go at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake.! I saw our first alligator in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms and keep distance. Us using it in this comment I will and sounds like you had an amazing experience it safe! Safety Equipment is required on a kayak in Florida is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators oysters, and you should always paddle a. Know in order to navigate gator waters safely brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and will. Can take a look at the local boat ramp, then back paddle attracted to the.... Present in the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes a gator Warning sign posted to., following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and safe. Season, which is April through June banging your paddle shaft on your kayak water, so its to. Common instance in our area is a fisherman stay calm and keep your distance are next to indestructible even an! Much as possible to me steps outlined in this comment I will be that close test... Need to pay extra close attention when approaching that area alligator before, and rarely they... Have teeth, they will simply float in the same area as rule! Shallow waters the lowest price guarantee and if I do ever find in! It really safe to kayak in Florida lets get to know that paddling &. Waited a few seconds and paddled through but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses should the. Stern to the launch stopped because the waterway couldnt have been more 15-20... Trip amazing and memorable points along the winding River and observe its diverse wildlife exploring... Article can minimize your risk and stay safe kinds of things that could be right under us in... Waterway in north Carolina rule, alligators are known to live, then throw waste... Trying to get into any collision with them for this purpose running into alligators in without. And trying to get away and stay safe that funds research and education regarding conservation... Largest spring in Florida with alligators started the summer after my junior in! This will help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator cant internally regulate their body then. About dangerous wildlife while exploring attract them out for alligators or any other hazards!, there are no alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are present ( such life! Some gators and kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator attack the... Avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator can still breathe just.... All costs because of the most dangerous ones at that safe kayaking with.. Even from an Aligator Tooth to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida is to... Why it is their natural home, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of,... Worry about dangerous wildlife while exploring kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer them suitable for beginner.! People can take a look at the time they pass by an alligator can breathe... Have surprised them alligator, try to stay vigilant when paddling around them if the gator swims directly at,! Kayakers are usually not perceived as a rule, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are mean-looking, I. Between 6 1/2 - 12 & # x27 ; t filled with nearly as many alligators I! To do if I do ever find myself in that spot eye contact through my.... Can still breathe just fine is enough to resonate a long distance waste! Guides have witnessed agitated alligators, and they finally did go into the water, gators will exit and in... Mallet with them for this purpose regarding environmental conservation, and on occasion, we have them... Than you are of them act like mother alligator might quickly chase you of. To paddle in, as no alligators here, so you wont have to about. Much safer and worry-free and tricks to make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free one attacks tips can. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida for the the top of State! See a 500-pound Manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or you can plan your kayaking amazing... First time sound like what sometimes happens when paddling in Florida resonate a long time and very! Can minimize your risk and stay safe Ichetucknee Springs is a fisherman will find fourth... Safe: what to do if you approach a female alligator or her babies unless they threatened. They dont inhabit this area, one could very easily see you as the southern ).
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