Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Very grateful for the thorough advice. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? >> the tail went on our kayak. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. The when-to and when-not-to point your kayak at an alligator was particularly informative to me. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. 1. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. Just keep kayaking and stay alert. Does the Delaware River have strong currents? If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. We encounter numerous alligators on a daily basis. Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. 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. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. - Just Go! What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? If you see an alligator while kayaking, it is best to stay away and notify the authorities. 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. I was wondering, where about in NC were you located at the time? If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. Now that we know alligators dont see us as food but might associate us with being fed, we understand we might want to be more cautious when kayaking with alligators at public boat ramps or docks. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. Two weeks before the 90-degree day, you might have seen 4 or 5 gators sharing a small beach or sandbar, but now things have changed. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. . Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. 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 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. 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. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. I saw it again on the way back in. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - 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. If you see a weird elevated mound in the middle of a pond, you could and probably should consider that to be an alligator nest if a gator is nearby. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. 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For those of you not from the south, a bream is a sunfish. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! After all, this is a pretty serious subject. 1. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. 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). With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. 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. 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. the elusive gators, but I dont want to unknowingly annoy the animal. However, you still need to remember an Alligator does not see you as prey, but they can associate you with a meal. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. seminole county deputies. 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. 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. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. 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. A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Best places for kayaking in Florida. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. 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. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. 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. 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. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Since alligators eat fish. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Yes, it does happen! They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. With that said if you are launching from an area where people clean their catch pay close attention to whether or not the alligator is staying close by. Is there anything known that I can do to protect myself, like punch a shark in the nose or poke its eye. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. The alligator was . 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! We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. 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. 2. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. Great article, thank you. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. 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. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. Thanks for all the info Kyle. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. Standard Alligator Behavior. 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. #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 Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping 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. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! 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. The trigger for us is as reliable as my Toyota tundra. Yes! So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Unfortunately, this was the unavoidable fate of two enthusiastic kayakers who were on the Econlockhatchee River. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without 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. They make everything more difficult for you and us. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in. No problem! 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. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. this is super important, listen up. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. 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. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? 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. 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. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. Stay safe out there, paddle with a partner and have fun! Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. We use the Preception 9.5 Sound Its a great boat for the backwaters of SW Florida. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! Mainly due to how shallow everything is. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. 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? Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. From my experiences, its more about the whole shape and size of the kayak coming at it vs. eye contact or the direction your face is pointing. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. We also understand that alligators, like people, can be moody. Hit the kayak's side with the paddle, blow your PFD whistle, or use an air horn. In areas like this, the gators are more comfortable with people. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. I had to change my tactics on landing them. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses.
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