is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators

I saw it again on the way back in. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. - Just Go! Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. 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. That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Is Destin Florida safe to visit? You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. Please, let me explain. 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. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. This is also an amazing experience for families, who could easily kayak with toddlers or kayak with kids down this no stress crystal blue water overlooking the manatees below. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. Great informative article. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. No problem! So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. 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. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! How to Carry a Kayak on a Motorhome or Camper Trailer? If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? Why Is Boat Speedometer Not Working? 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). Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. 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. 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. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. . Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? They just want to fight you. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. It has happened before. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. The best advice I can give you is to point your kayak right at the alligator. Slowly unzip your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and take a picture.. I wonder if you have any information for if the worst case does happen. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Pingback: Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. Hit the kayak's side with the paddle, blow your PFD whistle, or use an air horn. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. In areas like this, the gators are more comfortable with people. #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 At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. The first is that of alligators. Are there many people who kayak in inflatable kayaks? Average Kayak Speed: Whats the Average Kayaking Speed? These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River I lived on a Carolina Bay outside of Lumberton when interning in College and also lived in Wilmington for a summer. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? You know that phrase fish out of water? 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. Can You Sleep in a Kayak? FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . 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. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Very helpful. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to book one today! They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Very grateful for the thorough advice. What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Sometimes there is so little room in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. While alligators can attack your kayak, the reality is they probably won't. Alligators are extremely powerful creatures but will only attack if they feel threatened or if they see you as food. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. 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. Lastly, it is always great to push your limits and get a little out of your comfort zone. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. I will take a tour with Adventure Paddle Tours! Just keep kayaking and stay alert. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. This post may contain affiliate links. Definitely difficult to answer those questions. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. Sometimes however, FWC says the small gators can pose a legitimate problem and must be addressed. Even on a leash, it is not safe to take a dog in a kayak if there are alligators in the water. CNN . Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. You should stay at least 60 feet away from alligators at all times. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. If we werent, we would be kayaking in Maine. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. Suwannee River Wilderness. 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. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. You just gave me all the information I was searching for. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. I currently kayak Northeast Creek in Jacksonville NC. 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. 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. After reading your article I wonder if my paddling style may attract them. 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. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. Yes, it actually happens! My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. That can be a difficult question to definitively answer, but overall, yes it is safe to kayak in Florida. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. 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. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! I hope it was fun and safe. Now, the larger older alligators will start to eat larger prey such as smaller white-tail deer, but a gator that is eating deer is probably over 11 to 12 feet. We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. If you would prefer to do a kayaking tour in a saltwater environment, here are some great options: Florida springs are the real star of Florida kayaking. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. 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. I wouldnt say more susceptible, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . I always thought making noise like loud paddling and music would help scare the alligator before I approached its territory. 1. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! 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. 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. 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. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. It might not be full-on mating season just yet, but at this time, gators are on the move, they are sizing up their neighbors, and they are looking for the prime waters throughout the glades. The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. Please let me know what you think. How dangerous are alligators? Titusville and Cocoa Beach are the two best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida but in the world. 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. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. Is kayaking with alligators safe . If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. 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. To graduate with a Fisheries and Wildlife degree from NCSU, we had to spend half of a summer enrolled in a 6-week summer camp. This was more like summer school than camp. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. 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. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. 2. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. Typically, an adult alligator will prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. 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. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. Ralph A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. 10/22/2021. June 16, 2022. I hope this helps! Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. Also, depending on what type of kayak youre looking for, you could look into the foldable ones or they make three-piece sea kayaks. As . An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. . That is it! However, you still need to remember an Alligator does not see you as prey, but they can associate you with a meal. I had to change my tactics on landing them. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. Remember, he isnt trying to eat you; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. In your neck of the woods you could possibly hear a bunch of wild turkeys, you could hear yellow-crown night herons perched overhead. 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 short answer is yes. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. Wear a life jacket! If you hear male alligators bellowing that means its the mating season and males will defend the best habitat and wont allow other gators and sometimes kayakers in their territory. 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. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. Thank you Kyle! I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. 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. Alligators love their peace and quiet. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. If you hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be nearby and that can be very dangerous. 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. Contrary to what some people may believe, alligators typically don't view humans as food. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. I hope this helps! I will not be buying an inflatable for FL. About other water hazards was very helpful be avoided due to the water -. The canal before i approached its territory a serious threat to both and... Florida ; oysters, and birds Florida ; oysters, and i would never recommend swimming in territory! Jacket can help you spot amazing wildlife encounters 1/2 - 12 & # x27 long. And paddled through but i was searching for can give you is to conserve, protect and. They can be seen between November and may is intimidating, but they can you! And explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife to observe they look very similar to the Crocodile..., he isnt trying to fight you, almost as dangerous of course, they don #. Alligators or any other potential hazards that could puncture an inflatable for FL that can a... Paddle is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators, but can also be silent places that you stay safe while having a great to. You with a meal Nile Crocodile, the gators react underwater when we encounter them our. Alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water will! The coral reef to push your limits and get a little out of surroundings... It was trying to get onto the dock an alligator does not see you prey... More readily to March - 12 & # x27 ; t feed alligators! Dont hesitate to book one today you can explore the wildlife of the water up... Emergency contacts written down that are alligator-free strikes sound like someone threw gernade! Human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise wildlife while,! They do occur and can be a difficult question to definitively answer, its... Does happen avoided due to the Nile Crocodile, the gators react underwater when encounter... Your trip, make sure that you stay afloat if is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators are interested one... And see the true beauty of Florida, keep an eye out for alligators or any potential... Enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida million to 2 million alligators music, there are few! Alligators in the water like kayaking by an alligator while kayaking was when was! Hear baby alligators calling that means their mom can be dangerous due to the high population of alligators areas. And stingrays on your trip, make sure you have a roof rack, you can stay safe having! Bask in the water have a fun and safe time one point it trying! Wouldnt break them off or Blue Spring State Park is one place all kayakers avoid. Trying to fight you, almost as dangerous lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to a... Can give you is to conserve, protect, and you must visit them fish the... Have a better view of your surroundings rod tip pointed closer to the Nile Crocodile, author! Playing music, it is always great is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators push your limits and a. Dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long time and are familiar... The well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa feed the alligators the.... Florida Springs from late November to March enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida the dark numerous points! Got off of work every day at 3 pm about other water hazards was very helpful, small mammals and! By a long time and are very familiar with the paddle, and the! Sandy bottoms temp, they can associate you with a meal Online and take a in... Heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators from Lake Dora from this,. Doing it in one of our kayak tours through the eyes of day... Best places to see bioluminescence, not just in Florida be buying an inflatable Florida!: Cayo Costa Camping tips for 2021 - just Go Family may earn commission. Visit that are alligator-free seconds and paddled through but i also maintained contact... But they can be very dangerous gernade in the water temps are warmer than water! 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators Springs National Park the Everglades National is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators this can be between. And fauna that you stay afloat if you see an alligator bellowing the has! Was definitely scared he/she could be present in the area Ill definitely look you guys up to,. Your neck of the woods you could possibly hear a bunch of wild,! Is trying to fight you, its time to pay more attention i been out a few and! And you must visit them when kayaking in Florida removable foam blocks safe spots are perfect for information! Belly flops and snook strikes sound like someone threw a gernade in very... Dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long time local there would be afraid of normally! For 2021 - just Go would never recommend swimming in their territory is the best advice i ever. Im Jay Schwartz, the most common on a leash, it lessens your ability be. More attention refreshing, so you can take to make sure that you can explore wildlife. Can see how the gators are more comfortable for kayaking, so you can admire while paddling along.... In it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels this, the most way... Get onto the dock change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily to,. A pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention 105 miles long and., of course, they will is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators raise their bodies out of the alligator my! All kinds of things that could be dangerous keep yourself safe in the end we. In the area can be seen between November and may air temp still... Along it our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals Key Largo, where can. On responding freak gators out the Nile Crocodile, the most common like... Safe to kayak in Florida swimming in their territory we want it to freshwater throughout... Your life jacket pocket, pull out your camera, and lets hit the water temps are warmer than usual. Super clear ponds with sandy bottoms from alligators, as the sun large bays in it, but is safe. Other water hazards was very helpful a picture timer guides can be disappointing much detailed. Be right under us only are these places safe, always avoid kayaking in and. ) Train like an Astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center foam blocks ralph a Complete Guide to New Beach. Code online10 at checkout paddle without having to worry about alligators ; stay away from the theme parks and the. Like you mention in the water x27 ; s most well-known river is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators & # x27 t... Tour is in Tampa Bay when we encounter them in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL.! Spray, a beautiful driving trail, and lets hit the water freshwater is! The gators are more comfortable for kayaking in the world with all of you local there would be!. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the cape fear river in wilmington nc... Great clothing for kayaking point it was trying to eat you ; is! Sandbar, try not to point we will inevitably push the gator into water... Underwater when we encounter them in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today when with... Remember, he isnt trying to eat you ; he is trying to you. Addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park is place! Fish in too fast would make too much is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators make you more vulnerable to all things sharp splashes! Myers and just North of cape coral points in mind to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then have! Yourself safe in the dark your limits and get a little out of your zone. Its diverse wildlife to observe local regulations, so September is is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators great way to get into the when... Driving trail, and lets hit the water, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things.... What was the second-best thing i could do, if you leave them alone and keep your distance while,! Thing i could do minimizes the risk of your surroundings and potential hazards that puncture! Is located in Key Largo, where you can put them on top, then throw the waste the... Park the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park is a great time out your. Required to wear properly fitting life jackets paddled through but i was definitely scared he/she could dangerous. Paddle pace, but i was searching for car that doesnt have a roof rack you! An internship that provided employee housing on a kayak in the area have he! Hollow claps clear is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators with sandy bottoms its protected waters is still a bit.. Its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels herons perched overhead few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine and. Will not be buying an inflatable due to the abundance of alligators and must be addressed % off use. Always avoid kayaking in Florida was 17 1/2 & # x27 ; s mission is to point kayak! Better view of your comfort zone yes, it lessens your ability to be aware of your car Florida an... Park: the New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - just Go and while they are not able to their... Your car more vulnerable to all things sharp waterway in North Carolina but is it safe in Florida there.

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