Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? 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. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. rubber Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. Not a big deal if it happens. They should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting any attention from the alligators. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. - Just Go! seminole county deputies. If I can ever get down your way, Ill definitely look you guys up! To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Please, let me explain. Hit the kayak's side with the paddle, blow your PFD whistle, or use an air horn. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. 4) when they are crossing the road. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Keep an eye out for the following warning signs This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. Now, lets consider what the American Aligator eats. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. People are being reminded to be safe while kayaking . Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. So what are you waiting for? Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! From what I've read, it's also much safer than I would have believed. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? If the gator swims directly at you, you should line the kayak to point directly at him, then back paddle. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . The heaviest Florida alligator weighed in at 1,043 lbs taken from Lake Dora. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. . Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. Waterlust is a Florida based brand that funds research and education regarding environmental conservation, and they have great clothing for kayaking. Thank you! My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. 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 possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. Stay inside the boat. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. June 16, 2022. . With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Know Now! When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. Where are you kayaking in South Carolina? Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. CNN . If you click on our links, Just Go Family may receive a commission. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. The alligators would begin to show up as soon as I began catching fish. The sides of my kayak arent very high and it makes me nervous that one may come barreling out of the water and attack my kayak. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . The 25 Best Things to Do in Florida. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. I will not be buying an inflatable for FL. If you jump right in the middle of that sheep battle, those sheep might very well start charging you. 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. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. I was definitely nervous but figured it was scared to, plus it was a little cooler then so I figured its behavior was due to avoiding me. 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). This usually works for us and turns them away. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Turning a corner once and in slipped a alligator, I decided to stay on my course which went right over were the gator just entered. I had the pleasure of hearing the bellow a few years back. My life is all about it. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. Colorado does not require the online10 code. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. 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! In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. The simple answer is no. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Suwannee River Wilderness. 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. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. 3. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. If an alligator hisses or lunges at you, you're way too close. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. Do Alligators attack Kayaks? Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. 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. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . You could even have one swim directly at you. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. 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. Lastly, we provide guided kayak tours through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Fakahatchee State Preserve just south of Naples and Marco Island. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! Kayaking With Alligators: How To Stay Safe. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. Is Destin Florida safe to visit? At one point it was trying to get onto the dock. A kayaker exploring a section of a North Carolina river found more than he expected when an alligator slammed into his boat. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. This guy (or gal?) 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. Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. The point here is that in general alligators truly are more afraid of you than you are of them. Think two sheep ramming each other. Most often, we will enter the pond and spot one floating at the top, and as we get closer, they simply sink to the bottom and hope we pass by. If this starts to happen, then the answer is yes, alligators can be dangerous to kayakers. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . If an alligator does grab you this might be enough to keep you afloat. Is it safe to kayak during alligator mating season? Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! . Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. Most often, nothing. 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. Awesome article! After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. - Just Go! So, what was the second-best thing I could do? At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. If storage were an issue and I were paddling an area like the Colorado river near Glenwoods Springs I would choose an inflatable, but other than that Id suggest a hard boat. 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