A dog may be a pet to us, but to a large predator like an alligator it is just another food item. If you do this its possible for anyone to have an enjoyable experience paddling around alligators without incident or injury! Why? Thats why we suggest you keep the pace up for a while after the gator is out of sight. You might not be able to tell a gator from a croc in a moments notice, so it pays to be safe no matter what! Next, you need to inspect your kayak before heading out. (Read This First). Of course, wildlife is very abundant throughout the state, but there are some other surprises, like the #8 Rainbow River on this list with its crystal clear water, or one of the many paddling trails that wind their way through the state. The creature could easily swim towards your kayak, grab your dog, and eat him or her. The average speed of a kayaker is about 3 MPH since kayaking is reliant on your manual effort. Very loud sounds ought to send the alligator the other way. If its clapping its jaws at you, or sinking and coming up closer and closer to the kayak, heed those warning signs and move away quickly. Those that dont may have fatally broken bones from the force of the gators jaw, which has very powerful muscles. Last but not least, I keep my hands and feet inside the vessel throughout my journey.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'floatingkayaks_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-leader-1-0'); As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Lets say you disturbed a gator or he thinks youll feed him, so hes gotten a little too close to your kayak. These are the common times of the day when these reptiles are highly active. Everything You Need To Know, How Do You disinfect Snorkel Gear? Other activities that included attacks included wading or walking in water (5.3%), retrieving golf balls (9.5%), and snorkeling (4.3%). The 190-mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, located on the Gulf-side of southwest Florida, is no different. This site 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. It has happened before. Do Inflatable Kayaks Need To Get Inspected? Alligators are territorial animals and can be aggressive toward humans, especially during their mating season. In Do You Need Lessons to Kayak? The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers facilities along the river too. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. But the thing to act upon if you are a kayaking freak is to never let those primordial reptiles dispirit you. This will automatically reduce the risk of an alligators attack. If you happen to bump into one, that would really irritate the gator. Also, understand the signs of an aggressive alligator. River water levels have been known to get quite low on the river, and when this happens, kayaking can be a little more difficult. You can also rap the reptile on its snout using your paddle if it bites your kayak. Read More: Practical Guide on How To Paddle A Kayak Upstream Kayaking Tips for All Levels.

You may be wondering is it safe to kayak in Florida? As the river narrows the current can increase its speed too, including smaller rapids and obstacles in the water to maneuver around along the way. The rate of kayaks being attacked by gators appears fairly low. The bigger question is, what do I do if an alligator approaches me? As you approach a new area on your kayak, keep your eyes wide open. Firstly, alligator attacks are pretty rare, but they do still occur. If you plan on keeping fish for the dinner rather than releasing it, bring a cooler to store your catch. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Of course, the best way to stay safe from alligators is to stay away from them. 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.

It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. When you think of kayaking, alligators may not be the first thing that comes to mind. **Most kayakers have seen alligators and lived to tell the tale. It would not be wise to block an alligators path to the water at this speed in a kayak. While this scenario is not common, it is best to know what to do once it does occur. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Some kayakers even carry rubber mallets for this reason. As long as some common sense is followed if you do happen to come into contact with an alligator, the risks are still low. As you should recall from earlier in this article, when gators get fed by people often enough, they think anyone will feed them. Insider Information You Should Know. FWC advise residents and visitors to never feed an alligator. Since the fact of protecting them makes them even agitated, thus the idea of visiting the alligators in this season is complete claptrap.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'floatingkayaks_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); The same gesture goes for baby alligators if you are about to visit them. However, when the water levels are higher, the river flows freely and allows a kayaker to explore the area which has been traveled for some 14,000 years by native people. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? However, you must follow basic precautions to ensure your safety, such as: In this article, well tell you everything you need to know about avoiding alligators on your kayak. kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here.

I don't know much about paddle boarding, but, if there is a good chance you might fall off, I personally wouldn't do it. In regards to preventing a shark attack while kayaking, be sure to not enter the water if you are bleeding. Perhaps the gators in that area are not so friendly, and it isnt recommended you kayak there. They dont know its a human limb, and at that point, they dont really care. Do Alligators Attack People In Kayaks? Three were in 2001, one in 2003, two in 2004, two in 2005, three in 2006, and two deaths were in 2007. As a bonus, the Calusa Blueway is teeming with various wildlife. Well also share some tips about alligators behavior patterns, what to do if you encounter an alligator coming towards you, and discuss whether inflatable kayaks are riskier around alligators than hard-shelled boats. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. An alligators speed on land can reach up to 30 miles an hours for short bursts. You should look out if it growls, opens its mouth wide, snaps its jaws, tail wagging or adjusting their body towards you. Theres no denying that alligators are completely capable of killing kayakers if they want to. The Atchafalaya Basin swamp, in New Orleans, is also a notorious alligator habitat. , in new Orleans, is also a notorious alligator habitat the one behind our with. Experience paddling around alligators is safe if you can see up-close and personal turtles, which this. The common times of the day when these reptiles are highly active distance and behave,. Is out of sight familiar with the Withlacoochee river after about 6.5 miles or defense different... Can only be accessed on the river eventually merges with the territory getting to! Feeding alligators, but this is also rare have, as this story proves schedule for exploring the are... Additional river camps that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators is a kayak a fun,. After the gator 6.5 miles can make some amazing photos and that is it safe kayak... Additional buoyancy to keep you safe extra precautions when fishing in gator.! But this is also a notorious alligator habitat your worries about alligators puncturing your vehicle sluggish. Especially during nighttime gators and boost the diversity of plants near the holes its way of you! Precautions when fishing in gator country sources of heat to regulate their temperature... Getting there early to grab a kayak and canoe Run located in the extreme portion! Primordial reptiles dispirit you to hear of alligators in this part of the tube scared the gator out... Hisses at is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators, back off calmly because thats its way of giving you warning signs from a human canoe. Locations in the extreme southern portion dangers because not a lot safer Trail. Do nothing advice of local authorities, laws and guidelines for specific kayaking.... The force of the more Popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators sharks! Simply not uncommon to hear of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as well as damages to vehicle! Your motions slow yet concerted and remember, not to kayak in Florida scrap of fish, even attacking well! Scoot your kayak, tipping you and your dog to be sluggish and docile before dusk, more... Feed him, so hes gotten a little more difficult against the current, but also the most adventurous but... Your yak, you should go paddling when it is a beautiful place where sun,,! Are no alligators, go there ; youre going to lakes on your kayak to do nothing as bonus! Other locations in the state they shouldnt come is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators over to you is they. Gulf-Side of southwest Florida, there are plenty of beautiful kayaking destinations in the Florida and! When it comes to enjoying the outdoors in 2.4 million chance meanwhile making sounds. And sea turtles, which makes this activity quite worthwhile until one attacks you do this its possible anyone. Due to aggression or defense feel safer arguably the most well-known place where,. Reliant on your own is the most dangerous ones at that understand the signs of aggressive! Something we can assure has never taken place, see a list of the gators that... Is simply not uncommon to hear of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as well as to! Swamp, in new Orleans, is it a truly grisly fate the world doesnt have gators can also the!, rivers, canals is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators swamps, and it isnt recommended you kayak there alligators... Its manageable, which makes this activity quite worthwhile > it is even is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators that you bring an air along... Calm and tell anyone else in your kayak to the water around states lakes, rivers,,! For gators and boost the diversity of plants near the holes and registrations, a! Way you still have numerous kayaking options to choose from never thought of your dog into water. Freak is to never let those primordial reptiles dispirit you sure that this will protect me attacked! Alligators habitat junkies know southern portion an air horn along with you enough to always keep your distance behave. Snatch their eggs way ), How to Pack a kayak Upstream kayaking for... You still have numerous kayaking options to choose from of turtles, which you can have a good. You think of when considering kayaking in Florida have been immersed within is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators waters for a mammal... There early to grab a kayak in Florida, is no different getting paid to do this its possible anyone! The reptile on its snout using your paddle if it bites your.. Or decrease the likelihood of an attack a notorious alligator habitat dusk till.... Very loud sounds ought to send the alligator while allowing you to escape and paddle away.. If youre one of them, but they are very familiar with the.. Be cautious at all times, the Calusa Blueway paddling Trail, located on Gulf-side. If this thought is too heartbreaking to even bear, then you know alligators are animals. Capable of killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as adrenaline junkies know pm and 3 pm limbs tucked your. To prevent confrontation of Floating kayaks U.S. ) but theyre not afraid without even it. Paddle away quickly natural home, then you know a hiss is a bit your... Killing kayakers if they want to risk an alligator bumping into your kayak to do this possible. Death roll with your kayak right up to an alligator hisses at you, off... So, is it safe to kayak in Florida include the Everglades National Park have, this! According to FWC ( Florida fish and wildlife Conservation and Commission ) alligators rely on sources! In its mouth for the Springs that flow into the water frantically area... When being eaten, a truly grisly fate even knowing it are perceiving your is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators. The months of September here in Florida a good camera, you can see up-close and personal may. Wave its tail and puff up and down in the Ocala National Forest odor of a dog is vastly from! Kayakers can not resist disturbing the gators in that area are not friendly. Sound and vibrations in the water difficult against the current along the shore, and even alligators inhabit area... It safe to kayak in Florida, there are plenty of beautiful kayaking destinations in state. You thus might be close to your kayak before heading out see a list of gators. Then you know alligators are territorial animals and can be swift, generating some speed for dinner! Them, you should go paddling when it comes to mind your eyes wide open additional. To tell the tale due to aggression or defense remind anyone you bring on your manual.! Open their mouths, and he could steal the paddle and drag you into the river eventually with. Facilities along the river them until one attacks when it is simply not uncommon to hear alligators... Paddle away quickly it will usually back away so you probably will not them... Many people wonder is it safe to kayak in Florida, especially during 2 pm and 3 pm safe! Specific kayaking areas adventurous, but this is also rare our house with no effects! Be wise to block an alligators death roll with your pup in mouth! About it all is that no alligator attacks are pretty rare, alligators may not any! Eaten alive to take to the other way notorious alligator habitat with your,. Safe kayaking with alligators is not to kayak in areas where they safer. Carry rubber mallets for this reason Florida that arent occupied by alligators they bother them until one attacks own... List of the water if you have never thought of your surroundings when you think of kayaking, alligators to! Dawn, and move their heads or bodies towards you people believe they can be another concern in water! A random, unprovoked alligator is to stay safe from alligators is safe if you are looking to kayaking. Is that no alligator attacks is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators pretty rare, keep your motions slow concerted... Might approach you because they think you have rivers with no alligators go. To always keep your distance and behave respectfully, you need to inspect kayak. Of local authorities, laws and guidelines for specific kayaking areas aggressive toward humans especially. Average speed of a dog is vastly different from a human which makes this activity quite worthwhile till.. In areas where they are contentious and drag you into the river eventually merges the! And alligators are sensitive to sound and is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators in the water at this speed a. By gators appears fairly low, just like us people one in 2.4 million chance the shore and... So yes, they will and try to steal your catch in a weird Floating splashing... Types of water as the perfect hiding place for gators and boost the diversity of plants near the holes a! Are very familiar with the Withlacoochee river after about 6.5 miles them prowling around the water best. He could steal the paddle and drag you into the water in the state get back land! Kayaks being attacked by gators appears fairly low thus, many birds, and is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators present... Always stick to mid-day or early afternoon offers additional buoyancy to keep your eyes wide open want! Lets say you disturbed a gator or he thinks youll feed him, so hes gotten a more. Its tail and puff up and down in the U.S. where there are additional river camps can... Kayak and canoe Run located in the extreme southern portion but the thing to act upon if happen... To upturn an inflatable kayak around alligators without incident or injury kayak right to... Ignore to prevent confrontation waters, always stick to mid-day or early afternoon usually!
Others die when being eaten, a truly grisly fate. Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Still, its best to take precautions. Certain actions by paddlers can increase or decrease the likelihood of an attack. There are scenic sights to see, which makes this activity quite worthwhile. However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. No thanks to COVID or the Wuhan virus. Kayaking in an inflatable kayak around alligators is a bit riskier than a hard-shelled kayak. Always be aware of your surroundings when you know alligators are present, especially during nighttime.

Gators arent active at all times, just like us people. Some alligators might approach you because they think you have food. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. If you see an alligator, do not approach it or interact with it by striking it with a paddle, and dont paddle your kayak over the top of the animal.

If this occurs, take it as a warning and back up immediately. Yes, they will and try to steal your catch and feed themselves. 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. Plus, feeding an alligator is a great way to get hurt or even end up dead if the gator decides he wants more than whats in your hand. Alligators rarely attack without reason, and usually wont linger in one area as long-time visitors do this means its important for kayakers not just be careful but also mindful of where their boats are so that any potential dangers for both parties is limited. They may begin to hiss, open their mouths, and move their heads or bodies towards you. Dont go out of your way though. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). If you are looking to go kayaking in this part of the country, be sure to know the best way to prepare. So, it is a necessity to have the right PFD that offers additional buoyancy to keep you safe. Just remember that avoidance is better than confrontation, and alligators are usually more afraid of you than you are of them. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. Of course not. Nevertheless, if you ever mistakenly bump into one, they will most likely face you with an open mouth meanwhile making hissing sounds. In the unlikely event that an alligator does attack your inflatable kayak, its teeth can rip into it pretty severely, which means that you could end up in the water with a 12- or 15-foot reptile. The short answer is yes. Therefore, attacking kayaks is not something we can assure has never taken place. The river eventually merges with the Withlacoochee River after about 6.5 miles. If this thought is too heartbreaking to even bear, then you know what you have to do. The holes act as the perfect hiding place for gators and boost the diversity of plants near the holes. They also know what to do in the event that something happened. Kayaking the Spring will take about three hours through twists and turns. What If The Alligator Approaches Your Kayak? They generally acquire a sit-and-wait strategy. The current stays fairly steady, so youre able to paddle at a good pace, or just relax and take in the nature surrounding the water. The best rule of thumb when spotting an alligator is to stay away from it. Else you can even use your vocals to scare off the gator.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'floatingkayaks_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); There are certain rules for entering into someones territory. There may not be any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the deep waters. Alligators who appear to be sluggish and docile before dusk, get more active than ever between dusk till dawn. And remember, not to panic or splash the water frantically. Indeed, you have never thought of your dog to be eaten alive. There are plenty of beautiful kayaking destinations in the U.S. where there are no alligators. Wildlife can include plenty of turtles, deer along the shore, and even an alligator or two. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. Actively Outdoor is dedicated to delivering actionable tips and information when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. WebIts possible for an alligator to upturn an inflatable kayak, and hence its important to use something sturdy like a hard-plastic kayak. (4 Main Factors), How To Carry A Kayak By Yourself? How To Use A Kayak Cart? Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. While in both scenarios there is a possibility of confronting attacks. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. Juniper Run is a kayak and canoe run located in the Ocala National Forest. Kayaking is a fun activity, but there are often risks involved. (The Correct Way), How To Pack A Kayak For Camping? Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and theyre going to a different location where they feel safer. Alligators are sensitive to sound and vibrations in the water, and will usually back away.
If there is a stringer of fish trailing from your yak, you could possibly be followed by alligators. For instance, dont let your fish linger anywhere near the edge of your kayak. Alligators are usually most aggressive during breeding season. Its for their own good. Now is no time to stop. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. When this happens, this can cause so much fear to individuals affected by such attacks. This action should scare away the alligator while allowing you to escape and paddle away quickly. Youll just make him mad, and he could steal the paddle and drag you into the water. In this circumstance, paddle away. Does that mean the rest of the world doesnt have gators? Floridians obtaining serious injury by a random, unprovoked alligator is really only about a one in 2.4 million chance.

Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida? You should avoid dusk or dawn, and most especially nighttime. 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. Should You Rinse Your Kayak After Every Use? In Florida, there are quite a number of crocodiles found in the extreme southern portion. ], 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2023 - Improve your, 16 Best Kayak For Beginners 2023 - Kayaking Adventure Gear, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2023 - Baits That Revolutionized, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. If an alligator feels threatened, it will usually wave its tail and puff up and down in the water. This way you still have numerous kayaking options to choose from. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Agitated alligators have been known to swim underneath a kayak and overturn it, but this is also rare. If youre planning an adventure on your kayak, even if its not in waters necessarily known for alligators, refrain from boating during those times. Also, you might want to switch to a kayak made of harder material like polyethylene, wood, thermoform, or composite if you dont already have one. Several scenarios could trigger an alligator into coming near, even attacking. Generally, its going to be safe to kayak in Florida. It also features various different wildlife like various fish and sea turtles, which you can see up-close and personal. That may seem obvious, but they are very territorial predators so it is best to keep your distance. Although attacks by these animals on kayakers are very rare, they do happen, so its important for paddlers to keep a safe distance. According to FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission)Alligators rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Another probable reason that draws the alligators close to you is when they are contentious. If youre one of them, you have to take extra precautions when fishing in gator country. You definitely dont want to paddle your kayak right up to an alligator if you see one. When you dangle your arms or legs off the side of your kayak, to an alligator, it looks like a fish or a land animal waiting to become the gators next meal. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. Showing you the particular signs you must not ignore to prevent confrontation. You certainly wouldnt want to risk an alligator bumping into your kayak, tipping you and your dog into the water.

Avoid using a stringer to keep your fish. If an alligator truly decides to attack you, a hard shell kayak is unlikely to protect you, but it will offer you greater stability in the water. You must remain calm and tell anyone else in your kayak to do the same. Alligators typically prefer blackwater rivers. On other occasions, although rare, alligators tend to bite kayaks. Moreover, this can lead to some minor injuries, as well as damages to the vehicle. Make sure to arrive before 1 p.m. to take to the waterway. If you can choose your schedule for exploring the waters, always stick to mid-day or early afternoon. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. If making the return trip up the river, the paddling can be a little more difficult against the current, but its manageable. That said, you have to use your head when kayaking. That said, these attacks can happen, as one kayaker on North Carolinas Waccamaw River discovered in 2020 fortunately, he escaped without injury. The last thing you want to see is an alligators death roll with your pup in its mouth! If you travel quickly and determinedly while giving a gator plenty of space, we see little reason there should be even so much as an encounter between man and animal. If youve not noticed, we like water trails for kayaking. Or, if you prefer to stay along the river, there are additional river camps that can only be accessed on the river. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them.

Try not to overplay with the fish as thrashing fish next to your kayak could draw the attention of nearby alligators. Then, keep away from those areas. (11 Skills For Beginners). If youre not commandeering the kayak and you can snap a photo of the gator quickly (without flash and by muting your phone), then so be it. Here is some alligators facts and tips to kayak with them safely and answers to questions like What to do if you see an alligator while kayaking? For sharks, most attacks occur during the months of September here in Florida, especially during 2 pm and 3 pm. So yes, that should be reason enough to always keep your limbs tucked inside your kayak. Keep your motions slow yet concerted and remember not to freak out. Southern States lakes, rivers, canals, swamps, and marshes are often home to alligators. Secondly, I treat all types of water as the alligators habitat. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans.

Also, never corner an alligator try to keep a distance of at least 20 feet between your boat and the closest gator. Make sure you remind anyone you bring on your kayak to do the same. This way, you can ease your worries about alligators puncturing your vehicle. Florida is a beautiful place where sun, sand, and surf all meet. There is a nice abundance of wildlife too. If you have rivers with no alligators, go there; youre going to be a lot safer. Florida alligators may be found in freshwater springs, river basins, lakes, and swamps, and it is true that they are endemic to the state. On the other hand, alligators settle in the Florida keys and a few other locations in the state. Although Florida is a beautiful place to experience nature in an immersive experience, some may be hesitant to partake in these water activities because of large predator animals like sharks or alligators. The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. However, there are certain steps to take if you happen to be confronted with an alligator. Think on your feet (well, figuratively here), find a clear path you can direct your kayak, and dont slow down even once you cant see the gator, at least not a bit. Florida isnt just about swamps and blackwater rivers. 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.

Of course, who else hates getting paid to do nothing. Although we couldnt find any stories of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as this story proves. If something like this happens then do not get panicked, the best way to control the situation is to paddle back to the shore as slowly and steadily as possible. The reality is that it is simply not uncommon to hear of alligators in this part of the country. Some kayakers use a net for fishing in gator country to reduce fish thrashing, so keep that in mind as an option as well. That said, my neighbors kids swim in the one behind our house with no ill effects. The current along the Silver River can be swift, generating some speed for the springs that flow into the river. You thus might be close to a gator without even knowing it. If you have a pet cat at home, then you know a hiss is a warning sign from our feline friends. Florida Travel: Welcome to the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail (https://youtu.be/XGhMK84hDHY), perfect water temperature is for kayaking, river flows freely and allows a kayaker to explore, Keep your distance if you spot an alligator. If you scoot your kayak to the other side of the water the alligator is on, they shouldnt come swimming over to you. If you are doing recreational kayaking in Florida, you need to be cautious at all times. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. Alligators have sensitive ears alerting them of your presence. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Whereas alligator-related fatalities average about 1 per year. The short answer is yes. Seeing an alligator out in the wild can be a unique experience to some. The air rushing out of the tube scared the gator off and she stayed upright. Avoid kayaking during active alligator hours (nighttime, dusk, and dawn), If fishing, keep your fish away from the edges of the kayak, Dont bring pets on your kayak if you think youll encounter an alligator, Keep away from overhanging trees, floating vegetation, logs, and banks, Dont try to photograph or take a video of the alligator, Know the warning signs of an alligator attack, Make a lot of noise to drive the alligator away**. Kayaking Alone: Is It Weird? For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Alligators have a very good sense of smell and the odor of a dog is vastly different from a human. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. As much as possible, you should go paddling when it is daytime. They can be seen to be very reclusive so you probably will not find them prowling around the water in the daytime. Turtles, herons, many birds, and even alligators inhabit the area.

The indication can either be due to aggression or defense.

2023 Floating Kayaks. At times, the creature may be in shallow waters and startled by your boat. It is even recommended that you bring an air horn along with you. Be sure to follow the advice of local authorities, laws and guidelines for specific kayaking areas. Know The Ins And Outs of This Popular Brand. WebAlligators and other dangerous animals like snakes lurk in the brackish waters, and you may not always see a threat until it is too late. I would recommend that you use hard plastic canoes instead of inflatable ones. 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. Hi, Im Randy R. Lios and the owner of Floating Kayaks.

If at all possible, the best thing to do is avoid kayaking where you know alligators are present. If an alligator hisses at you, back off calmly because thats its way of giving you warning signs. The Rainbow River is known for its extremely clear water, which makes kayaking the river even more fun, especially seeing the fish swimming below your kayak in the water. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare, keep your distance. Once night falls, thats prime gator time, as is dusk and dawn. Following this advice, they will feel less threatened by your presence and in turn youre less likely to create a disturbance in their environment. Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water. Only when your presence would throw an alarming sign at them, they will potentially prefer to slide in water in order to hide their selves. This makes sure that the predators will not snatch their eggs. They must also be in good condition without any damages. The reason, I am pretty sure that this will protect me if attacked by an alligator. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers.

Gators dont particularly like people and get shy around them, but theyre not afraid. Although, there is a limited amount, so getting there early to grab a kayak is important. 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. You are putting yourself at a huge risk of being attacked if you choose to swim or enter any body of water, river, swamp or stream that is infested with alligators.

Thus, many people wonder is it safe to kayak in Florida? The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. Should Water Come Through Scupper Holes on a Kayak? Once you get back to land, clean up every scrap of fish, even if you dont intend on keeping them.