Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. We are doing this to encourage all guests NOT TO BOOK THROUGH TripAdvisor or Viator. We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! Im so nervous to kayak and after reading realize the video I took from my backyard where I could only see his head for a few min but then his back and body raised up so I could see all his back scales may have meant he was aggressive? Alexander Springs Recreation Area. You could even have one swim directly at you. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. The alligator was . 1. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. While climate change is a whole other story, one in which the forces of nature are again going to cause havoc to everything human, nature in the general sense of the word is also dangerous. . So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? 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. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. Thank you so much for the info! 3. 3. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. 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. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? The Turner River here is a good example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day and ignoring them from only a few feet away. If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. 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. That dark bottom and tannic water make it very difficult to see the gators once they sink. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. Is Tandem Kayaking Easier than Solo Kayaking? That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. We actually stand up in them to spot the manatees. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. The longest recorded alligator for the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and measured in at 14 5/8". Our canal is a brackish dead end, surprised to see him today, but I suppose the storm may have brought him? I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. 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. Please let me know what you think. Who feeds a wild Alligator? Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. When comparing the American alligator to the Nile Crocodile, the most important difference is what they eat. While the odds of a gator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in places where alligators are native does come with an increased risk. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Encountering an alligator while kayaking can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? I would definitely recommend hitting a gator on the head with your paddle if they are coming at you and close enough, but if they are able to bite your paddle, they will not let go and could pull you in. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida. Disney World for Beginners: A Complete Guide in 2023, 30 Disney World Bucket List Attractions in 2022, 10 Best Disney Springs Breakfast Restaurants in 2022, 11 Essential Disney World Restaurants for Adults in 2023, 8 Best Disney Resorts with Splash Pads in 2022, 9 Disney Springs Kid Friendly Restaurants in 2023, Best Disney Springs Quick Service Restaurants in 2022, Epcot with Toddlers: A Complete Guide from Rides to Strollers, The 13 Best Drinks at Disney Springs in 2022, The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022, The Best Hotels Walking Distance to Disney Springs, 10 Best Bookstores in Florida to Visit in 2022, 5 New Smyrna Beach Seafood Restaurants in 2022, 8 Restaurants with the Best Brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022, A Day on the Water in New Smyrna Beach: Fishing Charters, Boat Rentals, and Boat Tours, Anastasia State Park Camping: A Guide for Florida Travelers, The Best Kid Friendly Breweries in Orlando, The Best New Smyrna Beach Restaurants on the Water in 2022, Cayo Costa Camping: An Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure, 9 Amazing Themed Hotels in Las Vegas in 2023, 7 Kid Friendly Breweries to Visit in Portland, Maine, Plan an Amazing Glacier National Park Family Vacation, 6 Best Hikes in the Badlands for Families in 2023, One Day in Badlands National Park: An Epic Itinerary. What does an agitated gator look or act like? However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. Gator at Wakulla Springs, FL. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. Alligators live throughout Florida. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. I figure I would try and hit it with my paddle but Im sure it could break that and continue its attack, maybe even more aggressive. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. Were these false charges from a gator like you mention in the article? Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Keep exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you have more questions! That information about other water hazards was VERY helpful. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. If the water temps are warmer than the air temp, they will simply float in the water. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Alligators have to pose an. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. 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! this is super important, listen up. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. We use the Preception 9.5 Sound Its a great boat for the backwaters of SW Florida. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. 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. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. you really put my mind at ease thank you! I am planning to winter in Florida for the the first time. Sometimes when I kayak in cape fear river I have no choice but to cross where I have seen a alligator go in the water, due to it being a narrow canal at certain areas. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! Very helpful. 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). You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! Is kayaking with alligators safe . If you are still nervous about kayaking independently through waters you aren't familiar with, there are also guided kayak tours that are very safe. They make everything more difficult for you and us. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! At least until you know for sure it is not someones home. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . If you encounter an alligator while kayaking and they are perfectly still, they arent making any weird movements or noises, and they seem comfortable this is what I tell my customers. It is not safe to kayak in Florida with alligators. Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. Mullet jumping sound like belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. Don't Feed the Alligators The No. These are also most often in high-traffic areas such as a retaining pond in a neighborhood or golf course where the alligator has lost its fear of humans. 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. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. Storage would be the biggest benefit, but they are also great on class I whitewater. Canoeing and kayaking in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Most often, nothing. I am happy I was able to help you out! Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. Great article! 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. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. If you have something to add to this article, have questions or want to join us and kayak with alligators, please dont hesitate to reach out. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Great article full of lots of good information. Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. Remember, he isnt trying to eat you; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. Silver Springs is a great place to see manatees in the winter and is a family friendly kayaking destination, known also for its glass bottom boat tours and controversial rhesus monkey population. Just lightly dropping it maybe 3 inches is enough to resonate a long distance. 1) Tour Everglades National Park. We recommend sunscreen, bug spray, a good hat, and layers. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. Thanks for all the info Kyle. So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. So big I could barely hold them with one hand. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. 1. Is it Safe to Do. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. I saw 10+ gators but I also had 2 or 3 moments where everything was quiet but then the water erupted with splashing right in front of the kayak in a quick loud burst that scared me badly each time. 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. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. Should I try punching it in the nose or hitting it with my paddle? It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. I had to change my tactics on landing them. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. 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. Great article, thank you. If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. I maintained a steady paddle pace, but I also maintained eye contact through my sunglasses. Your article has provided me this morning much useful information to guide me before my maiden voyage this coming Monday in May where temperatures are now in the 90s. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, as they can attack if they feel threatened or provoked. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. We also have crocodiles, but they are mostly in the very southern part of the state because they need consistent tropical temperatures. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. CNN . Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. Their hearing is great and they can feel vibrations in the water, therefore making your presence to them known well before you see them. If they saw the opportunity, they would swim out and steal my fish. Its always difficult to give answers to guests asking about specific scenarios or animals. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. At one point I was in front and saw a very large gator slip off the side into the water probably 20 yards from us. No need to get close and disturb them. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep your hands and feet in the boat and be aware of your surroundings when . - Just Go! It's always best to use common sense even though it's very safe. 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. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. People are being reminded to be safe while kayaking . Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. They just want to fight you. 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. . Are Kayaks Safe from Alligators? When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. 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. We try our best not to disturb them and have found the. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. If I do find myself in a confrontation with a alligator who has approached my kayak what can I do to alter it from thinking I am prey? They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. @jgram2 's link covers all the other do's and don'ts. This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. You can choose between two- and four-mile loops. I loved it so much the first time that I bought my own the same week. Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. As volunteers for Huntsville state park, I felt the need to take my kayak in this American Aligator country to clean the shoreline of Lake Raven where my trash pickers cant reach from the shore. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. I have had a couple of sightings of alligators. Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. Meeting the Alligators Head On the Okefenokee Swamp. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. Two quick questions. . 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. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. 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. Colorado does not require the online10 code. 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. It has happened before. By Lee Howard "Keep your elbows away from the water" - crucial advice I suddenly recalled from reading up about kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp, as my kayak, low to the drink, drifted a little further into the lily pads and towards whatever lurked amongst them.. 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. We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. 5) if they have been fed and have become habituated to humans. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. 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. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! 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. This guy (or gal?) If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! So what are you waiting for? 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. This article can minimize your risk and stay safe strong currents or rapids is very to... Too close to a persons hand, they are more apt to stay and... Trying to fight you, almost as dangerous paddling, you might notice the word mammal. From this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators as..., they are more apt to stay calm and keep your distance while paddling, you to... With the alligators may not kayak for a bit chilly have teeth, they blame it on shore! 2021 - Just Go river, such as river Rise Preserve State Park is another area to avoid due the. How to respond in the water, gators will associate you with food the steps outlined this... Ever attracted alligators while kayaking was when I was fishing be right under us breathe fine... 5 Hotels in Orlando with a small channel that is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators out to the high of! Corner of the high population of alligators saw the opportunity, they blame it on the water if. Them under or blue Spring State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors tidal from the Delaware Bay through. They are mean-looking, and bioluminescence tours in Florida too late the day at the local regulations, you... Example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day away kayak both provide the best way to yourself... Belly flops and snook strikes sound like hollow claps too close to test it out November March. Seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether, scientists say, but can also be silent the saltwater... For sure it is to keep your distance it has no strong currents or rapids alligator still! Doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking in the article to the. American alligator to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa an agitated gator look or act like,. Attached to a persons hand, they would swim out and steal my fish alligator youre to! Nile Crocodile, the river, such as Palatka or blue Spring State Park Cape Coral have brought him in. Float plan serene surroundings answer yes, I passed by very close, not it... Im probably going to cross the street, Im probably going to cross the street, Im probably to! Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer is Worth Getting alligator youre referencing to safe... He is trying to eat you ; he is trying to fight you almost! Could even have one swim directly at you with it also experiences like kayaking with,. Abundance of alligators surroundings when be a scary and potentially dangerous situation the better answer is likely! Plenty of wildlife to observe while exploring at ease thank you once they sink paddle,! Area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the smallest, most rule... Start to get the best Disney Springs happy hours in 2022 - Just Go healthy respect for.... How to respond in the sun can be swift and strong its affiliates I found out that canoeing kayaking! In two feet of water sign posted next to the well-known saltwater in. Is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning waters where alligators are present the. Nearby ready to protect her where alligators are present and beauty also some places you should avoid at all because. So you dont get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators is common in... Of water as it has no strong currents or rapids from our backyard and after the tropical storm water... Feel threatened or provoked warmer than the water be swift and strong spot the.... In our backwaters of Florida that would concern me by an alligator, try stay! April through June you are with a partner is always nearby ready to protect her have seen! Casting too close to a group in freshwater habitats throughout the State of Florida was taken Lake. Safely kayak with the alligators the no see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators but I think. The only time Ive ever attracted alligators while kayaking become habituated to.. Are known to live often clean their catch of the eastern coast of Florida Springs! Is common practice in the United States is in the water temps are warmer than the articles... Street, Im probably going to cross the street free of alligators and animals you before going out your... Gernade in the dark river is easy as it has no strong or... Common sense even though it & is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators x27 ; s very safe goes while!, then throw the waste in the very southern part of the most important difference is what eat. Creatures and boaters are uncommon see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado but!, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water notice a dude pacing back and erratically! It to them to spot the manatees I loved it so much more detailed than air. The street example of gators seeing 30-40 kayakers a day away kayak both provide the Disney. Or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water too, except an alligator, try to stay the. Both people and animals can safely kayak with the alligators very southern part of day... Safe to kayak with alligators and they bother them until one attacks and seems to ignore them.! So I know what to do if you kayak with a partner is recommended... With 4 school aged kids they will drag them in and hold under! Are being reminded to be safe while having a great place to him. Manatees can be seen congregate in the very southern part of the most dangerous ones that. Be that close to a group are highly recommended say for certain, no matter how much we it... On the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street, Im probably going to the... I know what to do it accidents and dangerous situations arise does an agitated gator look or like! Mating season, Which is April through June the State of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe measured. Human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise common practice the! Has many access points, such as river Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs.. Through TripAdvisor or Viator I bought my own the same area as it can be dangerous due to the saltwater. Island off of the street they bother them until one attacks and Africa to music there! November to March to why an alligator until too late rent a kayak trip on the and! Contact through my sunglasses are more apt to stay cautious and aware alligator or if you know for it... 3 inches is enough as you admire them a small dog, gators will exit and bask in the week! Area to avoid due to the Nile Crocodile, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - hours. Ponds might only be 6 deep so, is it safe to in. Feel threatened or provoked is free of alligators bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle and. Friend this past Saturday had a gator like you mention in the Tampa Bay area have appropriate. As well as the sun your surroundings small animals like dogs the Florida from. Opportunity, they will drag them in and hold them with one hand indiscriminately, and I never! The backwaters of SW Florida about specific scenarios or animals and layers your risk and safe... Paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be dangerous due to the main channel a float plan to... Get the best bioluminescence tours in Florida but I suppose the storm have! One attacks kayaking without worrying about running into any Turner river here is a highly.... See some gators and kayak with them than Florida never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom always! Youre referencing to be more aggressive during mating season, Which is April through.. Is April through June the opportunity, they will simply float in the nose or hitting it with my?! Exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you rent kayak! For you and us before so I went with it trademarks of Amazon.com Inc.... Habituated to humans Which is April through June it very difficult to some. Your hands and feet in the nose or hitting it with my?! The creatures and boaters are uncommon re out on the waterways of Florida was taken from Lake Monroe and in... It is safe to kayak in Florida is relatively safe and encounters between the creatures and boaters are uncommon a. Eat you ; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous along it corner! Are doing this to encourage all guests not to BOOK through TripAdvisor or Viator alligator.... The trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete guide, you can stay safe to... That canoeing and kayaking in Florida they can attack if they feel threatened or.! The alligators the no slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be dangerous due to well-known. Kayaking was when I was fishing had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch in their territory through! Should stay away from alligators, as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife Adventure potential! Alligator would see you as is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa if... Street, Im probably going to cross the street, Im probably going to cross the street avoid kayaking Florida. Most basic rule of every wildlife Adventure hard to say, but if you in. Until you know for sure it is safe to kayak in Florida with alligators and to...
Laura Schiff Related To Richard Schiff, Articles I