rubber The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Do alligators flip kayaks? As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. 3. To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. I dont think spray would work and I wouldnt want to be that close to test it out. In addition, you can make some interesting stops along the river, such as River Rise Preserve State Park or Ginnie Springs Outdoors. 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. I am happy I was able to help you out! Suwannee River Wilderness. Feel free to check us out on Instagram or Facebook, where we are regularly posting photos and videos of our kayak experiences in South Florida and Colorado. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. you really put my mind at ease thank you! Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Stay inside the boat. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Thank you. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. Thanks! Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. 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 best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. 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. >> oh my goodness. 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. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! Safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! These things have evolved for a million years to fight, and they attach their prey with an amazing amount of intensity! FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. Thank you! Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. So what are you waiting for? 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. 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? And, how far away from it do you think I should paddle? Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. 3) while conducting recreational activities (e.g., swimming, canoeing, fishing) in waterways with alligators. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. . You may have noticed I said if you kayak with alligators and they arent moving or making noise, you are safe. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. 2. I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Thank you for volunteering for cleanup! The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. Witnessing multiple alligators swimming through a pond should signal to you, its time to pay attention. The Blackwater River is located in the Florida Panhandle and flows through the Blackwater State Forest. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. Copyright 2023 Just Go! At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Thank you Kyle! Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. Search no more! Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. Please, let me explain. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Most often, that gator is only inches below the surface. Alligators have shorter and broader snouts than crocodiles. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. One of my ACA instructors lives in DC, and he had a three-piece NDK Romany. I see tons of inflatables on our lakes in Colorado, but I dont think Ive ever seen one in our backwaters of Florida. 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. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! 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). 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. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . Most alligators that slip into the water ahead of the arrival of a kayak are taking refuge on the river or lake bottom until the 'hazard' passes. If you leave them alone and keep your distance while paddling, you will never experience any problems. People are being reminded to be safe while kayaking . The first time, I passed by very close, not realizing it was an alligator until too late. 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. They obviously dont want to eat you. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. There are all kinds of things that could puncture an inflatable in Florida; oysters, and barnicles being the most common . At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. Basically, the gators were attracted to the commotion on the top of the water. 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. You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. Reeling the fish in too fast would make too much noise. A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. You just gave me all the information I was searching for. Let me rephrase that, these are the scenarios when you should take extra precautions when kayaking with alligators and when you should pay closer attention to their body language and your surroundings. I kayak in the cape fear river in wilmington, nc. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! If the idea of alligators in the water with you is just too much to handle, there are plenty of salt water kayaking options in Florida. This is another potentially dangerous alligator scenario. But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? If I can figure out how to post a photo of us using it in this comment I will. Even if they swim at you, they are hopefully false charging. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? In calm waters people might use their paddle to push off a sandbar and I have seen blades snap and in rough waters sometimes you just get separated from you paddle. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? 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. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. 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. 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