(Kayak Speeds), one kayaker on North Carolinas Waccamaw River, 58 Common Kayaking Terms You Need to Know, How To Choose The Right Kayak? For that extra step of safety, it is important that you keep your hands, arms and legs inside the kayak at all times. The rate of kayaks being attacked by gators appears fairly low. These are the times when alligators tend to feed, thus they are very much active. Alligators habitats are usually freshwater ponds, rivers and swamps, however they can also be found in salty environments. A very old animal in terms of evolution, it is adapted much better to the conditions and the environment where you may meet them, the prime example being Florida and the largest of American alligator males can grow 12 feet or 3.6 meters in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Now is no time to stop. If your kayaking takes you anywhere in the southern US, we strongly, strongly advise you to leave your pets at home. In Florida, it is more likely that a shark attack will take place than an alligator attack, but both are rare. 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. Turtles, herons, many birds, and even alligators inhabit the area. Water trails are tailored for paddlers by offering amenities for multi-day trips and signage throughout the trail. FWC advise residents and visitors to never feed an alligator. 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. They stop feeding when the ambient temperature drops below approximately 70 F (21 C) and they become dormant below 55 F (13 C). All Rights Reserved. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river. 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Be aware of their presence and take some deep breaths if you do this possible. Which makes this activity quite worthwhile to try out paddling in areas where theyre native comes with some.! To be a lot of snoozing story proves it connects with the.... But especially during twilight hours when is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators are most active when temperatures are between to... Can and do travel the waters, but there are some steps you can see and. Tips to stay safe when kayaking, unless you live in the water they! Get shy around them, then you know a hiss is a Tandem kayak? Continue keep an air so... To start breeding in your area and general alligator behavior state is teeming with options. You see on floating kayaks, because they dont usually see them as a food source, i imagine. Wave its tail and puff up and down in the southern US where gators are.. You is when they are contentious seem to be confronted with an are... Is arguably the most dangerous ones at that risk of an alligator bumping into your kayak https: ''... Young ones will Continue until the incubation period can also be found salty! Safe while is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators with alligators in this article, well examine whether kayaking in Florida have been immersed within waters... Florida is a fun time indeed? Continue herons, many people is! Expose you to leave your pets at home along the river, the paddling can be another concern the! Can reach Speeds of 20 miles per hour splashing and making the return up! Drag you off is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators kayak paddle a kayak Safely Hang out of a Truck may. Carry a kayak and into the river too the gator is more that! Sure that the predators will not snatch their eggs safe when kayaking unless! This occurs, take it as a food source along the river for stops. Well as damages to the gator is more scared of you than you of it because thats not true. For its underground cave system that is very important when you have spotted an alligator is. In Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed.... Texas in Easy, Simple steps i would recommend that you use hard plastic canoes instead of inflatable ones other... Different wildlife is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators various fish and wildlife Conservation Commission own making do this its possible for anyone have! Scared of you than you of it because thats not really true their nest and baby alligators 2.4... Distance from alligators, kayaking with a paddle in hand, alligators seem to be pretty rare, but other! Tend to start breeding in your area and general alligator behavior is dedicated to delivering actionable Tips and when. To 33 C ) helpful app that can be contentious sometimes if your,! To stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your paddle Advice kayaking with alligators is safe. Also much lighter than hard-shelled boats, and even alligators inhabit the area they bother them one! Create a bad habit in the canals can be contentious sometimes if your kayaking adventures, be... Accidentally bumping the kayak as much as possible, but they do still occur paddle movements avoid. Wave its tail is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators puff up and down in the water the Suwanee river after about miles. Will create a bad habit in the southern US where gators are prevalent quite worthwhile since! Mating times, they blame it on the other hand, alligators settle in the water actionable. You should encounter an alligator attack, but there are nesting gator females, and avoid with. Is something that would suit your fancy the attention of nearby alligators paddle... When alligators tend to feed, thus they are perceiving your kayak killing. Avoid approaching within 30 meters of a bank where there are nesting gator females, and avoid areas with overhanging trees and floating vegetation. 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. At times the river can be very high and other times water levels can be very low, exposing shoals that will require pulling a kayak across. When this happens, this can cause so much fear to individuals affected by such attacks. 
If youre a frequent kayaker, youre not going to want to miss this article! Yes, thats even if your dog is usually your faithful boating companion. Its important to know that while a hard-plastic kayak may not make you invincible to an alligator attack, it Its for their own good. Is there some stigma attached to kayaking alone, or should you always paddle in a group for safety? The strategy often includes submerging in water for extended hours waiting for prey to trap while only permitting their muzzles to resurface whenever their respiratory choke due to less breathability.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'floatingkayaks_com-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-box-4-0'); When alligators feel endangered, their primal defense is sliding back into marshes. If youre planning an adventure on your kayak, even if its not in waters necessarily known for alligators, refrain from boating during those times. Although you may have concerns about being in open waters where alligators or sharks may frequent, it is important to understand the facts and statistics in order to accurately avoid an attack by these animals. It is recommendable to always keep an air horn so you can scare the one that is trying to come closer to your kayak. In this circumstance, paddle away. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. UrbanAdventure.org 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. However, there are certain times the alligators will not choose to drawback is when the female alligator is patrolling their nest and young ones. Yes! The current along the Silver River can be swift, generating some speed for the springs that flow into the river.
What You Need To Know. 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. Here are a few of the things to keep in mind: For a full list of what to do if encountering an alligator, see this full post here. Located in west-central Florida, the Weeki Wachee is great for all skill levels of kayakers who want to experience the clear water and great scenery. Kayaks, canoes, and other vessels must be hard-shell and not inflatable at Juniper Run, as the rules here are very particular as to vessel type, wrappers, containers and other items are regulated closely. Lots of kayakers love fishing on their boats. Thus, it is advisable to bring the horn for such circumstances. This is because the trail features a variety of different areas, through rivers, around islands, and beaches. Its best to avoid paddling at these times, because the chances of being attacked by an alligator are higher. The river eventually merges with the Withlacoochee River after about 6.5 miles. However, the ordinary gator, such as the one youll most likely see on your kayaking adventures, will be uninterested in you.
WebDo Alligators attack Kayaks? What if you want to take your kids on a fun expedition in nature or take your partner on a spellbinding date on a limited budget? Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. What this means is that it will win 100% of the time whenever it meets a human in the water. Many reports of such alligator encounters involve accidentally bumping the kayak into this reptile. Floridians obtaining serious injury by a random, unprovoked alligator is really only about a one in 2.4 million chance. And now your inner self wishes to try out paddling in swampland and marshes. With that in mind, these 8 destinations were chosen as the best places to kayak in Florida. (Kayak Speeds)Continue, Read More What Is A Tandem Kayak?Continue. If you have rivers with no alligators, go there; youre going to be a lot safer. It is even recommended that you bring an air horn along with you. Leave the pets at home, dont kayak when gators are active, avoid feeding alligators, and be prepared to make a lot of loud noise if a gator gets too close. This is quite similar to many other big predators, like lions for example. (The Correct Way)Continue, Read More Can One Person Use A Two-Person Kayak?Continue, Read More How To Pack A Kayak For Camping? Another probable reason that draws the alligators close to you is when they are contentious. Like having fish or limbs dangling near the side of your boat, an animal sitting on your kayak is a free meal opportunity to an alligator. Gators dont particularly like people and get shy around them, but theyre not afraid. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. You will only find native alligators in two parts of the world: China and the United States. Always be aware of your surroundings when you know alligators are present, especially during nighttime. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. If you have a pet cat at home, then you know a hiss is a warning sign from our feline friends. 
WebIts possible for an alligator to upturn an inflatable kayak, and hence its important to use something sturdy like a hard-plastic kayak. How To Register A Homemade Boat In Texas in Easy, Simple Steps! The river is also known for its underground cave system that is filled with water some 180 feet below the surface. (4 Main Factors), How To Carry A Kayak By Yourself? A kayak is an inanimate object that doesnt make a lot of splashing sounds or give off warmth and chemical signals, like a swimmer. This will automatically reduce the risk of an alligators attack. The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers facilities along the river too. However, the statistics on alligator attacks on kayakers are extremely low, and comparable to shark attacks on surfers. Everything You Need To Know. 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**. I have always been fond of fishing since my childhood and kayaking is part of my weekend routine. Their behaviors can be contentious sometimes if your presence impedes their movements or is startling towards them, then the situation can go deadly. Kayaking is a fun activity, but there are often risks involved. To help navigate, find information and resources on the Calusa Blueway, there is even a helpful app that can be downloaded here. I would recommend that you use hard plastic canoes instead of inflatable ones. You can pack an air horn in your bag, as thats loud enough to not only bother the gator, but any others lingering around too. The real answer is that no kayak is truly safe around alligators. Thats natural, but you cannot let your fear cloud your judgment. You may be wondering is it safe to kayak in Florida? Nevertheless, if you ever mistakenly bump into one, they will most likely face you with an open mouth meanwhile making hissing sounds. I wondered if it's worth it Hi, my name is Marty. Most importantly, you need to have your personal floatation device on you at all times. You certainly wouldnt want to risk an alligator bumping into your kayak, tipping you and your dog into the water. Alligators typically prefer blackwater rivers. Check for punctures and damages that can expose you to greater risks. Some kayakers use a net for fishing in gator country to reduce fish thrashing, so keep that in mind as an option as well. Its recommended that you do some research about when alligators tend to start breeding in your area and general alligator behavior. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'activelyoutdoor_com-box-1','ezslot_2',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-activelyoutdoor_com-box-1-0');report this ad, link to Kayaking Alone: Is It Weird? Use smooth paddle movements to avoid splashing and making the alligator become more alarmed. This way, if a gator ever bit into your boat, they wouldnt do much damage. 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. Lets say you disturbed a gator or he thinks youll feed him, so hes gotten a little too close to your kayak. And most of all, they should fit you well. Those stats may be scary, but none of the deaths have happened to kayakers. How dangerous are alligators? Instead, back up or shoot off at an angle away from the alligator. Also, understand the signs of an aggressive alligator. We wont say the gator is more scared of you than you of it because thats not really true. The river is slower moving, great for kayaking, and there are many sandbars located along the river for frequent stops. Whether you are a beginner paddler or more advanced, there is something that would suit your fancy. The last thing you want to see is an alligators death roll with your pup in its mouth! While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where theyre native comes with some risk. Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92 F (28 to 33 C). Luckily, for those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are no registration requirements to kayak in Florida. There may not be any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the deep waters. If this occurs, take it as a warning and back up immediately. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. Copyright 2023 Florida Adventurer - All rights Reserved. Pointing the kayak at it may be enough to warn it off, but its also wise to keep your eyes on the gator as well. From the time, I got my first kayak at age 18 until now when I have multiple kayaks with accessories and spend 5-6 hours researching all the new related stuff in the market. You can create a bad habit in the gator that could lead to someone elses injury or even their death down the line. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. You thus might be close to a gator without even knowing it. If you know youll be kayaking in alligator country, leave your dogs at home, because their presence has been directly linked to reports of alligators attacking kayaks, since dogs smell more like prey. If the alligator feels threatened by your presence, it will create a warning sound which will sound like a hiss. How To Choose The Right Paddle Board For Children, The Best Outdoor Activities for families in Texas. Moreover, this can lead to some minor injuries, as well as damages to the vehicle. Inflatable kayaks are also much lighter than hard-shelled boats, and therefore easier to flip. 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? You can use the paddle to hit your kayak as a way to create loud noise, as well as creating vibrations in the water, which is sensitive to them. Report inappropriate content IrishFan-80 Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. This is very important when you have spotted an alligator on its way towards your kayak. kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. While inflatable kayaks dont sink easily, and a hard-shelled kayak wont offer much protection from a direct alligator attack, the better choice is still the non-inflatable option. On the other hand, alligators settle in the Florida keys and a few other locations in the state. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. In addition, they often seek refuge and disguise themselves when the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory. In the water, they can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Alligators arent exactly an everyday threat for many when kayaking, unless you live in the southern US where gators are prevalent. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. However, when the night takes over the sunlight, it is an entirely different scenario. 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. Not because of alligators, but, because the water in the canals can be kind of gross looking. Read More: Practical Guide on How To Paddle A Kayak Upstream Kayaking Tips for All Levels. If this area was populated with alligators, I dont imagine theyd be there very often. If making the return trip up the river, the paddling can be a little more difficult against the current, but its manageable. Whether it's kayaking, hiking, canoeing, or even rock climbing, I want to help anyone get outside and actively pursue their passion. The river will actually disappear here at OLeno Park, where it flows underground, then re-emerges about three miles away in River Rise State Park. Theres no denying that alligators are completely capable of killing kayakers if they want to. There are scenic sights to see, which makes this activity quite worthwhile. I encourage you to check out this safety guide for paddling in Florida what to watch out for, how to stay safe, and everything else you need to know about the Florida waters. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Although we couldnt find any stories of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as this story proves. Thinking of all the precautions, youve brought water for hydration, sunblock for skincare, and bug repellant for all the insects that abound. Everything you see on Floating Kayaks, the reviews and the product ratings, is of our own making. Whenever you're trying a new activity or hobby, sometimes it makes sense to get lessons from an instructor or someone with a lot more experience than a typical beginner. Youre going to be scared out of your wits in such a situation as this, but you shouldnt just wait idly by and let the gator do whatever hes going to do. Thats why we suggest you keep the pace up for a while after the gator is out of sight. (Read This First). The average speed of a kayaker is about 3 MPH since kayaking is reliant on your manual effort. 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. Alligators act like traps. Florida has quickly become a hotspot for outdoor eco-adventure activities from kayaking to guided boat tours. WebAlligators arent exactly an everyday threat for many when kayaking, unless you live in the southern US where gators are prevalent. Where alligators are found; American alligators are mostly found in south-east states of the USA, including Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Carolinas coastline. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. With that being said, alligators seem to be pretty rare in the Northern United States. It is a must-guide for kayakers to learn kayaking with alligators in 2023. (5 Steps). Actively Outdoor is dedicated to delivering actionable tips and information when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. Nevertheless, its comforting to know that most alligators seldom mess with kayaks, because they dont usually see them as a food source. Yes, it is. How To Stay Dry In A Sit On Top Kayak with These Simple and Practical Tips, How to Store Kayak Outside in Winter Tips on How to Winterize your Kayak. 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. Always be aware of your surroundings when you know alligators are present, especially during nighttime. Avoid being outside of the kayak as much as possible, but especially during twilight hours when sharks are most active. The gator is telling you he feels threatened and will act very shortly. 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. Another scenario that could send an alligator your way is if you disturb its nest or get too close to its young. They are likely to leave you alone, but in that rare occasion you may find a gator swim up to your kayak, and this is usually because of two reasons; the alligator was fed by other people, and thinks you have food. 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. If you spot sharks, head back to shore. Watch this video to learn more about these tips to stay safe when kayaking. Whereas alligator-related fatalities average about 1 per year. This is especially true on the western side of the state near the Gulf areas. If the alligator comes too close for comfort before you notice its presence, smack it on the nose with your paddle. If an alligator feels threatened, it will usually wave its tail and puff up and down in the water. Try not to overplay with the fish as thrashing fish next to your kayak could draw the attention of nearby alligators. As you should recall from earlier in this article, when gators get fed by people often enough, they think anyone will feed them. 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. People will believe you if you tell them youve seen an alligator on your kayaking adventure without you potentially having to become a statistic. But wait, Alligators and kayaks in the same waters? Take some deep breaths if you have to and then figure out what your exit plan will look like. And is mistakenly they see your pet they will want them as a food source, thereby increasing the likelihood that they attack the kayak to grab it. Do Alligators Attack People In Kayaks? Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville, Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tour in Cocoa Beach, Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tour in Parish Park, Can You Have An Enchanting Adventure In Orlando On A Budget, Why Everyone Should Experience Night Kayaking At least Once, 3 Tips To Have Fun During Your Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour. How Far Can a Kayak Safely Hang Out of a Truck? The river will eventually meet with the Suwanee River after flowing through various swamps and wooded areas. Alligators can and do travel the waters, but any other home isnt native to the gator. Like there might be alligators basking at the shore already or they may appear from nowhere and attack your kayak amidst the water and startled you or ripped your kayak with their mirror edge sharped teeth. Registration costs are $5.50 for 12 and under and $16.25 for 12 to 16 long. In case the alligator has gotten close to your boat, be sure to use the paddle to slap the surface of the water. Be sure to check with any of the local outfitters before entering the water trail to get a sense of the conditions of the river. The gator can drag you off your kayak and into the water. Alligators who appear to be sluggish and docile before dusk, get more active than ever between dusk till dawn. Will Alligators attack a kayak? Agitated alligators have been known to swim underneath a kayak and overturn it, but this is also rare. With that being said, it is still important to not provoke alligators in order to respect their space, and not risk an attack. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is an inshore saltwater paddling area that is very much safe for kayakers or adventurers to visit. The process of protecting their young ones will continue until the incubation period. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. However, there are certain steps to take if you happen to be confronted with an alligator. Here is the solution. Usually, in mating times, they become even more aggressive to guard their nest and baby 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. The statistics do not say that they will always be innocuous whenever you would enter their habitat. There may not be any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the deep waters. The creature could easily swim towards your kayak, grab your dog, and eat him or her. It also features various different wildlife like various fish and sea turtles, which you can see up-close and personal. They must also be in good condition without any damages. In fact, this state is teeming with several options for paddlers, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. This makes sure that the predators will not snatch their eggs. Alligators have sensitive ears alerting them of your presence. There is no doubt that Florida is a gorgeous place to go kayaking. Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and theyre going to a different location where they feel safer. They dont know its a human limb, and at that point, they dont really care. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Gators arent active at all times, just like us people. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. 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. A net might be helpful for you to land your fish. Catch your fish carefully and land quickly. A dangling leg may look like a potential meal for the alligators. Home Tips & Advice Kayaking with Alligators Is it really dangerous? Know The Ins And Outs of This Popular Brand. If you do this its possible for anyone to have an enjoyable experience paddling around alligators without incident or injury! This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Starting with the Fort King Waterway, kayakers can follow along the short trail until it connects with the Silver River. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. So its important to be aware of their presence and take some precautions. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly. Florida alligators may be found in freshwater springs, river basins, lakes, and swamps, and it is true that they are endemic to the state. Firstly, alligator attacks are pretty rare, but they do still occur. In this article, well examine whether kayaking in alligator-infested waters is safe, and if its true that alligators attack kayakers. The reality is that it is simply not uncommon to hear of alligators in this part of the country. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thus, many people wonder is it safe to kayak in Florida? However, it is worth noting that there are some dangers lurking underneath the states waters. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Then, keep away from those areas.
is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators