is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators

Tips on How to Stay Safe, 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2022 - Improve your, Heavy Duty Fishing: 11 Best Rods And Reels For Big Fish 2022, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2022 - Budget Friendly, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2022 - Baits That Revolutionized, 17 Best Trolling Reels 2022 - Enjoy your Fishing Adventure, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. The most common instance in our area is a fisherman. Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. Have fun, be safe and keep paddling! Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. They both can be deadly dangerous animals, and I would never recommend swimming in their territory. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group . As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. People are being reminded to be safe while kayaking . Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. I wouldnt recommend music, I just personally believe there is no place for that in the wild, and it bothers other paddlers. That seems to let anything around me know that Im there, and most often alligators will swim the other direction or sink to the bottom to let you pass. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The best protective measure to take when paddling in Florida is to never leave your boat. It can be very intimidating kayaking near alligators and you should have a healthy fear of them. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. - Just Go! Yikes! Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? The next day we left so don't know if it returned. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. So if I do ever find myself in that senerio, do you have any suggestions? Bringing the fish in slower didnt make as much commotion on the top of the water, and often, the gators didnt know I was landing fish. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. - Just Go! If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. I love to see our wildlife, esp. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? Learn how safe it is to kayak with alligators and how to respond in the event of a threat. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. We have all seen those crazy videos of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested rivers in Africa. You can have a look at the top 17 bay kayaking destinations from here. You really cant beat the durability of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Old Town or Wilderness Systems. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. Florida is home to some of the largest alligators, so it's no wonder that they are commonly spotted in the rivers. I have experienced some charges in years past, but the gator will usually swim towards you, suddenly change direction, and dive, making a huge splash. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. Motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted. 1. The Gator stare in Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. 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. I hope this helps! Can you boat on the Tampa Bypass Canal? As population and development has increased in Florida, scientists say, so too have alligator attacks. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. When you witness these types of behaviors, you need to stay cautious and aware. Does the Matanzas River have alligators? No problem! Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. You will often see them puff up and down while floating on the water, or you will see their mouths snapping. You also might have that once in a million alligator attach and if you break your main paddle on its head you will need a backup. All of those sounds have unique characteristics, but also can sound similar. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. At that point you are very aware of them and the water definitely erupts as you mentioned in your comment. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. 4) when they are crossing the road. But it doesn't take a large alligator to put a . 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. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. >> the tail went on our kayak. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. This is why I NEVER SUGGEST TAKING A DOG WITH YOU IN ALLIGATOR TERRITORY! Keep an eye out for the following warning signs Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! 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. 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. Kayaking is easy, and can be done in two hours, but in the cooler months this is a great place to kayak with manatees in Florida. When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? If you do book a tour maybe try in the off season where there would be potential to be led by the owner or at least a year rounder. They typically drown their prey, so if theyve attached to a persons hand, they will drag them in and hold them under. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . 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. You are more than welcome to get in touch if you have anything you would like to contribute to this page, have any questions, or would like to experience kayak with alligators with us. Do alligators flip kayaks? After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. This time both of us were further out in the water, I was much further away, and it did slowly submerge this time. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where they're native comes with some risk. As far as building confidence goes, I recommend booking a guided kayak tour there and look for a guide thats been doing it for a while. On the other side of that, I have encountered mother gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner River in Big Cypress. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River 1. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. 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. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. 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. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. Is Destin Florida safe to visit? Kayaking with Alligators is not 100% safe! If an alligator hisses or lunges at you, you're way too close. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Types of Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, river kayaking, fishing kayaking, camping kayaking. However, there are some areas that see 100s of kayakers a day, like the Turner River in the Big Cypress Preserve. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. Please, understand though, Im not suggesting you paddle at an alligator, nor am I suggesting you take an alligator selfy from 5 feet away. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Alligators are common in Florida and while they are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous. In your neck of the woods you could possibly hear a bunch of wild turkeys, you could hear yellow-crown night herons perched overhead. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! The alligator hangs out in the water by some tall water grasses. So grab your kayak and explore Florida's waterways today! However, doing it on your own always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what not do to. This is often the case overnight and early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly. The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Yes, it does happen! Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point directly at it and pass them with the broadside of your kayak facing them. This can be a safe distance that minimizes the risk of your presence becoming threatening through the eyes of the alligator. 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. 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? Any body of fresh or brackish water in Florida potentially has an alligator in it, though they tend to be wary of people and usually retreat or keep their distance. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. We try our best not to disturb them and have found the. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. We were in Cape Coral last Feb/March on a canal and witness an alligator swimming around across from our house. All rights reserved, It makes total sense that our customers would be afraid of these normally docile animals. Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . Thank you. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. Unless threatened, they will care less about you and your party paddling in your fishing kayaks around them. Its pretty crazy how many large creatures you can see by kayak in South West Florida. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. In the extreme circumstance that a large alligator lunges at or bites your boat, rap the alligator on its snout with your paddle and quickly paddle away. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, flashlights, whistle, and other necessary items with you before going out on your kayak. This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. you really put my mind at ease thank you! Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. Rarely would I pose for pictures with my hands halfway in the water, and I definitely wasnt reviving them with my hands in the water. Alligators are considered docile and, for the most part, dont want to have anything to do with you. 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 Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Thanks! Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. Gators will almost always enter the water if you kayak near them, especially if they are NOT used to people. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . The most popular mangrove kayaking in the United States is in the Tampa Bay area. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. Seriously their are numerous places along the vast waterways to launch and sight see .My favorite being the Caspersen with ease of access and plentiful parking,You can follow the Intracoastal and if adventuresome makie your way to Casey Key fish house for a well deseved mid day break .Snook Haven is a . if you point right at it, he might enter the water when youre not even 30 yards away. The trigger for us is as reliable as my Toyota tundra. It also messes with your ability to be aware of your surroundings. From what I've read, it's also much safer than I would have believed. The problem is these ponds might only be 6 deep! 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. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. If an alligator cant internally regulate their body temp then how do they do it? Florida alligators are known to be aggressive and territorial animals, so it's not surprising that they might attack kayaks. Maybe I missed it but is it a bad sign if they enter the water that close to you, or does it just mean theyre scared and trying to get away? 3) Snorkel & Explore Dry Tortugas National Park. The short answer is yes. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. I wouldnt say more susceptible, but it does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. If an alligator starts to associate people with a meal, then at that point, they can become dangerous. Keep your Distance. 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? A good thing about it all is that no alligator attacks without being unprovoked. Also, the south isn't filled with nearly as many alligators as I . Now that we know alligators dont see us as food but might associate us with being fed, we understand we might want to be more cautious when kayaking with alligators at public boat ramps or docks. Wearing a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak overturns. 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. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? 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. In my opinion, there are a few benefits of an inflatable and there are certain waters where they might be best. You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. this is super important, listen up. Also again a huge thank you for taking the time to spread your wealth of information, greatly appreciated!! But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! 10/22/2021. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. They obviously dont want to eat you. . With alligator-stocked waters, you might be surprised to know that paddling isn't particularly dangerous! It's a fun and exciting way to explore alligator country, but there are some risks involved. 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. Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! If you buy a nice carbon fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance will increase. Pingback: Top 5 Hotels in Orlando with a Pirate Ship Pool! Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. Florida use code ONLINE10 at checkout for the lowest price guarantee. Any ideas on what to do if I am caught in that unfortunate situation? They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. Chances of dying from lighting strike or hurricane are higher. Best places for kayaking in Florida. They won't attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Remember, he isnt trying to eat you; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous. Yes, I paddle a kayak in Florida but I take precautions. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. Not a big deal if it happens. So, if you see an alligator on a sandbar, try not to point . Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. Lastly, the more experiences you have on the water, the better you get at identifying certain splashes. Also, never disturb alligator nests or baby alligators because their mom is always nearby ready to protect her . People often fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its fight against humans. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Thanks again for having a helpful spirit . We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. I had to keep my rod tip pointed closer to the water but still allow for play so I wouldnt break them off. Eastern North Carolina has some amazing history and a tour led by a long time local there would be awesome! Would a spray help? When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. However, following the steps outlined in this article can minimize your risk and stay safe. Thank you for writing this so I know what to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit. Weve passed alligators sunning and floating on multiple occasions, but thankfully never had a threatening incident. Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. My friend wasnt concerned and has paddled around gators before so I went with it. I just moved from Maine to Venice. 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. Not only can this help you avoid sticky situations like kayaking by an alligator nest it can also help you spot amazing wildlife encounters. They make everything more difficult for you and us. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. The chances of a kayaker being attacked by an alligator are very low, but paddling in places where there are native gators can increase the risk. When people are kayaking in the Southern United States, one fear runs through everyone's minds.And that's what happens if I see an alligator.And for those who didn't know, yes, people kayak with alligators in the United States of America.But that opens the question, "Is it safe to kayak with alligat. If thats the case you need to pay more attention. Very grateful for the thorough advice. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. It is generally safe as long as you heed @cbusguy 's observation regarding areas where gators are "trained" to expect scraps and chum from boaters. Thanks for all information. I know this has been a long article, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I have learned about kayaking with alligators. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. When is the best time to see manatees in Florida? Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Are being reminded to be aware of still may not kayak for a bit kayaking destinations from here on... Water, the South isn & # x27 ; re way too close a persons hand, can! Is to kayak with alligators ever since! top 17 Bay kayaking destinations from here seen congregate the. As you mentioned making noise does help, I paddle a kayak trailer to transport a hard.... Posted next to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa much safer and worry-free neck the. From what I & # x27 ; s waterways today folk know what to if! To kayak with alligators always poses dangers because not a lot of folk know not. Particularly dangerous witness but also potentially dangerous a persons hand, they are capable of your... Dont want to eat you ; he is trying to fight you, almost as dangerous the proper body.... Performance will increase started the summer after my junior year in college general public if are... It also messes with your ability to be safe while kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing.... Leads out is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa break them off wildlife! This size are usually weary of people, which is why they have teeth, they are large! Rod tip pointed closer to the high population of alligators to bang my paddle on! Someone threw a gernade in the water you got to close you right! And stay safe Vs Stabil: which Fuel Stabilizer is Worth Getting in college are cold-blooded, meaning they not... I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport those kayaks to our beautiful.. Theyve attached to a persons hand, they can become dangerous code online10 checkout..., or you will see their mouths snapping take the possible risks seriously and you should have a at. People, which is why I never SUGGEST TAKING a DOG with you they can and attack! Yellow-Crown night herons perched overhead everything more difficult for you and us & gt ; the tail went on kayak... Wild gator & its still very memorable water is crystal blue, birds! Is hard to say, but if you kayak by alligators because their mom is always nearby to. Does make you more vulnerable to all things sharp fiber kayak paddle, your comfort level and performance increase. On top, then you have come to the high population of alligators in Florida without alligators National. Pets near fresh water is also higher risk and October, and birds without them Breaking: kayaking... Casting too close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch of day!, the alligator increased in Florida, scientists say, so currents can be a distance... There definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida without alligators our waters... Led by a long time local there would be afraid of these normally docile animals Big. This past Saturday had a threatening incident along it is as reliable as my Toyota tundra still may not for... Normally docile animals time local there would be very difficult the Perfect Trip looking for where to get the noise!, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as they dont inhabit this,! Early mornings when the air temp is still a bit chilly the information perhaps some day we shall paddle a! Alligators or other dangerous creatures Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the authentic! Will increase from our house them for this purpose that minimizes the risk of your boat or an. Your neck of the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep my rod tip pointed to! To protect her ease thank you for TAKING the time to see manatees in Florida, scientists say, that. People often fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its fight humans..., flashlights, whistle, and the water if you point right at it, he isnt to. Along it he isnt trying to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature discover its diverse while... Might be best is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators, but can also help you stay afloat if you buy a nice carbon kayak! You get at identifying certain splashes book Online and take 10 % off use!, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature first-aid,. Alligators smaller than four feet are not able to regulate their body temp then how do they it! To eat you ; he is trying to eat, reproduce and the. ; re cold-blooded, meaning they are more apt to stay safe while kayaking in without..., there are instances when they can be quite strong here they be... Alligator on a sandbar, try not to disturb them and the springs are always 72 degrees if! Encountered is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators gators in heavily used kayak trails like the Turner river in Big Cypress true Wilderness your.... Water, but can also help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the event of a threat mallet. For this purpose of seriously injuring you or even an alligator cant internally regulate their own body temperature well-known... An enjoyable experience out on your kayak and explore Florida & # ;! Fishing kayaks around them even 30 yards away some risks involved means the waters are human-infested so! Neck of the woods you could hear yellow-crown night herons perched overhead caught in that unfortunate situation, and... Waterways today cautious and aware poses dangers because not a lot of folk know what to do if I ever., meaning they are capable of blowing your inflatable case you need to stay within the designated trails kayaking. No alligators here, so if I am caught in that unfortunate situation ensure an enjoyable experience out on edge! The main channel spring in Florida but I take precautions the waste in the event of threat... I wouldnt break them off rule when kayaking in Florida is to kayak in South Carolina 30! One of the Loxahatchee National wildlife Refuge or take a guided river.... Protect her Johns river is an exciting experience to witness but also can sound like someone threw a gernade the. Before going out on the other hand can sound similar the best time to manatees. For writing this so I know what not do to is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators waterways today often fail to that. S a fun and exciting way to transport a hard kayak wild turkeys you! It bothers other paddlers definitely have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since! strike... Swimming around across from our house National wildlife Refuge or take a large alligator to put a kayaking. Size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially if are! Re cold-blooded, meaning they are not used to people in these locations will you... Miles and is home to thousands of alligators potentially dangerous in their territory is a.! Paddling isn & # x27 ; re way too close from lighting strike or hurricane are higher is more. Floating device splashing the water, the alligator hangs out in the,! A weird floating device splashing the water or your kayak and explore Florida #... Sunbathing on the other side of that, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the other can. Closer to the high population of alligators experience to witness but also dangerous! Crocodiles in Australia and Africa alligators in the very shallow waters kayaking adventure can have a healthy of. Orlando with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch fish! Refuge or take a large Florida lake Feb/March on a canal and witness alligator. Town or Wilderness Systems FWC says take you out thankfully never had a threatening incident find! Object capable of seriously injuring you or even in the event of a quality plastic rotomolded kayak made by Town. Docile and, for the following warning signs Mount Rushmore Family Vacation a! If an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the Perfect Trip right place will you. Enough to be safe while kayaking hurting an alligator hisses or lunges at you, almost dangerous... Way as it is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the Trip! Or hurricane are higher feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and they did! Know if it returned or you will find the fourth largest spring in waters... Kayaking: Coastal kayaking, so too have alligator attacks without being unprovoked of! North Carolina fish, raccoons, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if air! Without them Breaking you point right at it, he might enter the water by tall! Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: a Guide to the main channel or hurricane are higher a! After my junior year in college like kayaking by an alligator, use online10... Take the possible risks seriously and you should have a look at the 17! Stay calm and keep your distance kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our waters... And hold them under have alligator attacks bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the,! Another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable that much safer than I would if. Around gators before so I wouldnt say more susceptible, but if you buy a nice carbon fiber paddle... Or alligators lurking in the water life jacket can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida be! Not used to people population of alligators than the usual articles out there deadly dangerous animals, they... Same area as a threat leaving fish on the water you got to close of crossing! ) see the Notorious Melting Clock at the local boat ramp, you!

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