is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators

The 1990s went by with only three alligator-related deaths, two in 1993 and one in 1997. Here are some areas within Central Florida where these animals arent too much of a problem. Does that mean the rest of the world doesnt have gators? Thank you. If an alligator truly decides to attack you, a hard shell kayak is unlikely to protect you, but it will offer you greater stability in the water. For this reason we recommend you keep your furry friend away from alligator waters, especially during feeding time. The 1980s also had four alligator deaths, in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988. However, in the marshlands of Southern United States, the alligators are relatively native and you would most likely find yourself surrounded by them. Whereas alligator-related fatalities average about 1 per year. Please stay in your boat at ALL times. Thats fine if you see a beautiful bird in your yard or even a deer, but not an alligator. If you travel quickly and determinedly while giving a gator plenty of space, we see little reason there should be even so much as an encounter between man and animal. But keep in mind, do alligators attack kayaks? The only exception is if in the gator is in attack mode. Depending upon the trail you go on, you can In Florida, there are quite a number of crocodiles found in the extreme southern portion. Also, you might want to switch to a kayak made of harder material like polyethylene, wood, thermoform, or composite if you dont already have one. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. Once you get back to land, clean up every scrap of fish, even if you dont intend on keeping them. People will believe you if you tell them youve seen an alligator on your kayaking adventure without you potentially having to become a statistic. So, it is a necessity to have the right PFD that offers additional buoyancy to keep you safe. You should avoid dusk or dawn, and most especially nighttime. Copyright 2023 Florida Adventurer - All rights Reserved. Alligators typically prefer blackwater rivers. Total attacks while working on a boat or falling out of a boat, waterskiing, and canoeing only added up to 5.2%. Many US-based alligators prefer brackish water such as whats found in swamps, lakes, rivers, wetlands, marshes, and ponds. The gator can drag you off your kayak and into the water. If an alligator feels threatened, it will usually wave its tail and puff up and down in the water. Inflatable kayaks are also much lighter than hard-shelled boats, and therefore easier to flip. Animals such as alligators naturally tend to avoid people, however this behaviour can be changed if they are being fed, associating us with food, causing them to hang around humans to see if they can get a snack. Florida has quickly become a hotspot for outdoor eco-adventure activities from kayaking to guided boat tours. Florida alligators may be found in freshwater springs, river basins, lakes, and swamps, and it is true that they are endemic to the state. Make sure to arrive before 1 p.m. to take to the waterway. Luckily, for those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are no registration requirements to kayak in Florida. How dangerous are alligators? Since the fact of protecting them makes them even agitated, thus the idea of visiting the alligators in this season is complete claptrap.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'floatingkayaks_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); The same gesture goes for baby alligators if you are about to visit them. For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Youll also hear it hissing at you. However, it is worth noting that there are some dangers lurking underneath the states waters. So far, in 2020, theres been one reported alligator death in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. From winding riverways, vast swampland, and crystal blue water, Florida has a lot to offer when it comes to kayaking. Going to lakes on your own is the most adventurous, but also the most dangerous. You have had your jaunts in calm water or gator-free places all your life. Use the same technique to scare alligators away. Nesting females usually protect their nest areas, even after their eggs hatch. How To Use A Kayak Cart? The bigger question is, what do I do if an alligator approaches me? Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. Of course, who else hates getting paid to do nothing. Lastly, do not enter the water if you are in an area where sharks are known to be present. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. 2023 Floating Kayaks. I read a story a few years back of a woman paddling an inflatable kayak in Florida and it got bit by an alligator. Alligators rarely attack without reason, and usually wont linger in one area as long-time visitors do this means its important for kayakers not just be careful but also mindful of where their boats are so that any potential dangers for both parties is limited. Everything You Need To Know. In adulthood, a gator can easily take down deer, birds, muskrats, coypus, turtles, and gar, which is a large species of fish. The 2010s had eight gator deaths, three in 2015, three in 2016, and two in 2018. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. So its important to be aware of their presence and take some precautions. Instead, back up or shoot off at an angle away from the alligator. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. If using a trolling motor on your kayak, registration with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles is required. WebAlligators and other dangerous animals like snakes lurk in the brackish waters, and you may not always see a threat until it is too late. On other occasions, although rare, alligators tend to bite kayaks. Be sure to follow the advice of local authorities, laws and guidelines for specific kayaking areas. The river will end at Rogers Park, nearing the Gulf of Mexico. For even more information on kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here. This can cause the alligator to come up to you when it usually wouldnt, which is a terrifying ordeal. Several scenarios could trigger an alligator into coming near, even attacking. The gator is telling you he feels threatened and will act very shortly. You are putting yourself at a huge risk of being attacked if you choose to swim or enter any body of water, river, swamp or stream that is infested with alligators. That said, you have to use your head when kayaking. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. 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. Ichetucknee Springs in specific, has frequent tubing activity where people can tube through it almost like a lazy river. 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. Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. The trail starts at White Springs and winds for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The reality is that it is simply not uncommon to hear of alligators in this part of the country. Avoid using a stringer to keep your fish. If an alligator swims towards your kayak, point the end of the kayak towards it and back-paddle away. (4 Crucial Tips), How To Plan For A Long Distance Kayaking Trip? Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. As a result they will be attracted to your canine, which could put you in a bad situation. Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? If you spot sharks, head back to shore. They control their body temperature by basking in the sun, or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures. As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. Canoe-kayaks.com is 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. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. If you could not find the help, then slap the water with your hands or by paddle to make a blasting sound. It is a must-guide for kayakers to learn kayaking with alligators in 2023. Very loud sounds ought to send the alligator the other way. Like dangling your limbs, the movement of the fish could lure a gator to your kayak, which you dont want. Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92 F (28 to 33 C). Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. In fact, there are some reports from paddlers of an encounter with alligators. Hi, Im Randy R. Lios and the owner of Floating Kayaks. In the 2000s, the rate of deadly gator incidents went up exponentially, with 13 deaths occurring between 2000 and 2010. Why? 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. What You Should Know About Alligators in Florida, Practical Guide on How To Paddle A Kayak Upstream Kayaking Tips for All Levels, 6 Ways to Easily Stay in Touch With Family Back Home While Traveling. In regards to preventing a shark attack while kayaking, be sure to not enter the water if you are bleeding. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. 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. However, caution is especially necessary between dusk and dawn, when gators are most active, as well as when they display aggressive behavior during breeding and mating seasons. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. It also features various different wildlife like various fish and sea turtles, which you can see up-close and personal. You must move away from that alligator as quickly as possible as they are very fast animals.Lastly, alligators typically feed during dusk and dawn and are more active. Gators dont particularly like people and get shy around them, but theyre not afraid. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. As long as some common sense is followed if you do happen to come into contact with an alligator, the risks are still low. But I wont agree with her here; I would always use a hard plastic kayak. Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water. I wondered if it's worth it Hi, my name is Marty. Most of the time, when these animals are on the bank and see an approaching kayak, they tend to slip into the water, but this is generally a defensive, evasive action. Breeding season is usually between May and June, with female alligators laying eggs in late June and July. Surely, not even want to, then do not ever bring your tame animal with you for kayaking when you know your kayaking destination would be a gators kingdom. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida? Keep a safe and respectful distance from alligators, and avoid jerky movements that will attract their attention. If youre one of them, you have to take extra precautions when fishing in gator country. Additionally, try to avoid having multiple kayaks pointing at an alligator from different angles (like when you might be taking photographs of alligators lying in the sun). Not because of alligators, but, because the water in the canals can be kind of gross looking. You shouldnt have any problems kayaking in waters where alligators reside, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt be careful. 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. Some would say that the Suwannee is Floridas best-known river. Having said that, the American alligator can sometimes be found in unexpected locations as well, such as in an Atlantic City swimming pool! According to FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission)Alligators rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. 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. The process of protecting their young ones will continue until the incubation period. Florida is a beautiful place where sun, sand, and surf all meet. All Rights Reserved. Home Kayaking Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida? 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. Wildlife in the area will include plenty of bird sightings, but again, the clear water is really the main attraction here. In addition, they often seek refuge and disguise themselves when the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory. Yes, it is. Here is the solution. It is recommendable to always keep an air horn so you can scare the one that is trying to come closer to your kayak. Moreover, this can lead to some minor injuries, as well as damages to the vehicle. (11 Skills For Beginners). Whether it is your 1st time on the water or your hundredth, the adventure is never the same twice - there is always something new to discover in the outdoors of our great state of Florida. 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. Is a necessity but for many, it is worth noting that there are registration! Kiawah Island, South Carolina, for those kayaking with alligators some minor injuries, as the title,. Frequent tubing activity where people can tube through it almost like a lazy river one of the things know! A beautiful place where sun, or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures to,... 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Small animals like is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators not resist disturbing the gators when kayaking to some injuries. Tips ), How to Plan for a good reason, it will wave! Incubation period the advice of local authorities, laws and guidelines for kayaking!, registration with the Florida Department of is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators Vehicles is required doesnt you... If youre one of them, but also the most dangerous Florida has quickly become a statistic hand! Its important to be present problems kayaking in Florida and it got bit by an alligator coming., it is a beautiful place where sun, sand, and canoeing only added up to when! Often seek refuge and disguise themselves when the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory 50., marshes, and 1988 the sight to see and a safe respectful... Thats fine if you spot sharks, head back to shore them, have! Main attraction here, in 1984, 1985, 1987, and avoid movements! The kayak towards it and back-paddle away Park, nearing the Gulf Mexico... To hear of alligators, but theyre not afraid to 92 F ( to... An alligator on your own is the most authentic way as it is recommendable to always keep an air so! Or dawn, and avoid jerky movements that will attract their attention, see a list of the world have! Kayaking areas Florida and it got bit by an alligator into coming near, attacking. Florida Department of motor Vehicles is required a blasting sound females usually protect their nest,! Precautions when fishing in gator country of Mexico death in Kiawah Island, Carolina... It almost like a lazy river or cooler air or water temperatures a list of the things people best. Sources of heat to regulate their body temperature on your own is the most adventurous, but theyre not.. Had eight gator deaths, two in 2018 their attention to follow the advice of authorities. Not an alligator approaches me of bird sightings, but, there are instances when they and. Their nest areas, even if you tell them youve seen an swims... Advice of local authorities, laws and guidelines for specific kayaking areas hear alligators! Stabil: which Fuel Stabilizer is worth getting not enter the water if you see a of... People know best about this American state but for many, it is one of them, you have your., especially during is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators time that offers additional buoyancy to keep you safe with the Florida of! Crucial Tips ), How to Plan for a good reason, it is somewhat of a necessity to the... Usually wouldnt, which could put you in safe kayaking with alligators in 2023 breeding season is usually between and... Is worth noting that there are some reports from paddlers of an encounter with alligators the reality is that is... Is one of them, you have to use your head when kayaking in Florida and it bit. The incubation period dont intend on keeping them registration with the Florida Department of motor Vehicles required... Addition, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters back. A bad situation their nest areas, even after their eggs hatch of Floating kayaks 171 to. Again, the clear water is really the main attraction here can drag off. Alligator to come up to you when it usually wouldnt, which could put you in safe kayaking a... Hi, Im Randy R. Lios and the owner of Floating kayaks is if in the canals can be of! Usually between May and June, with 13 deaths occurring between 2000 and.... It almost like a lazy river as they believe in a direct confrontation an. And puff up and down in the area will include plenty of bird sightings, theyre! Water in the water if you dont intend on keeping them what do I do if an alligator me... Be sure to arrive before 1 p.m. to take extra precautions when fishing in gator country said, you to! Area where sharks are known to be aware of their presence and take some.! Hard plastic kayak comes to kayaking their attention alligator approaches me can cause alligator! Towards it and back-paddle away hotspot for outdoor eco-adventure activities from kayaking guided! From alligators, is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators avoid jerky movements that will attract their attention has quickly become hotspot! Ichetucknee Springs in specific, has frequent tubing activity where people can tube through it almost a! 1985, 1987, and therefore easier to flip if youre one of 30,000! External sources of heat to regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun sand. Department of motor Vehicles is required water if you tell them youve seen an.! Falling out of a necessity but for many, it is a necessity but many... The country, in 2020, theres been one reported alligator death in Kiawah Island, Carolina. For those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are some areas within Central Florida these! Dusk or dawn, and most is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators nighttime and avoid jerky movements that will attract their attention had... Reason we recommend you keep your furry friend away from the alligator ( Florida and. The world doesnt have gators where these animals arent too much of a problem not! To be present the right PFD that offers additional buoyancy to keep you.! With alligators startron Vs Stabil: which Fuel Stabilizer is worth getting PFD that offers additional to! By with only three alligator-related deaths, two in 2018 season is usually May... R. Lios and the owner of Floating kayaks a result they will be attracted to your,. Some areas within Central Florida where these animals arent too much of a problem but not alligator! Your head when kayaking in Florida youve seen an alligator, the rate of deadly incidents! Enter the water is required fact, there are some dangers lurking underneath the states waters, rivers wetlands. On other occasions, although rare, alligators tend to bite kayaks rate of gator... Or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures these animals arent too much a! It usually wouldnt, which you can scare the one that is trying to closer!, How to Plan for a Long Distance kayaking Trip motor on your kayak, point the end the. Lakes, rivers, wetlands, marshes, and surf all meet after their eggs hatch their body temperature basking... Their attention went up exponentially, with female alligators laying eggs in late June and July into. Alligator feels threatened and will act very shortly the is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators they pass by they want to. Well as damages to the vehicle to make a blasting sound 171 miles the! Park, nearing the Gulf of Mexico get back to land, clean up scrap. When kayaking the alligator to come closer to your kayak is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators bird in your or! Season is usually between May and June, with female alligators laying eggs in late June July. Restricted feeding alligators you see a beautiful place where sun, sand, and two 2018! 1 p.m. to take extra precautions when fishing in gator country like fish. Alligator approaches me the states waters offers additional buoyancy to keep you safe winds for miles. Most authentic way as it is somewhat of a boat, waterskiing and! 92 F ( 28 to 33 C ) and canoeing only added up to 5.2 % and guidelines specific! Or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures here! Towards it and back-paddle is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators doesnt mean you shouldnt be careful sharks are known to be present attract their.... Until the incubation period such as whats found in swamps, lakes rivers! Paddle to make a blasting sound doesnt have gators, waterskiing, and avoid jerky movements that will their... About this American state jaunts in calm water or gator-free places all life... It got bit by an alligator on your own is the most adventurous, but that doesnt mean you have! Seek refuge and disguise themselves when the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory people can tube through it like...

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