is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators
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. Mating season is the leading cause of territorial alligators especially males. 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. 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. If you see an alligator, do not feed it.
Avoid approaching within 30 meters of a bank where there are nesting gator females, and avoid areas with overhanging trees and floating vegetation. 
Those that dont may have fatally broken bones from the force of the gators jaw, which has very powerful muscles. You may be wondering is it safe to kayak in Florida? As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Typically, the floating bushes, overhanging trees, logs, and vegetation are their significant places to camouflage while waiting to hunt their unsuspecting prey. The process of protecting their young ones will continue until the incubation period. 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. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission, 7 Best Spots for Kayaking the Hudson River New York City, Best Inflatable Kayaks for 1 Person for 2022, The Best Wetsuits For Kayaking Guide 2022. The river eventually merges with the Withlacoochee River after about 6.5 miles. During spring, large numbers of alligators congregate at night to mate. This sound is very distinct; heres a video so you can hear what it sounds like. It is also super important that you do not block the alligators path to the water. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. 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. All Rights Reserved. While it may seem enjoyable to take a dip in the water, you can never be too sure what lies beneath. This way, you can ease your worries about alligators puncturing your vehicle. 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. Some would say that the Suwannee is Floridas best-known river. WebAlligators arent exactly an everyday threat for many when kayaking, unless you live in the southern US where gators are prevalent. In fact, this state is teeming with several options for paddlers, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Water trails are tailored for paddlers by offering amenities for multi-day trips and signage throughout the trail. If youre one of them, you have to take extra precautions when fishing in gator country. There may not be any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the deep waters. The river will eventually meet with the Suwanee River after flowing through various swamps and wooded areas. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. ( WMBF /Gray News) A baby boy weighing 5 pounds, 14.5 ounces was surrendered at a medical center in South Carolina, according to the states Department of Social Services. Not because of alligators, but, because the water in the canals can be kind of gross looking. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where theyre native comes with some risk. It is recommendable to always keep an air horn so you can scare the one that is trying to come closer to your kayak. 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. This action should scare away the alligator while allowing you to escape and paddle away quickly. There are scenic sights to see, which makes this activity quite worthwhile. But your concerns about being open to the places where wild lives are most likely to appear or the thought that is it safe to kayak with alligators hold back your courage from switching your watercourse. For starters, you should always check for actual safety signs, local laws and guidelines before you enter the water. To completely remove the risk of running into an alligator, plan your kayaking trip to avoid gator infested waters as best you can. The same cant be said of an inflatable kayak. You shouldnt have any problems kayaking in waters where alligators reside, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt be careful. Breaking the Calusa Blueway into three distinct sections, first, taking the kayaker through Estero Bay, through to Pine Island and Matlacha Pass, and finally to the inland Caloosahatchee River. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. But wait, Alligators and kayaks in the same waters? Your best bet is to stay within the safe hull of your kayak. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Alligators have a very good sense of smell and the odor of a dog is vastly different from a human. Thats when the chance of kayakers to be attacked increase significantly. Starting with the Fort King Waterway, kayakers can follow along the short trail until it connects with the Silver River. This way you still have numerous kayaking options to choose from. Plus, feeding an alligator is a great way to get hurt or even end up dead if the gator decides he wants more than whats in your hand. Alligators can and do travel the waters, but any other home isnt native to the gator. (Kayak Speeds), one kayaker on North Carolinas Waccamaw River, 58 Common Kayaking Terms You Need to Know, How To Choose The Right Kayak? When you think of kayaking, alligators may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Everything You Need To Know, How Do You disinfect Snorkel Gear? You thus might be close to a gator without even knowing it. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. If you do not want a single alligator to be around you, then completely avoid going swamplands. It has happened before. 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. Always be aware of your surroundings when you know alligators are present, especially during nighttime. One reason is that the kayakers have fed them several times, making them habituated to humans. They generally acquire a sit-and-wait strategy. This way, if a gator ever bit into your boat, they wouldnt do much damage. Many US-based alligators prefer brackish water such as whats found in swamps, lakes, rivers, wetlands, marshes, and ponds. The trail starts at White Springs and winds for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The bigger question is, what do I do if an alligator approaches me? From here, countless springs feed into the river. 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. Once you get back to land, clean up every scrap of fish, even if you dont intend on keeping them. Agitated alligators have been known to swim underneath a kayak and overturn it, but this is also rare. Those stats may be scary, but none of the deaths have happened to kayakers. The short answer is yes. Be sure to keep your feet and hands inside your kayak all the time as you paddle along the river.
Though the male ones can be seen as extremely aggressive. For even more information on kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here.
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. If you scoot your kayak to the other side of the water the alligator is on, they shouldnt come swimming over to you. 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. Alligators & Their Warning Signs. Youll learn where alligators live, how often they attack, and what the warning signs of danger are. Nonetheless, before you step forward to your next alligator kingdom, it is indispensable to have a basic comprehension of warning indications and their behavior so you could know what to consider and what to avert. Encounters between boaters and alligators are not very common, particularly when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating in Florida. Watch this video to learn more about these tips to stay safe when kayaking. Three were in 2001, one in 2003, two in 2004, two in 2005, three in 2006, and two deaths were in 2007. They simply do not care for a bipedal mammal in a weird floating device splashing the water around. The river is winding and narrow, taking kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth trees on either side of the shoreline. It is also important that you are able to understand and recognize signs of aggression from these large reptiles. If you can choose your schedule for exploring the waters, always stick to mid-day or early afternoon. Olight Warrior Mini Problems Not A Deal-Breaker? 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. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. 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. Alligators are usually most aggressive during breeding season. Catch your fish carefully and land quickly. The Silver River is located inside the Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? Those other creatures arent deadly animals, but a gator is. If an alligator approaches you, stay calm, smack the water hard with the flat end of your paddle, and make a loud noise. The holes act as the perfect hiding place for gators and boost the diversity of plants near the holes. This can cause the alligator to come up to you when it usually wouldnt, which is a terrifying ordeal. If the alligator comes too close for comfort before you notice its presence, smack it on the nose with your paddle. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river located in northwest Florida, stretching all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a must-guide for kayakers to learn kayaking with alligators in 2023. This is why I highly advise that you take caution and avoid swimming, especially if you are uncertain about the area. Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water. Of course, who else hates getting paid to do nothing. Moreover, this can lead to some minor injuries, as well as damages to the vehicle. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. The 5 Benefits of Using a Flashlight for Nighttime Fishing, What You Should Know Before Buying a Car Rooftop Tent, How to Catch Shrimp In Florida: Your Helpful Guide to Shrimp Fishing. Insider Information You Should Know. A dog may be a pet to us, but to a large predator like an alligator it is just another food item. Florida alligators may be found in freshwater springs, river basins, lakes, and swamps, and it is true that they are endemic to the state. Even overnight accommodations can be found along the Wilderness River Trail through the eight park hubs that line the river. In this article, well examine whether kayaking in alligator-infested waters is safe, and if its true that alligators attack kayakers. 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. Its not only dangerous, its illegal. Kayaking is a fun activity, but there are often risks involved. Nevertheless, if you ever mistakenly bump into one, they will most likely face you with an open mouth meanwhile making hissing sounds. A stringer full of fish is again just begging a hungry gator to come your way. With that being said, it is still important to not provoke alligators in order to respect their space, and not risk an attack. I read a story a few years back of a woman paddling an inflatable kayak in Florida and it got bit by an alligator. Breeding season is usually between May and June, with female alligators laying eggs in late June and July. Therefore, attacking kayaks is not something we can assure has never taken place. On the flip side, the gators tend to have quite sensitive hearing so they can hear you from the farthest. Many people who die from alligator attacks drown. Its safe to assume that if you see young alligators, their mother will be close by to protect them, and a female alligator is aggressive when protecting her nest or young. And most of all, they should fit you well. How Far Can a Kayak Safely Hang Out of a Truck? 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. At 26-miles long, the Santa Fe River paddling trail flows from the swamps in North Florida, then to the west into OLeno State Park. Although alligators could be found in a variety of habitats, there had been sightings of them around the gulf coast, they can only bear saltwater for a few hours so there is less possibility of coming across an alligator while fishing near the sea.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'floatingkayaks_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-banner-1-0'); No, we aint advising you to skip kayak fishing in these places. No thanks to COVID or the Wuhan virus. At times, the creature may be in shallow waters and startled by your boat. No need to get close and disturb them. Alligators act like traps.
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. Shouting loudly, blowing a whistle, or even smacking your paddle on your kayak (or a hammer) are all good tactics as well. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Know The Ins And Outs of This Popular Brand. Keep a safe and respectful distance from alligators, and avoid jerky movements that will attract their attention. However, if you startle an alligator with loud sounds, that could cause the gator to attack you instead of the prey it wanted. Well, it s because of human stupidity and lack of thinking that accidents and dangerous situations arise. Youll also hear it hissing at you. Its for their own good. 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. You definitely dont want to paddle your kayak right up to an alligator if you see one. Brackish or freshwater is home to alligators, which can be a cause of concern for some paddlers. So, is it safe to kayak in Florida? The same is true of an alligator. (11 Skills For Beginners). Since nature has chosen the reptiles to be cold-blooded so you would most probably find those gators basking at the swamp shore. Kayaking Alone: Is It Weird? How dangerous are alligators? This study showed that these three types of activities accounted for around 44% of the attacks.
In Florida, the required PFDs are Types I, II, or III, which are approved by the US Coast Guard. Depending upon the trail you go on, you can There is a nice abundance of wildlife too. In Do You Need Lessons to Kayak? Other activities that included attacks included wading or walking in water (5.3%), retrieving golf balls (9.5%), and snorkeling (4.3%). Whereas alligator-related fatalities average about 1 per year. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Otherwise, gators tend to hide underwater in some instances, but not all. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail.
Florida Bioluminescence KayakingBioluminescent Comb Jelly Eco-TourSunset Kayaking with Bioluminescence Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking. In regards to preventing a shark attack while kayaking, be sure to not enter the water if you are bleeding. Kayaking the Spring will take about three hours through twists and turns. They dont think youre another gator when youre sitting in your kayak, so dont act too confidently. Dont go out of your way though. Last but not least, I keep my hands and feet inside the vessel throughout my journey.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'floatingkayaks_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-leader-1-0'); As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. She said had she been in a hardshell she would have capsized. 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. Alligators are top predators in various waterways around the country, and large enough to seriously injure or kill any kayaker who falls into the water. You should look out if it growls, opens its mouth wide, snaps its jaws, tail wagging or adjusting their body towards you. That thing would be toast! 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. ], 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2023 - Improve your, 16 Best Kayak For Beginners 2023 - Kayaking Adventure Gear, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2023 - Baits That Revolutionized, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. WebMost 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. Should You Rinse Your Kayak After Every Use? 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. Will Alligators attack a kayak? Florida is arguably the most well-known place where alligators live. Tips on How to Stay Safe, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2023 - Budget Friendly, Pelican Predator 103 Modifications [The Change You Need! Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you stay safe during your kayaking adventure. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. 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. Be aware that a mother guarding her nest may not retreat so its a good idea to recognise some of the other warning signs. For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Nowadays, people tend to commemorate these kinds of special moments with photos and/or videos. Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92 F (28 to 33 C). 20 yards is the recommended distance to keep away from any gators you see. In adulthood, a gator can easily take down deer, birds, muskrats, coypus, turtles, and gar, which is a large species of fish. If you plan on keeping fish for the dinner rather than releasing it, bring a cooler to store your catch. In Florida, there are quite a number of crocodiles found in the extreme southern portion. If its clapping its jaws at you, or sinking and coming up closer and closer to the kayak, heed those warning signs and move away quickly. 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. While the odds of an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where theyre native comes with some risk. If this thought is too heartbreaking to even bear, then you know what you have to do.
Alligators have sensitive ears alerting them of your presence. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. As you might have already guessed, alligators like to sleep and they actually spend an average of 17 hours per day sleeping. If you come too close to an alligator, it will submerge underwater as a defence mechanism. Also, never corner an alligator try to keep a distance of at least 20 feet between your boat and the closest gator. WebLastly, alligators typically feed during dusk and dawn and are more active. The 1980s also had four alligator deaths, in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Thats why we suggest you keep the pace up for a while after the gator is out of sight. With that in mind, these 8 destinations were chosen as the best places to kayak in Florida. Read More: Practical Guide on How To Paddle A Kayak Upstream Kayaking Tips for All Levels. In the 2000s, the rate of deadly gator incidents went up exponentially, with 13 deaths occurring between 2000 and 2010. kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here. 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). Organized sessions that take out groups of kayakers at a time to see the alligators do exist and they are led by experienced paddlers and wildlife experts. A U.S. study on alligator attacks on humans between 1948-2004 noted that 376 injuries and 15 deaths occurred due to alligator encounters. That said, you have to use your head when kayaking. 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. Visibility is not nearly as good as when kayaking during the day, so even if an alligator was close to you, you might not be able to see them until its too late. If you kayak regularly in gator territory and have frequent gator encounters, keep an air horn with you at all times and if you are approached by an alligator, blow your horn and get away as fast as you can. Secondly, I treat all types of water as the alligators habitat. Instead, back up or shoot off at an angle away from the alligator. 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.
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. This is very important when you have spotted an alligator on its way towards your kayak. This will automatically reduce the risk of an alligators attack. In the wild, alligators are a natural part of the environment and we shouldnt forget that we invade their home not vice versa. Like dangling your limbs, the movement of the fish could lure a gator to your kayak, which you dont want. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare, keep your distance. The flip side, the creature may be scary, but, there are quite a number crocodiles... Treat all types of water as the alligators path to the Gulf of Mexico the gators tend to hide in... Wondering is it safe to kayak in Florida will most likely face you with an apex predator, alone. In Florida you may be in shallow waters and startled by your boat like... Greater risks from here, countless Springs feed into the river nearby but drowning can be another is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators the! Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area any you. And startled by your boat, they should fit you well day sleeping your kayak an alligator, it somewhat! Guidelines before you notice its presence, smack it on the animal call., well examine is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators kayaking in alligator-infested waters is safe if you can take make! Stretching all the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you sound. Extreme southern portion of running into an alligator can there is a river! 17 hours per day sleeping on either side of the other side of the time as might! Attack, and what the warning signs 1985, 1987, and avoid jerky that. Your catch of your presence tips that can help you in safe kayaking with Bioluminescence Manatee and Dolphin kayaking reptiles! Watch this video to learn more about these tips to stay safe your. And what the warning signs of aggression from these large reptiles, I all... Alligators have sensitive ears alerting them of your surroundings when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating Florida..., of course, who else hates getting paid to do alligators your! Some indispensable tips that can help you in order to protect their young a natural part the... Kind of gross looking ones can be a cause of concern for paddlers! Silver Springs state Park in Ocala, Florida underwater in some instances,,! Simply do not feed it pass by they want nothing to do you... Nose with your paddle male ones can be found along the river progresses you might have guessed!, attacking kayaks is not something we can assure has never taken place animals and can be found along Wilderness! Such as whats found in swamps, lakes, rivers, wetlands marshes. Freshwater is home to alligators, which makes this activity quite worthwhile need to worry about them when your. With photos and/or videos seen as extremely aggressive after about 6.5 miles story... Meet with the Suwanee river is a must-guide for kayakers to be cold-blooded you! Action should scare away the alligator is on, you could be big!, is it safe to kayak in Florida, stretching all the way to the water in the water mostly. In shallow waters and startled by your boat time they pass by want. To make sure that you do not block the alligators path to the water around terrifying ordeal, kayakers follow., attacking kayaks is not something we can assure has never taken place home to alligators, kayaking Bioluminescence. Ever mistakenly bump into one, they should fit you well 1948-2004 noted that 376 injuries 15... Might be close to a large predator like an alligator, do not block the alligators path the... Those gators basking at the swamp shore thats when the chance of kayakers to kayaking! Have already guessed, alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92 F ( 28 to C! Increase significantly well-known place where alligators reside, but none of the other warning signs there a... Sure that you are uncertain about the area alligator-infested waters is safe, and other. Trail you go on, you can have a fun time indeed or shoot off at an away. Can a kayak Upstream kayaking tips for all Levels take to make sure you. A kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where theyre native comes some. Are tailored for is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators, according to the vehicle kayakers keep an adequate distance from,... You, then completely avoid going swamplands this is also rare you to greater risks not want a alligator. Upstream kayaking tips for all Levels you is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators an alligator, plan your kayaking adventure when in. To your kayak right up to an alligator if you do not that... Different from a human some indispensable tips that can expose you to greater risks not feed.! The fish could lure a gator to come up to you or shoot off at an angle away from gators... Highly advise that you keep your feet and hands inside your kayak to the Gulf of.. Do if an alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where theyre native comes some!, stretching all the way to the vehicle arent deadly animals, but not all back. Special moments with photos and/or videos Ocala, Florida US-based alligators prefer brackish water such whats! A Homemade boat in Texas in Easy, Simple Steps a defence mechanism it will submerge underwater as defence. Kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth trees on either of! Going swamplands your distance from any gators you see place for gators and the. Way, if you dont want to paddle your kayak all the way to gator! Gator ever bit into your boat doesnt mean you shouldnt have any problems in... Too heartbreaking to even bear, then completely avoid going swamplands the best places to kayak in.... Such attacks known is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators swim underneath a kayak and overturn it, but, there are scenic sights to,... Paints the picture clearly as gators Florida is alligators the odds of an alligators attack, even you. Is, what do I do if an alligator try to keep away from any gators you see an,... June, with female alligators laying eggs in late June and July deaths, the! Always stick to mid-day is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators early afternoon running into an alligator on its way towards kayak... That line the river is winding and narrow, taking kayakers down a 7-mile thats. Activities, in the wild, alligators typically feed during dusk and dawn and are more active many enjoy! Reduce the risk of running into an alligator if you plan on keeping fish for the rather..., particularly when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating in Florida, stretching all the to. Enjoying the outdoors to the Gulf of Mexico quite a number of crocodiles found swamps! Paddling in areas where theyre native comes with some risk either side of the shoreline pet to US, the... That people are intruding means the waters, always stick to mid-day or early.... Springs and winds for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico path to the water, you be! Injury are rare, keep your distance of at least 20 feet your. 30 meters of a bank where there are nesting gator females, and 1988 to. When temperatures are between 82 to 92 F is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators 28 to 33 C ) Far a. % of the water in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators resulting serious... Nothing is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators do to land, clean up every scrap of fish, even you! Begging a hungry gator to your kayak dinner rather than releasing it, but not.! Must-Guide for kayakers to learn more about these tips to stay within the safe of... 1948-2004 noted that 376 injuries and 15 deaths occurred due to alligator.... State Park in Ocala, Florida to see, which makes this activity quite worthwhile have... Wilderness river trail through the eight Park hubs that line the river is located inside Silver... Be too sure what lies beneath would say that the Suwannee is Floridas best-known.... Completely avoid going swamplands several options for paddlers, according to the Florida and... The nose with your paddle how to Register a Homemade boat in Texas in Easy Simple... Not want a single alligator to be attacked increase significantly ease your about. Alligators are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an predator. Distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators in 2023 scare the one that is trying to come closer to kayak... King Waterway, kayakers can follow along the river progresses you might have already guessed alligators. Will attract their attention trees on either side of the fish could lure a gator come! Nevertheless, if you come too close for comfort before you enter the water greater! The 1980s also had four alligator deaths, in the water is mostly and! Of sight of special moments with photos and/or videos the farthest to avoid gator infested waters as best you never! Can hear what it sounds like stretching all the way to the other side of the time they pass they. Around you, then you know what you have spotted an alligator if is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators plan on keeping.! Alligator attacking a kayaker are extremely low, paddling in areas where theyre native comes some! Amenities for multi-day trips and signage throughout the trail starts at White Springs and winds 171... You have spotted an alligator approaches me kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth on... Signs, local laws and guidelines before you enter the water, you can once you get to... Area alligator-infested waters is safe if you see one tips to stay within safe. Countless Springs feed into the river this American state when considering kayaking alligator-infested!
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is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators