A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Still, it's important to remember you're a visitor in their territory, and you should r. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. Education and information are how you stay safe while kayaking with alligators in the state of Florida. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? I had to change my tactics on landing them. - Just Go! What does an agitated gator look or act like? Best places for kayaking in Florida. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. Get up and Go Kayaking provides clear kayak tours of this amazing area, or you can rent kayaks right in the park. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Ive lived in South Carolina for 30 years and only started kayaking last week. The same thing can happen in gator territory. From what I've read, it's also much safer than I would have believed. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. First encounter with a wild gator & its still very memorable! There were some big ones there and sounds like you had an amazing experience! Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! 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. However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. Book Online and take 10% off, Use code online10 at checkout. If you have something to add to this article, have questions or want to join us and kayak with alligators, please dont hesitate to reach out. Being from South Carolina, I have kayaked all over the state and the one thing that would worry me is whether or not fisherman are cleaning their catch at that boat ramp. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. All of our guides are comfortable in gator territory. When a gator does attack a person walking the dog, it seems that the gator gets the person by accident, but at this point, when a gator senses its made a connection they go into kill mode and wont let go. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. If you see a weird elevated mound in the middle of a pond, you could and probably should consider that to be an alligator nest if a gator is nearby. Manatees can be seen congregate in the Florida springs from late November to March. I hope it was fun and safe. [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Copyright 2023 Just Go! But is it really safe to kayak in waters where alligators are known to live? Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! Alligators live throughout Florida. To be honest, I dont think I would be able to look away, but I could maybe fake it. However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Startron Vs Stabil: Which Fuel Stabilizer Is Worth Getting? They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. Finally, if you are fishing on an inflatable kayak. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. That is it! . Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and they're going to a different location where they feel safer. At that point, they are just freaking out and trying to get away. Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden central Florida secret, located north of the Kennedy Space Center. While alligator attacks are relatively rare, they do occur and can be fatal. I hope this helps! On this 90-degree day, you have entered alligator mating season. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. Yeah, it could have meant he was establishing his territory. Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. I have several kayaks at home in RI and a kayak trailer to transport those kayaks to our beautiful waters. 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. Hooking and landing these big fish, I started to encounter a problem. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. Its always a good idea to keep a break-apart spare paddle. The largest alligator recorded in Florida was 17 1/2' long. 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. Again, try not to point directly at them, and as you start to get closer and closer, you will typically begin to see a subtle and controlled sink, then he disappears. They might be a bit heavier, but they are next to indestructible even from an Aligator Tooth! Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. Yikes! Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. Launch Points: Pineland Monument Park. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. 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. Just play it safe and enjoy your kayaking! Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. Awesome article! The last thing to consider is a cheaper and lightweight 10-footer that is easy to transport and wouldnt require much in terms of the carrying system. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! At this time, I had already changed my career goals from being a specialized veterinarian to becoming a wildlife biologist. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. This usually works for us and turns them away. There are some risks to consider when Kayaking in Cape Coral Canals. Lots of boats going in and out to and from the boat launch. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Get an internship that provided employee housing on a Carolina Bay in eastern North Carolina. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. How To Stay Safe If Kayaking Near Alligators 1. With everything above being said, why is kayaking with alligators so frowned upon then and why is the whole debate of whether it is fun, dangerous, or necessary? Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator waters safely. 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. I would say if you paddled by them and they finally did go into the water you got to close. As far as hurting an alligator that would be very difficult. We provide them with alligator safety information before entering the water. 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 . The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. Worst-case scenario, they'll lunge at the kayak in an attempt to bite you. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! >> the tail went on our kayak. You can put them on top, then run your cam straps through the windows of your car. Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? photos by Lee Howard The best noise you can make is banging your paddle shaft on your kayak. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. Now, the larger older alligators will start to eat larger prey such as smaller white-tail deer, but a gator that is eating deer is probably over 11 to 12 feet. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. It is quite the sight to see and a safe place to kayak through. Kayaking in Florida can be quite the fun and exciting experience, no matter where you decide to do it! Great article, thank you. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. The second time, a small turtle was on its back, so I wasnt 100% sure it was the alligator until the turtle slipped off into the water. Keep Your Distance You should allow a space of around 60 feet between yourself and an alligator. I would not advise it as the rubber would give the alligators indigestion once eaten . This was on private water, so there were tons of massive bream. They make everything more difficult for you and us. You gain weight with the three-piece construction, but with that kayak, you dont lose much in performance. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. If you notice an alligator that approaches people or shows no wariness when people are nearby, you can report it to the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. In a few incidents, alligators have actually bitten canoes and kayaks, resulting in minor injuries to people and damage to their boats. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Spend A Day at Smyrna Dunes Park: The New Smyrna Dog Friendly Beach - Just Go! You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. Are there alligators in the intracoastal waterway in north carolina? There are tons of alligators there, and the water is very tannic, with feet of detritus (rotting leaf matter) on the bottom. Pingback: A Complete Guide to New Smyrna Beach - Just Go! Alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to stay safe while with... Florida Springs from late November to March is Worth Getting them on top, then run your cam straps the! Are some risks to consider when kayaking in Florida without alligators edge of your boat or even the. To and from the boat launch 24,000 acres and is home to thousands alligators! Without them Breaking fake it people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals some. 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