Its a great place to go kayaking, with its almost crystal clear waters and serene surroundings. However, the gators still knew I was there, and I did need to keep an eye out for them. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Please let me know what you think. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators' mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. 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. With that said, we all have a healthy respect for them. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. In fact, since they're cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp . Gators at this size are usually weary of people, which is why they have grown to such size, especially in North Carolina. Florida springs are consistently 72-74 degrees, creating the perfect respite for manatees in the winter months. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. If you are looking for a great place to kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an excellent choice. Region: An island off of the eastern coast of Florida, east of Ft. Myers and just north of Cape Coral. 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. A Comprehensive Guide. Pingback: The Best Disney Springs Happy Hours in 2022 - Just Go! 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. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. On the very first 90-degree day in the winter or spring, alligators will immediately change from frozen statues to remote-controlled boats zooming around the pond. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. However, you still need to remember an Alligator does not see you as prey, but they can associate you with a meal. If this starts to happen, then the answer is yes, alligators can be dangerous to kayakers. Of course, they will know full well that you are there as it does not take long for them to notice disturbances in the water. If you are interested in one of our kayak tours please dont hesitate to. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. At any time we could see a 500-pound manatee, 100-pound tarpon, or ten-foot alligator all in two feet of water! Google both sounds and if you hear either one while paddling you need to pay extra close attention. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. 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. Sometimes when I kayak in cape fear river I have no choice but to cross where I have seen a alligator go in the water, due to it being a narrow canal at certain areas. Also, you need to think about whether that gator is close to a boat launch because fisherman are cleaning their catch. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. Very grateful for the thorough advice. This guy (or gal?) (FWC) is responsible for the management of the state's water resources. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. Certain springs around the state consistently attract large numbers of manatees, and the winter is really the best time to see manatees in Florida. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh 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 . So what are you waiting for? Momma Gators are very protective and can be aggressive. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. If this happens, you should paddle away from the agitated gator. I wouldnt recommend playing music, it lessens your ability to be aware of your surroundings. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. Depending on how often a gator encounters boaters or kayakers has a lot to do with how comfortable they are with humans. 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. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Out of habit, I try not to kayak directly over the gators last location. Youre welcome, and welcome to NC. They want to eat, reproduce and maintain the proper body temperature. The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. The entirety of Florida; In Louisiana and Florida, more than a million alligators each may live in those two states, by far making them the riskiest places for kayakers, boaters, and swimmers. . You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. If I notice a dude pacing back and forth erratically on the corner of the street, Im probably going to cross the street. Flip flops or watershoes are appropriate to wear when kayaking in Florida, as when getting in and out of the kayak your feet will get wet. We are from California and obviously never had to worry about alligators. Who feeds a wild Alligator? We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Gators are now more solitary and territorial. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. We try our best not to disturb them and have found the best way to keep them from entering the water is to not point your kayak directly at them and to utilize a smooth calm stroke. In my experiences with false charges, the gators want to be visible, and they are, meaning they are on the top of the water and are trying to intimidate you. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . Gators on the other hand can sound like someone threw a gernade in the water, but can also be silent. Keep your Distance. If you combine proper preparation with the right gear and knowledge, it can be safe to kayak with alligators. BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. rubber 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? We waited a few seconds and paddled through but I was definitely scared he/she could be right under us. The water is crystal blue, and the wildlife is stunning. When Are Alligators At Their Most Aggressive? The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). This also applies to alligator eggs. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. 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. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. He has communicated through his body language not to mess with him. So, what was the second-best thing I could do? Who feeds a wild Alligator? In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. To graduate with a Fisheries and Wildlife degree from NCSU, we had to spend half of a summer enrolled in a 6-week summer camp. This was more like summer school than camp. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Great informative article. So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado? If I see someone roaring and pounding his chest, like he just finished a cage fight, Im probably not going to and ask him for directions. "Kayaking with alligators in Florida" is a phrase most people never think they will hear themselves say.Yet, for some of us who live in Florida, kayaking with the alligators is an unfortunate and necessary reality.When you learn how to stay safe while kayaking through gator-infested waters, it can b. Please, trust us on this. Most alligators you come across will want nothing to do with you, and maintaining a respectful distance will minimize any chance of an encounter. Some kayakers even carry a rubber mallet with them for this purpose. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. A quality jacket with pockets gives you quick access to your phone, a whistle (a sound-making device is required by law in most states), and other essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, and a knife However, the main question that arises is whether these inflatable kayaks are safe for the water bodies of Florida. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Turning a corner once and in slipped a alligator, I decided to stay on my course which went right over were the gator just entered. That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. Make sure your valuables are secured by locking your car doors. We actually stand up in them to spot the manatees. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. I contemplated getting an inflatable because I have no roof racks on my car and no way to transport a hard kayak. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. Colorado does not require the online10 code. 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? You know water sports you know me! Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. My husband and I saw our first alligator in our brackish canal in Wilton Manors, FL today. Please, let me explain. 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