Pete Joyce was paddling in a swampy section of the Waccamaw . In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. It is best to take a bioluminescence tour in Florida from June to early October. Unfortunately, a ton of those boat ramps off the beaten path people do feed the gators and that is when things can get dangerous. Do alligators flip kayaks? [edit] I dont think your kayaking style would attract an alligator unless you were splashing like a fish or bird in distress. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. . Similarly, if I see an alligator swimming back and forth quickly, snapping its jaws or, better yet, bellowing and vibrating the water with its back, You better believe Im going to go around that alligator. I was definitely nervous but figured it was scared to, plus it was a little cooler then so I figured its behavior was due to avoiding me. Sure enough the park I chose to kayak with a friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability. We often kayak with alligators, and sometimes we must pass them while they are sunning themselves on a beach or sandbar. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. If the temperature is right on any given day, we will cross paths with three, four, or fifteen gators in the water. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. It didnt move, so I figured it wasnt afraid of me and I should be wary. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. As to whether our inflatables can handle a gator bite that's a definite NO (sound of basketball popping). That is hard to say, but that does sound like what sometimes happens when paddling here in the very shallow waters. >> we were kayaking and a gator almost flipped us over. 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. Please, let me explain. online10 at checkout is required for our lowest price guarantee for Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect destination for kayakers. Avoid leaving fish on the edge of your boat or even in the bottom. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase their safety when doing so. When I was in NC I was located outside of Lumberton. 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. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. Florida is hot between April and October, and even during the winter months you are at risk of hot days. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? My husband and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and we are on a narrow inlet that leads to the New River. If storage were an issue and I were paddling an area like the Colorado river near Glenwoods Springs I would choose an inflatable, but other than that Id suggest a hard boat. 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. They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. Find the trail maps here: Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Back to why an alligator would see you as prey. Alligators are known to be more aggressive during mating season, which is April through June. My biggest fear has been paddling in areas with gators. Also, like you mentioned making noise does help, I like to bang my paddle shaft on the top of my kayak. 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. 2023 Adventure Paddle Tours. Prior to this sighting we did see people kayaking down the canal. Unlike people, alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they are not able to regulate their own body temperature. This article isnt designed to convince you to kayak with alligators, although we would love to take you out. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. I use a hard plastic kayak. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. 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. Then, the alligator stepped with its front feet to keep its head pointed at me as I paddled by. Still trying to build my confidence to hop on my kayak. There are no boat launch facilities on the Tampa Bypass Canal, but it is possible to hand-launch a canoe, kayak or other small boats from parks along the canal. Alexander Springs Recreation Area. 2) if you approach a female alligator or her babies. Ive recently begun to pass by an alligator in a small channel that leads out to the main channel. By Lee Howard "Keep your elbows away from the water" - crucial advice I suddenly recalled from reading up about kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp, as my kayak, low to the drink, drifted a little further into the lily pads and towards whatever lurked amongst them.. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. All participants are required to wear properly fitting life jackets. For the most part, that mother is very used to seeing kayakers and seems to ignore them altogether. 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. What To Do If You See An Alligator While Kayaking? Would a spray help? FWC's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Florida. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Two quick questions. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Its simple when a sandbar is warmer than the water, gators will exit and bask in the sun. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. 1. If you are looking for a great place to kayak in Florida, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an excellent choice. Mainly due to how shallow everything is. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. Pingback: Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! We kayak very often right from our backyard and after the tropical storm the water was up the the top of our sea wall. I just moved from Maine to Venice. We can see how the gators react underwater when we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy bottoms. 2) Train Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Space Center. This usually works for us and turns them away. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in. If people are feeding an alligator or if you are with a small dog, gators will associate you with food. The short answer to this question is yes, it's perfectly safe to kayak in waters with gators when you take the necessary precautions. . This means they are more apt to stay on the shore when you kayak by. If you experience an alligator swimming uncomfortably close to your kayak, start making noise. Kayak and my question is, does that make us more subseible to a gator attack? This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator! Mother alligators are dangerous to meddle with because they will attack anything or anybody that they see as a hazard to their babies. It has happened before. Ok, you might notice the word small mammal. The simple answer is no. They will also raise their bodies out of the water when the air temp is warmer than the water. If you are interested in seeing Comb jelly fish, they can be seen between November and May. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Walking small pets near fresh water is also higher risk. Wear a life jacket! Buy a quality primary paddle and always bring a spare. 3. Other kayakers have reported seeing odd-behaving alligators approaching their kayak as if expecting a hand-out. Is it Safe to Do. Alligators attacking kayaks isn't something we can say for certain, no matter how much we want it to. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly . Moreover, you can opt for guided tours and look for dolphins and stingrays on your way. The lake in central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million alligators. The most popular mangrove tunnel tour is in Tampa Bay. It is true that alligators are native to Florida and live in all of the fresh water springs, rivers, lakes, and marshes. So much more detailed than the usual articles out there. Hi Heather, Sorry Ive been slacking on responding. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. If you see an alligator, I need you to do this exactly as I say. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. If you are knowledgeable and avoid breeding season, can it be safe? Back to music, there are a few things that would concern me. Imagine spotting an alligator the moment you're out on a kayak trip on the waterways of Florida. Wild alligators that have been fed by humans, which is also illegal, are the source of many recorded alligator bites. Though there's a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. This is why they will often quickly enter the water when you approach them. Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. An erratic or fast-moving paddle seems to freak gators out. Aligator teeth would be another sharp object capable of blowing your inflatable. I saw it again on the way back in. Analyzing crocodile and alligator attacks in the U.S. and Costa Rica Doing it in one of Floridas 30,000 freshwater lakes is arguably the most authentic way as it is true wilderness. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Crystal River is well known as a great manatee spotting site, and leads to Three Sisters Spring, a beautiful kayaking site. I wouldnt cross large bays in it, but its perfect for the smaller ponds and tunnels. Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. 1. Wildlife is abundant, and the springs are always 72 degrees even if the air is cooler. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. How Do You Carry An Inflatable Kayak by Yourself? 12.Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest. Feel free to reach out if you have anymore questions! 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. JOHNS COUNTY - See you later, alligator! Even if they swim at you, they are hopefully false charging. Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! 7 Ways. So, if you find an alligator sunning itself out of the water, it is out of necessity, and I promise you he or she would prefer to be in the water if not for the temperature. Maybe go a different direction. Then I saw Godzilla! Immediately & calmly retreated, gave respectable distance and have been nearly obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since!! The Myakka River State Park is another area to avoid due to the high population of alligators. 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. After doing some research I found out that canoeing and kayaking with alligators is common practice in the south. This is where we start to get into the scenarios when kayaking with alligators could be dangerous. I hope this helps! They have teeth, they are mean-looking, and they look very similar to the well-known saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa. When you fight a fish and allow them to splash enough it can attract attention from a gator and they have been known to steal your catch. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. Back to the other point, if an alligator has been fed by people, you need to pay attention, and if the gator lingers around like hes waiting on scraps, then you need to be very careful. 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. I hope he was only passing through and not making a home we do have tons of flying fish, waterfowl, turtles, etc! After all, they are capable of seriously injuring you or even killing you. Yes, it is safe to kayak in Florida. 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. Anyway, it sounds like the gators might be sinking to the bottom, and when you approach, you are right on top of them. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. They just want to fight you. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak both provide the best bioluminescence tours in Florida and are highly recommended. If you rent a kayak or canoe, the trip will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats throughout the state of Florida and can pose a serious threat to both people and animals. If you witness two gators fighting, one could very easily see you as the next competitor after winning his first fight. It is possible to kayak alongside alligators if you make the necessary preparations, have the appropriate gear, and have sufficient understanding. - Just Go! I mentioned earlier that alligators are lazy and often look like statues; however, there are times during the year when gators start to move. I realized I had to start reeling in the fish slower. Would the alligator consider my head turned toward it and my eye contact an aggressive action? Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! 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. For our Naples location in particular I wouldnt use an inflatable due to the number of barnacles, and oysters in the area. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. There I lived with my black lab and got off of work every day at 3 pm. Mount Rushmore Family Vacation: A Guide to the Perfect Trip! There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. Sometimes while launching or gearing up for your paddle, you will notice one, two, or three gators on the move. Most alligator attacks in the Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog close to the water. rubber The park covers over 2,300 square miles and is home to thousands of alligators. Save. Hit the kayak's side with the paddle, blow your PFD whistle, or use an air horn. By maintaining precautions, you can safely kayak with the alligators. First time out I do believe I had an encounter in Curry Creek. Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Yes! However, you need to take the possible risks seriously and you should always paddle with a friend and file a float plan. But why do people willingly go kayaking, and for other activities, in the natural habitats of something as dangerous as gators? Kayaking in Florida is a great way to get away from the theme parks and see the true beauty of Florida. Are there many people who kayak in inflatable kayaks? No problem! 4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. Many people enjoy kayaking in the canals, but is it safe? Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. Career guides from the area can be amazing, and at the same time, young first timer guides can be disappointing! Thanks for the information perhaps some day we shall paddle . 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.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakpaddling_net-medrectangle-4-0'); 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. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Let me rephrase that, these are the scenarios when you should take extra precautions when kayaking with alligators and when you should pay closer attention to their body language and your surroundings. It is designed more to educate the general public if they plan to kayak with alligators. Keep exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you have more questions! 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. 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. My first regular encounters with alligators started the summer after my junior year in college. Also I paddle kinda loud and play my music, I thought it would make them aware of my presence before I actually saw them. Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and they're going to a different location where they feel safer. With all of the above information, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. Ive passed it three times now. If you encounter an alligator, use your paddle as a defensive tool and quickly paddle away. Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. Encountering two gators in fight mode is an exciting experience to witness but also potentially dangerous. 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. Two weeks before the 90-degree day, you might have seen 4 or 5 gators sharing a small beach or sandbar, but now things have changed. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! 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. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. 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. With that said, Nile Crocodiles regularly eat animals that are twice as large as a full-grown adult human. If it seems like they are waiting for a scrap you need to be extra careful. They primarily feed on smaller critters such as fish, raccoons, and birds. This area is a part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy kayaking in the mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong. Had the gator not entered the water I probably wouldnt have noticed until we were just a few feet away from the bank he/she was sitting on, which is scary considering we kept getting caught up in trees and plants in the water. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. The Ichetucknee Springs is a great place to go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty. The alligator was . These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. I love to see our wildlife, esp. My life is all about it. If you find a lower price anytime before your trip, email us a screenshot of the price, and we will match it, GUARANTEED! This requires slightly more effort than Weeki Wachee but still can be done by inexperienced kayakers. 5) See The Notorious Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum. Fisherman will often clean their catch of the day at the local boat ramp, then throw the waste in the water. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. If you are driving a car that doesnt have a roof rack, you might want to consider the removable foam blocks. Never saw it but something changed the direction of my kayak about 30. I recently moved to Florida from the Northeast where I was an avid kayaker and Im just itching to get on the water but terrified of alligators! You will see about a foot or two of their head, or the telltale eyes and nose only. Gators average between 6 1/2 - 12' long. Lake jesup is the most alligator-infested lake in the us. Water-skiers in your group do not feed the gators, but other people might. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs Often during this season, you will hear that deep bellow, or you will see and hear super loud splashes around a corner. I paddle a surfski on the TennTom Waterway in Miss. As volunteers for Huntsville state park, I felt the need to take my kayak in this American Aligator country to clean the shoreline of Lake Raven where my trash pickers cant reach from the shore. In areas like this, the gators are more comfortable with people. Kayaking in the winter months in Florida is the best time to go, and also increases the likelihood that alligators will leave you alone. I wouldnt expect the alligator youre referencing to be as comfortable. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Well, you could easily say alligator out of water too, except an alligator can still breathe just fine. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. As . Can You Sleep in a Kayak? All in all its best to keep as much distance as you can from them when you can help it. When you spot a gator in the distance, it will be in a lying position 90% of the time when on the ground. 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. This will keep your eyes on the gator and put the kayak in the position they dont like. Suwannee River Wilderness. 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). 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. Standard Alligator Behavior. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! I been out a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. Think two sheep ramming each other. What do you do when kayaking with alligators? It sure is a great place for kayaking. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but when they want to move, they can move fast! Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go. Are Kayaks Safe from Alligators? You might miss loud splashes or even an alligator bellowing. The area is rich in wildlife, and has hiking, a beautiful driving trail, and amazing kayaking spots. No need to get close and disturb them. The best places to do this in Florida include the Everglades National Park and the Wakulla Springs National Park. My husband and I just bought a 10ft. Quick answer yes, the better answer is most likely no. They make everything more difficult for you and us. 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. Is Destin Florida safe to visit? People are curious by nature and they want to see things they never have. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Besides, there are a few times, definitely not Sullivan, Maine season. Without alligators but when they want to see things they never have however, you can observe exploring... Is possible to kayak with alligators, so currents can be disappointing Florida... Activities, in the canals, but when they want to see things they never have should be.... While they are sunning themselves on a narrow inlet that leads out to the is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators. Isnt designed to convince you to do this in Florida that you can have roof... Saltwater crocodiles in Australia and Africa educate the general public if they swim at you, they are able! Keep exploring and dont hesitate to send me another message if you have anymore questions and enhance the natural of. Ever since! central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million.! You, they can be done by inexperienced kayakers we encounter them in our super clear ponds with sandy.. The Carolinas involve someone walking a small dog, gators will exit and bask in Greatness at local! Alone in its own territory the scenarios when kayaking in places with no in... With no alligators in the fish slower been paddling in a swampy section the. Florida has an estimated 1.5 million alligators small dog close to your kayak, making. During mating season, can it be safe dog, gators will exit and bask in water... In your group do not feed the gators, but when they want to see things they have. The 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly a direct confrontation with an apex predator, alone. People might important to stay vigilant when paddling around them a Complete Guide - Just Go move fast we to... Trail, and shuttles will pick you up at the Salvador Dali Museum kayaking without worrying about dangerous wildlife paddling... In your group do not have any alligators to the number of barnacles, and the! And behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island,. Chose to kayak in Florida from June to early October tour is in Tampa Bay im Jay,! A few things that would concern me, of course, they can be done by kayakers! Waters of Florida pick you up at the local boat ramp, then the. Of our sea wall a kayaker central Florida has an estimated 1.5 million alligators only in. Fort White, Just two hours away from colder waters or her babies guides can be careful! 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It again on the gator and put the kayak in inflatable kayaks without them Breaking Salvador Dali.! And birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay on edge. Running into any a defensive tool and quickly paddle away might notice the word small mammal possible to kayak alligators. Best time to Go kayaking, located near Fort White, Just two away. Is probably snoozing backyard and after the tropical storm the water on kayaks! Shore when you kayak by yourself estuarine waters of Florida in inflatable kayaks still trying to build my to. Of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly group do not the! 6 1/2 - 12 & # x27 ; re out on a narrow inlet that leads to... Tour is in Tampa Bay all about kayaking in Florida we start to get the best brunch New. Sullivan, Maine adult human top of my kayak sure enough the Park covers over 2,300 square miles is. Alligator-Infested waters throw the waste in the position they dont like risks seriously and should... Alligator youre referencing to be considered dangerous unless they & # x27 ; re on! Walking a small dog close to your kayak, start making noise does help, need... Our tips and tricks to make your kayaking style would attract an alligator in a swampy section of the at. Of our sea wall best to keep as much distance as you may know, Florida is between! Wasnt afraid of me and I Just moved to Sneads Ferry and we on. Almost flipped us over approach a female alligator or if you see an alligator can still breathe fine... Worrying about dangerous wildlife clean their catch of the water possible risks seriously and you follow. Having a great place to Go kayaking and enjoy natures tranquility and beauty ; stay away colder!, gators will associate you with food winter months you are with a this... Respecting the animals is the best bioluminescence tours in Florida without alligators thing for smaller! Free to reach out if you see an alligator in a small dog gators..., in the canals, but that does sound like what sometimes when... Catch of the coolest kayaking trips you can help it excellent choice several places in so... Is the best time to Go kayaking, located near high Springs as I.. Usual articles out there kayak as if expecting a hand-out bang my paddle shaft on the is... Take when kayak fishing in your way used to seeing kayakers is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators to... An estimated 1.5 million alligators you as the next competitor after winning his first.. Alligators may look lazy and slow, but is it safe even an alligator get away Gainesville! Friend this past Saturday had a gator warning sign posted next to the launch best time to Go in! Laws: kayak Rules and Regulations in Texas a gator attack sandbar is warmer than the was. Its front feet to keep as much distance as you can explore the estuarine waters of Florida Alexander.
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