Kayaking With Alligators

An alligator in the swamps near Gatorland, Florida

Wow! Kayaking with alligators - this is such an amazing thing to do - but also it can be incredibly dangerous.

Alligators are large lizard like creatures that can weigh up to 450kg and measure 4.4 metres in length. A formidable reptile with very few predators - perhaps only humans.

Alligators are native to the USA, Mexico and China. Popular in the Florida Everglades, they can even be found chilling in outdoor swimming pools!

They are stealthy hunters and can swim easily and fast underwater before emerging to grab their prey. They often use the long tails to push off the river bed and gain height.

They may attack a kayak or canoe from underneath believing it to be their prey. This is unusual though.

Kayaking near and around them requires skill and some knowledge about their movements and potential behaviour.

However, done carefully, it will be safe and result in some stunning kayaking and photo opportunities.

7 Things You Should Know When Kayaking With Alligators

Feeding an alligator at Gatorland, Florida

These are some key points you should know when kayaking with alligators.

1) Never feed an alligator. Keep all food in sealed containers in the kayak or canoe. When stopping for lunch, clear away all left over food into sealed containers and take it with you.

2) Plan your route carefully - Minimise areas where you could startle or surprise an alligator - or be cornered yourself. They love the undergrowth and will be well camouflaged in these areas.

3) Keep your distance - Stay as far away as possible from the alligators especially during breeding season. Breeding season will be the most dangerous time to be kayaking with alligators. They will be aggressive and more likely to attack. If you want that special photo close up - use a zoom lens!

4) Stay in the kayak or canoe - Minimise the amount of time you are out of the kayak or canoe - and never, ever swim in proximity to alligators. Your hands and legs dangling in the water will potentially attract alligators and you may well become lunch!

5) Carry a whistle or air horn - if an alligator does approach, making loud noises often deters them.

6) Never provoke an alligator - doing anything that focuses the alligator's attention on you is very dangerous. Waving your arms, splashing the paddle etc are all to be avoided.

7) Leave your dog at home - a dog is an easy meal for an alligator. The dog's behaviour can sometimes be erratic and might attract the attention of the alligator.

With these points in mind, you can safely kayak (or canoe) with alligators.

As always, make your own judgement with your own circumstances. Advice on this page is for reference only.

A close encounter with an alligator

PS. Paddlesports can be dangerous.
Read our safety disclaimer - here

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