While alligators are as fearful of you as you are of them, they can associate you with their food source.

So, yes, it can be dangerous to paddle around them.

What To Do If You Come Across An Alligator While Kayaking?

The truth is alligators quickly enter the water upon seeing you.

If you see them, try not to point at them and pass them. As you get closer and closer, you will notice a subtle and controlled sink, and then they disappear. 

Most often, gators are only a few inches below the surface of the water. Sometimes, there is so little space in a creek or waterway that we will inevitably push the gator into the water. It’s not a big deal if it happens. Just keep kayaking and stay alert. 

Warning Signs Of Gator Attack

This is how you can tell if an alligator is gonna attack:

Making a Hiss Sound

Alligators, when they feel frightened, make a hiss before attacking. If you hear or see any of them hissing, it’s time for you to start moving in a different direction or paddle away.

Also, don’t attempt to circumvent a hissing alligator; they’ll see this as a threat and attack.

Bellowing Alligator

When an alligator bellows, it signals that it is declaring its territory. Male alligators typically bellow during mating season when they are trying to attract a mate. 

The alligator typically puffs up its underbelly and lifts its head and tail out of the water. As it bellows, it lets out a deep, low-pitched rumbling sound. The rumble can be strong enough to make the water around it vibrate. 

Clapping Their Jaws

This is a clear sign that the gator is ready to attack. At these times, use your paddle to hit the side of your kayak and make loud noises to frighten it away.

Alligator Swimming Towards You 

If an alligator dips its head underneath the water and then reappears closer to you, it is sniffing you out and assessing you as a threat. Don’t engage; instead, calmly but quickly paddle away in the opposite direction. 

Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Safety Tips

As seeing gators in the water with you can be exciting, you need to be very vigilant. These are some tips for your safety that also apply on boats and canoes to avoid aggressive alligators approaching you:

Don’t Block an Alligator’s Path 

Never get in an alligator’s way or block their path. If you see a gator swimming near you, calmly reel and get out of the way.

Keep a distance between yourself and the gator. Don’t ever corner it. It will more likely attack you if it doesn’t find a place to skip.

Don’t Bring Pets And Small Children

While kayaking with your kids and pets side by side is a next-level experience, don’t take them along where there are many alligators.

Both are the ideal prey size, and if they see them as prey, they will not hesitate to attack your kayak for it.

Never Feed Alligators

As I mentioned above, they naturally fear you, and you’ll let them lose this fear by feeding them.

Ps. You should be especially cautious at dawn, dusk, and night because that is when alligators are most active.

Carry An Air Horn

If you see an alligator swimming towards you, use an air horn. The loud noise will threaten the gator away and serve as a call for help in extreme conditions.

Be Careful During Their Mating Season

Alligators are in their most aggressive state during this season. Even after nesting season has passed, if you ever see an alligator nest, never approach them.

Knowing when alligators in your area mate and nest will help you be vigilant when you’re out on the water. I’d suggest completely refraining from going during this period.

Avoid Gator Territory Completely If You’re Not Sure

If you feel nervous about kayaking with alligators and are sure you can’t escape wildlife, it’s better you avoid gator-infested waters like the Everglades altogether.

There are plenty of alligator-free spots where you can kayak freely.

I’ve read somewhere that a girl claimed to have escaped a gator’s hit using an inflatable kayak. She said if it had been a hard shell boat, she’d be finished. I don’t know if that helps.

Conclusion

While you can enjoy your kayaking adventure alongside gators, ensure alligator safety by following these tips and staying cautious and aware of their moves!

If I’d be you, I’d never paddle in a gator water.