We love kayaking in mangroves, but the first time we tried it we were worried that it might not be safe.
Kayaking in mangroves is safe as long as you follow the usual kayaking safety rules. Plan ahead, make a float plan, bring water and other supplies, and always wear your life jacket. Pay special attention to navigation, as mangrove tunnels can be confusing.
Read on to learn more about kayaking safely in mangrove forests.
Kayaking in Mangroves as a Family
Kaying in mangroves is one of my favorite things to do. Mangrove swamps are amazing habitats that are full of a great variety of animals. They serve as nurseries for the ocean and provide a home for a huge number of both marine and freshwater animals.
Why Kayak in Mangroves?
Mangroves are one of the most interesting places I have ever kayaked. When paddling through a mangrove tunnel you never know what you might find! Our kids have gotten to experience some amazing things while kayaking in these brackish waters, including dolphins, many different kinds of fish, manatees, and even a huge ray. Other animals you may spot in mangrove forests include small sharks, many kinds of wading birds, snails and other invertebrates, coral, and saltwater crocodiles.
Mangroves are also enjoyable places to kayak because the trees form canopies overhead in many places, providing shade. The channels and waterways tend to be relatively narrow, allowing you more to see and explore than a wide-open area like a lake. Finally, the exotic-looking habitat and the chance to see something new around every bend make this fun for kids.
How to Kayak in Mangroves Safely
Staying safe while kayaking in mangroves is mostly about following the basic kayaking safety rules. While the mangroves are a different habitat from many other common paddling destinations, they aren’t specifically dangerous. However, there are some special things to consider when in mangrove forests.
Basic Kayaking Safety Rules
Don’t forget the basic kayaking safety rules that you should follow every time you are on the water:
- Wear Life Preservers (always!)
- Bring extra water to drink
- Check the conditions before leaving
- Never paddle alone (as a beginner)
- Make a float plan and tell someone
- Dress for the weather
- Avoid cold-water kayaking with kids
- Stick to flatwater if you’re a beginner
- Bring navigation tools
Learn more about safely kayaking with kids in this post.
Kayaking Around Dangerous Animals
There are dangerous animals found in the mangrove swamps of Florida. The first animal to come to mind is the alligator. While these predators can be found throughout most of Florida, most alligator-human interactions don’t end badly. Alligator attacks are rare, especially considering the number of interactions each day.
Stay Safe Around Alligators: If you are kayaking in mangroves, the best way to stay safe around alligators is to give them space so they don’t feel threatened, and go on your way. Yelling, slapping the water, and paddling close to the animal could all be seen as a threat. Never feed alligators, as this is one of the most dangerous things you can do (it is also illegal in most places). Finally, if an alligator hisses or approaches your kayak, paddle away quickly.
You may also encounter other animals while kayaking in the Everglades, including crocodiles, sharks, and rays. While all of these animals are potentially dangerous, attacks are very rare. If you keep your hands and feet inside the kayak, give them their space, and avoid harassing them, you shouldn’t have to worry. Again, follow these rules:
- Never feed wild animals.
- Avoid slapping and splashing the water with your hands or the paddle.
- Respect wildlife and watch it from a safe distance.
- If wildlife seems threatened or aggressive, move away. It may be defending its territory or nest.
Navigation While Kayaking Mangrove Tunnels
Another consideration while kayaking in mangroves is navigation. While exploring the many twisting tunnels and waterways is one of my favorite parts of these forests, it is incredibly easy to get lost. Mangrove forests are thick and dense, and from the surface of the water, the different tunnels all look the same. Here are some ways to keep your bearings while kayaking these areas:
- Plan ahead: Take the time to learn about the paddle trails and waterways in the area you plan to visit. Look at maps and learn about potential dangers. Choose a specific route rather than simply wandering through the various tunnels.
- Talk to a ranger: Talk to a ranger about your chosen route before you leave. Ask about potential hazards and get maps and advice. Not only will you get the most timely information, but you will also be letting a local expert know where you are going.
- Take maps and GPS: Take navigation tools. Mark your route on a map or use a map with routes already marked. Keep an eye on your navigation while you travel, and check the map each time you turn into a new tunnel or channel. Your phone can be used as a GPS tool. (Make sure to load your map before you leave in case you don’t have cell service on the water.)
- Start small: Make sure that you choose a small area to get started in. A large, interconnected area like the Ten Thousand Islands potentially has hundreds of miles of channels, paddling trails, and natural tunnels. Start with a smaller area like the paddling trails in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or stay close to your launching point.
Currents and Tides
Finally, make sure to pay attention to currents and tides while kayaking in mangroves. Because mangrove forests are located along the area where the ocean meets land, the water here is controlled by the ocean. Many mangrove swamps become very shallow or turn to mud during periods of low tide. When this happens, kayakers may become stranded until the tide comes back in. Most channels are deep enough that this isn’t a threat, but some areas, such as Mud Bay in Collier Seminole State Park, are different. Make sure to check your route and tide charts before leaving.
When the tide is changing, you may experience currents as the water moves. Most of these aren’t too powerful and you will be able to paddle against them, but it’s a good idea to understand that it can happen and be aware so it doesn’t catch you off-guard. We were once paddling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park when the tide changed. Because we were very near the edge of the swamp the current was relatively strong and some of the kids struggled against it.
Taking Your Kids Kayaking in Mangroves
We have had some of our best adventures kayaking in the mangroves with our kids. Experiences such as snorkeling from a kayak, watching rays, and having a dolphin swim under our boat have made unforgettable memories. Kayaking with your kids in the mangroves isn’t inherently more dangerous than kayaking alone. Remember to bring extra water and snacks, keep life jackets on your kids at all times, and stick with moderate, safe kayaking conditions. In the mangroves, be extra careful with navigation and teach your kids to stay a safe distance from animals.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida.
How to Find Mangroves in Florida
In Florida, mangroves are found along the coasts in most of the southern and central parts of the state. There are some areas of mangroves in the panhandle, as well. The best places to kayak in mangroves are along the coasts in the southern part of the state, especially the Ten Thousand Islands area, the Everglades, and around the Keys. Much of this area is protected public lands, so you should be able to find plenty of places to kayak. Here is more information on the best places to find mangrove forests in Florida.
Conclusion
Kayaking in mangrove forests is an amazing experience that shouldn’t be missed. If you take safety precautions and make careful plans, the danger of wild animals and navigation concerns shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this adventure, even with kids along.