Rainbow springs - gators

[papasmurf]

The Mrs showed me this place and I fancy going along. Looks great.

But she has said ‘maybe in a year or two’. Reason being that she doesn’t fancy putting the kids in a river with gators.

It looks like you swim in an open river and tube down the river where there are gators.

Seems potentially dangerous. Has anyone been? Can you offer words of advice on how dangerous it is?

[Moorlandman]

A quick google search suggests there has been no incidents involving alligators at Rainbow Springs and most of the alligators are less than 6 feet long

Sounds like a great experience

[Billy Beatnik]

Heard of people being eaten by crocodiles, but never gators. Although, I guess it’s all a matter if the size of the person being eaten and the size of the gator!

[bishbop56]

me and my OH did this back in 2015 and to this day is one of our favourite experiences in Florida.

However, We have never been back to do it as we now take the children and i would not feel comfortable with them in there. It was completely safe and even saw a lady swimming down pushing her toddler in a tube however i worry to much and would not enjoy the experience.

[Stitch & Smudge]

Originally Posted by Billy Beatnik

Heard of people being eaten by crocodiles, but never gators. Although, I guess it’s all a matter if the size of the person being eaten and the size of the gator!

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Not even the kid at The Grand Floridian? Granted it’s not common but it does happen.

[scooby99]

Originally Posted by Billy Beatnik

Heard of people being eaten by crocodiles, but never gators. Although, I guess it’s all a matter if the size of the person being eaten and the size of the gator!

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Hmm, the very sad incident of the 2 year old building a sandcastle on the Grand Floridian beach dragged underwater & to his death by a gator?

As said, rare but it can happen & as they say, wherever you see water, don’t be surprised to see a gator.

[Billy Beatnik]

Yeah, I totally forgot about that poor little boy.

[bonnies mum]

Years ago DH, 2DS and me all swam at Silver Springs. There were gators in the area the park managers deemed safe during daytime.
Nowadays I would not contemplate doing that, I have read far too many reports of alligators attacking and eating people.

[tj+alana]

We stay around this area for 3 days every year and always swim in Rainbow Springs,yes there are Gators and you do need to keep a look out.Most often you will see a 4-6 foot gator along the banks by the trees but they stay away from everyone in their tubes.If you are put off by the swimming,you could try hiring a canoe and paddle down the river.Its a lovely experience.You also have Inverness Heritage Town,Weeki Wachee Springs (Mermaid Show) and Homosassa Wildlife Park 20-30 min drive away.