Crocodile Spotted at Deering Estate: Our Kayak's First (and Last?) Adventure

Michelle and I recently bought a 2-person Ocean Kayak—our first real adventure vessel. We were pumped. Sunday seemed perfect for the maiden voyage: calm water, golden hour light, the whole romantic vibe.

We launched at the Deering Estate boat basin around 6 p.m. Not even 90 seconds in, we’re gliding toward the entrance when—BOOM—a massive prehistoric shape explodes out of the water right under us.

The thing jerked so violently and whipped its tail that it drenched us both head to toe. The kayak rocked like we’d been hit by a torpedo. I’ve never been so scared in my life—we were maybe 1 foot away. The beast had to be at least 7 feet long.

At first, I had no idea what it was. All I saw was a dark gray blur and a wall of water. My brain short-circuited: sea monster? Ferocious manatee on steroids? Goliath grouper with anger issues? Whatever it was looked straight out of Jurassic Park.

Michelle’s first thought? “It’s a Hollywood special effect—an underwater air cannon to keep boats out of the basin.” Honestly, that seemed more plausible than reality. The explosion reminded me of the Jaws ride at Universal Studios—big splash, sudden chaos, pure terror.

We paddled out of there faster than you can say “free kayak giveaway.” It wasn’t until we hit dry land that it sank in: we’d just been tail-slapped by a crocodile.

Right next to the canoe launch? A big yellow sign: Caution: Crocodiles in the Area. I saw it when we arrived. Thought it was some quaint historical relic from when John Deering lived there. Nope. Very current. Very serious.

As we loaded the kayak back on the car, a Park Ranger strolled by. “Yeah,” he said casually, “a woman saw a croc here two days ago.”

I thought Florida only had alligators. Apparently not in this neck of the mangroves.

We’re seriously considering selling the kayak. If we do, the Craigslist ad might read something like this:

2-Man Ocean Kayak For Sale – Almost Brand New!
Yellow Ocean Kayak with 2 premium seats, 2 paddles. Lightly used (one terrifying crocodile encounter). Great for calm waters. Not recommended for crocodile-infested boat basins. Bonus: comes with fresh adrenaline rush memory. $400 OBO. Serious inquiries only—no crocs, please.

She's trying to convince me to keep it. “Come on, babe—it was just one croc. What are the odds of a repeat?”I looked at her like she'd suggested swimming with sharks. “The odds were zero until they weren’t.”

Michelle standing in front of the Stone House at the Deering Estate.

About the Deering Estate

The Deering Estate at Cutler is a hidden gem—not just for its natural beauty but for its history. The property includes buildings from 1896 to 1922, important archaeological sites showing human presence dating back 10,000 years (and animals back 100,000 years), and a Native American burial mound from around 1600. It’s a peaceful, haunting slice of old Florida right in the middle of modern Miami-Dade.

Crocodile vs. Alligator Quick Guide

• Crocodiles in Florida: Rarer, prefer brackish/salt water, narrower snouts, more aggressive when cornered. Found mostly in South Florida mangroves and coastal areas like the Deering Estate.
• Alligators: Common, freshwater lovers, broader snouts, generally chill unless provoked or protecting nests.

Either way—respect the wildlife, keep distance, and maybe don’t name your kayak “Croc Bait.”

Crocodiles at the Deering Today (2026 Update)

Crocodile sightings in the Deering Estate area are still occasional but not uncommon—American crocodiles have made a strong comeback in South Florida thanks to conservation efforts (population now estimated at ~2,000 statewide). They’re generally shy and avoid people, but the boat basin remains a known hangout spot. The Deering Estate is still open for tours, hikes, and kayak launches—check deeringestate.org for current hours and safety info. Croc warnings remain posted. If you go, keep eyes open, stay in groups, and maybe paddle with a friend who can out-swim you. Miami’s wild side is alive and well—just don’t surprise one in the water!

Editor’s Note: Originally published August 06, 2007 and updated in 2026.