While a crocodile in the ocean may seem like a rare sight, University of Florida endangered species researcher Frank Mazzotti told NBC 6 South Florida that it is common for crocodiles in Florida to swim out of swamps into inlets and the ocean.
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Can alligators be in the ocean in Florida? While they are not typically found in the ocean, it isn't uncommon for the rare reptile to venture into saltwater environments.
They are known to be fantastic swimmers and can travel long distances by sea, sometimes as much as 900km. Saltwater crocodiles aren't particularly strong swimmers, yet there have been many reports of sightings in the open ocean, far from land.
The species usually does not attack people as regularly as Old World crocodiles do; the estimated number of attacks is considerably smaller than those by the saltwater (C. porosus) and Nile crocodiles (C. niloticus), which are considered the most aggressive crocodilians towards humans.
Under normal circumstances they will not be attack you unless you do something to attract their attention or encroach on their territory. This means do not feed them. You might think they're hungry, being in the wild, but they do just fine on their own and don't need your help to survive.
There is an underwater tour in Florida where you can actually swim with an alligator, with a net barrier between you and the reptile, of course. During the 30-minute tour, you'll learn about the animal and attend a safety briefing before entering the 30,000-gallon aquatic habitat with the reptile.
Since Florida alligators don't pay much attention to roadside barriers or property lines, many drivers and pedestrians have learned the hard way to keep their eyes peeled in the Sunshine State. Alligators go where they want, which includes yards, golf courses and anywhere else food might be available.