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Looking for a magical and unique experience? Discover bioluminescent kayaking in Florida!
The Sunshine State is one of the rare places in the world where you can admire that incredible phenomenon.
If you love water activities and the outdoors, this will be perfect for you. It’s a great way to discover your surroundings in a unique way. It’s also a great thing to do in summer and at night!
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about bioluminescence in Florida.
This includes explanations, tips, what to wear and of course, the best places for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida!
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is light produced and emitted by living things. It’s due to chemical reactions in their bodies.
Most of the bioluminescent organisms are fish, jellies and plankton. As a general thing, it’s very much of an ocean thing but there are also a few land ones as well.
What causes bioluminescence in Florida?
Bioluminescence is not a phenomenon that you can admire everywhere in the world. It’s pretty unique and places like Jervis Bay, in Australia or Florida, in the USA are particularly famous for it.
Florida is home to several species of bioluminescent sea creatures including dinoflagellates (plankton), comb jellyfish, snapping shrimps and fireflies.
Best time for bioluminescence Florida
Summer is known as the best time of the year to see bioluminescence in Florida. While this is the case, it’s not the only time of the year that you can admire the phenomenon.
Bioluminescence in Florida happens pretty much all year round, just with different species.
Summer months (May to October) are best for plankton bioluminescence.
In the winter months, you can still see it but it will be produced by comb jellies this time.
Bioluminescence is one of the best things to do in Florida during the summer, especially since it’s not the busy season but do not worry, even if you are visiting in winter, you’ll get to experience it as well.
In terms of days, the best time to see the bioluminescence is around the new moon.
This is because it’s much smaller than any other moon.
The light doesn’t reflect on the water so you get to see the beautiful blue light much better.
If you can, avoid the full moon as there is a lot of light that reflects on the water.
That said, if you can’t change the date and happen to be visiting during the full moon, you can still get to see it.
In this case, it would be more even more recommended to book a guided tour as the guides will make sure to bring you to spots that are better during the full moon.
How to see the bioluminescence in Florida?
The best way to experience it is with a kayak, at night.
Obviously, you need as little light as possible to see the bioluminescence so your adventure will have to be at night.
In terms of “transportation”, the best way is to take a kayak so you can be very close to the water.
If you can, opt for a clear kayak so you can even see the light under your legs!
It’s recommended to book a guided kayak tour for this. You will be with a local guide who knows exactly where to go.
Also, he will explain everything about it. It’s very interesting!
In terms of safety, it’s always better to opt for a tour when you are kayaking at night but it’s also the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!
What to wear for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida
Usually, when you go kayaking in Florida, you would just put a bikini on. This is not quite the case for bioluminescent kayaking.
Firstly, you need to remember that it will be at night which means it will be a bit chillier than during the day.
Secondly, the areas where you will go are all known for being home to many mosquitoes.
Knowing all of that, make sure to wear:
- Long pants and long sleeves. If you can, wear long comfy pants and a T-shirt with long sleeves. This is mainly so you don’t get attacked by mosquitoes. It doesn’t need to be warm. As a matter of fact, you might even want to take something quite light and airy so you’re not too hot. If you are doing it in winter though, you may want to opt for something a bit warmer. If you have a wet suit, this will do perfectly. Bear in mind that while you’re not supposed to get entirely wet, you may get a tiny bit wet so make sure you don’t mind your clothes getting wet.
- Insect repellent. Again, you can never be too careful with this so put on insect repellent before starting the tour.
- Water shoes. You will need some sort of shoes for this one. You will be walking in the dark before going on the kayak so it’s better to wear some sort of water sandals to make sure you don’t walk on anything potentially sharp.
Best places for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida
Now, are you ready to discover the best places to see bioluminescence in Florida while kayaking? Let’s get started!
Indian River Lagoon
Located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Indian River Lagoon is one of the best places in Florida to see bioluminescence.
The shoals of planktons in the Indian River lagoon glow at night, offering you one of the most surreal kayaking experiences you will ever have.
When paddling here (especially in the warm summer weather), you are likely to see algae, seaweed, marine life but the epitome of this adventure is how these marine animals and fish glow when swimming close to your kayak.
The waterway is isolated, which makes it an excellent location to observe the bioluminescence.
There is a man-made canal, the Haulover canal, from where you can launch your kayak and then paddle east, under the drawbridge and past the Manatee Observation deck.
The locals and guides will offer you more information on where to head for the best bioluminescent experience on the lagoon.
Make sure you carry your camera with you so that you can immortalize the experience. Manatee sighting is a common activity in this location.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is well known as a great surfing destination.
The small beach town is a haven for water sports lovers.
When you are not lounging on the clean, sandy beach, you can always hop onto your kayak to enjoy a slow evening watching bioluminescence in the water.
During the warmer months (closest to the new moon), you can see dinoflagellates glowing beautifully around your kayak, and during the cooler months, comb jellies are plenty.
The comb jellies are active from November through March. They do not sting and once you touch them inside the water, they emit a beautiful bluish glow.
Because the phenomenon is so unique, it’s highly recommended to book a guided tour.
The local guides know the area like the back of their hand and will bring you to the best spots while explaining everything you need to know.
Kayaking tours last approximately two hours.
Click here to see the latest prices.
Cape Canaveral
If you want to stay away from the crowds, you can also launch your kayak from Cape Canaveral, a more isolated spot that makes it ideal for this kind of sporting activity.
Cape Canaveral is famous for being America’s launch pad. It’s one of the NASA bases and home to the Kennedy Space Center.
If you love everything that has to do with space and rockets, that’s the perfect place to visit.
However, while most people rush to the Kennedy Space Center, most visitors ignore that Cape Canaveral is also a destination in its own right.
It is known by the locals as one of the best places for bioluminescence kayaking near Orlando and Cocoa Beach.
The best way to discover the glowing plankton here is to opt for a guided tour.
There are local guides to direct you to where you can see the glowing fish and believe us, they are in abundance!
You can also choose whether you prefer a solo or a tandem kayak.
Click here to see the latest prices.
Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge
Located on the Atlantic Coast, Merritt Island is another famous spot for bioluminescence kayaking in Florida.
It lies between Cocoa Beach and Titusville which is particularly convenient.
As you may have gathered by now, this area is where you will find the most bioluminescence in Florida and therefore, you will have a lot of options.
This large barrier island is home to thousands of unique species of birds, fish and mammals. You can even find endangered species here. There are also great hiking opportunities here including the Great Florida Birding Trail.
All in all, it’s a great place to visit if you want to discover what unspoilt Florida truly looks like.
As there are many bioluminescent spots on this island and as the access can sometimes be restricted by NASA, the best way to explore is to join a kayak tour at night.
This tour starts at the Haulover canal but will take a different direction compared to the first one mentioned. You will be heading to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge which is an area of protected wetlands. It’s beautiful!
Click here to see the prices here.
Fort De Soto Bioluminescence tours
The lagoons and bays around Fort De Soto County Park also offer opportunities (albeit limited) for bioluminescence kayaking.
The park makes up for this limitation with other numerous attractions, including museums, lush foliage, and beautiful beaches.
If you want to have a fulfilling bioluminescence kayaking adventure here, come during the warmer months.
You will find planktons, and at night when they are disturbed by other marine life (dolphins, manatees, or alligators) they glow beautifully.
Dinoflagellates are numerous in Tampa Bay and when the timing is right, they light up the waters, providing a unique, exciting, and ecstatic experience to people kayaking here at night.
There are five islands in Fort De Soto Park and each one has a waterfront and a beautiful beach from where you can launch your kayak to enjoy the bioluminescence adventure.
READ MORE: 14 Incredible Hidden Gems in St Petersburg (FL), Clearwater & Tampa
Titusville
Titusville is the home to NASA (an attraction by itself), wildlife refuges, and beautiful spots where your family can engage in bioluminescence kayaking.
There are three main launch sites in Titusville; the Haulover Canal South, the Haulover Canal North, and Beacon 42. Each kayaking site offers a distinctively unique experience.
The Haulover Canal North is the most popular launching site, used by numerous tour companies offering daytime and nighttime adventures.
Opting for a bioluminescence kayak tour in Titusville is an excellent idea as you will get to learn so much more about the phenomenon and the area.
Here are the options available:
- From Haulover canal. You will also have the choice between the Indian River Lagoon or Banana River kayak tour. The tour lasts 1h30. See prices.
- From Beacon 42. The unique thing about this one is that you will be using clear kayaks, making the experience even better! This tour lasts 1 hour and a half as well. Everything is included. If you are lucky, you may even see some manatees! See prices.
Whether you will be using a company to tour this area or on your own, you are in for an amazing treat.
Manatee and alligator sightings are common, especially during the day.
Dolphins love to splash and play in the glowing waters at night, making beautiful blue-colored waves as they swim beneath your kayak.
Planktons are unusually many during June through October.
Be sure to watch out for otters, mullets, and pelicans as well when kayaking in Titusville.
READ MORE: 21 Best places to go kayaking in Florida
Mosquito Lagoon
This lagoon is part of the Space Coast that also comprises the Indian River Lagoon and the Banana Lagoon.
During the summer season, billions of dinoflagellates emit bluish light whenever they are disturbed by human activity or by marine life.
You will enjoy watching the waves your paddle makes with every stroke, how your kayak seems to pave a bluish-white way in the dark water, or watching a dolphin swim beneath your kayak, its large body seeming somewhat magnified by the hue.
You can rent a kayak on the lagoon if you decide not to bring yours for the trip. Kayak launching is done at the Haulover Canal in Merritt Wildlife Refuge.
You can also opt to book a kayak tour. It’s pretty affordable and great value for money. Click here to see the prices.
This location is called Mosquito lagoon for good reason, so ensure you carry a mosquito spray with you.
Banana River
This is one of the most popular bioluminescence locations in Cocoa Beach.
It is also very crowded, with numerous guided tours launching from here every night.
You are assured of seeing manatees, stingrays or mullets as they speed beneath your boat.
Planktons are many and they create a wonderful glow whenever you glide above them in your kayak.
If you have a see-through kayak, you will have a magnificent experience.
Pandora, the World of Avatar
Located at Animal Kingdom, in Disney World, the Pandora is a themed section (after the movie avatar) that features bioluminescent plants, marine life, alien forms, mountains that float, and other numerous attractions in true Disney style.
This is a man-made feature and your kids will still enjoy the experience of kayaking on a water mass where the fish illuminate when they are disturbed- as if on cue.
Be sure to check out the other entertainment options inside this place while you are here.
The Econlockhatchee River
There is a stunning 8-mile stretch of the Econlockhatchee River that passes through the Little Big Econ State Forest, providing excellent grounds for kayaking, paddling, and swimming.
During the day, whitewater rafting is a popular activity here. There are several guided tours as well.
This section of the river takes you through a delightful wilderness where all sorts of birds and wildlife reside.
Although the river is winding, it forms a large sandy beach every time it makes a turn, and these are the places where bioluminescence occurs at night.
It might not be as vivid as some of the other locations here (such as the Space Coast: Banana River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Indian River) but you can still see planktons and millions of dinoflagellates glow with every stroke your paddle makes in the water.
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