If you’re looking for a truly unique experience on your next trip to Orlando, look no further than bioluminescence kayaking! This relatively new activity has become immensely popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. If you love visiting Pandora, World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night, or watching fireflies light up, you’ll love this activity!
Imagine paddling through calm waters as millions of tiny organisms light up the water around you — it’s an unforgettable experience. Ready to learn everything you need to know about bioluminescence kayaking in Orlando? Keep reading…
What is Bioluminescence Kayaking?
Bioluminescence kayaking is precisely what it sounds like — kayaking through waters that are illuminated by bioluminescent organisms. These organisms, which are found in all kinds of environments, including fresh and salt water, produce light as a result of a chemical reaction that takes place within their cells. When they are disturbed (for example, by the movement of a kayak paddle), they release light. This results in an incredible light show that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen!
What Exactly Makes the Water Light Up?
Dinoflagellates are single-celled microorganisms that are found in marine environments all over the world. While they’re most commonly known for causing red tide (a phenomenon where dinoflagellates bloom in such large numbers that they turn the ocean red), they’re also responsible for one of nature’s most dazzling natural light shows — bioluminescence.
Bioluminescence occurs when dinoflagellates are disturbed, and they release a chemical called luciferin. When this happens, the water lights up like fireflies on a summer night. It’s truly a magical sight and might just be one of the most fantastic things to do in Orlando.
Where Can I Go Bioluminescence Kayaking in Orlando?
The best place to embark on a bioluminescence journey in Central Florida is off the Space Coast, about an hour’s drive from popular parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. Perfect for ending your day trip to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral or an evening adventure with family and friends.
Here are the top three places to go bioluminescence kayaking in Florida:
Indian River Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon is a 156-mile-long estuary that runs along Florida’s east coast and is made up of three lagoons — Mosquito Lagoon, the Banana River, and the Indian River. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including manatees, dolphins, and over 1,500 species of fish. And is also one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, with plenty of fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching opportunities!
Most kayaking tours launch from Mosquito Lagoon; just remember to pack your bug spray!
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve located on Merritt Island in Brevard County, Florida. Established in 1963, the refuge spans 140,000 acres and is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Like the Indian River Lagoon, this refuge offers a variety of activities for visitors, including kayaking, fishing, bird-watching, and hiking. It’s also home to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which offers tours of NASA’s space shuttle launch pads and other exhibits about America’s space program.
The best spot to see bioluminescence in Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is Haulover Canal, right in the center of the refuge.
Cocoa Beach
When you think about Cocoa beach, you probably instantly think about the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters it’s known for! Just an hour’s drive from Orlando, this charming town is home to some of the best beaches in the state and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
On top of the beaches, you’ll want to head to the Banana River Aquatic Preserve for some incredible bioluminescence kayaking!
When is the best time to go Bioluminescent Kayaking in Orlando?
The best times to see bioluminescence is during the late spring and summer months when the dinoflagellates bioluminescent bloom in large numbers! You’ll find the peak season for a true glow in the dark experience is between June and September every year.
However, it is essential to note that they are greatly affected by weather conditions — in particular, they need warm weather and calm waters in order to thrive. As a result, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out on your bioluminescence kayaking adventure!
Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour Guides & Companies
If you’ve never been kayaking in these waters, we recommend one of these incredible tours that will take you to the perfect places to witness the natural phenomenon! Each company offers different launch sites, so be sure to check with them to see where you should go to embark on your journey:
BK Adventure
BK Adventures embarks out of the Indian River Lagoon and offers five distinct types of tours to go bioluminescent kayaking in Florida! The Original Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours is a one-hour adventure that will take you through what’s been dubbed as Florida’s own “Bioluminescent Bay” on the Indian River Lagoon.
If being out on the water longer sounds ideal, then you’ll want to take a look at their Sunset Kayaking with Bioluminescence Tour, which will take you to see birds, dolphins, and manatees at sunset before your nighttime bioluminescent adventure.
For a genuinely unique experience, they also offer glass bottom kayaks — these are our favorite way to experience the magic of the sparkling waters!
A Day Away Kayak Tours
A Day Away Kayak Tours has an incredible Sunset Bioluminescence Tour that launches at Mullethead Island and will allow you to see gators, dolphins, and manatees as the sun goes down in the background. Afterward, you’ll get to encounter the bioluminescence under the stars.
They also offer a Clear Kayak Bioluminescence tour for a truly immersive experience and a not-to-miss Comb Jelly Bioluminescence tour!
Florida Adventurer
Florida Adventurer’s Bioluminescence Tour launches out of Haulover Canal in Titusville, about an hour from Orlando! Their leisurely 90-minute tour includes a tandem kayak, PDF, paddles, and happy guides. Your bioluminescent journey with them will take you through the mangrove trails and shallow flats of the Indian River Lagoon.
They specifically recommend booking 3 days after a full moon until 1 day after a new moon for the best experience.
What to Expect on a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
When you go on a bioluminescence tour, you will be kayaking through one of the local lakes at night with a guide who will point out all the different organisms you may see along the way. As you paddle through the lagoon, you will see the water glow with every stroke!
Be sure to bring insect repellent, long sleeve shirts, water shoes, and plenty of water to drink. Also, consider packing a change of clothes and a towel to leave in the car for drying off afterward. If you have a professional camera, you’ll want to make sure to have it on you to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Experience the Magic?
Have you ever wanted to go kayaking through glowing waters? If so, then bioluminescence kayaking in Orlando should definitely be on your bucket list! This unique experience offers travelers the chance to see nature like never before — and there’s no better place to do it than Central Florida. So what are you waiting for? Book your Orlando vacation rental and get ready for an adventure!
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