Last Updated on January 10, 2024
There is a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence.
It is a chemical reaction – the production and emission of light by a living organism, usually used with the purpose of evading predators, luring prey, or communicating with its species.
A common example of a bioluminescent organism is a firefly.
Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida
Many people love Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida!
If you plan on visiting Florida beaches in search of bioluminescent creatures, you’ll likely have different experiences depending on the time of year you visit.
June to September is the optimal time to see bioluminescent plankton (i.e., dinoflagellates). Since they are drawn to warm waters, glowing plankton make their appearance around summer.
From November to March, comb jellies take to the cooler water.
This incredible occurrence can be experienced on Florida’s Space Coast, including areas of Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, and Indian River Lagoon.
The best times to see bioluminescence occur in the days preceding or after a new moon due to the lower light conditions.
So when you are planning your trip, consult a lunar calendar for an optimal viewing experience.
The best way to see bioluminescence is by experiencing a nighttime kayaking guided tour designed specifically to see the glowing water.
This memorable experience takes you to some of the best bioluminescent occurring places accessible by kayak.
If you choose to book a kayaking tour, for your comfort, it is recommended that you pack a few things to bring with you for the experience, which typically lasts anywhere from 1-2 hours.
What to bring when Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida:
- Water shoes – water shoes provide comfort and traction when transitioning you and your kayak from land to the water.
- Insect Repellant – a Florida essential, especially at night! Mosquitos love warm weather and water. (The Mosquito Lagoon lives up to its name).
- Water bottle and snacks – Tours usually last an hour or two, and it’s important to stay hydrated! Water and snacks are critical to bring if you’re with kiddos.
- A long sleeve shirt – in addition to providing more protection from mosquitos, a long sleeve shirt with also keep you warm despite coastal breezes.
- A change of clothes – you never know what’s going to happen when you are out on the water, especially if it is your first time kayaking or kayaking at night. To avoid an uncomfortable drive after your tour, it’s recommended that you pack a change of clothes.
For most tours, children must be 5 years or older to participate – when booking, ask your tour operator for exceptions.
NOTE: Your camera may be unable to capture bioluminescence’s beauty. It’s okay to put your phone down and enjoy the moment.
Best places for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is just south of Cape Canaveral. It is known for its great waves for surfing, the Cocoa Beach Pier, and its proximity to Orlando – just about 60 miles. Cocoa Beach is also a great place to see bioluminescence!
There are a variety of tours that launch from Cocoa Beach, like BK Adventure’s rafting tour that meets at Kiwanis Island Park. They have small tours led by guides that are familiar with Florida ecology.
BK Adventure offers a variety of Bio Bay Tours, including Family Rafting, Completely See-Through Clear Kayaks, and Double Kayaks.
Also in the area, Cocoa Kayaking offers a clear bottom kayak tour. Clear bottom kayaks are wonderful for tours like these because they allow you to see the water directly beneath your kayak, which very well can include the glow of bioluminescent organisms.
Indian River Lagoon
Indian River Lagoon is located south of Cocoa Beach and is known as one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere.
The area includes mangrove wetlands, salt marshes, and coastal waters and serves as a refuge for many species, including turtles, fish, and migratory birds.
Because of the natural protections and wildlife in this area, the Indian River Lagoon is able to offer many different eco-tourism experiences, including bioluminescent kayaking tours.
Calypso Kayaking has two different night tours – a bioluminescent kayak tour and a sunset/bioluminescent tour, which combines all the wonder of a bioluminescent experience preluded with a beautiful Florida sunset.
Florida-Adventurer also offers tours in this area, including rafting tours that can accommodate groups of up to eight on one raft.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in Titusville, north of Cocoa Beach and near the Kennedy Space Center.
The refuge, established in 1963, is a preserve full of native Florida wildlife and habitats, including saltwater marshes, sand dunes, and pine flatwoods.
A Day Away Kayak Tours offers daytime tours if you are interested in exploring the area while the sun is still up.
Daytime tours often include manatee and dolphin sightings and a variety of other species like gators and birds. At night, they have bioluminescent tours that you can take on a clear kayak.
If you are interested in both experiences, consider getting a combo ticket with both tours to see the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge in two completely different ways!
Also launching from the refuge, Get Up And Go Kayaking has kayak tours that start from Haulover Canal.
They offer many different times for their tours, including late-night experiences with tours beginning at midnight and later.
Links to Kayak & Boat Tours
Kayak Tours
- Fin Expeditions
- BK Adventures
- A Day Away Kayak Adventures
- Cocoa Kayaking
- Calypso Kayaking
- Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach
- Sobe Surf
- A1A Beach Rentals and Outdoor Center
- Get up and Go Kayaking
- Calema Windsurfing and Watersports
- Florida Adventurer
Boat Tours
- Cape Crossing Boat Rentals
- Space Coast Eco Tours
- Banana River Boat Tours
- Brevard County Tours
- Paddle Pub Cocoa Beach
- Cruisin’ Tikis Space Coast
Tips for Photographing the Bioluminescence in Florida
Your camera may be unable to capture bioluminescence’s beauty. It’s okay to put your phone down and enjoy the moment.
If you still want to try to capture the experience, turn off all lights as any light will ruin the glow of the bioluminescence.
DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Put camera on tripod and place into manual mode
- Focus manually using live-view (autofocus will not work in the dark)
- Set aperture to a low f-number like f/2.8 – f/4
- Set ISO to 800-3200
- Try various shutter speeds of 5-30 seconds
- Use a 2-second delay on the shutter button for sharper images
Smartphone
- You will need a little tripod or a surface to balance your phone
- Some smartphones allow you to control the exposure settings manually, such as using “Pro Mode” on Samsung phones. If on iOS, try “Manual Camera 2” (for purchase) or “VSCO” (free). If using an Android smartphone that doesn’t allow manual control, try the app “Open Camera” (free)
- Set ISO high (400-3200)
- Try various long shutter speeds 5-30 seconds
- Add a 2-second delay to the shutter button for sharper images
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