Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
In the warm and dark lagoon waters lies a natural phenomenon of glowing blue waters alive with activity. The swirling of your hand, every paddle stroke, and the rolling wake off of your kayak all sparkle throughout the darkness. Not only do fish leave trails, dolphins look like torpedoes, and manatees a slow and graceful submarine. Many guests compare the experience to Pandora of “Avatar.” Some even recall the bioluminescence scene in “Life of Pi” as the gentle plankton leave a trickling glow when you hold it in your hands and let it trickle down your arm. Though some may jokingly blame this on NASA runoff, it is actually the biological response of microscopic algae called a dinoflagellate. The perfectly natural and harmless concentration of organisms produces light before your very eyes, often existing in millions per liter of water. Your tour will include a ton of information about these rare and exotic creatures with the most experienced guides in the area
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What to bring:
Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Towel (left in car)
Water Shoes – sandals or Crocs that can be worn in the water
Bring an extra change of clothes just in case
Camera & Dry bag (optional) These are fairly useless to capture bioluminescence, but great for capturing people.
Bottled water, Snacks
Any special personal paddling gear if you like
You may bring a flashlight, though we will provide a safety light.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Kayak
Professional guide
PFD
Paddle
2 hour kayak tour
Gratuities
What To Expect
Bioluminescent Kayak Tours - Summer Bioluminescence: Dinoflagellate (cloudy bluegreen glow) - peak season May to early November - Winter Bioluminescence: Comb Jelly (Individual glowing jellies) - peak season late November to April - During the warm summer months the waters of Florida's Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon come alive with single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates. - In the cooler Florida months, bioluminescent Comb Jellies congregate in the protected waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Living in the most bio-diverse estuary in North America, Comb Jellies are clear, glob-like creatures that, despite their name, do not sting! So as you paddle the calm waters laced with mangroves and palm trees, you can catch and hold these gentle glowing creatures. They're right at your fingertips while having a safe, awe-inspiring kayak adventure with those who share your enthusiasm for new and unique experiences.
Options
Tour
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
Reviews
806 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Zoey did a wonderful job....
Diana W,
Aug 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Zoey did a wonderful job. She was very conscientious and made sure everyone had a great time. I would do this again.
A must do
Diane G,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Did this event with 16 year old grandchild and pick this as the best experience of our entire trip. We went on an airboat ride and saw gators, birds, eagles nest and was a fantastic time. We also went to Kennedy Space Center and had a lovely time but this bioluminescence boat ride was the best. Jackson,Lucas and Kurt were fabulous and to top it off- a launch went off during our trip. Thanks for a fantastic evening.
Jorge and Lucas are the best!
Jamie,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Such a wonderful time. I will remember that for the rest of my life! Me and my daughter went together and had a blast. A fish jumped and smacked her in the face and a manatee surfaced right in front of our kayak and almost tipped us. I had no idea how big they were! Our guide said it was a male on his way to mate and we got in the way 😆. The Bioluminescence was really bright the night we went, it was a super moon during the Pleiades meteor shower, and there was heat lightning rolling through the clouds on the horizon! We couldnt have asked for a better experience!! On top of all of that our guides were experienced and knowledgeable. Jorge and Lucas were absolutely amazing!! Be prepared to get soaked btw.
Night out EN Kayak
Vincent W,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
4.00Night trip EN Kayaking on the Banana River EN group of a dozen DE Kayaks. Once in a lifetime experience. Optical effect DE plankton in water that gives an impression of glow. I wasn't trying to get EN back into the mangroves, but we actually walked along the edges. Nice and safe guides. We also had a little experience with a rabbit who was scared!
Coco beach
Natan Z,
Aug 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Good kayaking experience during the evening time .the water are warm and 12” deep in most part . It’s a good experience to know your partner in a group of people.
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Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours