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 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.
What‘s Included
Kayak
Professional guide
PFD
Paddle
2 hour kayak tour
Gratuities
Options
Tour
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
Reviews
841 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great outdoor activity!
janetlU6948YN,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guides for the evening weee Island and Jaden and we could not have asked for more. They were aware at all times where all the members of the group were and ensured all had the best experience possible. They showed us how to find the bioluminescence as we paddles and there were many! They also shared some history of the area and information on the species there. Our group had kids to older adults and all were able to participate. Would recommend these guides and this activity to anyone!
Comb Jelly Tour
Nomad47930233201,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a fun experience! Very affordable, especially for how long we were on the water (2 hrs). Jorge and Jay were so fun and knowledgeable about the area. We saw the Comb Jellies, and caught a bunch of them. All around a fantastic time, would 100% recommend!
Highly recommended
stephanieaF5999CM,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zoey was the best guide! We had so much fun and really enjoyed our experience.
Fun and Enjoyable Experience
miabH5764SQ,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience! Our guides Jorge and Jaeden were absolutely amazing so nice and friendly and definitely made the experience so enjoyable. The comb jellies were fascinating and this is definitely one of the best kayaking tours I have ever done. We all had so much fun and got to learn some new things as well. I would use them again if I ever do another kayaking tour in Florida!
March 7, 2026 7:15 pm tour
Curious532543,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jorge and Jessica providing a relaxing environment for all attendees. They answered all questions with their guest and genuinely provided a unique opportunity to connect with nature. I would recommend this adventure for those that follow a different path mentality. Exceptional tour guides that took the energy and effort to make this lasting memory for all parties.
We will come back just for Jorge!
susannahb2026,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the 930pm tour. Our guide was Jorge. He was fantastic! Super knowledgeable and so passionate about his job. We got to hang with the comb jellies! We can’t wait to come back during summer for that tour!
Great guides and a unique night adventure
Luis V,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Even though we didn’t get to see a lot of glowing marine life during our tour, the experience was still very enjoyable. We were lucky to spot a few glowing jellyfish, which was really cool to see up close. Jorge and Jessica were fantastic guides—very patient, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the area and the ecosystem. They took the time to explain the bioluminescence and made sure everyone in the group felt comfortable kayaking at night. Overall, it was a fun and memorable family experience, and we appreciated how well the guides handled the tour. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure.
Nice, calm, educational, and fun! And Aidan rocks!
S1066VTkellik,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Aidan was informative, funny, patient, and able to adjust to our skill level. The water was surprisingly warm, all of the provided gear was in good shape, and we were able to find plenty of comb jellies! I would recommend this to anyone curious about comb jellies and the local estuary. Aidan really made this tour a highlight of our visit! It was also the one calm activity we had planned and I'm so glad we did.
Winter not so great.
Donn F,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Images on website are misleading. In February you will not see the large plankton display like shown in the website images. You will only see the little comb jellies. However, the peaceful kayaking was a nice change from watching the Daytona 500.
We all felt simply "Bioluminescent"
Carla M,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00this tour was so cool! our guide Matt was amazing. He was very knowledgable concerning the science behind the experience. It was a bit cold out there on the water in the dark in Feb but, we still had a blast!! would for sure recommend
From US$70.00
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Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours