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

4.78

821 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

739

Very underwhelming
Alex B,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
I hate to do this, but this experience was terrible. I definitely wasted my money. I wish I could have a refund. From start to finish this was very poorly ran. We showed up at the correct time and location based on the email we received. The guide was no where to be found for at least ten minutes. My family and I had to go find her to figure out what to do next in the dark. Crystal was not punctual or prepared. We finally started the excursion twenty five minutes later with poor direction. Crystal was nice, but very inexperienced. I had to ask how long we would actually paddle for and I wish I would have asked how far we were going to be paddling as well. We paddled to a location based on what her friend saw a few days prior. Made my family and I feel unsure of the excursion. My parents haven’t kayaked in over thirty years and they did great, but Viator needs to specify for advanced kayakers since the water was a little rough and the trip was far. Once we got to the desired destination I felt like we just saw a few sparkles. The experience was NOTHING like the Viator reviews said or described. Maybe because we went at 7:15 instead of 9:15? If so again, Viator needs to specify that in booking and on their description. The guide also stated it depends on the year to see more bioluminescence, that was never disclosed on the Viator posting either. It was truly exhausting for a very underwhelming experience.
OK but Better Choices Available
Cruiser515681,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
I've done a similar kayak tour with a different company. That was a great experience so the bar was set pretty high heading into this one. Unfortunately, this one fell short in several areas and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. The booking was easy to do online and I received an immediate confirmation. The information provided to us for the tour was incorrect and when we arrived at the location, no one was there. After calling the after hours phone number, we were given a different location (about 15 minutes away) for the meet-up. It was after 9pm and very dark out - plus wet from rain. When we arrived at location #2, two young men were there to meet us. They wanted us to walk a decent distance to a pole building where they kept the life jackets and paddles. It was a somewhat dangerous trek in the dark and only 4 of us were able to navigate it. The water was ankle deep in some places and the building had no electricity or lights. That was disconcerting for a group of all women at that time of night to say the least! Eventually we all got our gear on and were able to get in the water and start the tour. I don't really have any big complaints about the actual tour itself. We did see some bioluminescence and our guide was very knowledgeable about the water. the area, and the science behind what we were seeing. We caught several comb jelly fish and one person had a manatee bob up near her kayak. The stars were beautiful and it was peaceful to be on the water at night. We were all tired out by the end of the tour - be prepared to paddle a lot and steer yourself in the choppier parts of the water. The kayaks are tandem so figure out ahead of time who you want to be paddling with! We had collectively decided that we were not going to be walking back to that pole building to return our gear or kayaks and thankfully we were not asked to. I was spoiled by the other tour company as they had everything right at the water's edge for us with lots of light, bathrooms nearby, and staff to help do everything before, during and after the tour. They just had a more professional and organized experience which I prefer.
Amazing experience to celebrate my son turning 18!
B3945KTcharlottej,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This activity was the final piece to my son and my birthday trip. It was a great way to celebrate him turning 18. We originally had booked this tour for the night before, but upon arrival we were told that with the wind and light rain it would have been not as fun and were offered to rebook the following day as we were still going to be in town. Which ended up to be our actual birthday so it was perfect! Our guide Aiden was not only very patient with us but also very educated and informative with explaining what we were seeing and information about the biome we were in. As an elementary science teacher I loved how much we were learning! Then only downfall of the trip was that only one of us (out of the three in our group) were able to catch any comb jellies, but that is just the luck of the draw and even then we were still able to see/experience the beauty of the jellies. Aiden then went above and beyond to contact me after our tour to let me know he has found my earbuds and we're leaving them there for me to come get the following day. All in all this was an experience my son will remember for years to come and I am grateful to a day away and Aiden for helping my sons and I celebrate the day💜 Will definitely return when in the area again!
It all depends on nature....
Christopher A,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It all depends on nature. The guide was wonderful and it was an adventure! Being able to be out on the water was amazing
Don’t go in October
Adventure37459089240,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Honestly was a waste of $100 they shouldn’t even be bringing people out to “see” “bioluminescence” when there is only 5% of bioluminescence out there at this time of year. You had to really try to even see any of it. I was disappointed. Other than that we had a great tour guide but the company itself has a lot of nerve making us spend that money and drive all the way there for that (or lack of that). Would most likely never do this again and just try to go to the beach and see it for free at a better time of year tbh. Yes the bioluminescence was technically “there” but you could barely see it. If you didn’t know wouldn’t have even noticed it.
Just do this!
20katee,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an absolutely fantastic experience with A Day Away Kayak Tours! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole adventure fun and engaging—sharing so much about the local wildlife and the area. We were lucky enough to spot manatees up close, which was such a highlight, and even caught some beautiful glimpses of bioluminescence sparkling in the water around our kayaks. The full moon made the night even more magical. I couldn’t have asked for a better outing—everything from the scenery to the guide to the wildlife made it unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique and memorable adventure on the water!
The rebooking and delays were worth it!
ranam918,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked A Day Away Kayak Tours for my friend’s 40th, and it was unforgettable! Our guides, David and Ron, were amazing—knowledgeable, patient, and fun. Between glowing bioluminescence, comb jellies, dolphins, gators, and even mullet fish jumping into our kayaks, it was the perfect mix of beauty and adventure. Highly recommend!
Florida bioluminesence tour
johnsA5500XG,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
I went on a tour with my daughter. It was a truly magical experience. the tour guides were GREAT and it was an AMAZING experience. Would definately go again.
A night of magic!
kwdd2025,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Caroline was such a joy! Her conservation and biology background was such a treasure. To learn not only about the the algae and comb jellies, but also the amazing Florida ecosystem such as the ospreys, herons, owls, mullet fish, manatees, see grass, mangrove trees, and all the conservation efforts that have gone into managing this wildlife refuge filled my heart with awe inspiring wonder and gratitude there are people like her in this world fighting to preserve Florida's pristine coasts. As for the tour, it was the best we could have hoped for given it’s the end of the algae season! We still saw a little algae activity, the real magic of the night was the appearance of the comb jellies! This is the very beginning of their season so it was one of the rare times you can witness both in the water. Though neither the algae or the jellies were at the peak, I’d still say the price point was worth the tour. Having a guided nighttime tour by such an avid Florida environmentalist was worth the price in itself - if you are a biology nerd like my husband and I, absolutely request Caroline! If this is your first time looking for algae and you want the added assurance of a professional guiding you to known hotspots, or if you are a tourist with low kayak experience that wants the benefit of provided kayaks, vests, paddles, safety tools, training, and a guide to keep you on course, then look no further than this company. If you have the budget, try to get the clear kayaks for full visibility
Amazing Adventure
500samq,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I Went With My Family And We Were Treated To An Amazing Time. Our Guide, Jorge, Was So Nice, Passionate, Personable, Very Helpful And Incredibly Knowledgeable About The Wildlife. 10/10 I Would Recommend Going!