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
781 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth every penny!
lincoln f,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely perfect, we arrived early and watched a large group of manatee's play. It was great! Our guide was fun and had lots of information on all the topics we had questions on. Really a great time.
Great tour- but double check info with the guide not viator
Janice L,
May 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Viator is a third party and the site doesn’t make it clear that you pay extra for a glass bottom boat- the guide helped correct this for us and said based on who you order you tour with this option is not offered- also the aviator information had the wrong meeting location but the guide called us to correct this so double check all your info!!
Guide was very...
Francis S,
Apr 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Guide was very knowledgeable and we saw a lot of Dinoflaggelletes and even caught several comb jellies.
Amazing Experience
Alison M,
Apr 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great experience. Drew, Jordan, and Jayden were wonderful guides. Drew told us many interesting facts and kept everyone engaged. The catching of the comb jellies was fun. (I caught 2-3!) We saw a huge manatee and also dolphins. There were the mullets which are cool jumping fish that we saw too. My teenage girls had a blast and we got some practice with kayaking and enjoying the beautiful sunset. A must do if you are able to.
Worth the trip
Crow m,
Apr 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Caleb was a great guide! He was extremely knowledgeable about the sea life and ecosystems. The tour was loads of fun and truly educational.
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Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours