There are a total of five islands that make up the Fort De Soto Park chain. If youve been to Pandora, World of Avatar in Disneys Animal Kingdom at night, then you have a sense of what to expect. If youre looking for a Florida experience that is both enchanting, exciting, and something that relatively few people ever actually do, you should consider bioluminescent kayaking. Wear the right clothes. Despite their name, these prehistoric sea creatures arent real jellyfish and they dont sting. The way these animals and fish glow when your kayak cuts through the water around them, can be breathtaking. Here's what you need to know to experience this epic Florida adventure.,. Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction used by marine planktoncalled dinoflagellatesas a defense mechanism to ward off predators. While the sun shines, whitewater rafting, swimming and kayaking are all par for the course. . See the sparkle of bioluminescence from all sides of your see-through kayak. When you first see it you may think youre looking at the stars in a dark night sky. Lets get started! Bicycle Repair. Also, it should be noted to the get the greatest effect from the bioluminescence in Florida, its always best to schedule your outing around the time of the new moon. It is absolutely one of the best places in the state to experience bioluminescence. This is one of the spots where bioluminescence can be seen year-round like we showed you earlier, thats plankton in the summer months and those beautiful comb jellies in the winter. Bioluminescent Kayaking in Merritt Island, FL One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Cocoa Beach, FL, is a kayaking tour. Recommended by 96% of travellers. It lies between Cocoa Beach and Titusville which is particularly convenient. There are even more than a few endangered species that call this place home. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. 30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date, Sparkling Christmas Boat Parades Around Tampa Bay, 9 Illuminating Tips for Seeing Holiday and Christmas Lights in Tampa, Friendsgiving: Our Favorite Private Dining Rooms in Tampa Bay, Behold Sea Turtle Nesting on a Unique Space Coast Date Night, Chasing the Sun on a Sunrise to Sunset Florida Road Trip, 8 Awesome Places to Watch a Rocket Launch in Central Florida. There is no state income tax! Secondly, the areas where you will go are all known for being home to many mosquitoes. You may even encounter some faint glow from the plankton, its just usually not a big time of the year for either one, but they are still there and you will almost certainly see somejust not as much as at other times of the year. Like Cape Canaveral, the prime bioluminescent spots arent as apparent as they are in other locations. In this case, it would be more even more recommended to book a guided tour as the guides will make sure to bring you to spots that are better during the full moon. The local guides know the area like the back of their hand and will bring you to the best spots while explaining everything you need to know. This location is called Mosquito lagoon for good reason, so ensure you carry a mosquito spray with you. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. The Sunshine State is one of the rare places in the world where you can admire that incredible phenomenon. Many are even so small as to seem invisible to the naked human eye, and even others are actually microscopic. As you may have gathered by now, this area is where you will find the most bioluminescence in Florida and therefore, you will have a lot of options. Hence the area is extremely dark. Eco Kayaking Tour 28 St Pete Beach Island Kayak Adventures from islandkayaktours.com Night kayaking st pete beach. Even though the fictional world of Pandora is a completely man-made experience, both you and your children will be awestruck as you experience kayaking on a moveable mass and encounter scores of fish that illuminate whenever they are disturbedjust like real world bioluminescent kayaking. Be sure to watch out for otters, mullets, and pelicans as well when kayaking in Titusville. Terms & Conditions. Or, what if you live in Florida or visit it frequently and have done just about everything there is to do about 100 times? Bioluminescence is the scientific word for living organisms (bio) that light up (luminesce) the way fireflies do. In the right places at the right times in Florida, the unassuming dinoflagellate are as thick as 200,000 to 300,000 in a single liter of water, making the water glow the color of a fluorescent blue-green glow stick. Reserve Yours Now! Bring your own food and drinks if joining us for dinner. For a blockbuster bioluminescent experience, you need to go at the best time of year and on a night when conditions are right. There are also quite a few daytime guided tours available for different activities. Any movement excites the organisms and causes them to shimmer, from a swimming fish to swaying sea grass to the movement of your hand through the water. Manatee and alligator sightings are common, especially during the day. Thats what theyre doing when we see them in Florida. If you're local you can go yourself if you're familiar with the area and have your own gear, but doing a tour is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This means that you can see fish underwater by the glow that they give off as they swim, your paddle will glow as you maneuver the waterways, and the natural flow of water will illuminate these organisms. Suppose you are afraid of darkness or have a history of anxiety, claustrophobia or something else, sorry to break your heart. Just over two hours from Tampa on the Space Coast is one of the best places in the world to witness bioluminescence. Cape Canaveral is famous for being Americas launch pad. The park and the surrounding area makes up for these restrictions by offering a plethora of other activities and attractions including museums, and many beautiful beaches. Most of these tours last for about two hours and are available at a few different price points. Reservations are required. Our "tourist tours or "visitor tours", as the locals would call them, are ideal for a romantic evening on the water or an expedition in the name of science with the . No matter if you decide to use a company to tour this area or opt instead to go it on your own, you and your family are in for an amazing experience when launching from Titusville. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Merritt Island is another famous spot for bioluminescence kayaking in Florida. Because of those factors, you want to make sure that you wear long sleeves and long pants. When aquatic bioluminescent animals give off their light energy, like this comb jellyfish pictured above, similar to fireflies, they radiate a beautiful, neon-like glow. The comb jellies are active from November through March. San Juan Island, WA. However, what many people dont know, is that most bioluminescent creatures live underwater. There are also great hiking opportunities here including the Great Florida Birding Trail. This tour starts at the Haulover canal but will take a different direction compared to the first one mentioned. The organisms are too small to see, but with some 200,000 to 300,000 in a single liter of water they can cause the water to glow the color of a fluorescent blue-green glow stick. If you love nature and exploring the outdoors, bioluminescent kayaking in Tampa is a great option. Thats mostly because numerous guided tours launch from this location every night. The guides here are the most knowledgeable and experienced of the bunch, and will teach you more about the area, the phenomenon, its science, and its history, than pretty much anyplace else. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. Besides great hiking, there is also the Great Florida Birding Trail to experience while in town. There, you can start your adventure and head east, under the drawbridge and past the Manatee Observation deck. Once inside youll be delighted with one of the casual modern guest homes. Not to be outdone, north-central Brevard Countys Banana River Aquatic Preserve, bordered between Merritt Island on the west and the beach barrier island on the east, features a surface water area of roughly 30,000 acres. While this is the case, its not the only time of the year that you can admire the phenomenon. Indian River Lagoon is on Floridas Atlantic Coast, sandwiched right in between Merritt Island and Vero Beach. Bioluminescence is simply light created by living organisms-- like fireflies, comb jellies, or in this case, too-tiny-to-see plankton called marine dinoflagellate --manufactured by chemical reactions inside the organism. There are local guides to direct you to where you can see the glowing fish and believe us, they are in abundance! Kind of like when you first met your new love. So, we can rest assured that when we go bioluminescent kayaking in Florida, we will be perfectly safe. North of St. Augustine in Ponte Vedra Beach, a destination synonymous with golf, youll find North Guana Outpost on Mickler Road. Then, as the sun goes down, see the water light up with bioluminescent plankton! During the summer, the light of these glowing creatures . May through November is dinoflagellates season, with its peak from June through Octoberand July and August being the prime months. Because of the vast number of small islands, lagoons and bays, there are some opportunities for bioluminescent kayaking here, but they are limited because much of this area is private property or is protected for conservation purposes. . Kayaking in St Petersburg Florida is a truly unique experience. Kayaking Bioluminescent Bay St. Croix | BushTribe Eco Adventures Most Popular Bioluminescent Kayak Trip See the many different forms of bioluminescent life: comb jellies, dinoflagellates, and glow worms! Obviously, you need as little light as possible to see the bioluminescence so your adventure will have to be at night. This is because its much smaller than any other moon. The Haulover Canal North is the most popular launching site, used by numerous tour companies offering daytime and nighttime adventures. The experience is quite incredible. BK Adventure also offers bioluminescent kayaking tours in the Cocoa Beach area. Thats because each species of bioluminescent life has their own seasonal cycle for when they are most active, and each geographic area of Florida has its own indigenous species that call it home. Please call if you have questions. Dinoflagellates are numerous in Tampa Bay and when the timing is right, they light up the waters, providing a unique, exciting, and ecstatic experience to people kayaking here at night. Founded in 1985, this locally-owned diner is one-of-a-kind. Its still very possible to see some comb jellies malingering around, but they just arent as abundant as they are in January-March. Back down south a little on the East coast of the peninsula is Merritt Island and the National Wildlife Refuge. We had such a great time!!! Many Blueways also feature ramps, wash stations, and storage racks. Its a great way to discover your surroundings in a unique way. It is also super fun, especially if you're exploring a place as beautiful as St Pete. Just dont get so enthralled by Pandora that you forget to check out the other entertainment options available to you while youre there. Haulover Canal North is the most popular of the three. Usually, when you go kayaking in Florida, you would just put a bikini on. Because they live on dry land, we have all seen and are familiar with fireflies. If you are also a big fan of the cows of the sea Manatees can often be seen in this area as well. The locals and guides will offer you more information on where to head for the best bioluminescent experience on the lagoon. Because we all know that stuff never lasts as long as the can says its supposed to! We are located about an hour from Universal Studios and The Walt Disney world area theme parks. When an enormous manatee glides by, lit up like a Christmas tree; or a school of fish looks like bright blue bottle rockets going off under the water; or you go for a swim and turn into a fairytale creature, youll understand what I mean. The Naples Kayak Company offers the only bioluminescent paddling tour in southwest Florida, and it's a doozy. You will find planktons, and at night when they are disturbed by other marine life (dolphins, manatees, or alligators) they glow beautifully. When you realize its the water glowing, your world gets turned upside down. It boasts direct access to the Guana River and is only a short stroll to the beach at Micklers Landing, about two miles from the Intracoastal Waterway. Hidden Gems in Florida 15 Awesome Secret Spots From a Local. April-May: If there is any time of the year that can be called the off-season, for bioluminescent kayaking, this is it. Obviously, avoiding the full moon, is even a better idea. Follow the links to find area kayak launch sites as well as information about prices, tours and hours. Literally, every min-wave your kayak paddles makes in the glowing water will delight and amaze you. They produce a dazzling, flashing blue-green light when theyre touched, and they always create unique colors, so each time you see them, its different. One thing that many people overlook is the need to bring water shoes for this type of adventure. Now, are you ready to discover the best places to see bioluminescence in Florida while kayaking? While kayaking, there is also a really good chance that you will encounter a good many fireflies along the shore. Item #: WAT-SEA-0043. If you can, opt for a clear kayak so you can even see the light under your legs! Make a stop at a mangrove island to bird watch. There is also great restaurants in Titusville as a side point. Jimmies has the best biscuits and sausage gravy in the area and fabulous eggs Benedict. Not really, but it depends upon where you plan on going in the state. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Book your tour online today! We're supported by our advertisers when they buy digital ads & listings, sponsored content, and through affiliate links, so some things you read might be paid for or if you buy something thru a link on our site we might get a commission. It usually occurs mid-May to October. To be sure, not all beautiful bioluminescent life is peaceful and harmless. Though Jimmy himself is no longer with us, his son continues to run the joint. While you can access some areas without a guide, its smart to go with one at least for the first time even if youre an experienced paddler. We are so happy to have you as part of our Florida Vacationers community! Kayak tours. Planktons are many and they create a wonderful glow whenever you glide above them in your kayak. Address: 110 Veterans Memorial Ln, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. These brilliant, oval-shaped animals use their rows of minuscule, comb-like plates to propel themselves through the water, creating a shimmering rainbow effect. In terms of safety, its always better to opt for a tour when you are kayaking at night but its also the best way to make sure you dont miss out on anything! It lies between Cocoa Beach and Titusville which is particularly convenient. The best way to experience it is with a kayak, at night. Bioluminescence is a stunning natural phenomenon. Even in Central Florida, always check with a guide or with local kayakers for current conditions, as they can vary. Located in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, our award-winning Night Kayak tour is sure to be the highlight of your entire vacation! Their Guided Kayak Sunset Bird Watching-Bioluminescence Tour starts with an intriguing journey into Rookery Bay, where approximately an hour before sunset birds from all over the area fly in from every direction to a particular island where they like to spend the night. 98 reviews. If you love everything that has to do with space and rockets, thats the perfect place to visit. Florida Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours. Titusville is the home to NASAs main headquarters, several wildlife refuges, and more than a few beautiful spots where you set off for some stellar bioluminescence kayaking. Part of the allure of this location is that even though the river is winding, it forms another beautifully large, powdery sand beach every time it makes a turn. In terms of days, the best time to see the bioluminescence is around the new moon. Like most other things, theres a reason for this sites popularity though. The chances of stepping on sharp twigs or rocks is great, so attempting this barefoot, or in shoes that will get destroyed by waterespecially if it happens to be salt water-would be bad. It is also very crowded, with numerous guided tours launching from here every night. Classified as the production and emission of light by living organisms, bioluminescence illuminates the environment in which it occurs. Combine that with the fact that NASA frequently restricts access to these waterways for various reasons, we strongly suggest that if you plan to include MI as part of your bioluminescent adventure, booking a tour with a guided tour company would be a really good idea. Wrapping Up. Though youll still be able to see the bioluminescence, it wont look anywhere near as spectacular as it would on a moonless or overcast night when no natural light is coming from the sky. When you are not lounging on the clean, sandy beach, you can always hop onto your kayak to enjoy a slow evening watching bioluminescence in the water. But when the sun goes down, its time to jump in your kayak and coast into one of the seductively secluded areas and take in their amazing bioluminescent glory. Come join us on St Pete's best guided kayak tour to Shell Key! You are assured of seeing manatees, stingrays or mullets as they speed beneath your boat. Trip Host: Carol Elwood. That can vary, so keep your expectations in check while bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. Only active in the summer months, the best time to experience this water phenomenon is during the new moon phase, when the sky is at its darkest. In Florida, the species that live and that we encounter when we go bioluminescent kayaking are: dinoflagellates (plankton), snapping shrimp, red squid, fireflies, and comb jellies. My favorite thing is when dolphins exhale through their blowhole sending a neon blue mist into the night air. They offer a variety of different tours including a Sunset Bioluminescent tour for the best of both worldsthis 3 hour tour starts at $79 per person. Tampa Bay Date Night Guide is a free guide to the best of the Tampa Bay area! There is a man-made canal, the Haulover canal, from where you can launch your kayak and then paddle east, under the drawbridge and past the Manatee Observation deck. You can experience the waters of the area while being guided by a professional. Like everywhere else on these excursions, if you decide to take advantage of one of the many professionally guided tours, the guides know exactly where to go and when. Watching the sunset while overlooking tampa, apollo beach, and st. Petersburg and largo, florida, encompasses 3,190 acres on tampa bay. Launch times vary as this is a private tour. 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