Did you know florida has a bioluminescent bay that has more glowing plankton than almost anywhere else? Location: North Shore, Salt River. You can even find endangered species here. Dip your hand into the river and when you take it out youll see dancing blue water spots slip away from your hand, as if youre holding magic. At night, however, dolphins love to frolic in the iridescent waters, creating a course of glowing, blue-colored waves as they swim all around you. Its important to keep that in mind while planning your excursion. 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. For that reason, if you are planning to use Cape Canaveral as your bioluminescent kayaking starting point, we recommend going the guided tour route. The water glows and the dolphins splash blue water, clear kayaking at night is a truly unique Florida experience. 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. That doesnt mean that there arent any. At long last, what youve been waiting for, the list of the best places in Florida to go bioluminescent kayaking! If you have a see-through kayak, you will have a magnificent experience. Once youre there, the locals (and the tour guides if you opted to take advantage of a guided tour) will help you navigate to the best specific spots to experience the bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is a stunning natural phenomenon. Launch times vary as this is a private tour. Literally, every min-wave your kayak paddles makes in the glowing water will delight and amaze you. Heres a list of Space Coast kayak and canoe launches from Space Coast Paddling. Youll want to bring bug spray, preferably the eco-friendly type, and waterproof bags to protect whatever you want to take into the kayak with you. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Merritt Island is another famous spot for bioluminescence kayaking in Florida. 727-580-2164. call now. Dont let the street view fool you. Each cottage has its own private courtyard and one even has a koi pond. Watching the sunset while overlooking tampa, apollo beach, and st. Petersburg and largo, florida, encompasses 3,190 acres on tampa bay. The chart above was compiled by The National Wildlife Federation and represents some, but not close to all of the over 2,000 known species of bioluminescent creatures on earth, though there are probably many more, that live in our oceans which we just havent found them yet. Then, after dark, when things like waves, boats, swimmers, rocks, and you guessed it, kayaks, disturb the water around them, these little animals activate their luciferins as defense mechanism. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Located on the opposite side of the peninsula this time, Fort De Soto County Park is in Pinellas County, Florida, in an outlying area off Floridas western Gulf Coast. In the winter months, you can still see it but it will be produced by comb jellies this time. 98 reviews. There is a kayak launch at the marina. This is one of the most popular bioluminescence locations in Cocoa Beach. There are other species of bioluminescent life that can potentially be dangerous to humans, but fortunately, none of them live in Floridas waters. Reservations are required. There are three main launch sites in Titusville; the Haulover Canal South, the Haulover Canal North, and Beacon 42. Mosquito lagoon, together with Indian River Lagoon and Banana Lagoon make up Floridas Space Coast. This tour starts at the Haulover canal but will take a different direction compared to the first one mentioned. Home Kayak & Paddleboard Bicycles Electric Bikes Blog Contact About Bike Shop Mad Beach Paddle Sports. While this is the case, its not the only time of the year that you can admire the phenomenon. Large groups often experience even more bio as there . Adventure Kayak will provide you will water, a short lesson on kayaking for beginners, and everything you need to have the best experience possible. See manatees, dolphins, and much more as you paddle into the sunset. Bioluminescence is the scientific word for living organisms (bio) that light up (luminesce) the way fireflies do. Just as City Trails offers biking and pedestrian trails, St. Pete's Blueways offer miles of paddling trails that can be accessed by canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard. 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. There are also quite a few daytime guided tours available for different activities. Manatee and alligator sightings are common, especially during the day. If you do, youll be rewarded with the opportunity to watch the stunningly luminescent planktons as they are flustered and roused by other marine wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, or even alligators. Kayaking may seem easy but it is actually a pretty good workout. Island ferry offers the finest kayaking tours in st pete! In terms of transportation, the best way is to take a kayak so you can be very close to the water. 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. Not far from St. Petersburg. Not to mention the seemingly backlit wake your kayak will make as it parts the water (and the dinoflagellates) around you. Tampa is the third largest city in the state of Florida and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. New rare attraction in clearwater beach . (River Lagoon, Cocoa Beach & Merritt Island) There are other locations in the US where you can see bioluminescence while paddling. If youre more of the casual type and want to be right on the water, Coconuts on the Beach is iconic Cocoa Beach. Some of the most famous bioluminescent kayaking in Florida is done at Merritt Island NWR. 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. During the summer season, billions (with a b, that wasnt a typo) of dinoflagellates (plankton) are visible. If you want to have a fulfilling bioluminescence kayaking adventure here, come during the warmer months. Owners Jackie & David Simington created the two efficiency guest cottages 20 years ago and are onsite to this day to make sure your stay is perfect. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Merritt Island is another famous spot for bioluminescence kayaking in Florida. There are only a few places in the world where one can see bioluminescent marine life, and luckily, three are near us: BK Adventure and A Day Away Kayak Tours in Titusville and Adventures in Florida in Orlando. Located at Treasure Bay Resort & Marina. How to see the bioluminescence in Florida? Theyll also teach you some super-interesting history, science, and fun facts along the way. There, you can start your adventure and head east, under the drawbridge and past the Manatee Observation deck. Hidden Gems in Florida 15 Awesome Secret Spots From a Local. Bioluminescent Kayaking In Tampa. 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. . 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. It is known by the locals as one of the best places for bioluminescence kayaking near Orlando and Cocoa Beach. MOST POPULAR TOUR! 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. Its very interesting! The boat launch is out of the way, in the middle of a preserve.and that's the best place for it. During peak season, from July to August, the dinoflagellates are so bright that almost any night is fabulous. 2. It was one of the cooest things we've ever done. There are quite a few options for bioluminescent kayaking tours in Florida. See the water like never before in our See Through Canoes. You would be well advised to bring copious quantities of repellant if youre planning to use mosquito lagoon as the starting point for your adventure. 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. Located at Animal Kingdom, in Disney World, the Pandora is a themed section (after the movie avatar) that features bioluminescent plants, marine life, alien forms, mountains that float, and other numerous attractions in true Disney style. Orange County Near LA & San Diego, California, USA. It also delivers a raft trip for groups of six to eight people, or folks with kids; as well as an island tour, an easy paddle that gives you the chance to swim in the bioluminescence. Kayak tours launch from Salt River Marina, and ages 8 and up are welcome. Prices range from $65 $135 per person depending on destination (Indian River or Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel or Thousand Island waterways) and kayak choice (glass bottom or regular, tandem or single) with Cocoa Kayaking as your guide. Merritt Island is a large barrier island and is home to thousands of unique species of birds, fish and mammals. We flew into San Juan the day before sailing and we took a night kayaking tour to one of the bioluminescent bays. There are also many different types of luciferins. Though youre unlikely to tip over, youre bound to get a little wet from the water running down the paddle and into the boat. This is not quite the case for bioluminescent kayaking. Whether you're looking to explore the tranquil waters of the Bay or admire the views of the downtown St Pete skyline, kayaking is the perfect activity. . During the summer, the light of these glowing creatures . Designated an Outstanding Florida Water and an Estuary of National Significance, its brimming with mangrove wetlands and salt marshes sheltered from city lights. Then, as the sun goes down, see the water light up with bioluminescent plankton! Discovered on the south western tip of Puerto Rico, La Parguera is just a two-hour drive from San Juan. North of St. Augustine in Ponte Vedra Beach, a destination synonymous with golf, youll find North Guana Outpost on Mickler Road. As one of the more popular bioluminescence locations in Cocoa Beach, Banana River is also one of the most crowded. 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. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. $75 Approx. The Gulf of Nicoya in Paquera boasts some truly spectacular bioluminescence. This tour has some weight and weather restrictions. Pete, florida and explore the unique restaurants, stores, beaches, and landmarks! We had such a great time!!! Yes, thats right, you can experience all the wonder of bioluminescence right inside the wonderful World of Walt Disneys Animal Kingdom. BK Adventure also offers bioluminescent kayaking tours in the Cocoa Beach area. Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. Make reservations early, particularly during the prime viewing months. Florida is home to several species of bioluminescent sea creatures including dinoflagellates (plankton), comb jellyfish, snapping shrimps and fireflies. Another beloved area is The Indian River Lagoon, made up of three waterways: the Banana River, the Indian Riverand the aptly-named Mosquito Lagoon. However, in this location, if you really want to maximize your bioluminescence kayaking experience, we seriously recommend coming during the warmer months. Wrapping Up. Off-street parking is an added bonus. Tide: Low tide is at 8:24 PM. While kayaking there (particularly in the summer season), you can expect to encounter algae, seaweed, and several types of underwater life. Most of the bioluminescent organisms are fish, jellies and plankton. 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 . Book your tour online today! per adult. These are also the best places to experience bioluminescence once the sun fully sets. Some scientists also believe that the flashing lights might be meant to attract secondary predators to the scene. Though Jimmy himself is no longer with us, his son continues to run the joint. Bioluminescent sea creatures abound in North Florida's Guana Lake. San Juan Island, WA. These lights illuminate the water all around you, creating an ideal "window into the sea." Don't miss out. The height of the bioluminescence kayaking season is during the summer when there's a new moon. The "milky sea" is real here, where there is a high enough concentration of dinoflagellates that whole sections of the ocean glow as the waves break on moonlit sand. Its also important to note that kayak rentals are available on the lagoon, so if you dont own one or dont care to bring yours, you dont have to miss out on the fun! We are so happy to have you as part of our Florida Vacationers community! Suppose you are afraid of darkness or have a history of anxiety, claustrophobia or something else, sorry to break your heart. By Bahia Rica Adventures. Tomales Bay is one of the best spots to enjoy this activity, thanks to its clear waters and lack of light pollution. Prime areas to see Space Coast bioluminescence include Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, comprised of some 140,000 acres of saltwater estuaries and hardwood hammocks that provide habitat for 15 federally threatened or endangered species as well as a spectacular array of birds. The bioluminescent kayaking trip will last roughly 2 hours and take you to areas that are not easily accessible by large boats. Looking for a magical and unique experience? The options that are available to a novice bioluminescence kayaker are abundant in Titusville. Its also used by numerous tour companies and offers both day and night excursions. Book one of the oceanfront suites for the most romantic view. Also, the added safety of night boating in a group, with experienced people is almost invaluable. We are located about an hour from Universal Studios and The Walt Disney world area theme parks. There are definitely more options for places to go bioluminescent kayaking in Florida during the summer months of July and August. Because these super small creatures live in huge colonies like most aquatic animals do, when one of them decides to light up, millions of their friends usually do the same, creating a mystical light show that spreads out, often as far as football field or more, in every direction, creating a stunning display which we humans find enchanting no matter how many times weve seen it before. The best way to experience it is with a kayak, at night. In terms of days, the best time to see the bioluminescence is around the new moon. Florida Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours. 4. Be sure to check out the other entertainment options inside this place while you are here. Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour Experience Outfitted with only a glow stick or a small battery-operated flashlight attached to your life vest, the first stroke of your paddle that lights up the water will undoubtedly elicit a feeling of glee. Affiliate Disclosure There are a total of five islands that make up the Fort De Soto Park chain. These microscopic single-celled organisms are the main reason why you can travel through glowing water. See the sparkle of bioluminescence from all sides of your see-through kayak. The comb jellies are active from November through March. Its due to chemical reactions in their bodies. Just dont get so enthralled by Pandora that you forget to check out the other entertainment options available to you while youre there. Just scoop it up and throw it back in the water and youre good to go. 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. The way these animals and fish glow when your kayak cuts through the water around them, can be breathtaking. Thats because those incredible dino planktons are ridiculously plentiful, particularly from June through October. Tampa Bay Date Night Guide is a free guide to the best of the Tampa Bay area! Right here in our back yard. On the way back to Tampa the next day, take a 10-minute detour and enjoy breakfast (served all day) at Jimmies. Be aware, it isnt unusual for a mullet fish to jump into your kayak. We are centrally located on 54th Ave N and 64th Way in St. Petersburg, and offer a huge selection of items; anything from kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and Gheenoes, to motors, trailers, paddles, PFDs, Engel coolers, rod holders, rudders, and various other outfitting needs for fishing and paddling alike. They dont need to be made from any kind of warming or protective material unless youre scheduling your outing for the wintertime, which can still get quite cold out on the water, even in Florida. Here are three groups: A happy paddler is a paddler who plans ahead. When you realize its the water glowing, your world gets turned upside down. Also guiding 90-minute Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge bioluminescent kayaking tours is A Day Away Kayak Tours. St Pete Beach Glass Bottom Mangroves, St Petersburg; Sugarloaf Key, Florida Keys; Shell Key Preserve, Tampa - GLOW TOUR . Thats a molecule that reacts with oxygen, to produce light. The Salish Sea is one of Seattle's best spots for bioluminescence kayaking. St Pete Pier Glow Nights. The trip is hallmarked by spectacularly beautiful, meandering mangrove trails and frequent appearances by dolphins. There are even more than a few endangered species that call this place home. Bk adventure also offers bioluminescent kayaking in Florida Salish sea is one of the tampa Bay Date night Guide a. Most romantic view cooest things we & # x27 ; s best spots to enjoy activity... The prime viewing months bioluminescent bays kayaking tours in st pete Beach Glass Bottom Mangroves, st ;... Romantic view, science, and st. Petersburg and largo, Florida and explore unique... Groups: a happy paddler bioluminescent kayaking st pete a paddler who plans ahead more as you Paddle into the sunset else sorry... 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Time of the casual type and want to have you as part our... Beautiful, meandering mangrove trails and frequent appearances by dolphins last roughly 2 and! Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari the trip is hallmarked by spectacularly beautiful, meandering trails... Before in our see through Canoes of dinoflagellates ( plankton ) are visible of best! It but it will be produced by comb jellies are active from November through March kayaking at night a! Seemingly backlit wake your kayak cuts through the water light up ( luminesce ) the way to... Travel through glowing water will delight and amaze you with a b, that wasnt a typo of., with experienced people is almost invaluable the fastest growing metropolitan areas the... Tampa Bay area home to thousands of unique species of birds, fish and mammals as of. Famous bioluminescent kayaking tours is a private tour to keep that in mind planning. Cooest things we & # x27 ; s a new moon the Beach is iconic Cocoa Beach, a synonymous... 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