If you live near Orlando, it can be easy to get caught up in the theme parks and restaurant scene here. But some days you just need to get away from it all and spend some quiet time in the nature. Luckily, finding a scenic, peaceful paradise is surprisingly easy.
Kayaking Orlando is perfect for discovering the diverse bays, rivers, and lakes in Central Florida all while spotting colorful wildlife. if you want to experience Florida’s glowing water, however, there are only a couple of places you can go.
Where To Go For Bioluminescent Kayaking in Orlando, FL
There are two places where you are sure to see bioluminescence in abundance: Titusville and Cocoa Beach; we launch tours from both these sites.
Titusville Bioluminescent Kayaking: Located along the Indian River, Titusville is home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and, of course, NASA.
During the day, you can spot manatees, bobcat, otters, alligators, and several other creatures playing around the Indian River and Merritt Island. During the night, the area is known for its dense population of glow-in-the-dark plankton. Drive time to the Merritt Island is about one hour from Orlando and our tours are launched from Beacon 42 and Haulover Canal.
Cocoa Beach Bioluminescent Kayaking: Cocoa Beach lies south of Cape Canaveral and is most known for two things: the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and kayaking. The comb jellyfish, algae, crustaceans, and smaller fish in the Banana River Lagoon go through a chemical process that makes them glow in the night.
When you are in Cocoa Beach or nearby, make sure you join our clear kayaking tour to enjoy this amazing sight. Our tours launch from Kiwanis Island, which takes about an hour of drive time from Orlando.
Once you’ve experienced this nighttime kayaking Florida adventure under the stars, kayaking will never be the same for you. Even the tiniest disturbances in the water “activate” the bioluminescence, turning the water into a vibrant blue-green light show. And while you can stir up the water yourself with your paddles, seeing a manatee or a school of flying mullet fish light up the water is truly surreal.
Need A Break From Crowded Theme Parks? Join Our Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour!
This is a leisurely tour led by a well-trained guide, and you will have plenty of time to paddle around at your own pace. You’ll be able to drift with the current while looking up at the dark sky when you are not admiring the fiery sparks underneath. If you have any questions or concerns about the tour, feel free to reach out to us here.
