Getting out and trying something new might seem a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m going to encourage you to try a nighttime bioluminescence kayak tour. There is a lot of fun to have in Orlando and the surrounding area. Last weekend, I went with my husband and daughter, and we had such a great time. I think this experience is best for kids ages ten and up.
We went with Florida Adventurer, but there are a few other companies to choose from. Originally, we were scheduled for mid-April, but I got sick, and they let us reschedule. So thankful we waited because even though the bioluminescence plankton is visible from April to November, July to September are the better viewing months. Also, search for phases of the moon because you want as little moon as possible for the best viewing. The darker, the better for this activity.
We went to the Merritt Island location because it’s near my daughter’s Cocoa Village boutique. The morning of, they called me to inform me that visibility at the Merritt Island location was very low, and visibility was much higher at the Titusville location. The team asked if we were okay with moving locations. Heck yeah, we were okay with that if it meant seeing more. Getting there 30 minutes early — as required — we loaded up with bug spray. Water shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet are a must as well. Even though they say there are porta-potties, bring some toilet paper because it’s not included!
After distributing life vests, glow sticks, and flashlights, the tour guide talked about what to expect, a quick overview of how to kayak, and safety. I am going to encourage you to choose the clear bottom kayak tour option; it was amazing! Once we all got out into the water and let our eyes adjust to the darkness, we could see so much glow!Streams of “bubbles” traveling under the kayak.
Blue splashes as we paddled.
Fish causing streaks of blue glow as they swam around.
A-Ma-Zng!
The guide caught a fish in the water and pointed out several blue crabs and a couple of herons. One gal had a fish land in her lap, and a fish hit my husband in the face. The fish were very active.
Overall, this was an absolutely amazing experience that I highly recommend. The website does note that phone cameras do not take the best pictures on bioluminescence kayak tours. But if you use the night setting on your phone, you can still get a couple of decent pictures to remember the night!
Let us know in the comments if you would go (or have gone) on a bioluminescence kayak tour!
