Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Merritt Island

No prior experience is needed. Our guides offer basic instruction and stay with you to ensure a safe, enjoyable trip.

We recommend water shoes, quick-dry clothing, bug spray, a towel, and optionally, a waterproof flashlight or red-light headlamp and to enhance the glow experience.

For safety and wildlife protection, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Guides are certified in CPR and First Aid and carry safety kits. Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times.

Yes, you can! Just select the “Bring Your Own Kayak” option when booking for a discounted rate. We’ll still guide you and help ensure your gear is safe and ready.

Yes, free parking is available at the launch site.

If weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule or provide a full refund. We typically paddle rain or shine unless conditions pose a safety risk.

You will paddle approximately 2 to 3 miles over the 90-minute tour, at a relaxed pace suitable for beginners.

• A drive that is 20 minutes east of Titusville out on the Refuge
• No restroom facilities at the launch site (visitor center is the closest)
• Just under two hours on the water for a leisurely paddle
• Expect to get a little wet – depends on you (or possibly your friends)
• To see lots of wildlife and stretch those muscles a little
• To learn some basics about paddling and more about local wildlife
• To actually wear your life vest & whistle
• Great guides who enjoy their work and keep your safe
• Lots of outdoor fun and a desire to come back real soon.

We primarily use double kayaks on our trips. Most of our kayaks are late model Wilderness System Kayaks. Our doubles are primarily Pamlico 135's and for singles Pungo 120's (sit-in) and Tarpon 120's (sit-on). The kayaks you will be using are chosen with comfort and stability in mind. On most tours guests share a double kayak however a limited number of singles are available at A Day Away's discretion. Singles kayaks are used to meet the need of odd numbered parties.

This is Florida so we do have bugs...... Generally speaking, bugs are not a large problem. In some areas we may encounter biting insects (mosquitoes or no-see-ums) but a little bug repellent usually takes care of them! Most of the year there is little problem. Summer tends to be a challenge on the shore line after the rains begin and then primarily around dusk or dawn. Once we get on the water there is usually little problem. Occasionally we have an evening with no breeze, so bug repellent is a good thing to have on hand. We also recommend wearing light weight, loose fitting/dry quick long sleeves and pants. This allows you to keep the bugs off without dousing yourself in bug repellent.

On our tours in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge we see manatees most of the year. The exception to that is when we have a cold snap and temperatures drop and stay low for a few days. Manatees being mammals love warm water and need it to help maintain body heat. On cold days Manatees leave our area in favor of the warm runoff from local power plants or the water of local springs, which maintain a constant 72 degrees. In the warmer months, manatees are actually quite friendly and regularly visit us alongside our kayaks.