logo
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview

Sunset Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

Guided

Duration: 2 hours

Features

Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
On the Water
Instant Book
$65 Adult
(Ages 18+)
$65 Young Adult
(12 to 17 years old)
$65 Child
(5 to 11 years old)
$55 Bring Your Own Kayak
(Party members bringing their own kayak)

Description

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Indian River Lagoon

Step into a surreal world where glowing waters light your way as the sun sets behind Florida’s lush shoreline. This Sunset Bioluminescence Kayak Tour is a one-of-a-kind evening paddle through the Indian River Lagoon, where natural wonder and peaceful adventure collide. Starting your journey in the golden hour, you’ll watch the sky fade from orange to indigo while gliding past mangroves and palm-lined shores. As night falls, the water beneath you begins to glow with each stroke, swirl, and splash—thanks to millions of bioluminescent dinoflagellates or glowing comb jellies, depending on the season.
In summer (May–early November), the lagoon is alive with dinoflagellates that burst into a cloudy blue-green light when disturbed. During the cooler months (late November–April), bioluminescent comb jellies drift silently beneath the surface tiny, glowing globes you can gently scoop up and hold in your hand.
This guided, beginner-friendly paddle invites you to experience one of nature’s rarest light shows right here in Central Florida. Your experienced guide will share fun, fascinating facts about the ecosystem and the creatures you encounter, making the night both educational and enchanting. Whether it’s your first kayak trip or your fiftieth, this unforgettable tour offers the perfect mix of serenity, wonder, and fun.
Come see why this experience is one of the top-rated sunset kayak tours in Florida. Book now and join us for a peaceful and unforgettable evening on the water!

Details of the Activity

  1. Paddling Distance: Approx. 2–3 miles round-trip
  2. Water Conditions: Calm and flat (no elevation gain)
  3. Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; great for beginners and families

Duration

  1. Duration on Water: 1 hour and 30 minutes of kayaking gentle kayaking alongside manatees and dolphins
  2. Total Experience Time: 2 hours including check-in, safety briefing, gear-up and instruction.

Best Time to Visit

  1. Summer Glow (May to early November): Dinoflagellates – cloudy blue-green sparkle.
  2. Winter Glow (Late November to April): Comb Jellies – glowing creatures you can gently touch.

Location / Where to Meet

Meeting Point/Departure Location: 4905 N Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States
  1. Located near the Indian River Lagoon, approximately a short paddle away from the bioluminescence zone.
  2. Google Maps Link: (link provided in booking confirmation)
  3. Note: Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for parking, check-in, and a safety briefing.
  4. If you are using rideshare services like Uber or taxi, we recommend arranging your return trip ahead of time, as availability may be limited after the tour.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Minimum Age: 5 years old
  2. Kid-Friendly: Yes! They will love the glowing fish trails and magical paddling experience
  3. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  4. Beginner-friendly – no kayaking experience necessary; guides will give full instruction and support
  5. Participants should have basic physical ability to paddle for the tour duration

What’s Included

  1. Tandem kayaks (stable and beginner-friendly)
  2. Singles are available on as-needed basis
  3. All necessary kayaking gear including life jackets and paddles
  4. Safety briefing and paddling instruction
  5. Bottled water and light snacks
  6. Wildlife refuge access fees and permits
  7. Photos taken during the tour to capture your magical bioluminescent moments
  8. Expert guide to lead and share fascinating insights throughout the tour

Not Included

  1. Gratuity for guides (optional but appreciated)
  2. Transportation to the meeting point
  3. Meals, drinks, and personal items

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Quick-dry clothes or swimwear
  2. Towel (for after the tour)
  3. Water shoes or sandals with straps
  4. Bug spray (mosquitoes can be active at night)
  5. Snacks and water bottle
  6. Camera (waterproof cameras encouraged)
  7. Optional: waterproof flashlight

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY A Day Away Kayak Tours

FAQs

Is this beginner friendly?

Absolutely! This tour is designed for all experience levels. First-time kayakers are welcome, and our friendly guides will give you a quick paddling lesson and stay with you throughout the trip to ensure you're comfortable and confident on the water.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Nope! While basic water comfort is helpful, swimming is not required. You'll be in a stable kayak and wearing a life jacket the entire time. Our guides are also trained in water safety.

What if the weather is bad?

Safety is our top priority. 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.

Will I really see bioluminescence?

During peak season (May–early November), the glowing plankton known as dinoflagellates are highly active and can be seen most nights, especially around the new moon. Nature can be unpredictable, but our guides choose the best launch locations for optimal viewing.

Bioluminescence is an erratic and natural occurrence. Because of shifting climatic conditions, its brightness may change from night to night. While we cannot guarantee visibility levels, we do guarantee a unique, peaceful, and memorable paddling experience under the stars.

What should I wear?

We recommend wearing quick-dry clothing and water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting wet. You may also want to bring a towel and bug spray for after the tour.

Can kids join the tour?

Yes! This tour is suitable for kids ages 5 and up. Tandem kayaks are available to accommodate adults paddling with kids. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your group.

What is the best time of month to see the glow?

Bioluminescence is brightest on moonless nights. We recommend booking around the new moon or checking our calendar for the best glow dates, our team is happy to help you choose the best night!

Can I bring my own kayak?

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.

Cancellation Policy

Reservations are able to be rescheduled or cancelled with at least 48 hours notice from the departure time of the tour and will receive a full refund or credit. All weather cancellations are determined by A Day Away. If a tour is cancelled for safety reasons (lightning, wind, unsafe conditions, etc.), your reservation can be rescheduled or receive a rain check to use in the future or gift to a friend. We will reach out to each guest at time of determination. Until then, assume the tour is on schedule. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Read more
Read more

Availability

June 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

390 Old Dixie Hwy

Titusville, FL, 32796

US

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

Reserve

✔️Easy, secure, instant booking

✔️No extra fees

✔️Book directly with top-rated outfitters

adventure

Discover 5,000+ handpicked human powered adventures.

connect

Book directly with vetted local experts.

Average 4.8 ⭐️ across 185,000 reviews.

protect

Every booking contributes to conservation.

Proud member of The Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace.