What happens if it's raining?

Our tours rarely cancel due to weather. If it is raining the day of the tour, chances are, with Florida weather, it will clear up by the time your tour starts. Sometimes we will hold the tour by 30 minutes for the weather to clear. In the case of lightning, high winds, or some other reason that we cannot paddle, we will re-schedule all guests to the very next tour available, or at a convenient time for you. Rainchecks are valid for 1 year.

What else is recommended?

We recommend you do the " Sunset Tour " if you have time. That way you get to see dolphins, and possibly manatees and all the amazing birds. Then, take a break, and go out for the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour later. It's just $20 more and it's an amazing tour! Click here to book that .

What is the weight limit?

For our single kayaks, the weight limit is 275 lbs. For the tandem kayaks it is 550 lbs. The night kayaking tours are done on tandem kayaks.

What if I am not a good kayaker?

Some people are naturally athletic, and they pick up any kind of activity easily. If that's you, pick either launch location. If you are a beginner, or not sure about kayaking abilities, or have small children, you may want to choose the Haulover Canal kayaking location. You may also want to ask about our new rafting options where you join others in the raft for an easy paddle in a big boat.

Will there be mosquitos?

Ram, the owner, likes to say, "You bring the spray, we'll bring the mosquitos!" We cannot guarantee there will be mosquitos, but there is a 99% change there will be. Some breezy nights have no mosquitoes. Some nights there are a lot. The other pest is No-See-Ums. The best way to keep them away is with Baby Oil. So, consider slathering on a layer of Baby Oil to any exposed skin. PLEASE BRING MOSQUITO SPRAY.

We can manage groups up to 50 people. We recommend you book weekend nights at least 45 days in advance for large groups. Weekdays is best, as those are easier to find spaces for. Please phone us for details, and we will be happy to get you and ALL your wonderful friends out for the tour! See more about See more about Group Tours.

Will the bioluminescence be bright?

We like to think so, but we cannot guarantee it. Here are the best conditions: hot weather, right after a rain storm, dark night. Sometimes the night is dark even when the moon is supposed to be bright. Sometimes a barely visible moon occurs on such a clear night, that even the slightest shine makes it seem bright. So, there are many factors that make the bioluminescence more/less visible. The BEST TIME for glowing algae (dinoflagellates) brightness is usually July to October. But we see it all year round, and in November, we see amazing flashing comb jellies! So, don't miss out because your vacation does not fall during the summer months.

How close is Bioluminescent Kayaking launch to Orlando or Miami?

This depends on your launch site: either Kelly Park is near Port Canaveral right off of Hwy. 528 (about 45 mins from Orlando), or in peak-season also, Haulover Canal in Titusville, Florida (1 hr; 15 mins from Orlando). Kelly Park near Cocoa Beach is the closer launch site to Miami.

Lots of people who love kayaking with their dog have asked about this tour. We do not recommend this one for dogs, as it is a night kayaking tour. Maybe chose the manatee tour or the monkey tour instead of bioluminescent kayaking if you want to have a great experience with your favorite pooch!

What about kayaking for small children?

Our recommended age for paddling is 5+ years old. Each tandem kayak, has a small middle seat, that a younger child could sit in. Price is per person regardless of age, or number in kayak. We recommend only for small children who are able to sit still for at least 90 minutes.

We use tandem kayaks for this tour.

Because of wildlife and environmental protection we have a limited number of kayaks we can launch at one time. So, we use 2 person tandem kayaks in order to get all of our guests out to see the bioluminescence on the dates they want. That does not mean you will be in a large group. Only 8 boats go out with 2 guide boats at one time.

How close is this tour to Orlando?

BK Adventure's office is about 50 miles from Orlando, and just 15 minutes away from Kennedy Space Center. Guest will meet at our Titusville office and then be driven to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (about 10 miles away).

How soon should you book a tour?

Because of the limited availability of our equipment, they tend to book up quickly. Please call us if there is a time/day you would like that is not available for online booking. We may be able to get you on.

What about small children?

This kayaking tour is not recommended for smaller children. 10+ is a good age for this tour.

What type of wildlife will you see?

Though we do not guarantee wildlife on any of our tours (Mother Nature makes no guarantees!), we usually see alligators, ospreys, herons, river otters and deer on this tour.

What about groups for single kayak tours?

We can manage groups up to 15 people for this tour. We recommend you book weekends at least 45 days in advance for large groups. Weekdays is best, as those are easier to find spaces for. Please phone us for details, and we will be happy to get you and ALL your wonderful friends out for the tour! See more about Group Tours here.

What if I am not a good kayaker?

Some people are naturally athletic, and they pick up any kind of activity easily. If that's you, pick either launch location. If you are a beginner, or not sure about kayaking abilities, let your guide know when at the beginning of the tour.

We use whitewater rafts for this tour.

Because of wildlife and environmental protection we have a limited number of boats we can launch at one time. There will be 6-10 people in your raft depending on the size of the boat.

What about small children for the family raft?

This tour is better for small children. We recommend only for small children who are able to sit still for at least 90 minutes. Please bring USCG issued life vest for toddlers to be sure it is a good fit. We do have child size life vests available for 3+.

How close is this Bioluminescent kayaking to Orlando or Miami?

This depends on your launch site: either Kelly Park is near Port Canaveral right off of Hwy. 528 (about 45 mins from Orlando), or in peak-season also, Haulover Canal in Titusville, Florida (1 hr; 15 mins from Orlando). Kelly Park near Cocoa Beach is the closer launch site to Miami.

What about groups for the family rafting?

We can manage groups up to 22 people for rafting. We have 3 rafts to accommodate this. We recommend you book weekend nights at least 45 days in advance for large groups. Weekdays is best, as those are easier to find spaces for. Please phone us for details, and we will be happy to get you and ALL your wonderful friends out for the tour! See more about our Group Tours here.

What is the weight limit for the family raft Bioluminescence tour?

The weight limit for 1 raft is about 2400lbs. We can accommodate people of varying sizes in our rafts. Be sure you can get in and out of the raft on your own.

How soon should you book bioluminescence tours?

Because of the limited availability of our rafts and clear kayaks, they tend to book up quickly. Please call us (407-519-8711) if there is a time/day you would like that is not available for online booking. We may be able to get you on. But, generally for bioluminescence tours it is best to book 30 days in advance for New Moon and Dark Skies weeks, and about 2 weeks in advance for all other tours. This will help ensure you get the time and tour that you want.

Can you see bioluminescence during a full moon?

Yes, especially in the summer months, bioluminescence is visible during the full moon. But on the buffer seasons like spring or early fall, it may be hard to see bioluminescent plankton (dinoflagellates). However, the comb jellies are usually visible during all moon phases. The less light that reflects on the water usually makes the bioluminescence appear brighter, but it is always still there.

Bioluminescence in Florida 2025 – When, Where & Why It’s Amazing

The Space Coast is glowing again—and it’s not just the rocket launches.

Table of Contents

Why Bioluminescence in Florida Is So Special
When to See Bioluminescence in Florida (2025 Calendar)
Best Places to See the Glow: Cocoa Beach & Titusville
What Causes the Glow? Dinoflagellates vs. Comb Jellies
How to Book Your Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour
Pro Tips Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Bioluminescence in Florida Is So Special

Child’s legs glowing in bioluminescent water during a family rafting tour in Florida

Picture this: you’re paddling through a quiet lagoon under the stars, and every stroke of your paddle sets the water aglow with shimmering blue light. It’s not a dream or a CGI movie scene — it’s Florida’s real-life bioluminescence, and it’s one of the most magical things you can experience in nature.

Florida is one of the only places in the continental U.S. where you can see bioluminescent kayaking year-round, and summer 2025 has been one of the brightest seasons yet thanks to ideal weather conditions and New Moon alignment.

When to See Bioluminescence in Florida (2025 Calendar)

The glow happens at night, and the darkest nights of the month provide the most spectacular show. That’s why New Moon weeks are the best time to book.

Check the full Moon Calendar for 2025 here:
👉 Florida Bioluminescence Moon Calendar

Best Time to See the Glow:

May through October (dinoflagellate season)
September through March (comb jelly season)
New Moon Weeks = peak brightness

2025 New Moon Dates to Watch:

May 28 – June 1 (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 20 – June 30 (Father’s Day Glow Week)
July 18 – July 29 (Brightest Glow of the Year)
August 18 – August 31 (Labor Day Getaways)
September 16 – September 26 (Fewer Crowds, Perfect Weather)

Avoid full moons. The extra light drowns out the glow.

Best Places to See the Glow: Cocoa Beach & Titusville

BK Adventure offers several launch points near Orlando and Cocoa Beach, making it an easy night trip for families, couples, or groups.

Top-Rated Bioluminescent Kayaking Spots:

Kelly Park East (Clear Kayak Tour) – near Cocoa Beach
- Best for: cruise travelers, first-timers, and clear kayak selfies
Haulover Canal (Titusville)
- Best for: wildlife encounters and glowing waters
Beacon 42 (Space Coast Stargazing Tour)
- Best for: dark sky lovers, bioluminescence, and Milky Way visibility
Kiwanis Island Park (Family Raft Tour)
- Best for: families with kids under 5 or those who prefer minimal paddling
- Book the Family Raft Tour or the clear kayaking tour

What Causes the Glow? Dinoflagellates vs. Comb Jellies

Dinoflagellates (Summer Glow)

Tiny plankton that emit blue-green flashes when disturbed
Peak season: June through September
Best seen on dark, warm nights

Comb Jellies (Winter Glow)

Gelatinous creatures that glow when touched
Visible in cooler months, typically October through March
Appear as glowing orbs with a rainbow shimmer when moved

Both are harmless to humans and stunning to witness up close.

How to Book Your Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour

Tours run nightly near Orlando, Cocoa Beach, and Titusville — just 45 minutes from theme parks and cruise ports.

Choose Your Adventure:

Sunset kayaking tour near Cocoa Beach during a Florida bioluminescence adventure

Space Coast Stargazing Tour
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Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour
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Sunset-Bioluminescence Tour
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Family Rafting Tour
Book Now

Prefer to talk to someone? Call BK Adventure at 407-519-8711.

Spots fill quickly during New Moon weeks, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Pro Tips Before You Go

Wear bug spray and water shoes
Bring a towel and change of clothes
Don’t expect to see the glow from shore — it only appears when disturbed
Most phones can’t capture it — just enjoy the moment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the glow from land?
No — the bioluminescence lights up only when the water is disturbed. That’s why kayak tours are the best way to see it.

Is it safe to touch or swim in?
Yes. Both dinoflagellates and comb jellies are completely harmless to humans.

What time do the tours start?
Most tours begin between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM, depending on the season and sunset time.Can kids come on the tour?
Yes. BK Adventure offers family-friendly raft tours, and kids love the glowing water.

Bioluminescence in Florida 2025 – When, Where & Why It’s Amazing

Audra Espinoza

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