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.

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!

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.

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.

FAQ Bioluminescence Tours

Q: 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.

Q: 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 .

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Do You Have Questions About our Bioluminescence Tours?

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about BK Adventure’s world famous bioluminescent kayaking and rafting tours. We have tried to make a comprehensive list of things people want to know about doing a glowing bioluminescence tour, but if you do not find the answer you need, please call us at 407-519-8711 or email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if it’s raining?
Our tours rarely cancel due to weather. If it’s 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 reschedule all guests to the next available tour or at a time convenient for you. Rainchecks are valid for 1 year. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

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 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! (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What is the weight limit?

For single kayaks, the weight limit is 275 lbs.
For tandem kayaks, the limit is 550 lbs.
The night kayaking tours are done on tandem kayaks. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What if I am not a good kayaker?
If you’re a beginner, not confident in your kayaking abilities, or have small children, you may want to choose the Haulover Canal kayaking location. You may also ask about our rafting options, where you join others in a raft for an easy paddle in a big boat. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

Will there be mosquitos?
We can’t guarantee there won’t be mosquitoes, but there’s a 99% chance there will be. Breezy nights may help reduce them. The other pests are No-See-Ums. The best way to keep them away is with Baby Oil—consider applying a layer to exposed skin. PLEASE BRING MOSQUITO SPRAY. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What about groups?
We can manage groups up to 50 people. We recommend booking weekend nights at least 45 days in advance for large groups. Weekdays are easier to schedule. Please call us for details, and we’ll be happy to get your group out on the tour! (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

Will the bioluminescence be bright?
We like to think so—but we can’t guarantee it. The best conditions are: hot weather, just after a rain storm, and on a dark night. Bright bioluminescence is usually best July to October, but we see it all year. In November, we often see amazing flashing comb jellies! (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

How close is the Bioluminescent Kayaking launch to Orlando or Miami?
It depends on the launch site:

Kelly Park, near Port Canaveral, is about 45 minutes from Orlando.
During peak season, Haulover Canal in Titusville is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Orlando.
Kelly Park near Cocoa Beach is closer if you’re coming from Miami. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What about dogs?
We do not recommend this tour for dogs, as it’s a night kayaking tour. You may want to choose the manatee tour or the monkey tour instead if you want to have a great experience with your dog. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What about kayaking for small children?
(The page repeats aspects twice, but here’s the version that’s most relevant:)
This tour is better for small children who are able to sit still for at least 90 minutes. Please bring a USCG-issued life vest for toddlers to ensure it fits well. We also have child-size life vests available for ages 3+. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What type of wildlife will you see?
While wildlife isn’t guaranteed, we usually see alligators, ospreys, herons, river otters, and deer on this tour. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What about groups for single kayak tours?
We can accommodate groups up to 15 people for single kayak tours. Book weekend dates at least 45 days in advance. Weekdays are easier to schedule—please call us for help getting your group out on the water! (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)

What if I’m not a good kayaker?
Same as before: for beginners or guests unsure about kayaking, let your guide know at the start of the tour—especially at the alternative Haulover Canal location. (Florida Bioluminescence Tours)