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.

Summer Bioluminescence Tours sell out quickly. These 2 tours are still available for last minute booking online or call 407-519-8711 to book.

Two people paddling in a clear kayak with bioluminescence around the kayak and splashing around the paddles

Clear Kayak Bioluminescence – Wildlife Refuge – Titusville

Price $79 for Approx. 1.5 hour

Two people sitting in tandem kayak on bioluminescence tour with BK Adventure in Florida at the River Lagoon

Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour – Wildlife Refuge – Titusville

Price $67 for Approx. 1.5 hour

The Best Places to see Bioluminescence in Florida...

Choose from Cocoa Beach, Titusville or St. Augustine Locations

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Bioluminescent Kayaking, Clear Kayaking, and Rafting Tours – near Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Titusville.

Did you know Florida has a bioluminescent bay that has more glowing plankton than almost anywhere else? And due to its easy access, it is one of the best places in the world to do bioluminescent kayaking tours.

BK Adventure has a tour for everyone. Try the traditional tandem kayak, a family friendly raft (great for kids, seniors, or groups), and the amazing clear kayaks – 100% see-through!

How to see Bioluminescence

We take you on these magical night tours throughout the year. Florida Bioluminescence Tours have become a bucket-list trip for vacationers! Ready to tick this experience off your list? Get on tonight’s tour! Book online, and or call to book the same day 407-519-8711.

When to book

Bioluminescence looks different throughout the year. The photos you see of it must be taken at the height of the season, in perfect conditions (mid – late summer, new moon). It is harder to see when a full moon is shining on the water.

On your tour, the bioluminescence may range from sparks and greenish light in the water, to flashing comb jellies in winter. If you want to paddle in bioluminescence that looks like the photos, it is best to come in the height of the season.

BK Adventure does not guarantee any type of wildlife at any time as that would be impossible to do, but we do try to keep you updated in conditions. Please see our trip updates on Facebook – @bkadventure.

See Tours Near:

Orlando | Disney | Cocoa Beach | Space Coast | Kennedy Space Center

There are 2 types of Bioluminescence Tours in Florida

Bioluminescent Plankton (Dinoflagellates)

This type of bioluminescence covers the water so it glows an other-worldly blue or green color when your paddle, hands or kayak disturb it. If you pick it up and play with it, it will create sparkles on your hands and arms. Your guide will show you how to kayak at night. It is important to go with a guide who knows the area, as the best times to go are on low moon shine nights.

Summer Bioluminescence

Glowing Comb Jellies

These are NOT jellyfish as the name might suggest. They are jelly-like sea creatures that glow in the water. Some kayakers actually like this tour more than the popular dinoflagellate tours.

These bioluminescent creatures are ctenophores that have been on earth before even the dinosaurs. They are one of the first forms of life and their existence dates back to the Cambria era over 540 million years ago.

Winter Bioluminescence

Quick Guide - Here are the best times to do Florida Bioluminescent Tours

Summer May – Nov

The water heats up and the bioluminescent plankton (dinoflagellates) start to glow. This is especially amazing in our Clear Kayaks!

This is the most popular time of year to see bioluminescence because the water in the lagoon gives off a magical blue glow as it coats the bodies of fish, dolphins, and rays gliding past your boat. You’ll feel like you are in a scene from Avatar!

Autumn/Winter Nov – Mar

This is bioluminescent Comb Jelly weather. In certain areas where we kayak, the water will cool down and bring out the glowing comb jellies!

Did you know comb jellies pre-date the dinosaurs? The ctenophore (comb jelly) are some of the first sea creatures to exist on planet earth – over 540 million years ago. They are ancient bioluminescent sea life!

One of the best times to see bioluminescence is during the 4 days preceding or after a new moon.

Remember – You don’t need to come on the exact day of the new moon, a few days before or after is also great. Can’t come on new moon week, check for moon rising times. If it rises late at night, it will not likely shine on the water during your tour. Even if it does, in summer, bioluminescence is super bright every night. And the Super Moons can be really beautiful!

Click here for new moon dates

Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking FAQs (Cocoa Beach & Titusville)

1. What is the best bioluminescence tour in Florida near Cocoa Beach?

The best bioluminescence tours near Cocoa Beach are located in the Indian River Lagoon and Titusville area, where warm, shallow waters create the brightest glowing water conditions in Florida.

2. Where is the brightest bioluminescence in Florida?

The brightest bioluminescence in Florida is typically found in the Indian River Lagoon near Titusville and Merritt Island, where plankton concentrations are highest during summer months.

3. When is bioluminescence season in Cocoa Beach and Titusville?

Bioluminescence season in Cocoa Beach and Titusville usually runs from late May through early October, with peak brightness occurring in July and August on dark nights.

4. Is bioluminescent kayaking in Florida worth it?

Yes, bioluminescent kayaking in Florida is considered one of the most unique nighttime experiences in the United States, offering glowing water, wildlife encounters, and calm paddling conditions.

5. What time do bioluminescence kayak tours start in Florida?

Most bioluminescence kayak tours in Florida start shortly after sunset, typically between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM depending on season and daylight hours.

6. Can you see bioluminescence near Cocoa Beach every night?

No, bioluminescence visibility depends on water temperature, plankton levels, and moon phase, so it is strongest on dark, moonless nights in peak season.

7. What is the difference between Titusville and Cocoa Beach bioluminescence tours?

Titusville tours are generally considered more reliable for brighter bioluminescence due to higher concentrations in the Indian River Lagoon compared to Cocoa Beach waters.

8. Do dolphins light up during bioluminescence tours?

Yes, dolphins and fish can sometimes create glowing trails in the water when they swim through bioluminescent plankton, creating a rare natural light show.

9. Are clear kayaks better for bioluminescence tours in Florida?

Clear kayaks enhance the experience by allowing paddlers to see glowing water beneath them, making the bioluminescence effect more immersive.

10. Is bioluminescent kayaking safe at night in Florida?

Yes, guided bioluminescence tours are very safe, with calm lagoon waters, life jackets provided, and professional guides leading every trip.

11. Can beginners do bioluminescence kayaking in Titusville?

Yes, beginners are welcome. No prior kayaking experience is required, and guides provide full instruction before launching.

12. What should I wear for a Florida bioluminescence kayaking tour?

Wear lightweight, quick-dry clothing such as athletic wear or swimwear. Water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.

13. How long does a bioluminescence kayak tour last in Florida?

Most Florida bioluminescence kayak tours last between 1.5 and 2 hours, including safety briefing and paddling time.

14. Can you take pictures of bioluminescence with an iPhone?

Standard phone cameras struggle to capture bioluminescence, but professional cameras with long exposure settings can sometimes capture the glow.

15. What happens if it rains during a bioluminescence tour?

Light rain usually does not cancel tours, and bioluminescence can still be visible. Severe weather may result in rescheduling for safety.

16. Is bioluminescence visible on full moon nights in Florida?

Bioluminescence is still visible on full moon nights, but the glow appears less intense due to increased ambient light.

17. Are there mosquitoes on bioluminescence kayak tours?

Mosquito presence varies by season, so insect repellent is recommended, especially in warmer months near mangrove areas.

18. What wildlife can you see during a Florida bioluminescence tour?

Wildlife may include dolphins, fish, pelicans, and other nocturnal marine life that occasionally enhances the glowing water effect.

19. How far in advance should I book a bioluminescence tour in Florida?

It is recommended to book several days in advance, especially during peak summer months when tours frequently sell out.

20. Why is the Indian River Lagoon the best place for bioluminescence kayaking?

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, making it one of the most consistent and reliable locations for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida.

Book Your Florida Bioluminescent Kayaking Adventure

Experience one of Florida’s most extraordinary natural wonders on a guided nighttime kayaking tour.

📍 Near Orlando, Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral
⭐ Thousands of 5-star reviews
🛶 Beginner-friendly & family-friendly
🌙 Peak glow June – October

👉 Reserve your bioluminescent kayaking tour today