Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour
Glowing Night Tours in See-through Clear Kayaks
Taking a clear kayak (100% see-through) for your bioluminescence tours is a spectacular way to experience Florida’s glowing waters. It’s especially breath-taking in summer when the dinoflagellates (plankton) light up a bright iridescent blue.
This tour is a “mystical experience” that is sure to be the highlight of your stay near Orlando or the Space Coast (Titusville and Cape Canaveral). Experience the magic world of these neon sea creatures as your kayak lights up from all sides!
Why chose a clear kayak: All of our tours offer a great way to experience the wonder of bioluminescence, but clear kayaks make it all the more magical. You get a view of not just the sides of your boat, but all sides of your boat – front, back, sides and bottom. You see the glowing plankton sparkling under you.
When to go: The best time to see dinoflagellates (plankton) is June – October. However, bioluminescent Comb Jellies are present in the colder months and make for a great experience as well. Book early clear kayaking usually sells out in summer.
Tours depart nightly: Bio Bay kayaking tours depart nightly throughout the year and are a “must-do” for Florida vacations. There are only a few places to see bioluminescence in the world, and BK Adventure tours are the most popular in the continental United States.
Where we take you: This tour launches on Florida’s east coast near the Canaveral National Seashore. We depart where the bioluminescence is best, and sometimes this changes. When you book the tour, your confirmation will have directions to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (Titusville).
How to book: Simply click on the orange “book now” button on this page, and follow the prompts. For same day bookings or special options, just give us a call (407-519-8711). We are happy to help you, and often last minute bookings can be arranged.
About this Night Kayaking Tour
Duration: 90 minutes kayaking
Price: $72 per person
Includes: pfd, guides, fun, kayak and paddle.
Age range: 5+
Weight Limit: 415 lbs total for 2-Person Kayak (neither participant should weigh over 250); some participants may need to use the clear kayak as a single person based on weight limits. Additional charge may apply.
What You Should Bring: Sunblock, insect repellent, towel and water bottle
Meeting Point:
Haulover Canal on Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
Moon Notice: Moonlight effects this tour and how brightly you will see bioluminescence. The less moonlight, the brighter the bioluminescent sea creatures will appear. Please check the Moon Calendar before booking. New moons for 2019 are July 2, Aug. 1, Aug. 30 and Sept. 28. These dates will sell out in summer, so book early!
Our trip was two days after a new moon. The trip departed at about 9:15 PM this Sunday evening. The weather was gorgeous and the lack of ambient lighting in the area surrounding Kennedy Space Center made for amazing star watching. No less exciting was the bioluminescence in the water. The dinoflagellates and the comb jellies were amazing. The unique clear hulled kayaks we’re fascinating as the bioluminescent life-forms sparkled and glowed as they glided against the hull in the water. it was like thousands of green shooting stars running along the entire underside of the kayak below the waterline. every pedal stroke made the water glow. Skimming a net through the water made huge glowing swirls of green light. The guides were extremely knowledgeable about the biochemical phenomenon creating the lights and about the role of dinoflagellates and comb jellies in the ecosystem. I highly recommend this tour, especially in the days surrounding a new moon.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34515-d8808975-r396579284-BK_Adventures-Orlando_Florida.html#
Bioluminescence tour/BK Adventure/Clear Kayaks-it’s Pixie Dust in the water! My family and I did this tour June 8….despite the rain at the start, we had a wonderful time….our guides were so great! Pay attention to the guides and do this tour folks!!!! For the person in the front of the kayak-look down toward the front of the boat and watch the jellyfish hit it and illuminate it as you glide through the water…it’s sparkles in the water! Every time you paddle, it looks like pixie dust in the water, glowing with the movement of the paddle. By the end of the tour, the rain completely stopped and the stars came out, the view of the Space Center was crystal clear. Very cool, we all really enjoyed it! Thanks so much BK!
How a tour in a clear kayak is different
Our lighted clear kayaks are like no other night tour in Central Florida. They make a spectacular glow on the water as you launch into the river. Once in the bioluminescent coves of the Indian River, your guide will have you turn off your kayak lights and let nature do her magic!
Our clear kayaking groups are smaller than the other night tour groups, and have their own guides who are specially trained in this tour. They will show you the wonders of the lagoon at night during this tour that has been described as “surreal.”
What will the Bioluminescence in Florida look like:
The special thing about Clear Kayaks is the bioluminescence looks like sparkles or blue streaks (in high season) underneath you. However, bioluminescence is very hard to photograph in anything other than perfect conditions. Please read more about viewing bioluminescence here.
This night tour is best for:
- people who are comfortable on the water, in a canoe or kayak (these see-through canoe/kayak hybrids handle differently than a regular kayak)
- those who want something extraordinary – beyond the regular bioluminescence tour experience
- adults or older children
- those looking for a romantic date (we had a “first date” on this tour!)
- tourists who want something different to do in Florida – near Orlando, Cocoa Beach or Titusville (Space Center)
- adventurous, flexible types – please note that these canoe type boats require optimum conditions
Notice: People who are afraid of water, over the weight limit, or otherwise uncomfortable in a canoe type boat should opt for the rafting tour, or tandem kayak tour instead.
Interested in other tours in our clear kayaks? Try these:
Silver Springs – “Glass Boat” Kayaking
This Tour is a Great Alternative to Florida Theme Parks
There are many great things to do around Florida, but for a “real Florida” adventure taking a nature tour can’t be beat. Bioluminescent kayaking in our clear kayaks makes the nighttime tour phenomenal. In the height of the summer bioluminescence season as you paddle your see-through canoe out into the bio bay, look down! The galaxy is beneath your boat as the black water and sparkling plankton look like millions of stars! Around your boat the sides glow green and blue as the glowing algae splashes. But this is not the only great thing about these amazing clear kayaks, you also get to see the glowing fish and wildlife as they pass underneath you. Schools of mullet love to race around in the glowing water!
Clear Kayak Bioluminescence
We were able to see manatees and dolphins. Plus, we watched the sunset. It was incredibly beautiful and romantic. I didn't capture the photo of the sun because I was too busy enjoying the experience. I did get a shot of the beautiful sky after the sunset tour was finished. Our guides Bailey and Josh were awesome and made our trip unforgettable. They are very outgoing and knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area. The bioluminescence was beautiful that night. It was so dark that we were able to see millions of stars in the clear night sky. We were very lucky with the weather. I definitely recommend going with BK Adventures for the sunset tour and bioluminescent tour package. Oh, and don't forget to tip the guides, even though it is optional. They work really hard to make the trip enjoyable, and they have to keep track of everyone and keep them safe. It can be a high pressure job because people on the tour have different levels of kayaking experience, so be generous.
Our guide, avi, was fantastic. Answered every question. A lot better than expected,as I am a skeptic at heart. Manatees and other wildlife for the sunset trip and a very cool logar show for the evening trip out. Went on a dark and rainy night and the bio was really bright. Thank you for a great evening. I do have to mention getting there is part of the adventure, and the staff was great at providing directions when needed. - Bruce Hamilton, Google Reviews
Our trip was two days after a new moon. The trip departed at about 9:15 PM this Sunday evening. The weather was gorgeous and the lack of ambient lighting in the area surrounding Kennedy Space Center made for amazing star watching. No less exciting was the bioluminescence in the water. The dinoflagellates and the comb jellies were amazing. The unique clear hulled kayaks we're fascinating as the bioluminescent life-forms sparkled and glowed as they glided against the hull in the water. it was like thousands of green shooting stars running along the entire underside of the kayak below the waterline. every pedal stroke made the water glow. Skimming a net through the water made huge glowing swirls of green light. The guides were extremely knowledgeable about the biochemical phenomenon creating the lights and about the role of dinoflagellates and comb jellies in the ecosystem. I highly recommend this tour, especially in the days surrounding a new moon.https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34515-d8808975-r396579284-BK_Adventures-Orlando_Florida.html#
Went with friends for the Bioluminescence tour kayaking 10pm. We had a blast. Guides were fun and knew a lot about the nature of the wildlife preserve. We saw dolphins from the shore. At first glowing plankton were not out, but guide knew where to kayak and water started lighting as we paddled around. Tons of stars out. Can't say enough good stuff about BK and our guides (dillon? And jake).This was the best thing we did in Florida. Everyone should try this!https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34515-d8808975-r396579284-BK_Adventures-Orlando_Florida.html#
Bioluminescence tour/BK Adventure/Clear Kayaks-it's Pixie Dust in the water! My family and I did this tour June 8....despite the rain at the start, we had a wonderful time....our guides were so great! Pay attention to the guides and do this tour folks!!!! For the person in the front of the kayak-look down toward the front of the boat and watch the jellyfish hit it and illuminate it as you glide through the water...it's sparkles in the water! Every time you paddle, it looks like pixie dust in the water, glowing with the movement of the paddle. By the end of the tour, the rain completely stopped and the stars came out, the view of the Space Center was crystal clear. Very cool, we all really enjoyed it! Thanks so much BK!
Very memorable and a great experience. Nearly a 2 hour kayaking adventure on easy, flat water canal. Picturesque & Ram, the owner, very knowledgable. It took about 1.5 hour to drive from Orlando. - E. Peterson
Important Information about your tour
- Read Our Refund Policy Here
- 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.
- 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 clear 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 6 boats go out with 2 guide boats at one time.
- What about small children? Our recommended age for paddling in clear kayaks is 8+ years old. 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.
- 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 rainstorm, 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.
- What about groups? We can manage groups up to 24 people for Clear Kayaks. 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 Group Tours here.
- 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% chance 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.
- 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.
- What is the weight limit? Guest can not be over 250lbs to ride comfortably in Clear Kayaks. Each kayak has a weight limit of 415lbs.
- 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.
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BK Adventure - Florida's #1 Bioluminescence Tours. BK Adventure is part of a global adventure tour outfitter with local guides taking you to the heart of wild Florida. We specialize in kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking day trips around the Orlando area.
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