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
This is one of the most amazing eco-tour experiences you can have – anywhere! And we have it right here in the Orlando area for our guests. The manatees in Florida love the warm waters of the Indian River. They laze the day away in the coves and lagoons of this brackish estuary. Kayak with us (quietly) into their little paradise, and you will feel the essence of these mythical gentle giants. Thought to be the original mermaids, manatees, (sea cows) seem to awaken something spiritual in those who come into close contact with them. Feel the magic in their presence as the come up along your kayak to curiously check out who this new sea creature (you) is! Manatees are friendly and curious. They like to get to know our guests.
We ask our kayakers to take as many photos and videos as they like, but to be quiet and not try to touch the manatees. It is important to respect their environment and not disturb them. But don’t be surprised if you get a splash or a spray as they come up for air!
Please read – How to paddle with manatees before go on the tour.
Times vary depending on the seasons. Please take a look at the day on our booking calendar to see possible departure times.
(Tour must be booked 2 hours before departing. Private group, school, church or businesses tour is available upon requested. Call for more information and rates)
Price: $48 per person
Includes: pfd, guides, fun and kayak.
Age range: 6+ . We offer double kayak for kids if required.
What You Should Bring: Sunblock, insect repellant, sunglasses, and water bottle
Meeting Point:
Haulover Canal – North side
More about the Indian River Wildlife and Manatees
The Indian River Lagoon is an estuary that is fed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean making it a unique natural habitat. Florida has more endangered or threatened species than any other state, and the Indian River is home to 36 rare or endangered wildlife. The West Indian Manatee is one of them. Manatees love this river because of the abundance of seagrass beds.
Other rare wildlife you are likely to see are: Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Loggerhead Turtles, Blue Crabs, Seahorse, Otters and Giant Blue Herons. In the summer months, night tours offer a rare view of glowing seaweed that is “bioluminescent.” Yes – it glows in the dark!
Safety first
Sustainable tourism
Expert & professional local guides
Fair prices
Fair cancellation policy
We run our own trips
We're a passionate bunch
Rated 5-star on TripAdvisor
Guaranteed trips
Check for emails
Check directions - double check
Wear quick dry clothes
Wear water/river shoes
Bring sunblock
Bring insect spray
Bring cash (tips optional)
Call for questions
Be ready for fun