Bioluminescence Kayaking Tours in St. Augustine, near Jacksonville and North Florida

Sunest and bioluminescent kayaking in ST. Augustine

Sunset and Bioluminescence in St. Augustine

⭐ Experience the best Sunset and Bioluminescence kayaking tour in St. Augustine, Florida. See Florida's famous sunset, glowing water and the monuments of St. Augustine lit up at night! This is the only tour of its kind - you see the sights of the Oldest City in America from the point of view of the first settlers to arrive on these shores, Florida wildlife like dolphins and manatees, and bioluminescence.

SUMMER TOURS START at 8PM and 10:30PM (Late Night Bioluminescence)

Price $75 for Approx. 2 hours
St. Augustine Bioluminescence only - late night tour

Bioluminescent Kayaking in St. Augustine

🩷 NEW SUMMER TOUR - Starts at 10:30 pm!
Late night bioluminescence tour in St. Augustine! This is the perfect way to end the day in America's iconic "Oldest City." See ancient bioluminescent sea creatures glow in the dark as you paddle past the city's famous monuments. Release your inner pirate as you see St. Augustine from the bay where rum runners, swashbucklers, and buccaneers ruled the GLOWING waterways! This tour has bright glowing comb jellies - a bioluminescent sea creature that is over 540 millions years old.

Price $75 for Approx. 1.5 hour

“Best of St. Augustine Kayaking!” – Join BK Adventure for the best views of the city on our St. Augustine Bioluminescence tours!

kayakers paddling on water glowing with bioluminescent light near castillo de san marcos in ST. Augustine, Florida on a bioluminescence tour

This kayaking tour launches from Vilano Boat ramp, just 1-2 miles from the historic district of St. Augustine. This is a perfect way to spend an evening getting stunning views of monuments like the Castillo de San Marcos, the Great Cross and the St. Augustine Light House from the water – and to top it off – this is the best place in North Florida to see bioluminescence! See the magical glow of bioluminescence in one of Florida’s best vacation destinations – world famous St. Augustine. BK Adventure is the only tour company offering summer bioluminescence tours in the Ancient City! 

Who would love this:  This is great for groups who want to experience Florida’s amazing bioluminescence but do not want to drive to Titusville or Cocoa Beach. It’s great for families, couples, and groups who want a truly unique experience in Florida.  The guides are fun, and remind you of days gone by as they help you paddle through the glowing bioluminescent water. 

When to go: For comb jellies – Nov – May; for dinoflagellates or plankton bioluminescence May – October are the best times for this tour.  Since space on tours is limited, please book in advance.   BK’s Bioluminescent tours tend to sell out, book early!  For last minute bookings call us – 407-519-8711. 

What is included

  • Kayak/Paddle
  • PFD
  • Guides

What you should bring

  • Insect repellent
  • Towel
  • Flashlight
  • Water bottle

Book Bioluminescence Tour in St. Augustine

St. Augustine – Bioluminescence Glow Update – Week of May 12

We are seeing 3/5 glow for bioluminescent comb jellies! Guests said “looks like a see of stars!”  Wildlife spotted: Dolphins, herons, manatee 

New Moon Notice

These are the Dark Skies weeks for Summer 2026:

May 15-24 (16 new Moon)

Jun 10-19 (14 new Moon)

Jul 10-19 (14 new Moon)

Aug 8-16 (12 new Moon)

The less moonlight, the brighter the bioluminescent sea creatures will appear. Please check the Moon Calendar before booking.Biolumines

What will the bio look like on your tour?

The photos used for bioluminescence must be taken in absolutely perfect condition.  Remember, bioluminescence is light created by living creatures.  Like anything in nature, it can be hard to capture.  Photos of bioluminescence are taken in perfect conditions at the height of the season.  Your tour may feature comb jellies, or plankton that are not as concentrated as the would be in mid- July to mid-September.  For more about seeing bioluminescence, read about it here.

What makes this bioluminescence tour so special?

This is the only bioluminescent kayaking tour with views of the historic city of St. Augustine.  You have the chance to get stunning photos of the ancient monuments, plus experience the magic of Florida bioluminescence! See the water glow at night and the city shining bright!

Our Lady of La Leche Great Cross View from River on bioluminescence tour in St. AugustineWhat type of Florida wildlife will I see?

On this this eco-tour we often see manatees, dolphins, rays, roseate spoonbills, herons, pelicans, many types of fish (as they glow in the bioluminescence), comb jellies, and dinoflagellates. 

Which cities is this bioluminescence tour nearest to?

  • near Jacksonville – 40 miles
  • near Ponte Vedra – 25 miles
  • near St. Augustine Beach – 7 miles
  • near Crescent Beach – 12 miles
  • near Gainesville – 74 miles
  • near Savannah – 174 miles (this is the closest Florida bioluminescence tour to Gerogia and the South East)

 What is the best time to do a bioluminescence tour in St. Augustine? 

Because Florida has both winter bioluminescence and summer bioluminescence, you can do a tour almost any time of the year.  BK Adventure posts bioluminescence brightness ratings on their website and social media daily, so check out @bkadventure on your favorite platform, or call us for an update at 407-519-8711.  The brightest bioluminescence is determined by the darkness of the skies and the warmth or coolness of the water.  Check out our Dark Skies – New Moon Calendar here. 

Nighttime Kayaking in St. Augustine

During the summer months we do a night time bioluminescence tour in addition to the sunset launch time.  This tour starts at 10:30pm and lasts until around midnight.  You can check for  this dark skies bioluminescence tour by clicking on the calendar here, and looking for a 10:30 tour time. 

Meeting Point

St. Augustine Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours meet at Vilano Boat Ramp –  Saint Augustine, Florida

Meet your guide at Vilano Boat ramp just 1.5 miles from the historic district of St. Augustine, Florida.  Please be at least 15 minutes early for your tour so we can start on time. 

For Sunset – Bioluminescence Tours: You are the first tour of the evening, so help your guide start on time by being early! 

For Nighttime Bioluminescent Kayaking – If your guides are not at the boat ramp, they may be on the water, please wait near the BK Adventure van for your guide to start the tour. 

People Also Ask ... FAQ About this St. Augustine Bioluminescence Tour

Where is the best place to see bioluminescence in Florida?

The Mosquito Lagoon is considered to have the best bioluminescence in the entire world! However, we think this bioluminescent kayaking experience in St. Augustine is the best tour overall because you not only get to see great bioluminescence, you also get magnificent nighttime views of the city! This is a truly unique bioluminescence tour that you will not find anywhere else.

Why is this considered one of the most unique things to do in St. Augustine, Florida?

There is no other tour in Florida where you can see America’s oldest monuments – Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos, planet earth’s oldest living creatures – bioluminescent comb jellies (540 million years old), and Florida’s best wildlife – manatees, dolphins and more all at the same time! 

Do I need to know how to kayak to do a bioluminescence tour?

No. We will give you some instruction before you go out, and paddling is easy for most people.  

What do I need to bring on this night kayaking tour?

We recommend a dry bag or something waterproof you can put your valuables in that has a carabiner or tie on,  a bottle of water., and insect repellant,

What should I wear for this tour?

Wear quick dry clothes, river sandals or water shoes (old sneakers are fine).  We do not recommend wearing bikinis or any loose clothing as this will be an uncomfortable paddling experience.  

What do I do if it’s raining? 

This tour departs in light rain.  If you are unsure, call our office and we will let you know if we think the weather will clear up.  If you would like, you can can request a raincheck before the departure of the tour, and book another time at no extra fee. 

Is this tour suitable for children? 

This is a great tour for kids 8+ as we use tandem kayaks and the child can sit up front and help an adult parent paddle.  For younger children, it would depend  – call out office if you have questions.  It is not suitable for children under 5 years old.  ( We would recommend out bioluminescent rafting tour.) 

Reviews of BK Adventure Tours

Write a review

  • Warning: Undefined array key "profile_photo" in /srv/users/bkadventure/apps/bkadventure/public/wp-content/themes/bkadventure-2022/inc/widgets/elementor-package-reviews.php on line 176

    Michelle

    Bucket list item - wow! What a cool unique experience for all of us (age 15, 15, 17, 40, 40) zero raft paddle experience! This was hands down our fave ...

    Read more


  • Warning: Undefined array key "profile_photo" in /srv/users/bkadventure/apps/bkadventure/public/wp-content/themes/bkadventure-2022/inc/widgets/elementor-package-reviews.php on line 176

    Jessica Schmidt

    Yesterday we had the Tour with Jungle Jay. We were alone (only my husband and I) and it was super private. Our tourguide was very polite and gave us a ...

    Read more


  • Warning: Undefined array key "profile_photo" in /srv/users/bkadventure/apps/bkadventure/public/wp-content/themes/bkadventure-2022/inc/widgets/elementor-package-reviews.php on line 176

    amanda lanphere

    We went out on Saturday night to the sunset and bioluminescence tour. It was absolutely mind blowing. Dan and Jordan took us out and we’re so knowledgeable about all the ...

    Read more


  • Warning: Undefined array key "profile_photo" in /srv/users/bkadventure/apps/bkadventure/public/wp-content/themes/bkadventure-2022/inc/widgets/elementor-package-reviews.php on line 176

    Mikailla Brownfield

    Had the absolute best time doing the sunset and bioluminescence tour! Sarah was a wealth of information and Sam helped to keep everyone safe and on path! Both were great ...

    Read more

More BK Adventure Florida Bioluminescence Tours

BK Adventure is the world’s largest bioluminescence tour company – featuring many locations and bioluminescent kayaking, rafting or clear kayaking – check out the following links for more options. 

Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach Clear Kayaking Bioluminescent Tour, or the Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour

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

BEST BIOLUMINESCENCE - MAY 2026
Join our Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours just 1 hour from Orlando. Departs nightly throughout the year. See the amazing glowing waters of Florida's own "Bioluminescent Bay" on the Indian River Lagoon. New Moon Tours Sell Out, So Book Early - This is the #1 Bioluminescence Tour in Florida!

Price $67 for Approx. 1.5 hour
Two people paddling in a clear kayak with bioluminescence around the kayak and splashing around the paddles

Clear Kayak Bioluminescence – Wildlife Refuge – Titusville

BEST BIOLUMINESCENCE - MAY 2026
MOST POPULAR TOUR! Clear Kayaking (see-through kayaks) is a spectacular way to experience Florida's bioluminescent waters. We take you to the glowing Indian River lagoon where bioluminescence shines bright with each stroke of your paddle. THIS IS THE MOST CONSISTENT BRIGHT BIOLUMINESCENCE - YEAR ROUND!

Price $79 for Approx. 1.5 hour
Close-up shot of the edge of a blue raft with two paddles off the side, and bioluminescence underneath the raft and splashing in the river.

Bioluminescence Rafting Tour – Wildlife Refuge

Florida Bioluminescence Rafting! The only bioluminescent tour in Florida that is NOT in a kayak. Family friendly and for those who want to see the magic neon glowing waters from the comfort of a paddle raft. Close to Orlando and Cocoa Beach.. This is great adventure for kid or groups of 6-8, Raft guide in each boat.

Price $67 for Approx. 1.5 hour
Two Influencers paddling at sunset on the River Lagoon. POV is the front of the guide’s kayak showing the influencer taking a photo with a Go Pro camera on a stick.

Sunset – Bioluminescence Combo – Wildlife Refuge – Titusville

Sunset Kayaking - See Manatees, Dolphins, Flamingoes and More!

On this AMAZING tour, we visit Manatee Central, where you see manatees in their natural habitat. As the sun goes down, the dolphins like to play. In summer you will see bioluminescent sea life glowing after dark. Makes a fun, romantic date!
STAFF PICK - BEST TOUR!

Price $85 for Approx. 3 hours

More St. Augustine Tours

Pink Paranormal Ghost Buster Tour St. Augustine

St. Augustine Ghost Busters Tour

Pink Paranormal Investigation in America’s Most Haunted City – St. Augustine Ghost Tour ($45/person) St. Augustine, Florida is known as America’s oldest and most haunted city, filled with centuries of real history, tragic battles, and documented paranormal encounters. On this interactive St. Augustine ghost tour, you don’t just hear haunted stories—you become part of the […]

Price $45 for Approx. 1 hour
Nights of Lights St. Augustine Tour - The Grinch Who Stole Pinkmas. Pink Culture Tours in St. Augustine, Florida.

St. Augustine Nights of Lights Grinch Tour – Merry Grinchmas Pink Lovers

Experience St. Augustine’s Famous Nights of Lights with a Grinchmas Twist! Grinch Tours Available NOW – for Nights of Lights 2026! (The Grinch is even grouchier this year – he deplores PINKMAS!)  How the Grinch Stole Pinkmas in St. Augustine! Get ready for a hilariously unforgettable holiday adventure on our Grinch Who Stole Pinkmas Golf […]

Price $45 for Approx. 1 hour
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Barbie Tour

St. Augustine Nights of Lights Pinkmas Tour

Experience St. Augustine’s world-famous Nights of Lights on a family-friendly, all-pink golf cart tour! The Pinkmas Tour is a one-of-a-kind holiday ride inspired by Barbie, featuring millions of Christmas lights, festive music, and magical photo stops. This 45-minute tour is perfect for families, kids, and holiday lovers who want a fun, glamorous way to see the lights in America's oldest city.

Price $45 for Approx. 0.75 hours