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: 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.

Question 1

What happens if it's raining?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What else is recommended?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the weight limit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What if I am not a good kayaker?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Will there be mosquitos?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What about groups?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Will the bioluminescence be bright?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How close is Bioluminescent Kayaking launch to Orlando or Miami?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What about dogs?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 10

What about kayaking for small children?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

We use tandem kayaks for this tour.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How close is this tour to Orlando?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 13

How soon should you book a tour?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What about small children?

Accepted Answer

This kayaking tour is not recommended for smaller children. 10+ is a good age for this tour.

Question 15

What type of wildlife will you see?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What about groups for single kayak tours?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What if I am not a good kayaker?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

We use whitewater rafts for this tour.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What about small children for the family raft?

Accepted Answer

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+.

Question 20

How close is this Bioluminescent kayaking to Orlando or Miami?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

What about groups for the family rafting?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

What is the weight limit for the family raft Bioluminescence tour?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

How soon should you book bioluminescence tours?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

Can you see bioluminescence during a full moon?

Accepted Answer

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.

Cover – Guests during our Sunset – Bioluminescence Excursion at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Lauren Garrick-Keyes

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