This Bioluminescent Tour Lets You Float Through Florida’s Glow-in-the-Dark Waters
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Florida that feel like something straight out of a fairytale, add bioluminescent kayaking to the top of your list. Just a short drive from Orlando and Cocoa Beach, the waters surrounding Merritt Island transform into a glowing natural wonder after dark, where each paddle stroke leaves behind shimmering blue-green trails of light.
I recently had the chance to experience this with BK Adventure, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most magical adventures I’ve ever had in the Sunshine State—and I’ve lived here for a considerable amount of time. On my tour, which was done in a clear-bottom kayak, I learned so much about this mysterious phenomenon while watching the water come alive around me.
Our guide explained that bioluminescence is nature’s version of neon lights. Tiny organisms in the water, called dinoflagellates, emit a glow when disturbed, creating an effect that looks like stars scattered across the surface. During peak season, the brightness is strong enough to illuminate schools of fish, darting mullet, and even manatees or dolphins gliding past your kayak. To make it even more surreal, we encountered countless comb jellies drifting through the water, adding an extra sparkle to the already glowing scene.
One of the best parts about this experience is the option to go in a clear kayak. Instead of sitting in a standard kayak, you’re in a transparent one, which gives you a front-row seat to everything happening beneath the surface. Every ripple, splash, and movement lights up in ways you simply can’t see otherwise. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or brand new to kayaking, the tour is beginner-friendly and family-friendly, making it easy for anyone to enjoy.
If you’re planning a trip to Central Florida, you probably already know about the theme parks, rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center, or spending time on Cocoa Beach. But if you’re searching for something off the beaten path, Florida bioluminescence offers an unforgettable nighttime adventure that pairs perfectly with a day of sightseeing or relaxing by the ocean. It’s one of those rare experiences that appeals to both locals and visitors alike, because no matter how many times you’ve been on the water, watching it glow never gets old.
BK Adventure runs nightly tours during bioluminescence season, though spots can fill quickly, especially on weekends or around a full moon. You can book your trip directly here: Clear Kayaking Bioluminescence – Cocoa Beach. For more information on their other Florida adventures, visit www.bkadventure.com. And if you want to save a little on your booking, you can use the promo code BIO15 or book through their Groupon link here.
When it comes to kayaking in Florida, this experience truly stands apart. Bioluminescent kayaking isn’t just another tourist activity—it’s a reminder of the incredible natural beauty that exists in Florida’s waterways. If you’re looking for things to do near Orlando or things to do near Cocoa Beach that will leave you with lasting memories, make sure to add this glowing adventure to your itinerary. Trust me, you’ll never look at nighttime kayaking the same way again.
