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Imagine kayaking through an entranced land of glistening blue-green water. There you can see manatees and dolphins light up like magic. Here’s when, how, and where to experience bioluminescent kayaking in Florida!
If you plan a trip to Florida, you might be looking for recommendations about what to do and see there. Of course, you can also explore beaches, Disney World, and fantastic theme parks. After all, they are available throughout the state. Still, there is more to have fun there.
Bioluminescent kayaking in Florida
Most of these activities are worth the experience, especially if you are on a family trip. But what if you are a Floridian who tried almost everything there? Don’t worry. The Sunshine State still offers more enchantment and excitement for everyone. People are only aware of some things too. One of Florida’s hidden gems is its glowing waters. Hence, travelers can try riding a bioluminescent kayak in Florida.
But what does bioluminescence in Florida mean? How and where can you experience it? Here’s your detailed guide!
What is Bioluminescence?
At first glance, bioluminescence feels like magic. We promise you, it is not. It is Mother Nature manifesting her ways. The word “bio” refers to “living organisms.” “Luminescence” means to “light up.” Hence, it’s when organisms emit light. Fireflies, for example, are one of the thousands of bioluminescent creatures. People often see them flapping their wings on dry lands. Yet, many need to become more familiar with bioluminescent critters underwater.
Research shows over 2,000 known bioluminescent creatures are on and in the water. Besides fireflies, there are other glowing things around. Comb jellies, marine dinoflagellates, sea snails, and deep-sea shrimps are available.
Glowing Jelly Fish
So, bioluminescence is a word for the light emission trait of organisms. Any movement, like a swimming fish and swaying sea grass, excites underwater critters. These motions cause them to shimmer. During the bioluminescence Florida season, you can see dinoflagellates. They are planktons which are usually too tiny to see. Also, they make the water glow with a luminous, blue-green color.
So, do you want to experience and take photos of bioluminescence in Florida? Here’s everything you need to know to experience this enchanting Florida feature.
When Does Bioluminescence Florida Season Start?
Despite many bioluminescent creatures in Florida, experiencing the Bioluminescence Florida season requires planning. You can almost always see bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. But it would be best if you tried to travel during the best times. It would be wise to visit the glowing waters during favorable conditions. After all, it’s when they bring out a vivid luminosity.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the bioluminescence Florida season can be unique. The glows can differ depending on where you go. So, you must always check the weather conditions with locals or experienced kayakers. Depending on how warm the temperature is, you may see luminous creatures as soon as March. Yet, they will be dimmer during the start of the bioluminescence season. At that time, they may only let out sparkles.
But visiting between May through November has its advantages. After all, it’s when folks see the most and the brightest bioluminescence dinoflagellates. Still, for bioluminescence photography, try in July and August. These months often have waters saturated with glowing plankton.
Furthermore, nightly bioluminescent kayaking tours in Florida are at their peak then. Moreover, you may also travel from May through November. Do it if you want to see glowing comb jellies at the lagoon.
Times For Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida
- January through March: You see glowing comb jellies in these months. Also, you can catch glimpses of some fireflies along the shore.
- April through May: These times are when transitions occur. It’s when you are most likely to see several creatures. Glowing comb jellies and glowing plankton are often visible. So travelers don’t have to wait for their peak season to see them.
- June through October: People refer to this period as the “bioluminescence Florida season.” This season has dinoflagellates blanketing the water with their spectacular glow. From June to October, businesses also sell out to enormous crowds.
- November through December: During this season, dinoflagellates start dissipating. Yet it’s also when comb jelly bioluminescence rises.
Video credit: @GetUpAndGoKayaking
Can You Do Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida During A Full Moon?
Of course, you can immerse and do bioluminescence photography in full moonlight. But, the sparkle on the water could make the experience less vivid. Yet, it doesn’t mean that bioluminescence was not present then. The moonbeam reflecting on the water makes it hazy to see the sparkling creatures.
Full moon and bioluminescence during Florida nighttime
So bioluminescent kayaking in Florida on a bright moon is still fantastic. After all, you can still go kayaking and reach places with a glow beneath the water.
Pick The Right Outfit to Witness Epic Bioluminescence in Florida
You should avoid traditional beach clothing for this adventure. It’s so you can have a relaxing and dazzling bioluminescence experience. Please note that experiencing bioluminescence kayaking in Florida equates to an evening trip. Hence, the air is going to be colder. So, have the appropriate outfit before your trip. Comfortable clothing will free you of inconveniences and make your journey more memorable.
Also, mosquitoes infest the areas surrounding the bioluminescent waters. Put on long-sleeved upper garments with long pants. Unless you visit in the winter, you can wear clothes with breathable fabric. Still, even if you cover yourself well, remember to have mosquito repellant available.
So, what places are ideal for experiencing bioluminescence in Florida?
Top Places for Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida
Hundreds of Thousands of Glowing Plankton
Bioluminescence in Florida is in select areas. Yet the Sunshine State has many places to enjoy it. For example, the Florida coast is an excellent spot to see glowing comb jelly and plankton. Here are our best sites to appreciate bioluminescence in Florida:
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, Florida
It spans over 140,000 acres. Also, Merritt Island is among the prettiest wildlife refugees in the nation. NASA acquired this massive paradise for the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Yet, it also houses a national reserve. This area provides various habitats, like wetlands, marshes, and lagoons.
Haulover Canal is also ideal for experiencing bioluminescence and capturing its essence. Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Right in the heart of the wildlife refuge, the canal spans thousands of acres of nothingness. There you’ll have the perfect chance to admire the luminous waters. Still, it’s the spot where it’s pitch-black. Hence, it can keep you from light pollution and allow you to enjoy the glowing waters.
You can do more than love the bioluminescent kayaking in Florida there. After all, the wildlife refuge is an excellent destination to meet native creatures. The site can introduce guests to alligators and manatees. If you arrive early in the day, you can say hello to flora and fauna. After that, bioluminescence Florida kayaking during the night can entertain you.
Cocoa Beach
1300 N Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach is another excellent location on the Florida coast. It’s also a good spot south of the beautiful Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Moreover, west of Kissimmee, it’s also an ideal spot to enjoy the Sunshine State. After all, it’s where you can experience and take photos of bioluminescence in Florida. People see it as a popular destination for various reasons. Folks appreciate it for its coastal properties, soft sands, and many water activities.
But, once the sun sets, it is the perfect time to jump in your kayak. Once on board, you can witness epic bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. The area is also one of the most exotic and secluded places. Thus, it’s where it’s easy to enjoy some of the brightest bioluminescence in the state.
Moreover, Cocoa Beach is also one of the places where you can see the glowing waters. Plus, you can also see the illumination up close throughout the year. Dinoflagellates plankton will sparkle in the summer months. Likewise, winter months make the season for bright comb jellies. Please note that, unlike some jellyfish, you don’t have to worry about comb jellies. It’s because they don’t sting. Instead, you can catch one of them to see how beautiful they look when glowing.
Furthermore, the tour guides are accommodating if you plan to join one of many guided kayak tours. They will point you to the areas where bioluminescence Florida events happen. Besides, these guided kayak tours can teach you several things. The professionals conducting the trips tell about history, science, and super-exciting fun facts.
Indian River Lagoon
Sebastian/ Melbourne Beach, Florida
Sitting on the Atlantic coast, the Indian River Lagoon is a group of waterways. It is the Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, and Banana River combined. With secluded inlets, it is also where the incredible sights and serenity are. Thus, it provides some of the brightest bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. Still, the Indian River Lagoon is among the most diverse spots in the northern hemisphere.
Cape Canaveral
Brevard County, Florida
Go a little further up to the north for a nighttime adventure. After all, it provides another excellent spot for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. People remember Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast. Please recall it’s the birthplace of the Kennedy Space Center. Likewise, launching a kayak is one of the most isolated places. Hence, it’s a recommended site to experience bioluminescence in Florida.
Moreover, this site is also ideal if your Florida trip includes visiting a museum. After all, it allows having an epic bioluminescence excursion. Besides, the place is popular among locals and tour guides. It’s one of the top spots where folks can experience and take photos of bioluminescence.
Despite the many glowing dinoflagellates plankton here, Cape Canaveral is not very accessible. Hence, we recommend joining a guided tour. With experts leading the way, travelers can experience bioluminescence kayaking in Florida.
Banana River
Brevard County, Florida
Banana River is another popular spot for experiencing bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. It’s like Cocoa Beach. But the river is also one of the most crowded spots in Florida. The overcrowding is due to many aquatic activities, beautiful surroundings, and excellent bioluminescence. Besides, many guided nightly kayaking tours also operate from this location.
Moreover, there is a reason why Banana River is one of the excellent places to visit. Folks do more than travel there to experience and take photos of bioluminescence. If you start your excursion there, you’re guaranteed to witness many glowing creatures. Thus, you may see sparkling manatees, stingrays, and mullets around your kayak.
Fort De Soto County Park
S SW St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida
Head opposite the peninsula to discover another excellent spot. The site is also ideal for experiencing bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. Fort De Soto County Park offers luminous waters. Plus, it happens in an outlying part of the Western Gulf Coast in Pinellas County.
Also, it has several tiny islands, bays, and lagoons. So Fort De Soto offers plenty of ways to see bioluminescence in Florida. Yet, most of the area has private owners. Likewise, people reserve them for conservation purposes. Besides the luminous waters, the surrounding park’s site offers many activities and attractions. These amusements include beaches and museums.
Furthermore, warmer months are ideal for experiencing and taking photos of bioluminescence. During that time, going there will award you with stunning sights. You will witness luminescent plankton flustered and roused by beautiful wildlife. After all, manatees, dolphins, and even alligators roam the waters.
What’s more, Fort De Soto has five islands. Each of these remarkable islands incorporates a stunning beach. From there, you can launch your kayak.
Econlockhatchee River
Central Florida
It’s in the heart of central Florida. The legendary Econlockhatchee River is near Orlando and Disney World. Besides being famous for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida, it has many attractions. This 8-mile stretch pierces through the Little Big Econ State Forest. The site offers an incredible swimming, canoeing, and kayaking experience.
Moreover, whitewater rafting offers an enthralling experience. Econlockhatchee River also lets guests enjoy the wilderness by seeing lush vegetation. It also provides a grand time in the open, with various ground and flying creatures. So, make sure you have your camera to capture stunning photographs.
Once the sun sets, you can jump in your kayak and experience stunning bioluminescence. Millions of microscopic dinoflagellates are lit up and spread over the water. Hence, it provides a worthwhile encounter with marine algae.
Wrapping Up
That’s all about bioluminescent kayaking in Florida. The magic occurs in almost every corner of Florida’s coastlines. Yet, the places we have mentioned are more accessible. Also, they let you see the brightest bioluminescence in the Sunshine State. Although common in the ocean, luminous algae are worth seeing. After all, not everyone gets to have the privilege of witnessing the sea light up a bit.
May our entry inspire you to go on a kayaking and nighttime adventure. Also, if you have already tried this trip, we would love to hear about your experience. We appreciate seeing the photos of our reader’s recent travels too. Thanks for reading, and we wish you well in your Florida journey.
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