Florida Bioluminescence Kayak Adventure

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Drawing a heart into the bioluminescence.

Trip Highlights

  • Breathtaking Views

  • Out-of-this-World Experience

  • Natural Phenomenon

  • Romantic and Magical Experience

  • Check off a Bucket List Item

  • Tasty Trail Snack & Water

Orlando's Closest Bioluminescence Kayak Eco-Tour: An Unforgettable Adventure

Get ready for a breathtaking adventure with Venture Outdoors' bioluminescence kayak eco-tours, the closest to Orlando, located just an hour away in the Indian River Lagoon and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These tours offer a magical nighttime experience where the waters come alive with glowing microorganisms called dinoflagellates (pronounce /dī-nō-ˈfla-jə-ləts/). As you paddle through the bioluminescent waters, each stroke of your kayak and movement of marine life ignites a stunning blue-green glow. Operating during the warmer months from June to October, when the bioluminescence is at its peak, Venture Outdoors' tours promise an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Join our tours and embark on this must-do adventure, experiencing the unique beauty that awaits just a short drive from Orlando.

Tour info

Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
3 to 12
Price starts at
$65
Languages
English, German

Meeting Point

Tour Overview

  • Closest to Orlando: We offer the nearest bioluminescence kayak tours, making it a convenient adventure from the city.
  • Eco-Conscious: Our tours emphasize environmental preservation and sustainability, aiming to educate participants about the delicate ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon.
  • Small Groups: We limit groups to 10 people for a personalized and intimate experience, enhancing guest interaction and minimizing environmental impact.
  • Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides provide insights into local wildlife and marine biology, enriching your adventure.
  • Peak Season Timing: Operating from June to October, we ensure the best bioluminescence viewing when it's most active.
  • Safety First: We prioritize safety with high-quality equipment and thorough instructions for all skill levels.
  • Customer Focused: Exceptional customer service from booking to docking ensures a memorable, hassle-free adventure.

Venture Outdoors offers a unique, eco-friendly experience that stands out for adventurers looking to explore nature's nocturnal wonders near Orlando.

Why book with Venture Outdoors

The Lowest Price. Period.

Book directly with VentureOutdoorsFlorida.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours and rentals. Find it cheaper? We'll refund the difference!

Free Cancellations

Plans change? No worries! With Trip Protection, cancel up to 2 hours before your tour for a FULL refund. Enjoy peace of mind when booking.

Discover the Best Spot for Bioluminescence in Florida

The Indian River Lagoon, a unique estuary stretching along Florida's east coast, stands out for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. This lagoon, part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, teems with diverse marine life, including manatees, dolphins, and numerous species of birds. Its shallow, nutrient-rich waters provide an ideal habitat for a variety of organisms, including the dinoflagellates responsible for the captivating bioluminescence that illuminates the lagoon's waters. The combination of warm temperatures, minimal light pollution, and high concentrations of dinoflagellates during the warmer months from June to October creates the perfect conditions for witnessing this mesmerizing natural spectacle. The Indian River Lagoon's pristine ecosystem and abundance of life make it a prime destination for those seeking to experience the enchanting beauty of bioluminescence in nature.

Let's Talk Moonlight and Glowing Strength

The visibility of bioluminescence can change with the moon phases. On nights with little to no moonlight, like during a new moon, the darkness makes the glowing organisms really pop, creating a more intense and vivid display. On the other hand, nights with a full moon can dim the bioluminescence a bit, as the moonlight competes with the glow. So, for the best experience, it's a good idea to schedule your bioluminescence kayak tour around the new moon when the darkness lets nature's light show really shine. Note that in July and August, the dinoflagellates glow so brightly that almost any night is bound to be amazing!

Moon Phase Calendar 2025

What's Included?

  • Professional guide

  • Your choice of a single or double sit-on-top kayak

  • Lifejackets (mandatory)

  • Bottled water and a snack

What's Not Included?

  • Gratuities for your guide

Frequently asked questions

We can usually set off safely in light rain, but lightning, high winds, or other unexpected events might make us cancel or postpone the tour. If it's raining on the day of your tour, don't worry—Florida weather often clears up by the time we start. To be eligible for a refund or rebooking, please wait through the first 1-hour weather hold.
The intensity of bioluminescence can differ from night to night, and it’s not something we can guarantee. The best conditions for a vivid display include warm nights, skies darkened after a rainstorm, or evenings with faint moonlight. However, factors like moon brightness and atmospheric clarity can impact visibility. Generally, the most spectacular shows of glowing algae occur between July and October, when the conditions are usually perfect.
The Bioluminescent Kayak launch is approximately an hour's drive from both Orlando and Miami, making it easily accessible for visitors from either city.
The weight limit for our bioluminescence kayak tours typically ranges from 250 to 300 pounds per person, depending on the specific kayak model used for the tour. It's important to inquire about weight limits when booking.
If you're not an experienced kayaker, no worries! Our tours are suitable for all skill levels, and our knowledgeable guides will provide basic instruction and assistance throughout the journey. Additionally, our kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
It's recommended to book your bioluminescence kayak tour as early as possible, especially during peak seasons like July and August when tours often sell out quickly. Booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred date and time for the tour.
If you feel your tour guide(s) have provided an exceptional trip experience, gratuities are encouraged – and welcomed – at the end of the tour. We believe that recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, though 15-20% of your ticket price is a common practice.
If you purchased Trip Protection at checkout, you can cancel or reschedule your tour up to 2 hours beforeyour tour's departure and receive a full refund, minus the cost of Trip Protection and processing fees. Without Trip Protection, you may cancel or reschedule up to 72 hours before your tour's departure to avoid fees. Refunds are not possible for cancellations within 72 hours of your tour's depature, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date.
We’d love to help! Simply call us at (407) 267-9950 if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Things to know

What to Wear?

⦁ Quick dry clothing
⦁ Water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops
⦁ Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses)

⦁ Quick dry clothing
⦁ Water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops
⦁ Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses)

What to Bring?

⦁ Towel and a change of clothes
⦁ Bug repellent
⦁ Cash to tip your guides

⦁ Towel and a change of clothes
⦁ Bug repellent
⦁ Cash to tip your guides

Cancellation Policy

⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 2 hours before your tour with Trip Protection (highly recommended).
⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 72 hours before your tour's depature without Trip Protection. Refunds are not provided for cancellations within 72 hours, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date.

⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 2 hours before your tour with Trip Protection (highly recommended).
⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 72 hours before your tour's depature without Trip Protection. Refunds are not provided for cancellations within 72 hours, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date.

Guide Qualifications

Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and kayaking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes.

Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and kayaking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes.

Plan Your Tour

The bioluminescence is best during the New Moon since there is no light pollution from the moon.

The bioluminescence is best during the New Moon since there is no light pollution from the moon.

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