Florida Bioluminescence Kayak Adventure

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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 10
Price starts at
$65
Languages
English, German

Meeting Point

What Sets Our Tours Apart?

  • 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.

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 2024

Included

  • A professional, knowledgeable, medically trained, certified kayak guide

  • Top of the line kayak and gear

  • All required permits and necessary launch fee

  • Bottled water and a trail snack

What to Bring?

  • Quick dry clothes

  • Water / river shoes

  • Waterproof rain jacket or poncho

  • Cold or frozen bottle of water or Gatorade

  • Towel (to dry off afterwards)

  • Cash to tip 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.
Our guides greatly appreciate tips. Tipping is left up to the individual, but as a general practice, 15% – 20% of the trip cost is the common gratuity in Orlando.

Things to know

Safety Considerations

Your safety is our top priority. Our kayaking tours are led by professional kayak guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an ...

Your safety is our top priority. Our kayaking tours are led by professional kayak guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 407-267-9950 for more information.

Guides

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.

Group Size And Age Restrictions

The maximum group size on this tour is 10 guests. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 407-267-9950 and we’ll answer all your questions.

There are no age restrictions to join this kayak tour.

The maximum group size on this tour is 10 guests. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 407-267-9950 and we’ll answer all your questions.

There are no age restrictions to join this kayak tour.

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.

Weather In Central Florida

Central Florida on average maintains warm temperatures throughout the entire year with slightly lower temperatures during the winter months. Summers, lasting from May to October, are long, warm and particularly humid. Rain showers are common during this time of the year. The winter month are shor...

Central Florida on average maintains warm temperatures throughout the entire year with slightly lower temperatures during the winter months. Summers, lasting from May to October, are long, warm and particularly humid. Rain showers are common during this time of the year. The winter month are short, cool, and dry, lasting from December to February. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 52°F (11°C)to 91°F (33°C).

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