Bioluminescent Kayaking | When, Where & How To Do It?

Kayaking is a fun and exciting sport to practice while traveling. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you should try it at night during the bioluminescence season. But seeing this natural phenomenon in action while paddling might not be as easy as you might think.

Bioluminescence is light produced by a living organism through a chemical reaction within itself. In the ocean, it’s what makes the water glow when stirred at specific times of the year. Kayaking is the perfect activity to observe this spectacular event.

Bioluminescent Kayaking

With that said, there are some things you should know before heading out on the water to see the bioluminescence. This phenomenon doesn’t occur everywhere nor all year round, so you need to know where and when it can happen.

You should also wear the right gear to prevent accidents. After reading this article, you will have everything you need to go on a bioluminescence paddling tour. So here’s what you should know to experience such an adventure.

What Is A Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour?

Many different water sports centers offer kayaking excursions, in which you can see the bioluminescence. They often include a kayak (see-through), a paddle, a guide, and all the safety gear you need. It’s a fun activity to do either while traveling or during your free time near where you live.

Here’s a video to help you understand what a bioluminescent kayak tour looks likes!

Whatever you choose to book a tour with a company or plan a trip by yourself, there’s a lot of information you should know. Kayaking to see bioluminescence can be an incredible experience with proper preparation.

Where Can You See Bioluminescence While Kayaking?

Glowing water can occur anywhere there are living organisms that do bioluminescence. However, you will generally see this phenomenon in a few specific places. So you should find a spot where it’s possible to go kayaking at night and see bioluminescent waters. 

Best Places For Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours In The US!

The United States has many great spots to see bioluminescence. California and Florida are the most popular states for this nocturnal activity. Here are some of the best specific places to kayak and observe bioluminescent organisms in action.

  • Orange County Near LA & San Diego, California, USA. (Newport & Laguna Beach) 
  • Brevard County Near Orlando, Florida, USA. (River Lagoon, Cocoa Beach & Merritt Island)

There are other locations in the US where you can see bioluminescence while paddling. I’ve only mentioned a few of the most popular ones. Now it’s time to book your tour.

Best Places To Book A Bioluminescence Kayak Tour!

Once you have decided where you want to go, here are some popular options. BK Adventure offers bioluminescence kayaking and rafting tours in Florida near Orlando. Get Up And Go Kayaking is another company that offers similar excursions close by.

For bioluminescent kayaking tours in California, you can check out the Blue Waters Kayaking website. If you’re looking for the same experience somewhere else in another state of the US, here’s a solution. Type “bioluminescence kayaking + in State/City” on Google.

What If You’re Not In The US?

The United States isn’t the only country where you can enjoy bioluminescence kayaking. There are many other places around the world where you can see this phenomenon. Puerto Rico, Australia, and Mexico are some of them.

With some research, you should find tours for this type of nocturnal adventure near where you are. Otherwise, you can always plan a night kayaking trip by yourself. If there’s no bioluminescence in your location, the last option is to travel somewhere you can see it and book a tour there.

When Are The Best Times For You To Kayak & See Bioluminescence?

Depending on where you are and what type of bioluminescence you want to observe, it’s important to go during the season. For the time of day, it’s only visible at night. But even when it’s dark, you might not see it.

2 Types Of Bioluminescent Tours.

Let’s start by understanding what your options are. There are multiple types of bioluminescence. For kayaking tours, you often have to choose between two of them.

The time of year when you plan to go paddling can influence what type of bioluminescence you will see. The phenomenon is the same, but the living organisms that make it possible aren’t. 

Bioluminescent Plankton.

The first type of glowing water takes form because of bioluminescent plankton. (Dinoflagellates) It’s the most popular type of tour because it covers the ocean surface and creates blue light when stirred. So you can play with the water and see this natural phenomenon.

Comb Jellies.

Jelly-like creatures that glow in the water cause also cause some bioluminescence. As they swim, it produces a blue light you can see in the dark. It’s another experience to look at those beautiful living organisms.

Bioluminescent Jellies

Late summer and early autumn, you’re more likely to encounter bioluminescent plankton. On the other hand, you have more chances to see comb jellies at the end of autumn or during the winter.

The best time to go kayaking and watch bioluminescence is within 4 days before and after the new moon. How visible the natural phenomenon will be affected by the moonlight. Let’s take a look at the new moons for the upcoming years!

2022: January 2, February 1, March 2, April 1, April 30, May 30, June 28, July 28, August 27, September 25, October 25, November 23 & December 23.

2023: January 21, February 20, March 21, April 20, May 19, June 18, July 17, August 16, September 14, October 14, November 13 & December 12.

2024: January 11, February 9, March 10, April 8, May 7, June 6, July 5, August 4, September 2, October 2, November 1, December 1 & December 30.

2025: January 29, February 27, March 29, April 27, May 26, June 25, July 24, August 23, September 21, October 20, November 20 & December 19.

Thus, kayaking around the dates above during the bioluminescence season of your choice will increase your chance to see it. You can’t predict when ocean living organisms will produce light, but there are times more favorable than others for this phenomenon to occur.

What Should You Wear To Bioluminescent Kayaking?

Once you have booked or planned your tour, it’s time to gear up for this adventure. The company with which you deal should prepare all the equipment necessary. It includes a kayak (often see-through), a paddle, a life jacket, and other accessories.

See-Through Kayak

However, you still need to find the right outfit for this nocturnal activity. What you decide to wear during a bioluminescence kayaking tour will influence how comfortable you will be on the water. So here are the recommended clothes for such an adventure.

Like any other paddling sport, the risk of getting wet or even capsizing is always there. That’s why you should ideally wear something waterproof. If you don’t have any, quick-dry clothing is an excellent alternative.

For accessing and launching the kayak, you might have to walk in the dark and put your feet in the ocean. So having water shoes or sandals on will prevent unnecessary injuries. Proper footwear can make your bioluminescence tour much more enjoyable.

Mosquitoes are inevitable if you’re paddling during a warm and humid night. Putting on some insect repellant can help, but you should also wear long pants and sleeves for additional protection. It’s also why bikinis and bathing suits are generally not the best outfits for this type of kayaking trip.

Don’t let your fun get ruined by a lack of preparation. Here’s a checklist to help you dress appropriately for your bioluminescence kayaking tour. The answer to your question about what you should wear during this activity is…

  • Footwear: Water Shoes/Sandals.
  • Material Type: Quick Dry/Waterproof Clothing.
  • Clothes: Long Pants & Sleeves.

You can also bring other accessories such as your camera, a dry bag, or insect repellant. Anything that can make your paddling adventure more fun and safe is worth considering.

Last Thoughts About Bioluminescent Kayaking!

Finally, every outdoor enthusiast should plan a trip to see the bioluminescence. A kayak tour can be a fun and unique way to experience this spectacular phenomenon. Paddling in glowing blue water is something only a few people will have the chance to do.

Ocean Kayaking In Dark

I hope my article has helped you understand how you can be among the lucky ones to see bioluminescence while kayaking. Now it’s time to book your excursion and prepare yourself to cross that item off your bucket list.

Paddle On!