About this Experience
What you'll do:
You’ll paddle through glowing waters under the stars on a 90-minute Naturalist-guided bioluminescent kayak tour of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. After a quick beginner-friendly paddling lesson, you’ll launch into a shimmering world lit up by Pyrodinium Bahamense, the dinoflagellate responsible for the glow. Along the way, we’ll pause for real-time education about what you’re seeing, why it's happening, and how else it might be affecting the ecosystem, from the bottom of the food web to the top.
Sunny Nights Kayak Tours is the only kayak tour outfitter in the world bringing a microscope into the field for actual views of the phytoplankton causing this fascinating phenomenon! We regularly see dolphins and manatees on tours and even recently discover an endangered manta cousin in the lagoon, which researchers know little about within the ecosystem. Come experience one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in the northern hemisphere!
Why we love it for your party:
It’s like paddling through stardust (The water sparkles with every paddle stroke)
Microscope moment (Get an up-close look at the organism that powers the bioluminescent show)
No experience needed (Perfect for groups of beginners)
Girl-powered science (Led by a female-owned conservation-forward outfitter)
Wildlife cameo (Dolphins, manatees, migratory birds, bioluminescent organisms and more)
About this experience partner:
Sunny Nights Kayak Tours is a woman owned ecotour company focusing on conservation, education and real connection to the natural world. Founder Sunny is a seasoned guide, Naturalist, ACA member and active collaborator with marine scientists and conservation leaders. Every tour is built to inspire wonder while contributing to critical research and environmental awareness.
Additional information:
90-minute guided tour
All gear provided (Kayak, paddle, PFD, safety lights)
Meet at Marina Park in Titusville, Florida
Best seen during low-light moon phases, but peak bioluminescence (summertime) is still easily seen during the full moon
We often see SpaceX launches by water! If you’re interested in shifting the time of your group’s tour to accommodate seeing a rocket launch, your guide is happy to do that
Wear water-safe shoes, and for night-time tours, we recommend long sleeves and pants (mosquitoes!) and bug spray
Tours begin in proximity to sunset, with times shifting seasonally
Microscope viewing is weather and equipment dependent. If you’re especially interested in this part of the experience, please mention that upon booking
Book This Experience
Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.
LocationOrlando, FL
501 Marina Rd, Titusville, FL 32796, USAOrlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any kayaking experience?
Nope! This tour is absolutely beginner friendly. We always start with a short paddling instructional before we get on the water, and your guide will be with you the whole time!
When is the best time to see the bioluminescence?
Peak season for the dinoflagellate bioluminescence is usually June-October, but it is weather dependent. The darkest nights around the new moon offer best visibility. We paddle year round, as there is a bioluminescent comb jelly in the winter time! Even on less than perfect nights, it is still a magical experience!
What’s this about a microscope?
This is the only bioluminescent tour in the world that lets you see the glowing plankton up close under a microscope. You’ll meet Pyrodinium bahamense, the tiny dinoflagellate that creates the glow, face to face!
Will we see wildlife?
While I always say “I don’t have the wildlife on payroll”, this is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in the northern hemisphere. Manatees and dolphins are frequently spotted, horseshoe crabs, migratory birds and more. We also recently sighted an endangered cousin to the manta ray, the Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray, using the ecosystem. Data about them in estuarine ecosystems is nearly unheard of so your guide is helping researchers learn about this critically endangered species! There is always a chance to witness something truly special, but please remember this is wild Florida so animal sightings are not guaranteed.
Can kids come?
Yes! Ages 5 and up are welcome with an adult. We recommend pairing younger kids with an adult in a tandem kayak. It may also be possible for two adults and one child to ride in a tandem kayak if the weight limit of the kayak accommodates.
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What makes this tour an ecotour?
We don’t just paddle through nature using people-power, we also help protect it. Sunny Nights Kayak Tours is female-owned, conservation-forward, attends to oppose rezoning around the lagoon and actively supports researchers gathering information on the ecosystem. Your tour will support these missions!
Where do we launch?
Right now we are using the Titusville Marina! It is offering great bioluminescent viewing right now. Your guide will inform you if the launch location changes, but we will always be within an hour or so of Orlando for your convenience!
What should I bring?
Water safe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet and maybe dry pants for after and bug spray.
Can I request a single or tandem kayak?
Yes, let us know your preference! We have single and tandem kayaks available. Tandems are great for kids or couples, and singles are great for confident paddlers!
Who is Sunny?
Your guide is a certified naturalist and seasoned kayak guide who’s guided hundreds of bioluminescence tours. She collaborates with marine researchers and is deeply committed to protecting the Indian River Lagoon. Plus, she makes science feel magical.
