Florida is one of North America's popular vacation destinations, and it's not hard to ponder why. Florida is home to the world-famous Disneyland Park, alongside beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, and vibing nightlife. So whether it's enjoying the sun in Miami or exploring the city of Pensacola, Florida has a bit of something for everyone. That's why adventure tourists and nature buffs will love the state's bioluminescence tours!
When embarking on these tours, visitors can witness the exciting phenomenon of bioluminescence, an instance where an organism (like certain species of fish) can create lights. As they move through the water, visitors can witness the unique and warm glow that the species produce. This activity is not a typical tourist activity and is a must-do excursion when visiting Florida!
9 It's Perfect For Adventure (And Nature) Buffs
Though Florida's fastest roller coasters were built with the adrenaline seeker in mind, there's something incredibly fun about night kayaking to be in the middle of a glowing body of water, surrounded by local wildlife. This tour may be considered once-in-a-lifetime, if not a sight that's a rare treat for the senses. A bioluminescent tour will restore people's beliefs in the majesty of nature.
However, before embarking on these excursions, guests may want to bring some helpful gear, as the tour can last for several hours, typically around 60 to 90 minutes.
- Mosquito repellent
- Quick-dry clothes (or change clothes)
- Comfortable shoes (or water shoes)
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Light snacks
- Cash (for tips)
8 Enjoy Florida's Never-Before-Seen "Night Life"
Bar hopping or dancing until the sun rises at a busy club is not everyone's definition of fun. Still, there are other ways to enjoy Florida's "nightlife" that don't involve busy crowds of people! Many bioluminescent tours in Florida usually don't start until nightfall, and that being after midnight (or even later). If you're looking for a late-night adventure that involves being at one with nature and local wildlife, then the bioluminescent tours in Florida are perfect!
7 This Is An Occasionally Rare (But Worthwhile) Sight
Bioluminescent tours are most popular between May and the beginning of October, though some tour operators may offer these excursions year-round. However, getting the best views of glowing lagoon waters and bioluminescence depends entirely on the moon's brightness! Periods of a new moon or no moon rise are often the best times to see the bioluminescence best. It's best to consult the tour operator offering the excursion well in advance for the best time to book your reservation.
6 It's Makes For A Romantic Date Night
A honeymoon in Seychelles, Maldives, or Bora-Bora, but kayaking with a significant other along Florida's glowing lagoon waters make it a perfect date night activity. What's more, many tours offer kayaking in tandem kayaks, which means that two guests can share a single kayak—traveling solo? Don't worry; there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy this bioluminescent tour solo, even on a solo kayak!
5 The Excursions Are Close To Orlando And Tampa
Did you visit Orlando to check out Disneyland or Universal Park? Or perhaps you vacationed in Tampa to enjoy some sun? Whatever the reason, grab a car and drive a short distance to take a bioluminescent tour. When in Orlando, popular tours and bioluminescent excursions are offered in Cocoa Beach and Titusville, which is about an hour's drive from the city.
4 Get Up Close With Local Wildlife
Tourists can soak in the sights of bioluminescent comb jellies, dinoflagellates, and glowing fish as they make their way through the lagoons and water channels while kayaking. However, some tours also start around sunset, giving guests plenty of time to spot some other notable wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and the ever-so-intimidating gators. Those who embark on a bioluminescent tour in Mullethead Islands may come across hundreds (if not thousands) of birds flocked together over the setting sun.
3 It's A Fun Way To See Florida's Lush Lagoons
Sure, tanning under Florida's best beaches is a great way to be in tune with the local setting. But kayaking on a bioluminescent tour in the middle of a clear lagoon within thickets of lush trees is a breathtaking experience to be surrounded by Florida's nature! Many bioluminescent tours are held within the Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge, Mullethead Island, Kiwanis Island (on Cocoa Beach), or the Indian River Lagoon.
2 Some Tours Donate Their Funds To Wildlife Causes
For example, Get Up And Go Kayaking will donate a portion of visitors' bookings to Conserve Florida, an initiative that focuses on the state's wildlife conservation. So, not only is this an activity a great way to see some of Florida's most fascinating wildlife, but it's also an effort to save it too!
1 It's A Budget-Friendly Activity
There are ways to stretch your dollar in Orlando. Luckily, budget tourists can enjoy a beautiful bioluminescent tour for less than $100! Prices can start at around 55 USD per adult (depending on the tour operator), but it should be noted that prices may change based on demand.