The 15 Best Bioluminescence Tours near Cocoa Beach

1.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 831 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top choice

Set out from Merritt Island near Cocoa Beach for a two-hour guided night kayak through waters where summer plankton or winter comb jellies may glow. Your guide supplies the kayak, paddle, and flotation device, and points out local wildlife. Guides such as Aidan, Caleb, Zoey, and Sean have led trips with a strong focus on safety and natural history.

“You get to kayak through an area with bioluminescent jelly fish. Our guides, Drew and Jordan, were very informative and helpful.”

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2.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 605 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Meet your guide at Haulover Canal for a 90-minute evening paddle through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Your kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included. The guide leads a small group to look for glowing comb jellyfish and other wildlife, with past guides including Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo.

“Getting to see the bioluminescence and the peacefulness of kayaking at night under the stars. Our guide Seven did a really nice job of sharing information about the location and the wildlife within it.”

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3.Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65

At Haulover Canal near Titusville, paddle a single or tandem kayak for about 90 minutes through water that can glow blue when disturbed. Guides such as Terrance, Brian, and Jeremiah have shared local wildlife and refuge stories, helped beginners, and pointed out comb jellies. The effect varies with season, moonlight, and conditions, so bring bug spray and expect wet feet.

“Small group with two wonderful guides. Brian was knowledgeable and set a good relaxing pace sprinkled with stories and nature backgrounds. Took us away to a quiet area away from the larger tour groups. Bioluminescence was amazing. Lots of fish, stars, and birds (a few landed on some kayaks!!). Good attention to safety as there was a large wind storm when we gathered They were clear in communicating and mingling safety. We saw one of the bigger tour companies send out a group only to need a rescue down in the canal. Didn’t look like fun for them I’m glad Florida Adventures prioritized safety because the rest of the tour…”

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4.Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

At Haulover Canal near Titusville, you’ll get a quick paddling lesson, then head out in a clear kayak to watch bioluminescence glow beneath you. The roughly 90-minute night tour visits Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and may bring sightings of fish, shoreline snakes, gators, birds, or other wildlife. Guides including Celeste, Anthony, and Blane lead small groups.

“Thanks to our guide, Celeste, this was a magical night. She is so knowledgeable and that just added to the wonder of gliding across dark water sparkling with tiny bioluminescent creatures. She clearly loves the natural world and lives in it with curiosity and attention. She was so warm and friendly as well. I can't wait to do this again; my husband and I loved it!!”

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5.Bioluminescent Kayak Tour by THE #1 Rated Company in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $79

Set out after sunset with Fin Expeditions for a 90-minute kayak trip into the Banana River Lagoon, where the water can glow with bioluminescence in summer. The group is limited to 10, and kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are included. Guides who have led tours include Jordyn, Emily, and Ian.

“I am over 2 years late writing this review (we went in 2022) but let me tell you, it was a magical, unforgettable experience. The full moon, the quiet of the water, and the glittering blues and greens and whites like fireflies in your hanRead more”

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6.Manatees/Sunset/Bioluminescence Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

From Haulover Canal on Merritt Island, paddle with a guide through local waters in search of manatees, dolphins and birds. The roughly three-hour outing includes just under two hours on the water, sunset views and, in season, a chance to see bioluminescence. Kayaks, paddles and life vests are provided. Amanda is one guide named for her wildlife explanations.

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7.Florida Bioluminescent Kayak & Paddle Board Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)

Choose a stand-up paddleboard or stable hybrid kayak for a 1-hour-45-minute night paddle on Merritt Island. From May to early October, look for glowing dinoflagellates; from November to April, search for comb jellies and nocturnal wildlife. October can bring either. Guides such as Nate, Jeff, and Jess share local nature notes, and excursion photos are included.

“Be prepared for rain! However, Nate is running a one man ship and showed great hospitality. We were tourists coming from Texas and Nate was very kind as we geared up for the light tour.”

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8.Comb Jelly Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · from $65

At 7:15 pm, a certified guide leads this two-hour kayak trip on the Indian River Lagoon, with the launch site chosen according to bioluminescence sightings. In the cooler months, you may see and gently hold glowing, non-stinging comb jellies. Kayak, paddle and PFD are included. Drew and Tanner have guided the tour, though assignments can vary.

“Decided to try something new and glad that we did. The tour was very peaceful. Drew & Tanner were great. Drew is a very knowledgeable young man and informed us of everything there is to know about the area. Highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out after dark from Haulover Canal in Mims for about two hours of guided kayaking in clear kayaks. Watch for bioluminescent comb jellies, fish, nocturnal birds, and, if conditions cooperate, other wildlife. Guides including Island, Ross, Lauren, and Coral have led trips. Kayaks and gear are included; transport is not.

“Good staff, terrible weather. Went to the site but thunder lightening wind and waves. Of course in Florida summer rain is always possible. So the event cancelled was by the company chief. Unfortunately rescheduling for our party of 10 isn’t possible.”

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10.Thousand Islands Bioluminescent Kayak Tour with Cocoa Kayaking!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $150

In a two-hour night paddle, Cocoa Kayaking leads you through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands in search of glowing plankton and comb jellies. The glow is strongest around a new moon, but nature sets the final score. Kayaks, paddles and lifejackets are included; bring water and clothes you can get wet.

“Amazing experience! I’ve never seen anything like it before, it’s a must do in cocoa beach in the summer!”

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11.LED Glow in the Dark Clear Kayak or Paddleboard in Paradise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out on Lake Ivanhoe with a small group and a guide such as Mike, Savannah, or Bryce. After a short safety and paddling briefing, choose a clear single or tandem kayak, or a paddleboard, and head onto the water under LED lights. The roughly two-hour outing may include sunset views, local stories, and complimentary guide photos. A dry bag is provided.

“Super awesome tour guide really nice and funny and gave us a whole history lesson of the lake we kayaked”

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12.Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 145 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Paddle from Merritt Island toward Horseshoe Crab Island as sunset fades over the Indian River Lagoon. A guide gives a quick lesson, then leads a small or large group out to look for wildlife and bioluminescence. You can choose a clear kayak or paddleboard. The two-hour outing includes about 1.5 hours on the water, safety gear, and a dry bag.

“You will get wet. But the amount depends on you. Easy paddling so almost anyone can do it. Bring bug spray.”

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13.Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $150

Paddle the Indian River Waterway near Merritt Island in a clear-bottom kayak on this roughly 90-minute tour. Look for glowing plankton and comb jellies as your paddle stirs the water. Guides including Chayse, Mike, and Jeremiah lead groups of up to 12. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and dry bags are included; bring mosquito repellent and water.

“Jeremiah was an awesome guide, very thorough with instructions for first timers and informative throughout the tour... Very cool and my son cought and released 16 jellyfish”

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14.Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour Through Winter Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Set off near Rollins College in a clear, illuminated kayak and paddle Winter Park’s connected lakes and canals with a guide. You’ll get the kayak, paddle, life jacket, and whistle, plus basic instruction if you’re new to paddling. Look for fish and plants below the boat, birds along the water, and large homes on shore. The outing lasts about 90 minutes and returns to the starting point.

“Chris was an awesome guide and so friendly! Such a peaceful and beautiful trip! Would highly recommend!”

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15.Sunset Bioluminescence Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join A Day Away Kayak Tours at Haulover Canal for a two-hour guided paddle in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Visit a bird-filled island at sunset, then look for bioluminescence nearby. Kayak, paddle, and PFD are provided. Bring water shoes, clothes you can get wet, and insect repellent.

“This was such a fun excursion but the mosquitoes were awful. Guides definitely need to hand out bug spray before and during the tour. Otherwise we saw tons of wildlife and bioluminescence. Worth every penny.”

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