Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
In the warm and dark lagoon waters lies a natural phenomenon of glowing blue waters alive with activity. The swirling of your hand, every paddle stroke, and the rolling wake off of your kayak all sparkle throughout the darkness. Not only do fish leave trails, dolphins look like torpedoes, and manatees a slow and graceful submarine. Many guests compare the experience to Pandora of “Avatar.” Some even recall the bioluminescence scene in “Life of Pi” as the gentle plankton leave a trickling glow when you hold it in your hands and let it trickle down your arm. Though some may jokingly blame this on NASA runoff, it is actually the biological response of microscopic algae called a dinoflagellate. The perfectly natural and harmless concentration of organisms produces light before your very eyes, often existing in millions per liter of water. Your tour will include a ton of information about these rare and exotic creatures with the most experienced guides in the area
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What to bring:
Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Towel (left in car)
Water Shoes – sandals or Crocs that can be worn in the water
Bring an extra change of clothes just in case
Camera & Dry bag (optional) These are fairly useless to capture bioluminescence, but great for capturing people.
Bottled water, Snacks
Any special personal paddling gear if you like
You may bring a flashlight, though we will provide a safety light.
What To Expect
Bioluminescent Kayak Tours - Summer Bioluminescence: Dinoflagellate (cloudy bluegreen glow) - peak season May to early November - Winter Bioluminescence: Comb Jelly (Individual glowing jellies) - peak season late November to April - During the warm summer months the waters of Florida's Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon come alive with single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates. - In the cooler Florida months, bioluminescent Comb Jellies congregate in the protected waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Living in the most bio-diverse estuary in North America, Comb Jellies are clear, glob-like creatures that, despite their name, do not sting! So as you paddle the calm waters laced with mangroves and palm trees, you can catch and hold these gentle glowing creatures. They're right at your fingertips while having a safe, awe-inspiring kayak adventure with those who share your enthusiasm for new and unique experiences.
Options
Tour
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
What‘s Included
Kayak
Professional guide
PFD
Paddle
2 hour kayak tour
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
879 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Extremely Disappointing
176barbs,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00A Day Away Kayak Tours, I am writing to share my review of the "Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour" that I took on May 23, 2026. The experience was unfortunately very disappointing. We saw no bioluminescence, which was frustrating given that we were told other tour operators warned their guests they might not see much. While we followed your specific instructions to cover ourselves in baby oil and DEET to prevent bugs, we saw no bugs either. Furthermore, the equipment was poor quality; the kayak had no foot pedals and felt more like a rowboat without seats, making it incredibly difficult to kayak the long distance in the wind. It appears that bioluminescent viewing is not ideal until mid-summer, yet "A Day Away Kayak Tours", still had approximately 50 people signed up and charged $80 per person for a tour where guests saw nothing. I expected more transparency regarding the conditions.
Great experience!
Julie C,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Renata was great! We were the only ones signed up for the 10:45 tour, so we had a private tour. She took us out to multiple areas where the bioluminescence was stronger. We even detoured to look for manatees and mullets on our return. No manatee sightings, but we did hear them come up for air. She shared fun stories with wildlife and didn’t rush us back.
Go see it if you’ve never been before!
wcasaus,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great kayaking experience. Matthew was a very knowledgeable guide and knew exactly where to go. Water was perfect and weather was too. Would recommend for all ages who are able to handle a kayak.
DO NOT BOOK. Complete no-show. Possible scam.
창현 윤,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked the Bioluminescence Kayak Tour and traveled all the way from New York City to Orlando specifically for this experience. I arrived at the designated meeting point, Kelly Park East, more than one hour before the scheduled time and waited until 11:00 PM. Not a single staff member, guide, or representative from A Day Away Kayak Tours ever showed up. I called multiple times. I sent text messages. Every call went unanswered. Every message was ignored. No cancellation notice, no explanation, nothing. This operator took my money, gave me a confirmed booking, and simply vanished. That is not a scheduling issue. That is not a miscommunication. That is fraud. Do not book this tour.
First but not last night kayak
816theresad,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a lovely experience! Matthew was very knowledgeable, took good care of us and made every effort to make sure we got the most from the experience. The luminescence was amazing with our paddles and fish swimming by glowing in the water. Matthew even managed to get 3 dolphins to cross meters from our kayaks. I’ve never night kayaked before but wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Jackson and Anthony were...
Jessica S,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jackson and Anthony were wonderful! Even though we didn’t get to see a lot of of the bioluminescence we still had an amazing time and I can’t wait to do it again.
Highly recommended a tour
joshuamH4193SV,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an awesome experience. The bioluminescence was amazing. The tour guides, Garrett, EV, and Dan were excellent.
Go do this now! Live life to the fullest!
kaylamK1652VB,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was ahhhhhmazing! Super awesome experience and I highly recommend Anthony and John for guides! Both very personable!!! Totally worth the price and truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Bioluminescence and Astronomy with Jorge was fantastic
FarAway721599,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had a fantastic time with Jorge! He was very knowledgeable about the bioluminescence and the stars that graced the skies above us. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a special and memorable outing ♡
The Banana River at its best
Melinda H,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An incredible body of water and a first rate organization running a brilliant trip. Thank you so much.
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Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours