You might be wondering, what is bioluminescence kayaking? Bioluminescence refers to the light emitted by water creatures through a chemical reaction within their body. How is that possible? It happens when a reaction takes place in the organism caused by chemicals mixing. The vibration of the energy generates light.

In other words, when there is a disturbance in the water, they give off a flash of light lasting a very short time. That sounds very technical, but it is a very beautiful sight to see. Bioluminescence kayaking is a glowing paradise.

This is one of the best kayaking experiences you will have in your life. This is sometimes called the blue wave. It usually occurs mid-May to October. Although bioluminescence is year-round in Grand Cayman, the best time to view it depends on the cycle of the moon. After the full moon, in the first five days, the experience is incredible.

With every paddle under the dark sky, bioluminescence can shine brighter and brighter. This could be one of the best kayak tours you ever go on.

Where to go Bioluminescence Kayaking?

Listed below are some locations throughout the world.

Florida

A Day Away Kayak Tour

It is year around in Cape Canaveral. You can depart from Titusville and Merritt Island. They provide glow sticks, mini flashlights, bug-spray and life jackets. The tour starts with an important safety talk and paddle instructions, then you’re on your way. Your tour can go through palm-laced shores and a mangrove area. There, you will see comb jellies, that are bioluminescent in the Florida cooler months.

The tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, not counting the safety lesson from November through May. Don’t worry, these jellies don’t sting. You can hold them in your hand (they are different from jelly fish), which makes this an even more interesting tour. In the months of June through October, you can take a kayak tour and see bioluminescent dinoflagellates, which is plankton. And, this can be done in a clear kayak, if you choose.

BK Adventure

How about a tour of the Indian River Lagoon? It’s located just 1 hour from Orlando. They also have tours in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge near the Kennedy Space Center and Coco Beach. They have tours throughout the year, just depends on what type of bioluminescent you want to see.

On the tour, you can see anything from flashing comb jellies to sparks of greenish lights in the water. There may even be some snapping shrimp called sono-luminescent. It depends on the time of the year and the full moon. The warmer months are the best times to see the bioluminescent plankton and dinoflagellates, due to the warm water making them abundant. If you’re looking for a tour in the colder months, you will likely see the comb jellies, since the cold water makes them rise to the surface. You can book a traditional tandem kayak or a clear kayak for your tour. (There is a difference in price).

Puerto Rico Bioluminescence Kayaking has 3 of the 5 Bio Bays

Bio Bay aka Bioluminescent Bay Locations Include:

Laguna Grande in Fajardo -It is close to San Juan Just a 50-minute car ride, which makes it a busy location. In addition to discovering the beauty of bioluminescence at Fajardo, you get a chance to learn about the reserve. There is a lot of kayaking tour guide companies in Fajardo.

Mosquito Bay-You will have to take a ferry and a short flight to arrive on Vieques Island, but it will be well worth it. This location holds the world record for being the brightest bio bay in the world.

La Parguera in Lajas– Not a lot of tourist yet, still a hidden jewel.

Grand Cayman Bioluminescence Kayaking–

This Bio Bay did not appear until the early 2000s. The Cayman is one of only 6 places in the world that has year -round bioluminescence in the water.

With numerous bioluminescence kayaking agencies in Grand Cayman, there is nothing you can’t get here. There are various private tours, within a luxurious boat so that you enjoy the beauty of bioluminescence kayaking at your desired comfort. If you don’t want to paddle or peddle, you can also consider the electric boats.

Locations include:

Adventura Cayman– Year around tours with friendly and knowledgeable guides. Usually a 2-hour trip.

Cayman Kayaks– Bioluminescent Tours by Electric Boat or two-person guided kayak tours. Bioluminescent Tours meet at Rum Point Club. They are the longest bioluminescence tour operator in Grand Cayman, open since 2006.

Mission Bay San Diego

At Aqua Adventures, you can take a paddle tour. You must check with them for the best time of the year. Minimum age is 6, and kids under 14 must be on a tandem kayak with an adult. If you’re lucky, under a full moon, during the right time of the year, you may see bioluminescent organisms as you go.

Costa Rica-Both locations are year-around but the best time is five days after the full moon.
Punta Cuchillos, Santa Teresa Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
Golfo Dulce Bay Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Other Locations Throughout the World Include:

The Maldives
Koh Rong, Cambodia
Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Jersey Island, UK
Thailand
Tasmania
Goias, Brazil

What Should You Bring? 

Bug Spray
Water shoes
Small Towel– you won’t get completely soaked, but your legs are likely to get a little bit wet.
Waterproof phone case
Small dry bag
Long sleeved dry fit shirt
Board shorts– your shorts are almost certainly going to get wet. Some light, breathable shorts, or  even swim trunks for guys will be much more comfortable.
Water bottle

Final Verdict

If you desire to make your friends or family happy in their next journey, consider booking a bioluminescence kayaking tour. It is worth mentioning that it is hard to take pictures of the jellies and plankton, unless you have a more advanced camera.

Remember that bioluminescence kayaking is the way to go this year for the most adventurist trip.

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