Sunset Bioluminescence Tour

Overview

Sunset is a magical time on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. There is movement everywhere. Dolphins are rounding up their dinner, manatees are moving into the shallows to find a comfortable spot to spend the night. As the light fades and the sky ignites with dynamics color, “Mullethead Island,” a federally protected rookery, buzzes with activity as many of the refuge’s 358 unique bird species flock above you to their protected nests for the night. Typical species to expect include Ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and roseate spoonbills, all set to the backdrop of rocket launch pads and iconic NASA landscape. Launch into your escape.

City: Cocoa Beach

Sat 28 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $75.00

Make a reservation

Sat 28 Dec

Starting at $75.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Kayak

Professional guide

PFD

Paddle

2 hour kayak tour

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

A Day Away Kayak Tours

Kayak to an island with a very diverse bird population before they settle in for the night, right next to a beautiful sunset on the horizon. Then, paddle to a nearby location to see various types of bioluminescence - one of only a few places in the world to see it.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (66)

st77m

Aug 2021

We took a lot of fun kayaking in the glowing river with Max and Kevin. It was very interesting to discover the reaction of our movements in the water which seems almost magical.

vimalodia

Aug 2021

We booked a private tour in late August that was similar to the Sunset Bioluminescence tour, but with slightly less sunset and slightly more bioluminescence. The experience was phenomenal - our guide, Sunny, was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate about all of the natural wonders that Merritt Island has to offer. In addition to seeing brilliant blue bioluminescence stirred up by our kayak paddles, we were able to see manatees, dolphins, fish, and crabs all light up the waters! This is my second private tour booked with A Day Away Kayak Tours, and I would recommend them without hesitation. If you are debating between a private tour and a group tour, definitely go for the private tour - if you come across a pod of dolphins who want to play, your guide will happily camp out with you as long as you'd like. Couple tips: - Definitely go for a private tour if it's within your means - the extra time and attention from the guide is worth it - Photography on the water is almost impossible unless you're using modern full-frame high-ISO cameras. Recommended settings: ISO 51200, F/1.8, 1/30sec, manual focus - The mosquitos are aggressive - wear long sleeves and long pants that have been treated with permethrin, and cover yourself head-to-toe in bug repellant - both exposed skin and clothes. My partner had permethrin-treated clothes and ended up with 5 mosquito bites under clothes. My clothes were not treated or covered in bug spray, and I ended up with 50(!!!) mosquito bites under my clothes (not an exaggeration, we recounted more times than a Florida ballot) Bottom line - A Day Away Kayak Tours private tours are the perfect way to experience bioluminescence and all of the other natural wonders of Merritt Island.

CDBurk

Aug 2021

So much fun seeing the water light up and watching the animal life!!! Definitely plan to be wet though and take ask me dry pants and be SURE you have shoes you don’t mind getting wet!! Pictures were difficult, but it’s a blast!