I have wanted to do this tour for the past several years but the timing was never right. My husband, 11 year old son and I were finally able to get away for a little staycation and booked the Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour.
Communication was excellent the entire time. We called the day of the tour to confirm arrival time, and were told that someone would be answering phones in the office up to the time of the tours just in case we got turned around with directions and needed help. We also received an email with very specific coordinates and written driving directions to the Haulover Canal launch point.
We did arrive about an hour early, and BK Adventure was already there and set up, waiting for their parties to arrive. We chatted with the guides a bit, and enjoyed the views and a sweet raccoon who was trying to sneak some food.
There are very aggressive swarms of insects on shore while you wait. We sprayed quite liberally with bug spray (something we were advised to bring) and only walked away with one or two bites. Once we launched, the bug were a non-issue.
We were also advised to use the bathroom in town, but by the time we got to the launch, nature called again. There are portapotties near the launch, and they were fine for use (With the understanding that they are portapotties in the middle of a nature preserve. Yes, i checked thoroughly for snakes and critters before locking the door).
One of the parties in our tour group was running a little late, but it didn't hold us up too badly. Ironically, they also bailed on the trip almost immediately after launching their kayak.
We had chosen the clear kayaks, and I confess, I would probably not make the same choice next time, just because of personal skill level. The clear kayaks handle more like canoes and require quite a bit more balance. Riders are tandem, and so I shared with my 11 year old. He was a little nervous about the darkness and the potential of wildlife, and while I was fine, I am far better at maneuvering a kayak than a canoe and would have been able to enjoy the trip a little more. The clear kayaks in a daylight tour would be fabulous.
After getting geared up in our life jackets and receiving a quick operations lesson from tour guides Audrey and Megan, we launched the kayaks. It was choppy getting into the river, but so peaceful once the water calmed down. The night was overcast and the stars were so bright. We got to see the wonderful dinoflagellates in the water, and it was truly incredible to behold the glow around the boats, the paddles and the jumping fish. I wish I had been able to capture more photos, but it was stunning.
There were a few alligators out and I heard another member of our tour say they saw a baby boar at some point. My son and I got hung up in a current so it took us a little bit to catch up with the group, but Megan stayed with us and even helped tow us at one point. Having that bit of help put my son at ease, and once he saw that no matter what, we were in good hands, really helped him relax. By the time the tour was over, he was asking if we could come back at another time and do it again.
Audrey and Megan were very professional and knowledgeable. The boats and equipment were clean and well maintained. Communication was excellent. All three of us had a great time and loved getting to see something so unique and beautiful.
We will be back for the comb jellies in December, and hopefully one of the daytime manatee or dolphin tours!