Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge in Florida offers a truly captivating experience for adventurous nature enthusiasts. As the sun dips below the horizon, the wetlands come alive with a mesmerizing natural glow – bioluminescence. Gliding through these protected waters on a guided night kayaking tour allows visitors to witness this enchanting phenomenon up close. With knowledgeable guides, necessary equipment, and a small group size, this intimate experience promises a memorable exploration of the refuge’s remarkable bioluminescent displays. But what lies beneath the surface of this captivating natural wonder? To uncover the secrets of bioluminescence and its role in the refuge’s ecosystem, read on.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cocoa Beach.

Key Points

• A 90-minute guided kayak tour through the protected wetlands of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, offering a mesmerizing view of bioluminescence.
• Tour includes all necessary equipment, such as kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, provided by the experienced guide.
• Tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
• Travelers meet at the Haulover Canal Launch Site, with a short walk to the launch point.
• Tour is priced at $80.00 and is suitable for travelers of all experience levels.

Tour Details

The bioluminescence night kayaking tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge offers a 90-minute excursion from the Cocoa Beach area.

Travelers will paddle through protected wetlands in search of the mesmerizing natural glow of bioluminescence.

The tour includes a kayak, paddle, and life jacket, all provided by the professional guide. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are welcome.

Guests meet at the Haulover Canal Launch Site before embarking on this unique nighttime adventure to witness the natural wonder of bioluminescence.

With low light pollution, the conditions are ideal for optimal viewing.

Location and Duration

The bioluminescence kayaking tour takes place in Cocoa Beach, located within the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge in the U.S. state of Florida.

The tour lasts for 90 minutes. This allows participants ample time to paddle through the protected wetlands at night and witness the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent organisms.

The tour’s duration is designed to provide an immersive experience without overwhelming visitors. Cocoa Beach’s location within the wildlife refuge ensures ideal viewing conditions due to the low levels of light pollution in the area.

This combination of location and duration ensures that guests can fully appreciate the natural wonder of bioluminescence during their guided kayaking adventure.

Tour Inclusions

The bioluminescence kayaking tour includes all the necessary equipment and gear for a safe and enjoyable experience. Participants receive a kayak, paddle, and life jacket as part of the tour package, ensuring they have everything they need to explore the protected wetlands at night. Plus, a professional guide accompanies the group, providing expert commentary and ensuring the safety and best viewing spots throughout the tour.

Tour Inclusions	Description
Kayak	Provided for each participant
Paddle	Included with the kayak
Life Jacket	Required safety equipment
Professional Guide	Leads the tour and provides commentary

Meeting Point and Accessibility

Travelers meet at the Haulover Canal Launch Site to embark on the bioluminescence kayaking tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.

Unfortunately, this activity isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain and narrow access points at the launch site.

The small group size is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Guests will need to navigate a short walk from the parking area to the launch point, carrying their provided kayak, paddle, and life jacket.

The guide ensures everyone’s safety and provides instructions before launching onto the protected wetlands for an unforgettable night of bioluminescent wonders.

Group Size and Price

With a maximum of 8 travelers, the bioluminescence kayaking tour provides an intimate and personalized experience on Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Priced from $80.00, the tour includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and the guidance of a professional guide who ensures the safety and best viewing spots for participants of all experience levels.

Group Size	Price
Up to 8	$80+
Private	$TBA
Family	$TBA

The small group size allows for more attentive service and a chance to fully take in the mesmerizing natural wonder of bioluminescence. Whether traveling solo or with loved ones, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure at a reasonable cost.

Tour Experience Highlights

Paddling through the protected wetlands of Merritt Island at night, participants enjoy the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon brought to life by the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader.

The tour experience highlights include:

1. Learning about the science behind bioluminescence from the expert guide.
2. Enjoying ideal viewing conditions due to the low light pollution in the area.

Feeling a sense of adventure as the guide ensures safety and leads them to the best spots for observation.

This unique night kayaking adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the captivating natural wonder of bioluminescence.

The tour’s suitability for all experience levels makes it accessible to a wide range of participants.

Booking and Cancellation

Guests can expect confirmation upon booking the Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, and children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. A moderate physical fitness level is required to fully enjoy the tour. Visitors have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the event for a full refund, as this activity is weather-dependent. Should the tour be canceled due to inclement conditions, guests will receive a full refund or have the option to reschedule for a different date.

Booking and Cancellation Details
Reservation Confirmation	Upon Booking
Children’s Policy	Must be Accompanied by Adult
Physical Fitness Level Required	Moderate
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 Hours Before Tour
Weather-related Cancellations	Full Refund or Reschedule

Customer Reviews and Additional Info

Customers have awarded the bioluminescence kayaking tour a 4.5-star rating based on 549 reviews, providing positive feedback on the mesmerizing bioluminescence experience and the knowledgeable, engaging guides. While some reviews mention occasional crowded conditions, the overall consensus is that the tour offers a memorable and enjoyable outing.

The Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour is operated by BK Adventure, and gratuities for the guides are optional. In the event of weather-related cancellations, guests can receive a full refund or reschedule for a different date.

Detailed directions to the Haulover Canal Launch Site are provided upon booking, and a rental car is recommended for visitors without their own transportation.

Additional information about the tour includes:

1. Confirmation provided upon booking
2. Children must be accompanied by an adult
3. Moderate physical fitness level required
4. Weather-dependent activity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak for the Tour?

The tour company doesn’t allow participants to bring their own kayaks. All necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, is provided as part of the tour experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There is no minimum age requirement for participants, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for all experience levels, though a moderate physical fitness level is required.

What Types of Wildlife Can We Expect to See During the Tour?

While kayaking at night, visitors may catch glimpses of diverse wildlife like manatees, dolphins, turtles, and a variety of birds. The tour guide will point out any notable species encountered during the bioluminescent illumination.

Are Photos/Videos Allowed During the Kayaking Experience?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during the kayaking experience, though the guide may advise against using flash or bright lights to avoid disturbing the bioluminescent organisms. Travelers should respect the natural environment and follow the guide’s instructions.

Are Any Food or Drinks Provided as Part of the Tour?

The tour does not include any food or drinks. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks and beverages if desired. Water may be available, but this is not guaranteed as part of the standard tour experience.

Recap

The bioluminescence night kayaking tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge offers a mesmerizing experience for nature enthusiasts.

Gliding through the protected wetlands, kayakers can witness the captivating natural glow, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

With a maximum of 8 participants, this intimate tour provides the necessary equipment and an opportunity to take in the refuge’s captivating bioluminescence.