Manatees/Sunset/Bioluminescence Tour

Exploring the natural wonders of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge becomes a captivating experience during the 2-hour kayak tour. Paddlers have the opportunity to witness the gentle manatees in their serene habitat, as well as a breathtaking sunset that paints the sky in vibrant hues. But the true highlight awaits as the waterways come alive with the ethereal glow of bioluminescence, creating a mesmerizing display that engages the senses. This tour offers a unique chance to take in the refuge’s diverse ecosystems and uncover its hidden natural treasures.

Key Points

• Opportunity to spot manatees resting, feeding, or socializing in the waterways of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
• Chance to witness a breathtaking sunset display over the serene waterways, with vibrant colors reflected in the water.
• Immersive experience to witness the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescence in the water, with swirling patterns of electric-blue light.
• Professional guide-led 2-hour kayak tour to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
• All necessary equipment, including kayak, paddle, and PFD, provided for a seamless and convenient tour experience.

Overview of the Tour

Paddling through the serene waters, this 2-hour kayak tour allows visitors to witness the natural wonders of Merritt Island, including encounters with manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds in their native habitats.

The tour also offers the opportunity to view the sunset and experience the season’s bioluminescence or starry skies from the comfort of your kayak.

Led by a professional guide, this easy and immersive experience provides an excellent way to explore the area’s diverse ecosystems.

With all necessary equipment provided, guests can focus on taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the natural world around them.

Tour Details

The kayak tour lasts for 2 hours and is led by a professional guide. Participants receive a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device as part of the experience. The tour launches from the Haulover Canal in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and returns to the same location.

Tour Details
Duration	2 hours
Guide	Professional
Equipment Provided	Kayak, Paddle, PFD
Meeting & Ending Point	Haulover Canal Kayak Launch

This tour provides an easy way to experience the natural wonders of the area, including the chance to see manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meets at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch in Mims, Florida, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and returns to the same starting point upon completion.

Guests will launch their kayaks from this location and paddle through the serene waterways to observe manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.

After the tour, you will return to the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch, the end point of the experience.

This convenient meeting and pickup location allows for a seamless and efficient start and finish to the 2-hour kayak adventure through the stunning natural landscapes of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

What to Bring

Guests should wear clothes that can get wet and water shoes for this kayak tour, as they will be immersed in the natural environment. An extra change of clothes is also recommended in case participants get splashed or damp during the paddling experience. Bringing a camera and dry bag can allow guests to capture the stunning scenery, while a flashlight may come in handy for the bioluminescence portion of the tour. Bottled water and snacks are encouraged to stay hydrated and energized throughout the 2-hour kayak adventure.

What to Bring	Why
Wet clothes	Immersed in nature
Water shoes	Comfortable in water
Extra clothes	In case of splashing
Camera and dry bag	Capture the scenery
Flashlight	For bioluminescence

Additional Information

This tour has received 158 glowing reviews and a Badge of Excellence, indicating its popularity and quality. It’s located in Cocoa Beach, USA and can accommodate a maximum of 42 travelers.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

During the 2-hour kayak tour, a professional guide will lead participants through the Haulover Canal in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Guests will have the opportunity to observe manatees, dolphins, and birds in their natural habitats, as well as witness the stunning sunset and seasonal bioluminescence or starry skies from the comfort of their kayaks.

Manatee Sightings

During the tour, participants have the opportunity to spot manatees gliding peacefully through the waterways of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These gentle giants, also known as ‘sea cows,’ are a highlight for many visitors.

Manatees are often found resting, feeding, or socializing in the protected areas of the refuge. With the guidance of the experienced tour guide, kayakers may catch glimpses of manatees surfacing to breathe or observe their graceful movements in the water.

Seeing these endangered marine mammals in their natural habitat is a truly remarkable experience and a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

Sunset Viewing

As the sun dips below the horizon, kayakers are treated to a breathtaking sunset display over the waterways of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple paint the sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene that kayakers can observe from the comfort of their boats.

The tour’s guides ensure that participants have ample time to take in the stunning sunset, offering insights into the natural beauty of the area. With the tranquil waters reflecting the vibrant colors, it’s a truly mesmerizing experience that leaves kayakers in awe of the natural wonders they’ve witnessed during their 2-hour journey.

Bioluminescence Experience

The ethereal glow of bioluminescence transforms the tranquil waterways as kayakers paddle through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Dinoflagellates, microscopic plankton, emit a captivating bioluminescent display when disturbed, illuminating the water’s surface with an otherworldly radiance.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the kayaks glide through the glowing waters, revealing:

• Swirling patterns of electric-blue light trailing behind the paddles.
• Pockets of luminescence that flare up as curious fish dart through the illuminated waves.
• A mesmerizing display of nature’s own light show, casting a magical glow over the entire experience.

This bioluminescent kayak tour offers a truly enchanting way to explore the natural wonders of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Early Should We Arrive at the Meeting Point?

The tour company recommends arriving at the meeting point 15-20 minutes early. This allows time to get checked in, get fitted for equipment, and receive a safety briefing before the tour begins. Arriving early ensures a smooth start to the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, allowing families with children to participate. However, all participants must be able to comfortably get in and out of a kayak for the 2-hour excursion.

Can We Bring Our Own Kayaks Instead of the Provided Ones?

The tour provider allows participants to bring their own kayaks instead of using the provided ones. However, participants must still follow the tour’s safety guidelines and use the provided life jackets and other equipment.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available at the Launch Site?

The launch site at Haulover Canal Kayak Launch offers restroom facilities for participants. Guests can use these facilities before and after the tour as needed to ensure a comfortable experience.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if We Want to Explore More?

Guests can inquire about extending the tour duration if they wish to explore the area further. However, the tour length is set at 2 hours, and any extensions would need to be arranged with the tour provider prior to the start of the experience.

Recap

The 2-hour kayak tour in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge provides a unique opportunity to witness manatees, stunning sunsets, and the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescence.

Participants can expect to spot majestic manatees, observe vibrant sunset hues, and experience the ethereal natural light show of the waterways.

This tour promises an unforgettable adventure through the refuge’s diverse ecosystems.