Two of Our Most Popular Tours – Combined Into One Incredible Experience!
Search for dolphin and manatee, weave through the labyrinths of the mangrove forest, and end your day with the beautiful bright colors of the Florida sunset. To top it all off, once the sun goes down you will get a chance to experience the magic of bioluminescence. Watch as every paddle stroke you take glows and try to catch comb jellies. Pure Bucket List Experience!
This Cocoa Beach tour is perfect for first-time paddlers, and anyone looking to get away from the theme parks and immersed in nature! Along the way, you’ll learn paddling skills and how to effectively maneuver a kayak on the water. Your guide will customize this experience based on the interest of the participants in nature and information about our beautiful paradise for those who want a relaxing and educational tour.
Animal activity is seasonal! Please inquire with us to find the best times for viewing. The bioluminescence will be a small portion of the tour, estimated at 20 minutes.
December – April: From December through April the bioluminescent microorganisms of the Indian River Lagoon are dormant. However, golf ball sized bioluminescent comb jellies are as active as ever. During this time you will end this tour as the comb jellies begin to luminesce and you will have the opportunity to observe this amazing creature.
Tour Highlights
Click The Tabs To Learn More
Tour Details
Price
- $79 – Single kayak for ages 13+
- $142 – Tandem kayak for ages 3+
- $220 – Triple tandem kayak for ages 3+
Ages
- Ages 3+ are permitted.
- Paddlers aged 12 and under should be in a tandem kayak.
Departure time
Departure time varies but is approximately 2 hours before the current sunset. Exact departure time is shown on our booking page and in your booking confirmation email.
Meeting point
The Cocoa Beach meeting point will be confirmed via email after booking.
Availability
7 days/week year-round
Duration
2 hours
Group size
Tours will run with a minimum of 1+
Included
- Premium recreational kayaks and paddles
- Safety equipment
- Downloadable album of pictures of your experience
- Drinking water
- Insect repellent
Not included
Gratuities
What to bring
- Suitable and protective clothing
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Extra drinking water
Your guide
Each tour is led by a passionate expert guide, highly trained in finding wildlife and navigating both the lagoon and open water. You can learn about our tour guides here.
Additional information
All kayak selections are based on availability.
Please see our options below:
- Single kayak – 1 person – weight limit: 280lbs
- Tandem kayak – 2 people – weight limit: 425lbs
- Three-person kayak – 3 people – weight limit: 425lbs. This setup is perfect for a family of 3 with a child under 75lbs
From Golden Skies to Glowing Waters - Here's What's in Store...
You’ll begin your adventure by gathering at the launch location in Cocoa Beach with your experienced guide, where you’ll receive a brief orientation and safety overview before setting off in your kayak. As you paddle into the calm waters of the Banana River Lagoon and the mangrove labyrinths, your guide shares insights about the area’s unique ecosystem while helping you spot wildlife like dolphins, manatees, birds, and other native species. The sunlight fades as you glide through scenic mangrove tunnels and open water, soaking in the warm colors of the Florida sunset and learning basic paddling skills along the way.
Once the sun dips below the horizon, the tour shifts into a truly unique experience — watching the water around your kayak begin to glow with natural bioluminescence. Depending on conditions and season, you may see sparkling dinoflagellates or shimmering comb jellies lighting up with each paddle stroke, creating an otherworldly, magical display. Throughout this portion of the tour, your guide helps you make the most of the moment with tips, stories, and possibly nets to enhance your viewing. After enjoying this natural phenomenon, you’ll paddle back to shore to conclude your Cocoa Beach kayak tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
No experience is required. This tour is beginner-friendly, and your guide will help you get comfortable before launching. The pace remains relaxed throughout, making it suitable for families, first-timers, and seasoned paddlers.
Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, our guides are highly trained in locating dolphins, manatees, and other species inhabiting the area. The Thousand Islands is one of the best places in Florida to encounter them, and most of our tours do see wildlife.
We recommend dressing for the weather: comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for getting a little wet, plus a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Closed-toe water shoes are helpful but not required.
Yes! Children ages 3+ are welcome when riding in a tandem or triple kayak with an adult. Single kayaks are available for teens aged 13+. Weight limits apply to each kayak type.
No. This is a leisurely-paced tour designed for comfort and enjoyment, not athletic intensity. Expect gentle paddling through calm water, mangrove tunnels, and sheltered lagoons.
We constantly monitor the weather right up until tour time. This includes forecast and real-time precipitation, lightning and winds. As tour launch time approaches we pay special attention to the current radar outlook.
If heavy precipitation, lightning and/or wind might lead to unsafe conditions we may go into a 30 minute weather hold and/or cancel the tour. Your guide will be in touch about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled launch time to provide updates. If we cancel we will work with guests to reschedule to another day and/or time but if not possible we will issue a full refund.
No. Unlike our daytime tours, nighttime bioluminescence tours do not include photos due to low-light conditions. You may bring your own device, but capturing bioluminescence can be challenging.
We keep groups small (typically maximum 12–16 guests – often less) to ensure a personal, relaxed, and wildlife-friendly experience. We do not have a minimum number of guests. Smaller groups also allow guides and guests to navigate the route more easily, and to get to know each other.
Yes! During the summer dinoflagellate season, the glow can be extremely vivid. During comb jelly season, the light is gentler and more ethereal. Both are easily and clearly visible from your kayak.
