From twinkling stars to illuminated waters, share a magical bioluminescent kayak tour
When you first see it, you may think you are looking at the stars in a dark night sky. When you realize it’s the water that shines, your world is turned upside down. Kind of like when you first met your new love.
“That” is one of nature’s most incredible phenomena, called bioluminescence. Just over two hours from Tampa on the Space Coast is one of the best places in the world to observe bioluminescence. And the best way to experience nature’s light show is to glide over the glowing waters after the sun sets on a guided bioluminescent kayak tour. What a magical date night.
Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction used by marine plankton, called dinoflagellates, as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. When the water is disturbed, the non-toxic dinoflagellates emit blue light that ripples through the water, much like fireflies on land.
If you’ve been to Pandora, World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night, you know what to expect. Disney took the concept of bioluminescence and added it to the theme park. But nothing beats seeing the real thing in nature.
Active only during the summer months, the best time to experience this aquatic phenomenon is during the new moon phase, when the sky is darkest. The New Moon dates for the 2021 bioluminescent season are: July 9, August 8, September 6, and October 6.
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour Experience
Equipped with nothing but a glow stick or a small battery-powered flashlight attached to your life jacket, the first stroke of a paddle that lights up the water is sure to elicit a feeling of joy. This is just the first of the many pleasures you will experience on your bioluminescent kayak tour.
The darker the night sky, the more intense the blue of the bioluminescence becomes. Dip your hand in the river and when you pull it out, you’ll see dancing blue blobs of water escaping from your hand, like you’re holding magic. It’s a very surreal feeling as you glide across water in the dark with only the blue reaction in the water and the stars providing light. Be sure to look up. Chances are you’ll see the Milky Way more clearly than ever before.
In the middle of nature without light pollution, each circuit is a little different. You may find yourself surrounded by playful dolphins or curious manatees. Imagine dolphins swimming with their fins cutting through the water, creating a blue line coming straight at you. My favorite is when the dolphins exhale through their blowhole sending a neon blue haze into the night air.
Be careful, it is not uncommon for a mule to jump into your kayak. Remember, you are in their playground. Just pick it up and throw it in the water and you’re good to go.
Your kayak tour guide will provide you with everything you need. kayak, life jacket and light stick/flashlight. You will want to bring insect repellent, preferably the eco-friendly type, and dry bags to protect anything you want to take with you in the kayak. Throw a towel or a change of clothes in your car. Although you’re unlikely to spill, you’re bound to get a little wet from the water running down the paddle and into the boat.
Cost + tour operators
Prices range from $40 to $70 per person depending on length of tour (1.5 or 2 hours), destination (Indian River or Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel or Thousand Island waterways) and choice of kayak (glass bottom or regular, tandem or single) with cocoa kayak as your guide.
Get Up and Go Kayaking offers 90-minute bioluminescent tandem kayak tours with 100% transparent kayaks in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for $74 per person.
A Day Away Kayak Tours also guides the 90-minute Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge bioluminescent kayak tours. The cost is $49.95 per person for traditional kayaks and $65 per person for transparent kayaks.
Nearby dinner recommendations
Whether you want an early morning tour and later dinner or a late tour and early dinner, plan to enjoy a special meal with your date on the coast.
For something intimate, charming and a bit upscale, consider The Pompano Grill, which can only accommodate 46 people. With white tablecloths for indoor dining and its James Beard Award Winning Psychedelic Phish Burger, it’s a Cocoa Beach favorite that locals love. Reservations are strongly recommended. Dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, so it’s best to have dinner before your bioluminescent kayak tour.
If you’re more of a laid-back type and want to be by the water, Coconuts on the beach is the iconic Cocoa Beach. With everything from burgers and wraps to fresh fish and filet mignon, you’re sure to find something the both of you will love. For those with a sweet tooth, I recommend the pineapple creme brulee. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. and the bar is open until 11 p.m.
For something less touristy than Coconuts and more lively than Pompano Grill, Waterfront Fishlips Bar & Grill is for you. As the name suggests, Fishlips offers casual waterside dining downstairs, as well as a covered patio, indoor sports bar, and terrace with a tiki bar upstairs. Although it has a fish-centric menu, there are also a few steak, chicken, and pasta options.
Rather than returning to Tampa late at night, why not spend the night on the Space Coast?
For a kitsch vibe, consider Cocoa Beach Guest Cottage located in downtown Cocoa Beach across from Slater Way Beach Access. Owners Jackie and David Simington created the two efficient guest cottages 20 years ago and are on hand to this day to ensure your stay is perfect. Each chalet has its own private courtyard and one even has a koi pond. Off-street parking is an added bonus.
Otherwise, stay directly on the beach at Guesthouses at the beach. Don’t let the street view fool you. Once inside you will be delighted by one of the modern and relaxed guesthouses. Book one of the oceanfront suites for the most romantic view. Whether you choose the seaside or the ocean, you are only steps away from putting your toes in the water. End your evening in a hammock or lounge chair under the stars before retiring to your room.
On the way back to Tampa the next day, take a 10-minute detour and enjoy breakfast (served all day) at Jimmies. Founded in 1985, this local restaurant is one of a kind. Although Jimmy himself is no longer with us, his son continues to run the joint. Jimmies has the best cookies and sausage gravy around and fabulous Eggs Benedict. Southern favorites like grilled chunks of meat, shrimp and grits, and corned beef hash will take you back to your childhood if you grew up in the south.
More Space Coast dating ideas:
For even more ideas on things to do on the Space Coast, visit FloridaBeachBreak.com.
Image credit: A Day Away Kayak Tours
This article originally appeared on our sister publication, Orlando Date Night Guide
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