Did you know that there are amazing bioluminescent kayaking adventures right off the Florida coast? While it’s been on my list for years, I finally took the time to experience it earlier this week! BK Adventure near the Kennedy Space Center offers a variety of outdoor tours including animal-focused excursions, biking, and kayaking experiences. We chose the Sunset Kayaking tour with Bioluminescence. Here’s what you can expect during this awesome excursion!
Arrival
We were told to arrive at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch inside the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge at 6:15pm. It took a little over an hour to drive there from the Orlando area. There was still a fair amount of daylight left, so we were a little confused when we found out we were expected to arrive so early. However, it turned out to be perfect timing! After arrival, we had a few minutes to use the restroom (there are a few available porta-potties) and put on bug spray. Our guides then gave us a short kayaking instruction while distributing our life vests and paddles. Most of the available boats are tandem (two-person) kayaks, so make sure you are prepared to work with a buddy!
**Due to the current pandemic, masks are required when on the beach/departure area. Once you are in your kayak and out on the water, you are permitted to remove them.**
Getting Out on the Water
After receiving our short lesson, we were asked to choose our boat partners and head to the water! The guides helped us get into the kayaks and shoved us away from shore. We first followed our guides to a small cove where manatees are known to occasionally gather. While we didn’t see any manatees during our visit, we did get an up close and personal visit from a bottlenose dolphin! I didn’t see much more than his dorsal fin, but some of our group was able to watch the dolphin leaping out of the water to catch a fish dinner!
Shore Break
After spending about 30-45 minutes on the water, we headed back to the shore for a short break. People were able to use the restrooms, grab a drink of water, or just relax while we enjoyed the beautiful setting sun. Once the sky darkened a bit, we got back into our kayaks headed out to the same cove. While it was pretty dark at this point, we were made much more comfortable by having seen it in the daylight just a few minutes prior. On our way out to the cove, we could hear the low, rhythmic sounds of the large Black Drum Fish!
BK Adventure Bioluminescent Kayaking
At the cove, we were told to head to the treeline to look for bioluminescent cone jellies and phytoplankton. In order to see the illumination, you had to “agitate” the water with a net, your hand, or your paddle. The disturbed creatures would glow for a few moments before going dark once again. We were even able to catch some of the cone jellies in our provided nets to get an up close look. It was quite a dazzling sight, and I won’t soon forget it! This video gives a great example of what you’ll see and experience on this tour.
After a few minutes, our guides instructed us to leave the cove and begin kayaking along the treeline towards our home base. We took the “long way” back to the launch, making two more short stops along the way. We didn’t find any other animals – illuminated or otherwise – but it was still a fun adventure!
We had to fight a pretty good amount of wind and waves during this portion of the tour. Honestly, this didn’t bother me. I enjoyed the choppy waves and water splashing in my face as I paddled up-current – but my husband had worn jeans and was NOT AMUSED by massive amounts of water soaking his pants.
We covered a lot more ground during the night portion of the tour, which of course made the last segment much longer than the first. I would estimate that we were out for about an hour the second time. To me, it felt like the perfect length. The hour was enough time to see the bioluminescence, enjoy the (dark) scenery and get a bit of a workout with all the paddling. I really enjoyed my experience and would certainly return for another visit!
Freaky Thoughts: BK Adventure
What an awesomely unique, truly Floridian experience! From the seeing a dolphin to catching cone jellies to fighting the wind and waves in a borrowed kayak, I loved every portion of this tour.
“The Meg” at the Orlando Watersports Complex
I think it’s important to point out that wildlife is unpredictable and every single kayaking, biking, boating, or other experience will be completely different. I know some of my group was disappointed that we didn’t see more bioluminescent creatures or animals in general, but that’s part of the gamble in taking a wildlife tour. While there is the risk that you won’t see as much as a different group (paying the same fee), there is an inherent beauty in the spontaneity involved in what you do witness (like the dolphin hunting his dinner).
I highly recommend the experience for both tourists and locals! This was an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to touring with BK Adventures again!
Important Things to Know
- YOU WILL GET WET! Wear water shoes or flip flops and clothes that do well in water (like running pants).
- There are lots of bugs in Florida. Wear long-sleeves, bug spray, and baby oil to protect yourself from bites.
- Bring a dry change of clothes for the drive home, and be prepared to change in your car/a dark corner away from crowds.
Contacting BK Adventure:
Phone: 407-519-8711
Mobile (You can text): 407-361-9969
info@bkadventure.com
https://www.bkadventure.com
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Hours: 9am-8pm
