Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

Cocoa Beach , United States

Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

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(604 reviews)

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About this experience

There are only a few places is the world you can see this amazing display of sea life lighting up the waters with their other-worldly neon glow. This is one Florida experience you do not want to miss! What makes this amazing is that the protected wetlands around the area we launch our kayaks has almost no light pollution. This make for amazing visibility of the bioluminescence.

Available options

Bioluminescence Tour

What's included

Kayak, Paddle, Life-jacket

Professional guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

What's not included

Gratuities for guide (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

594 reviews

5★

495

4★

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Please call our office to receive exact directions prior to your tour as we have several locations.

Please do NOT use Uber or Lyft. We have found that most Uber and Lyft drivers will not drive to this location. If you are visiting and do not have a vehicle, please plan on getting a rental car.

About Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a charming coastal city in Florida, renowned for its beautiful beaches, surfing culture, and proximity to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. It offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and space exploration experiences, making it a unique destination for travelers of all interests.

Top Attractions

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

This iconic attraction offers a behind-the-scenes look at NASA's space programs, including rocket launches, astronaut encounters, and interactive exhibits.

Space Exploration Half to full day Moderate to Expensive ($57-$75 for adults, discounts available)

Cocoa Beach Pier

A historic pier offering shopping, dining, and entertainment with stunning ocean views. It's a great spot for fishing, watching sunsets, and enjoying live music.

Historical/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to explore, fees for activities and dining

Lori Wilson Park

A beautiful beachfront park with picnic areas, playgrounds, and a nature trail. It's perfect for families and those looking to relax by the ocean.

Nature/Beach 1-3 hours Free

Cocoa Beach Surf Company

A popular surf shop offering lessons, rentals, and a surf museum. It's a great place to learn or improve your surfing skills.

Adventure/Surfing 1-2 hours for lessons Moderate ($30-$50 for lessons, $20-$30 for rentals)

The Dynamic Theater

An IMAX theater offering educational and entertaining films, including space-related documentaries and 3D movies.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Moderate ($10-$15 per ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Grilled Mahi Mahi

Freshly caught Mahi Mahi grilled to perfection, often served with tropical salsa and plantains.

Dinner Gluten-free and dairy-free options available

Key Lime Pie

A tangy and sweet pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk, topped with whipped cream.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Coconut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in coconut, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains shellfish and gluten

Popular Activities

Surfing Kayaking Paddleboarding Fishing Ziplining Beach lounging Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes

Best Time to Visit

March to May, and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with lower humidity and fewer crowds, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The peak season also coincides with various festivals and events.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cocoa Beach is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Avoid leaving belongings unattended on the beach

Getting there

By air

Orlando Melbourne International Airport • 20 miles
Orlando International Airport • 50 miles

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station in Melbourne

Getting around

Public transport

SCAT buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Cocoa Beach and nearby areas. Buses run on a regular schedule but may not be as frequent as in larger cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Cocoa Beach Minutemen Causeway Cape Canaveral

Day trips

Orlando

50 miles • Full day

Orlando is home to world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. It also offers a variety of cultural attractions, dining, and shopping options.

Port Canaveral

10 miles • Half day

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, offering a variety of cruise options and attractions, including the Explore More Pier and the Jetty Park Beach.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

20 miles • Half to full day

This wildlife refuge offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. It's a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

Cocoa Beach Art Festival • Annual (typically in November) Cocoa Beach Easter Festival and Parade • Annual (Easter Sunday) Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade • Annual (typically in December)

Pro tips

Visit the Kennedy Space Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and see scheduled launches
Rent a bike or scooter to explore the area and enjoy the scenic views
Try local seafood dishes, such as grilled Mahi Mahi and coconut shrimp
Attend local festivals and events for a unique and authentic experience
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season