Top Tours To Experience the Beauty of The Best Bioluminescent Beaches in Florida (2023)

UPDATED: August 2023. Imagine walking along a beach at night, with each step illuminating a trail of sparkling blue lights beneath your feet. Nature’s glow sticks. This natural phenomenon is known as bioluminescence and some of the best bioluminescent beaches in Florida are waiting for you to visit.

From the Panhandle to the Keys, these natural light shows attract visitors from far and wide who are eager to witness this captivating spectacle. The waves crashing against the shore dance with a glow, while the sand shimmers like twinkling stars in the night sky.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer seeking the perfect shot, or simply someone in search of a unique and awe-inspiring experience, a trip to one of Florida’s bioluminescent beaches is an absolute must.

Join us as we delve into the beauty and wonder of these mesmerizing natural wonders, and discover why they are a true nighttime spectacle that will leave you breathless.

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One of the coolest things I think I have ever been able to see on the many bioluminescent beaches in Florida is the glow stick bioluminescent effect as the waters are disturbed in any way. It truly does look like glow sticks moving in the dark blue waters.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Click here for current rates and availability for Bioluminescence Tours perfect for families and large groups: Group Rafting Bioluminescence Tour Wildlife refuge

What is bioluminescent? Simply, it is the light that is given off by a living animal and the best time to see this happen is during the summer months from June until early October.

One of the coolest things I think I have ever been able to see are the many bioluminescent beaches and blue waters throughout Florida. What is bioluminescent? Simply, it is the light that is given off from a living animal.

A Nighttime Spectacle

Most of us are aware of or have seen the light of a firefly. In the water, bioluminescence is the light emitted by the living organism, and algae bloom of plankton when the dark water is disturbed.

Are is bioluminescence harmful?

Not at all. Bioluminescence glowing water-like effect occurs naturally and is actually a natural defense mechanism of large groups of marine creatures including phytoplankton, squid, shrimp, comb jellyfish, and some fish.

What is the most famous bioluminescent beach?

The most famous bioluminescent beach is in the USA but in Puerto Rico. Puerto Mosquito, Vieques, Puerto Rico, provides the best experience.

What causes bioluminescence in Florida?

Bioluminescent occurs in Florida due to a chemical reaction that causes Cone Jellyfish, that glow in the dark, and Dinoflagellates (bioluminescent plankton) to illuminate any time the water is disturbed.

Can you swim in the bioluminescent water?

This is a tough question to answer because it depends on where you are. Bioluminescent algae that make sea life sick can also make you ill. It’s much smarter to kayak in these waters.

What is the best time of year to see the bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence begins in May or June, but peak season is during the warm summer months between July and September.

Tip: Check the lunar calendar and book your trip or guided tour during the full moon.

Summer season and evenings with a full moon are the best experiences. Information below.

During cooler months and in winter months, comb jellies, which are beautiful oval-shaped animals, replace the dinoflagellates that light up.

What is the largest animal with bioluminescence?

The largest animal in the sea that glows with bioluminescence is the Dana octopus squid also called the giant glowing squid. This guy can reach sizes up to 7.5 feet long and 135 pounds.

What Is The Best Time Of The Year To See The Bioluminescence?

The best time during the day is at least 2 hours after sunset when the beach is dark. You will be able to clearly see the blue light from the bioluminescent creatures in the water or bioluminescent sea creatures in the ocean water. 

How Long Does The Bioluminescence Last In Florida?

Once temps begin to cool, the bioluminescence goes dormant until the next summer. You can, however, still see comb jellies during the months of November through October.

Where to find bioluminescent beaches in Florida

The next section will provide more detailed information for each location, but Florida is blessed with several bioluminescent beaches. One of the most famous locations is the Mosquito Lagoon, located on the state’s east coast near Canaveral National Seashore and Titusville. 

Get current rates and availability for all Cocoa Beach tours here: Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours

Another popular spot is the Indian River Lagoon, which stretches along the east coast of Florida from Volusia County to Palm Beach County. If you’re in the Panhandle region, head to St. Joseph Bay near Port St. Joe. 

Finally, in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination for bioluminescent beach enthusiasts. The park offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and even camping under the stars.

What Florida beaches have bioluminescence?

If you want to see something spectacular, below are the best bioluminescent beaches in Florida. I really recommend bioluminescent kayaking tours if you have never gone out on the water during a dark night.

Private tours make sure you get to the perfect spot where the water glows from these bioluminescent organisms.

Florida’s Bioluminescent Bay

By far, the best bioluminescent beaches in Florida water bodies are located near Orlando in Brevard County.

Brevard County is known as the space coast, home to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also home to Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Indian River Lagoon, and Merritt Island.

These three areas are full of glowing sea creatures. The beaches and the waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and Indian River literally glow as the world slows down for the night.

Check rates and availability for bioluminescence kayaking on Indian River: Bioluminescence Kayaking

Bioluminescent kayaking after sunset is where you will get the best views and experience the natural phenomena of bioluminescence. Be sure to wear your life jacket. 

Not comfortable on the water after dark? It’s okay! Stay on shore and watch as stingrays, manatees, or mullet as they move through the waters, igniting the glow.

If you truly want to experience these phenomena, the best way to do so is with a kayak bioluminescence tour. Ask if your tour guide has a clear kayak for you to use, so you can really experience the light.

As a reminder, always wear life jackets on your kayaking tours or anytime you are on the water. Note: You may not be allowed to leave the launch site without wearing your life vest.

The best time of year to see the beautiful bioluminescent water? Summer. Dinoflagellates sparkle in the warmer months only.

There are several bioluminescence tours in this area. Check rates and availability here: Bioluminescent Tours

Kayaking after sunset is one of the best ways to experience the bioluminescence. Be sure to wear your life jackets.

Not comfortable on the water after dark? It’s okay! Stay on shore and watch as stingrays, manatees or mullet as they move through the waters, igniting the glow.

If you truly want to experience these phenomena, the best way to do so is with a kayak bioluminescence tour. Ask if your tour guide has a clear kayak for you to use, so you can really experience the light.

The best time of year to see the beautiful bioluminescent water? Summer. Dinoflagellates sparkle in the warmer months only.

There are several bioluminescence tours in this area. Get info: Bioluminescence Tours

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is not only the perfect place to enjoy the bioluminescent experience at night, but it is also a great place to explore during the day. Manatees, alligators, and plenty of water birds will keep you entertained until night falls.

After dark, venture over to Haulover Canal, located in the middle of the refuge. This canal is probably the best place to see the bioluminescence activity. Pitch black, it is well aware of the lights of the city.

Get current rates and availability here: Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour | Haulover canal (Titusville)

Love to camp? Book your reservation in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge to enjoy all that native Florida has to offer.

Indian River Lagoon

Indian River Lagoon is actually made up of three lagoons. Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and the Banana River.

The waterways of this area are so isolated, it makes it one of the best places to see the bioluminescence. 

Even better? Indian River Lagoon is where more than 4,300 species of plants and animals plus plankton cause bioluminescence.

If you plan to go kayaking, most folks launch from Mosquito Lagoon. It enjoys its name for a reason. Bring bug spray.

Get current rates and availability here: 2-Hour Private Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon

Cocoa Beach

I absolutely LOVE Cocoa Beach. It is one of the prettiest areas near Florida’s Space Coast and the Atlantic side of the Sunshine State. Enjoy surfing, shopping, dining and more.

Enjoy the sun during the day, then return in the evening for one of the best bioluminescent beaches in Florida. Head over to Banana River Aquatic Preserve.

Enjoy spending the day at the preserve and be sure to keep your eyes open for manatees. This area is the most important habitat for manatees year-round. Often 300 to 500 are in the river.

Also watch for alligators, diamondback terrapin turtles, and pelicans. After dark, you can launch your kayak from one of the launch sites.

Traveling with a tour? You may launch from one of the other popular boat launches.

Not ready to be alone in a kayak? Book a bioluminescent tour by boat and enjoy the luminescence with a tour guide via boat instead of a kayak.

Get current rates and availability for all Cocoa Beach tours here: Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours

Where is the best place to see bioluminescence in Florida?

In my opinion, the best place to experience bioluminescence in Florida is in Titusville on the Atlantic Coast. I really recommend you take the kayak tour with a guide.  

Not only is this area a popular tourist destination, but it’s also a great place to see the blue glow of bioluminescent dinoflagellates.

This is my top pick. Get current rates and availability here: Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour Absolutely outstanding trip.

How To Have The Best Bioluminescence Experience

Here are a few tips for a fantastic experience looking at the bioluminescence:

1. Plan your visit during the peak season: The best time to witness bioluminescence in Florida is from June to October. This ensures that you have the highest chance of experiencing the glowing plankton.

2. Check the moon phase: For a kayak tour, I’d recommend a full moon.  But if you are going to be on the beach, aim for a moonless or crescent moon night for optimal viewing.

3. Be patient: Bioluminescence can sometimes be unpredictable, so be prepared to spend some time waiting for the dinoflagellates to light up the water. Wait at least 2 hours after sunset.

Generally, the calm waters make it easy to see this phenomenon but be prepared by having a change of clothes with you. You may get wet simply from the stroke of your paddle as it hits the water.

4. Plan for a late-night adventure: You may be on the beach for a while. Pack some snacks, water, and insect repellent, and enjoy the nighttime sky. The good news is that there will be plenty of things for you to see. 

5. Minimize light pollution: To fully appreciate the bioluminescent glow, try to avoid the use of flashlights or bright electronic devices.

Get current rates and availability for all Cocoa Beach tours here: Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours

Taking Photos Of The bioluminescent beaches

Photographing bioluminescent beaches can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you get great pics:

1. Use a tripod: Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and prevent any blurring.

2. Adjust your camera settings: Experiment with long exposure times to capture the full extent of the bioluminescence. Start with a shutter speed of at least 20–30 seconds, and adjust.

3. Get creative with your compositions by incorporating elements such as the crashing waves, the shoreline, or even the silhouette of a person.

4. Experiment with post-processing: Once you’ve captured your shots, don’t be afraid to experiment with post-processing techniques to enhance the colors and contrast of the bioluminescence.

If you are using your iPhone, there are some great editing apps. One of my favorites is Snapseed.

Outside the United States

Outside the United States, San Juan Island, Puerto Rico, visit Mosquito Bay. Mosquito Bay is located on the island of Vieques, east of the coast of Puerto Rico. 

Other options are Hong Kong, San Diego, and Toyama Bay where you can see jelly-like sea creatures called firefly squid in Japan. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful beaches as well on these bucket list trips.

Be sure to time your visit with the new moon, as Mosquito Bay is the brightest and best-known bioluminescent bay in the world. Top picks for kayaking tours are below

Another option is to opt for a clear kayak, so you can really see this beautiful act of nature clearly.

Get rates and availability in Cocoa Beach here for a clear kayak: Clear Kayak Tour

Not quite sure if you want to be in a single kayak or even a double kayak? A boat tour may be best for you.

The information below will help you plan your Bioluminescence Trip To Florida