Planning a Kayak Day Trip

As avid kayakers, my husband and I are always looking for new adventures on the water. When our friends suggested a vacation to Florida, we knew exactly what we wanted: a bioluminescence kayaking tour. After seeing the glowing comb jellies in moves like Avatar and Life of Pi, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to experience it firsthand. 

Discovering the Perfect Excursion

Florida is famous for its beautiful waterways like Three Sisters Springs, Weeki Wachee River, and Silver Springs. These spots are known for calm waters and the chance to see amazing wildlife such as alligators, monkeys, and manatees. However, most tours and kayak rentals in these areas are only available in the morning and early afternoon. Given our friends' love for theme parks, we didn’t want to miss out on a full day of park fun for a few hours on the water. That’s when we discovered A Day Away Kayak Tours offered bioluminescence kayaking just outside Orlando. These tours begin around 7 PM, allowing us to spend almost a full day at the parks before heading out for our evening adventure. The price was comparable to regular kayak tours, making it an easy choice for our group.

The Bioluminescence Experience

We arrived at the launch site just as the sun was setting, painting the sky with stunning hues of orange and pink. As the daylight faded, we eagerly checked in and found our kayaks. The couple that joined us on this adventure had never been kayaking before, but the guides were incredible. They were not only knowledgeable but also hilarious, making everyone feel at ease. After a brief kayaking 101 tutorial for our friends who were new to water excursions, we were able to launch.  The water was calm, and the air was filled with the sounds of nature winding down for the night. Considering we were right off of Space Coast, I was surprised by how removed the lagoon felt. We were treated to glimpses of dolphins playing in the distance and gators on the banks of far-off shores. Birds migrated from one island to another in great sweeping flocks, filling the night with their chirps and calls.  The magic began as we paddled further away from the shore as the sun set. With each stroke of our paddles, the water around us started to glow. The bioluminescent comb jellies illuminated the water with an ethereal blue light. We scooped them up gently with our hands, watching in awe as they shimmered before releasing them back into the water. Our friends had an absolute blast on their first kayak excursion and now talk about joining us on future kayak trips all the time. The tour was exceptionally well-organized and catered to a wide age and ability range, turning this experience into a tradition for our Florida trips.

Practical Tips

While the experience was magical, there were a few practical considerations to keep in mind:

• Bug Spray: Sunset is prime time for mosquitoes, so bug spray is a must. We learned this the hard way and were grateful we had packed some.
• GPS Navigation: Although our GPS took us to the correct location, the tour company had warned us that not all maps are accurate. This added a bit of stress beforehand, so double-checking directions is a good idea.
• Multiple Tour Companies: There were several kayak tour companies launching from the same location, so it’s important to know which company you’re booked with to find your guide easily.
• Top off the tank: Our launch point was in a wildlife preserve, so gas stations (and restaurants) were few and far between. Once we found our exit, we topped off the tank before going to the actual reserve. We also ate an early dinner to prep for our water adventure. Still, we ended up making a second dinner back at our vacation home. 

Unforgettable Memories

Our bioluminescence kayaking adventure was a perfect blend of natural wonder and fun. I would recommend it to anyone looking to add a some of magic to their vacation. We left the water that night with awe and gratitude, looking forward to our next kayaking journey under the stars. 

Book with Vacation Alchemy

We always stay in a Vacation Alchemy home when we visit central Florida.  Their professionally designed and themed homes cater to families visiting central Florida.  With superior responsive service and luxurious décor, they provide dreamy vacation homes to give you a fairy-tale experience remembered forever.  Conveniently located near Disney World, Universal Orlando and many other theme parks, you can pack your vacation time with so many fun activities! Vacation Alchemy is a veteran owned, small business that has earned a stellar 5-Star reputation. Unlike the big corporate property managers, Alchemy is a family owned business known for generous hospitality, fast communication and personal touches in all their homes. Every home is actually designed by Alchemy from top to bottom. Don’t just take our word for it – please read their many reviews and book your Dream Vacation! If you have any questions, please email [email protected]!