Bioluminescence Paddle, Orlando, FL
Experience ID: 372
The source of our “living lights”—bioluminescence—is dinoflagellates, single-celled organisms common in marine environments. Each bioluminescent dinoflagellate flashes only a fraction of a second when disturbed by water movement, but its high concentrations in the warm Indian River water create beautiful bluish-white trails of light caused by swimming fish and paddling kayakers. A swimming manatee may be completely concealed in a spectacular, other-worldly cloud of “living light!”
Upon arriving at the park, check in with the trip leaders which includes signing a mandatory release of liability and assumption of risk form. You will be outfitted with a life jacket, kayak, and paddle. After some brief instruction, you will paddle as a group in search of the “living lights.” Most tours last a couple of hours, however, if the bioluminescence is super bright and dolphins or manatee show up on the scene, well . . . time just doesn’t matter.
Duration:
- 2 hours of paddling on glowing waters
Scheduled Trips:
- Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning at 8:30 pm. Private tours are available any day or time for groups of 5 or more.
What you need/should bring:
- Headlamp
- Bug Spray
- Wear clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty
- Rain Jacket, you go rain or shine
Price: $50 per person
There are bathrooms and a parking lot. Please register your car and pay the $3. Parking fee. Your host and kayaks will be at the water’s edge
Can we take Pictures?
Pictures of the Bioluminescence will not appear without a SLR on a tripod or something to this strength in a hand held camera, so if you happen to have one of these please do bring it along with you! If you have a waterproof camera with a flash it can be great to bring along.
What do we wear?
Swim suit, a t-shirt, sandals or flip-flops.
