Bioluminescent kayaking in Cocoa Beach: LED clear-bottom kayaks

Paddle over glowing water and jellyfish with LED lights under your kayak

Bioluminescent kayaking in Cocoa Beach puts you in a clear-bottom kayak or paddleboard with LED lights at Kiwanis Island Park, where you paddle over glowing dinoflagellates (June–October) and comb jellies (October–April). A guide in English leads the 90-minute outing. Paddleboards and paddles are included, and children from age 4 can join.

Step-by-step itinerary

LED Bio Comb Jelly Kayak or Paddleboard Tour

• Arrive at Kiwanis Island Park
• Reserve kayak or paddleboard gear
• Board clear bottom kayak or paddleboard
• Turn on LED lights under kayak or board
• Watch underwater bioluminescent wildlife
• Return to shore after tour

The experience

The kayak or paddleboard sits shallow enough that you see straight through the clear bottom to the water below. LED lights mounted underneath let you adjust the color and brightness to watch whatever moves in the shallows: bioluminescent organisms respond to the light and glow in return. The season decides what you'll see: from June through October, dinoflagellates create a glowing water effect when disturbed. From October through April, comb jellies drift below as glowing jellyfish. Both are living organisms, so sightings shift with conditions.

The tour launches from Kiwanis Island Park on Merritt Island and runs 90 minutes. You'll paddle with a live English-speaking guide who helps you navigate the water and adjust the lights to catch the bioluminescence. A paddle and dry bag come with your rental. If you choose a paddleboard, the weight limit is 280 pounds, and kayaks (single or tandem) max out at 350 pounds. Call the office after booking to reserve your preferred gear. If you don't confirm ahead, equipment is assigned first-come, first-served when you arrive. No shoes are worn inside clear-bottom kayaks because of the material.

What’s included

• Clear-bottom kayak or paddleboard.
• paddle.
• dry bag.
• LED lights you control.
• 90-minute guided paddle with a live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 19:00 and 21:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cocoa Kayaking

Is this one for you?The 90-minute paddle requires moderate fitness and comfort in shallow water. The clear bottom and LED lights do the work of revealing what's below, so you're watching and paddling, not hiking or climbing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are bioluminescent dinoflagellates and comb jellies, and when will I see them?

Dinoflagellates are glowing plankton that light up when disturbed, visible June through October. Comb jellies are gelatinous creatures that glow naturally, appearing October through April. Both are seasonal, so the time of year determines which you encounter.

What's included in the kayaking rental?

The paddleboard or kayak, a paddle, and a dry bag are all included. You choose your vessel type when you call to confirm your booking.

How do I reserve my kayak or paddleboard before the tour?

Call the company's office after booking to reserve your preferred gear and confirm details. The receptionist will contact you by text and email with waiver links and directions.

Is the park accessible if I use a wheelchair?

Kiwanis Island Park is wheelchair accessible, with accessible surfaces and transportation options nearby. Service animals are allowed.