Kayaking Haulover Canal: Bioluminescence at sunset

Paddle into the sunset, then watch the water come alive with light

Kayak Haulover Canal at sunset on a two-hour guided paddle that ends with bioluminescence: glowing plankton that light up the water after dark. The canal connects the Indian River to the Mosquito Lagoon, so you'll paddle through habitat where manatees, dolphins and other marine life move through the same waters. A guide leads the way and explains the ecosystems and the science of the glow. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

Haulover Canal is a two-mile waterway connecting two lagoons, and the guide picks the route based on where the wildlife is moving that evening. You'll paddle past mangrove shorelines and open water, watching for dolphins and manatees as the light starts to fade. The guide points out details about the local ecosystems (what lives where and why), so the paddle is as much about understanding the place as it is about moving through it.

Once the sun dips below the horizon, the real event begins. Bioluminescent plankton in the water respond to movement by glowing blue-green, so each paddle stroke leaves a trail of light behind the kayak. Fish darting through the water glow as they pass. The effect is strongest in the darkest part of the evening, and it only happens in a handful of places on Earth. This is one of them.

The kayak, paddle and personal flotation device are included, along with a guide who knows the canal and its wildlife. Bring aquatic footwear, sunscreen and bug spray. A towel and water bottle are useful too. The paddle is steady but not strenuous, and the guide sets a pace that works for the group.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
• two-hour guided paddle with a live English-speaking guide.
• access to Haulover Canal and views of the Merritt Island Natural Life Refuge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:30 and 18:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Florida Adventurer - Bioluminescent Kayaking

Is this one for you?The paddle is steady and the pace is set by the group, so it works for families and mixed fitness levels. The two-hour timing means you're on the water through sunset and into the dark when the bioluminescence is strongest.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife might I see while paddling Haulover Canal?

Manatees and dolphins are common in these waters, and you'll paddle through their habitat. The guide points out other marine creatures and explains what lives in each part of the canal.

How does bioluminescence work, and when does it show up?

Bioluminescent plankton glow when the water moves, so your paddle strokes light up the water around the kayak. The glow is brightest after sunset, once it's fully dark, and it only happens in certain places on Earth.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear aquatic footwear so you can move safely in and out of the kayak. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, a towel and a water bottle. The kayak, paddle and life jacket are provided.