Kayaking Titusville: Bioluminescence and Wildlife at Sunset

Paddle into the refuge as the sky ignites and the water lights up beneath your paddle.

Kayak the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge near Titusville for two hours at sunset, paddling to Mullethead Island to watch birds return to their nests as dolphins and manatees move through the shallows. A professional guide, kayak, paddle and personal flotation device are included. The route takes you to bioluminescent waters (one of only a few places in the world where you can see it) set against the backdrop of NASA launch pads and the refuge's 358 bird species.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset kayak and bioluminescence viewing

• Kayak to island with diverse birds
• Watch birds settle at sunset
• Paddle to bioluminescence viewing spot

The experience

The refuge fills with movement as the light fades. Dolphins round up their dinner in the shallows while manatees settle in for the night, and above Mullethead Island, a federally protected rookery just offshore, hundreds of birds begin their evening flight home. Ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants and roseate spoonbills wheel overhead against a sky that shifts through orange and red. Your guide handles the logistics. You paddle and watch.

After the birds have nested, you paddle to a nearby location where the water itself glows. Bioluminescence appears only in a handful of places on Earth, and this is one of them. The organisms light up as your paddle cuts through, creating trails of blue-green in the dark: a phenomenon most people never see. The two-hour trip moves at a pace suited to all fitness levels, so whether you are paddling for the first time or returning to it, the rhythm stays manageable.

Everything you need is provided: kayak, paddle, professional guide and personal flotation device. Bring clothes you do not mind getting wet, water shoes like sandals or Crocs, a towel to leave in your car, and an extra change of clothes. A camera and dry bag are optional if you want to capture the moment, though they do not photograph bioluminescence well. Bottled water and snacks are yours to bring. Children from age five are welcome.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, professional guide, personal flotation device and a two-hour paddle through the refuge are included.
• bring your own bottled water, snacks and a camera if you want one.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 16:15, from US$ 75 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:15Another time? ›

GroupUp to 42

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the guide manages the pace and the wildlife does most of the show. If you are paddling with family or friends and want a shared experience where someone else navigates the route and timing, this two-hour window at sunset keeps everyone together without requiring anyone to plan it.

Traveler reviews

4.72★★★★★★★★★★

105 verified traveler reviews

5 ★92

4 ★5

3 ★3

2 ★2

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What birds will I see on Mullethead Island?

Mullethead Island hosts 358 unique bird species across the refuge, with typical sightings including ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants and roseate spoonbills: all returning to their nests as the sun sets.

Can I actually see bioluminescence, or is it too dark to notice?

Bioluminescence is visible to the eye as your paddle moves through the water, creating glowing trails beneath the surface. The organisms light up in response to motion, so the effect is most striking when you are actively paddling.

How long does the kayaking take?

The paddle lasts two hours total, including the route to Mullethead Island and the bioluminescent waters, paced for all fitness levels.

What should I wear, and will I get soaked?

Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little wet, water shoes like sandals or Crocs that stay on in the water, and bring a towel and extra change of clothes. You will be in the kayak the whole time, so splashes are likely but full immersion is not the plan.

Will I see dolphins and manatees?

Dolphins and manatees are active in the refuge at sunset, moving through the shallows to feed and settle for the night. Sightings depend on the animals' movement that evening, but the refuge is their home and activity is typical during this time.