Looking for the best Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours? If so, you’ve landed on the right article.
In this post, we cover all the top-rated paddle tours–from sunset adventures to ideal bioluminescence experiences to fun wildlife watersports and excursions.
Discover your favorite outing and immerse yourself in the beauties of Florida’s Space Coast. Mangroves, manatees, dolphins, and comb jellies await.
Let’s dive in!
7 Amazing Bioluminescence Tours In Cocoa Beach!
Photo Credit- A Day Away Kayak Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 585 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Stroke off your paddle across a dark water lagoon marveling at the glow of dinoflagellates emitting light at every paddle stroke on this Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour.
Mullets dash through the surface of the water looking like blue and green bottle rockets. Manatees move slowly and gracefully through the bioluminescent waters, every movement illuminated.
Comb jellies shimmer below, bioluminescence sparkles through the rippling water, and the Milky Way swirls overhead.
As you paddle, your local guide will share knowledge about this natural phenomenon and the wildlife you encounter. It’s certain to be a magical and unique experience!
What’s included in this tour:
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2-hour kayak tour
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Professional guide
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Kayak
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Paddle
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PFD
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“It was amazing to see the fish dart in the water as if they were shooting stars. The guide (Mark) was very knowledgeable about the glowing and fun to listen to.“
Maciej_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit – Fin Expeditions
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 124 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 1.5 Hours
Join Fin Expeditions for an experience of a lifetime in Cocoa Beach.
This Bioluminescent Kayak Tour will take you out on the waters of the Banana River Lagoon to see mesmerizing bioluminescence.
Set out after dark and paddle past Cocoa Beach and Merritt Beach. Next, you’ll visit the Banana River Lagoon, a prime spot for sighting manatees.
Learn all about these creatures and their marine environment from your expert guides in the best way.
For the best experience, book your guided tour on a beautiful night of the new moon rather than full moon.
That way the skies will be dark and you’ll be able to see the glittery blue and green bioluminescence more clearly.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayaks
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Paddles
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Life Jackets
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High Back Seats
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Nets for Catching jellies
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Ian was the best guide. He had history, humor, skill, etc to share with us. A wonderful tour…quiet, relaxing, and all that bioluminescence. Really really great, highly recommend!”
Michelle_H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- A Day Away Kayak Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 127 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 3 Hours
Encounter three of Florida’s natural wonders on this Manatee, Sunset, and Bioluminescence Tour.
Start the tour during the daytime to see manatees swimming slowly through the water in their natural habitat in an incredible way.
Next, you’ll paddle to Bird Island to see hundreds of feathered creatures flying into the setting sun.
As darkness falls, you’ll see the neon-blue sparkle of bioluminescent shimmering all around you. A starry sky caps off the experience.
This tour includes an introduction to paddling, a fun and experienced kayak tour guide, and all the equipment you need to enjoy quality time and experience the trip of a lifetime.
Although one traveler who went on this tour was worried about the length, they said it was totally doable and leisurely.
What’s included in this tour:
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2-hour kayak tour
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Professional guide
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Kayak
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Paddle
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PFD
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Our group had an awesome night on the water! Our guide Chaz was very knowledgeable and personable and delivered on all the potential of the tour. We saw dolphins, manatees, a beautiful sunset, and bioluminescent critters…”
A Tripadvisor Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 87 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Striking beauty awaits on this Thousand Islands Bioluminescent Kayak Tour from Cocoa Beach.
As you paddle through the new-moon darkness, you’ll see the beautiful glow of bioluminescence, comb jellies, and starlit skies.
This small groups kayaking adventure gives you a chance to experience the fabulous beauty of Florida’s Thousand Islands.
Experiencing it with the night sky is even more marvelous as you see the rare sparkle of bioluminescence.
There are only a few of and best places in the United States and in the world where you can experience this, so it’s something not to be missed!
What’s included in this tour:
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Paddle
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Lifejacket
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Kayak
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Guide
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Absolutely wonderful!!! Marcus was an excellent guide. The whole family and kids had a great night.”
Althea_T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- A Day Away Kayak Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 61 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Explore the watery world of the Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach on this incredible Mangrove Tunnel & Bioluminescence Sunset Tour.
It starts in the evening with a paddle through tranquil waters and mystical mangrove tunnels.
As the sun dips below the waters and disappears, bioluminescent comb jellies illuminate the water, and dinoflagellates dance through the ripples like tiny fireflies.
Learn about the ecosystem from your amazing guide and keep an eye out for bottlenose Dolphins, Indian Manatees, and bioluminescence.
Your guide will take photos of you during the tour so you can be fully present and go home with pictures of the experience.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayak Equipment
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Photos
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Guide
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Dry Bags Available
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Did the tour with my daughter (9). We saw dolphins. The ride through the mangrove tunnels was very cool. But the most amazing thing was of course to see the bioluminescence – that was incredibly fascinating.”
Nicole_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Epic Paddle Adventures
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 25 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Step aboard a sturdy see-through clear kayak and paddle board for a one-of-a-kind Bioluminescence Adventure Tour!
Standing will give you a unique vantage for seeing the bioluminescence and darting fish below, plus the glittering constellations above.
This tour takes place on the Indian River Lagoon. Kick off the experience with an introduction to paddleboarding (or go kayaking).
As you learn, the sun will set in the background, filling the sky with a beautiful array of orange, pink, and blue clouds.
Next, you’ll paddle to Horseshoe Crab Island and finish watching the sunset. Keep an eye out for the crabs, manatees, and dolphins that inhabit the area.
Explore the island and make friends with the other travelers on the tour.
Now it’s time to enjoy the magical bioluminescence. Watch fish swim through the water, setting off a sparkling glow.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayak
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Lifejacket
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Paddle
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Dry Bags
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“The guides were super chill and really funny. It made the whole trip even better and the bioluminescence is absolutely insane. I highly recommend it!”
Emelyn_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Florida Adventurer – Bioluminescent Kayaking
This tour is rated 4.5 Stars on Viator with over 20 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Immerse yourself in a unique ecosystem on this Sunset Kayaking w/ Florida Bioluminescence Combo Tour.
What makes this tour unique is that you’ll be paddling through the Haulover Canal, which connects Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River.
Different species of wildlife, marine animals, and bioluminescence creatures await.
During the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into this unique ecosystem, helping you understand and appreciate it even more.
You’ll also have the chance to see dolphins, manatees, darting fish, and jelly fish.
This experience worthy of a bucket list activity is perfect for families, adventurers, and travelers alike. Kids aged five years old and older and welcome.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayak
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PFD
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Paddles
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Happy Guides
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We had a private tour with Zac and he was awesome! We got up close to some manatees, dolphins, and fish. The sunset was beautiful and the bioluminescence was amazing. Would definitely do it again and recommend going to anyone!”
Sean_H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours FAQs
Can I See Bioluminescence At Cocoa Beach?
Yes–bioluminescence is present in the waters around Cocoa Beach year-round. From June to September, it is caused by tiny, microscopic organism dinoflagellate glowing plankton.
These minuscule creatures release energy through an internal chemical reaction. The emission of light produces this energy.
The best months to visit are during the winter and cooler months, glowing comb jellies also inhabit these glowing waters, adding their own magical light.
Where Can I See Bioluminescence In Cocoa Beach Florida?
There are several great spots to see bioluminescence in Cocoa Beach. Indian River, Banana River Park, and Indian River Lagoon are three of the top spots.
You can also observe this phenomenon in the Haulover Canal.
What Time Of Year Is Best To See Bioluminescence In Florida?
The best time of year to see bioluminescence in Florida is between July and October. Choose the night of a new moon for optimum views of the glittery bioluminescence.
Comb jellies are also bioluminescent and are most prevalent in November. They provide quite a show beneath the water after dark.
Final Thoughts: Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours
Cocoa Beach is not only famous for its beautiful beaches, but it is also a great place to experience wildlife in a unique way.
One of the perfect ways to enjoy this is to get up and lose yourself in the beauty of nature on one of these magical bioluminescent tours into the mangrove tunnels, islands, and canals of Florida’s Space Coast.
Keep an eye out for birds, manatees, glowing comb jellies, and playful dolphins as you swirl your paddle through glittery blue-green waters.
Which of these Cocoa Beach Bioluminescence Tours sounds perfect for you?
Booking a last-minute trip to Cocoa Beach?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels In Cocoa Beach
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach – (Perfect For Solo Travelers & Couples)
Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach-Oceanfront – (Beachfront And Poolside View)
Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral – (Top-Rated Nearby Beach)
Anthony’s On The Beach – (Top-Rated Budget Hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Cocoa Beach?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗