For one of the most unique experiences of a lifetime, head to Merritt Island for a bioluminescence paddle. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see glowing plankton light up the waters, creating a scene that looks like something out of a movie. You can try kayaking or paddleboarding on your own, but I recommend taking a tour, so you can find the brightest bioluminescence.
You can see the glowing waters all over Florida’s Space Coast, but the best place to see it is on the Canaveral National Seashore. This is a secluded spot, a little over an hour from Orlando, with less light pollution and people. Ideally, you will want to go in the summertime around a new moon for optimal conditions. I took a sunset and bioluminescence tour, so I got to kayak around and see the sunset views before it got dark. However, after sunset, the real magic started and the water below my kayak lit up with every stroke!
You will get plenty of fish sightings, including ones jumping out of the water, and if you are lucky a manatee or two! The light-up water is what really makes this unique though and between that and so many stars around, I really felt in touch with nature. The mosquitoes helped with that too so make sure to bring some bug spray if you go! It is hard to capture on camera just how magnificent the brightness of the water is, but the memories you make live on forever.
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Loved reading about bioluminescence paddling? This article was submitted by Amy Gilbride of @TheFloridaTravelGirl. If you would like to share where you Venture | Explore | Conquer, contact us on submissions@dillydallymag.co
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