Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour worth booking?
Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Cocoa Beach, United States, from $116 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $116 per person
Paddle through glowing bioluminescent waters on one of Florida’s most unforgettable nighttime adventures. Explore the famous Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s Space Coast in clear kayaks or on premium wood paddleboards as
What you get
About this experience
Paddle through glowing bioluminescent waters on one of Florida’s most unforgettable nighttime adventures. Explore the famous Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s Space Coast in clear kayaks or on premium wood paddleboards as the water lights up with every paddle stroke. Your small-group tours are beginner-friendly and led by passionate local guides who help guests discover dolphins, comb jellies, jumping fish, and other nighttime marine life along the way. With over 17 years of experience and more than 90,000 guests on the water, Three Brothers Adventure Tours has been featured on nationally televised travel shows, including the Travel Channel, and recognized among TripAdvisor’s Top 10% of Experiences Worldwide. Perfect for families, couples, cruise travelers, and first-time paddlers visiting Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and Orlando. Watch every splash, paddle stroke, and movement beneath your kayak glow electric blue below. Experience Florida’s glowing waters.
What's included
Included
- Premium Paddle Board Upgrade
- Beginner-friendly paddling instruction
- Wildlife and ecosystem interpretation
- Professional in-person eco tour guide
- Bioluminescence kayaking experience
- Kayak, paddle, and required safety equipment
- Clear kayak upgrade
- Photos opportunities
- Small-group nighttime eco adventure
- Life jackets for all guests
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Paddle through the protected waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on a guided nighttime bioluminescence adventure along Florida’s Space Coast. As darkness falls, the water beneath your kayak or paddleboard begins glowing electric blue with every paddle stroke and movement. Guests often see glowing comb jellies, fish trails, jumping mullet, and reflections of bioluminescence lighting up the lagoon around them. This calm, beginner-friendly experience also offers opportunities to enjoy starry skies, peaceful wildlife habitat, and one of Florida’s most unforgettable nighttime eco-adventures.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Space Coast
Experience the world-famous bioluminescence of Florida’s Space Coast as you paddle through calm nighttime waters beneath the stars. Guests will explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, where glowing bioluminescent organisms illuminate the water with every paddle stroke, splash, and movement. Depending on the season and conditions, travelers may witness glowing comb jellies and sparkling dinoflagellates creating a magical blue glow throughout the lagoon. This unforgettable nighttime kayak adventure takes place near Merritt Island and the Space Coast, one of Florida’s top destinations for wildlife, eco tours, and outdoor adventures. Keep an eye out for fish, rays, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife that are sometimes active after dark while enjoying a peaceful paddle through Florida’s scenic coastal waterways.
Pass by without stopping
Merritt Island
Experience the natural beauty and world-famous bioluminescence of Merritt Island during an unforgettable nighttime kayak adventure along Florida’s scenic Space Coast. Merritt Island is known for its peaceful coastal waterways, diverse wildlife, star-filled skies, and seasonal glowing waters created by naturally occurring bioluminescent organisms. As guests paddle through the calm lagoon after dark, every paddle stroke, splash, and movement in the water may create a brilliant electric blue glow beneath the kayaks. Depending on the season and conditions, travelers may witness glowing comb jellies, sparkling dinoflagellates, jumping fish, rays, dolphins, and other wildlife active throughout the evening. This relaxing eco adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Florida’s most magical natural phenomena while exploring the beautiful waterways surrounding Merritt Island and the Space Coast.
Pass by without stopping
Banana River Manatee Refuge
The protected waters surrounding the Banana River Manatee Refuge are home to one of Florida’s most diverse coastal ecosystems and provide an incredible setting for nighttime bioluminescence kayaking along the Space Coast. This peaceful refuge near Merritt Island is known for its calm lagoon waters, scenic natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and seasonal glowing bioluminescence. As guests paddle through the water after dark, every paddle stroke, splash, and movement may create a brilliant electric blue glow caused by naturally occurring bioluminescent organisms. Depending on the season and conditions, travelers may also encounter dolphins, jumping fish, rays, comb jellies, manatees, and other wildlife that inhabit the lagoons surrounding Merritt Island and the Banana River. This unforgettable eco adventure offers a relaxing and immersive way to experience one of Florida’s most magical nighttime experiences.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cocoa Beach
Meet your guide at Kiwanis Island Park in Merritt Island. Free parking and restrooms are available on-site. Look for the Three Brothers Adventure Tours trailer near the launch area. Please arrive 20–30 minutes early for check-in and safety instructions before launch.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your guide at Kiwanis Island Park in Merritt Island. Free parking and restrooms are available on-site. Look for the Three Brothers Adventure Tours trailer near the launch area. Please arrive 20–30 minutes early for check-in and safety instructions before launch.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Suitable for beginners
- Relaxed-paced nighttime paddle experience
- Natural bioluminescence visibility varies nightly based on season and environmental conditions
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Kayaks are recommended for first-time nighttime paddlers. Paddleboards are best suited for guests with previous paddleboarding experience
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Night bioluminescence tour
The tour guide was very knowledgeable on the subject. He was very friendly and made the tour the best he possibly could even with there being other tour groups on the water, leading our group to other areas with less light pollution and people. Would recommend this tour to friends.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your great review! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciated your guide's knowledge and effort to make the experience the best it could be. Finding areas with less light pollution and fewer people can really enhance the bioluminescent experience, and we're happy your guide was able to make that happen for your group. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Three Brothers Boards!
via Tripadvisor
Illuminating Night!
My husband and I did the bioluminescence kayak tour at night. I have never kayaked and my husband did once when he was younger. Jack was our tour guide and he was absolutely fantastic!! He always made sure we were safe, gave us directions on what areas we were heading to, always caught up with us when I kept floating in other directions Lolol. Jack is extremely knowledgeable about the area, the wildlife, the science and Florida in general! We really enjoyed hearing all the history of the state and the surrounding areas. Jack made sure we were safe from weather, wildlife, and the water at all times. The tour is about 90 minutes and is a ton of fun. The bioluminescence was really bright in a couple of areas so it was really fascinating to see. And looking through the bottom of the clear kayak and seeing the water lighting up was so cool!!! Jack and the company Three Brothers have great equipment, completely safe and very knowledgeable. I would 1,000% recommend this company and Jack himself to anyone!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the incredible review! We’re thrilled you and your husband had such a memorable experience on our bioluminescence tour with Jack. We love introducing first-time kayakers to the water, and it’s wonderful to hear that Jack’s guidance, knowledge, and attention to safety helped you feel comfortable throughout the adventure. There’s truly nothing quite like watching the bioluminescence light up beneath a clear kayak, and we’re so glad you were able to experience those magical moments firsthand. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Jack. Thank you for recognizing the effort he puts into creating a fun, educational, and safe experience for every guest. We greatly appreciate your recommendation and are honored you chose to spend your evening with us. We hope to see you back on the water again soon for another unforgettable adventure!
via Viator
The Photos Don’t Do It Justice – A True Bucket-List Florida Experience
We booked the Merritt Island Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tour and it ended up being one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had in Florida. From the moment we launched, every paddle stroke caused the water to light up bright blue around our clear kayak. The coolest part was being able to watch the bioluminescence glowing directly beneath our feet through the bottom of the kayak. One of the photos I posted is the water flowing through the clear kayak as we moved forward. The photos and videos we took honestly don’t do it justice. It’s extremely difficult to capture the glow on a phone camera, but in person it was much brighter, more vibrant, and more magical than we expected. If you’re looking at pictures online and wondering if it’s really that impressive, the answer is yes—actually even better. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience fun while teaching us about the bioluminescence, local wildlife, and the unique ecosystem of Merritt Island. We even got to see glowing comb jellies up close, which felt like something from another planet. Being out on the water at night in a clear kayak while the water glowed beneath us was truly a bucket-list experience and unlike anything we’ve ever done before. It’s one of those rare adventures that the whole family will talk about long after it’s over. If you’re visiting Florida, this is a must-do experience. The glowing water, clear kayaks, amazing guides, and beautiful surroundings made it one of the highlights of our trip. We would absolutely do it again and highly recommend Three Brothers Adventure Tours to anyone looking for an unforgettable bioluminescence tour in Merritt Island. Last year we did the Three Brothers Dolphin and Manatee Tour and it was such a great experience we decided to go out with them again this year and we will be back next year too!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the amazing review and for joining us again! We're thrilled you experienced the magic of Merritt Island's bioluminescence from a clear kayak. Watching the water glow beneath you and seeing comb jellies up close truly is a one-of-a-kind adventure. We're glad our guides helped make the experience both fun and educational. It means so much to hear that after enjoying our Dolphin and Manatee Tour last year, you chose to join us again this year. Thank you for the recommendation, and we look forward to seeing you back on the water next year!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cocoa Beach.
How much does Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $116 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cocoa Beach usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour take?
+
Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cocoa Beach is not rushed.
Is Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cocoa Beach, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour?
+
Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cocoa Beach can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cocoa Beach and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cocoa Beach within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cocoa Beach?
+
Cocoa Beach sells surf lessons, airboat rides on the St Johns, bioluminescent kayak paddles in summer and rocket launch viewing cruises, with Kennedy Space Center a short drive north. On Outty we rank every Cocoa Beach experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach, Wizard of OZ Museum tour, Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach?
+
March to May and September to November; check launch schedules before booking. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cocoa Beach?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Merritt Island Bioluminescent Nighttime Glow Kayak and SUP Tour.
Pick your date
