5 Things to Take on a Nighttime Kayak Tour

Our family had an amazing adventure last night. We experienced a bioluminescence tour at the Merritt Island National Refuge in Florida.

Bioluminescence is the creation of light by a living organism and the release of this light. During the months of May-October in Florida you can experience this amazing phenomenon. The water glows when you move your paddle through the water and you can see fish streak all around you. I recommend the clear kayak tours because you can see all of these organisms glowing under you.

I highly recommend Get Up And Go Kayaking tour company. Our guide Penny was absolutely amazing and informative. She kept track of all of us on the tour, pointed out things to avoid and what to look for.

I was so happy the tour company provided life vests with flashlights and a whistle. I was extremely nervous about going kayaking in the dark and getting lost in the lagoon. It was comforting to know if I did someone could hear my whistle if not my scream of panic.

There is so much to see in these waters at night. We saw manatees, dolphins and alligators. This was truly an amazing experience.

What to take Kayaking at Night

There are 5 main things to take on a nighttime kayak tour.

Bug Spray

When you go kayaking in a place called Mosquito Lagoon, it’s a giant hint that you are going to have to douse yourself with bug spray. Lots and lots of bug spray. The mosquitos were huge. Find bug spray here or use your favorite brand.

Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants

Again those bugs are everywhere. To fully enjoy the experience wear a lightweight long sleeved shirt and pants. Something like this below would be perfect. You can find one here.

Water Shoes

Water shoes are great to take kayaking. You don’t have to worry about them getting wet and give you more traction then flip flops. These are the ones I plan on getting soon. Find them here.

Waterproof Dry Bag

A waterproof dry bag would be a great idea to take to hold any of your valuables you don’t want to leave behind in your vehicle. Things like your keys and wallet. Also a great place to store your phone when you realize that none of your pictures you trying to take of the bioluminescence are showing up. We have this bag and love it. Find it here.

Glow Sticks

We were given glow sticks that make a necklace to wear on the nighttime kayak tour. I still had a hard time keeping track of where my husband and younger son were located because I could not see them. I would recommend getting a bright glow stick that would be highly visible from a distance. It would be a great idea if you want to keep track of other members of your group. Maybe a certain color for just your group. You can find them here.

Try a Nighttime Tour

I am so glad we decided to take this tour. I really wish I could have taken some pictures, my camera’s phone just couldn’t capture the bioluminescence. It was just amazing to experience this with all my boys. This is definitely something they will always remember.

We marked another thing off our Summer Bucket List, Kayak in a Clear Kayak. Enjoy your summer and go find your next adventure!

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