Discover the enchanting glow of bioluminescence on Merritt Island with Banana River Boat Tours. This eco tour offers a mesmerizing night-time experience to see Florida's coastal waters light up in a stunning, natural display. Keep reading to learn more about this unforgettable adventure!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic mobility required
Wildlife
History
Merritt Island was once a major home for indigenous peoples and later developed as a key site for space exploration with the Kennedy Space Center.
Conservation
Banana River Boat Tours actively promotes eco-friendly practices, supporting local conservation efforts to protect marine life and wetlands.
Banana River Boat Tours
Discover the enchanting glow of bioluminescence on Merritt Island with Banana River Boat Tours. This eco tour offers a mesmerizing night-time experience to see Florida's coastal waters light up in a stunning, natural display. Keep reading to learn more about this unforgettable adventure!
Banana River Boat Tours operates guided boat experiences launching from Merritt Island, Florida, on the Indian River Lagoon. The company offers a range of scenic and natural-history-focused trips that showcase the biodiversity of Florida's Space Coast and the unique nighttime phenomenon of bioluminescence.
Banana River Boat Tours provides a two-hour Eco Tour aboard The Opa and The Lola, exploring the Indian River Lagoon and its habitats. On the Eco Tour, guests can encounter the area's rich wildlife — more than 4,200 species are part of the lagoon's documented biodiversity — while enjoying scenic views of the Space Coast. Refreshments are provided on the Eco Tour.
For nighttime experiences, Banana River Boat Tours offers bioluminescence options, including a private 1.5-hour Bioluminescence Late Tour that lets passengers glide through glowing waters and view dolphins, fish, and manatees in a natural light display. The Bioluminescence Late Tour is described as accessible to everyone and is positioned as a relaxation-focused, memorable nature experience. The company also lists a Bioluminescence Early Tour and Sunset Cruises among its offerings.
Banana River Boat Tours emphasizes natural observation on the Indian River Lagoon and curates experiences aimed at capturing memorable wildlife moments and coastal scenery. All descriptions here are grounded in the listed tour offerings and location details for the business.
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Launching on the Space Coast
Vessels
The Opa, The Lola
Named boats used on Eco Tour
Tours Offered
4
Four distinct tour options available
Wildlife Encounters
4,200+ species
Indian River Lagoon biodiversity noted
Reserve an Eco Tour, bioluminescence cruise, or Sunset Cruise from Merritt Island for a nature-focused Space Coast outing.
Bring warm clothing
Evenings can be cooler on the water; dress in layers to stay comfortable during the tour.
Use underwater flashlights sparingly
If you bring lighting, keep it minimal to avoid disrupting the bioluminescent display.
Arrive early
Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled tour ensures a timely and relaxed start.
Respect wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noises to preserve their habitat.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you warm during the cooler night-time months on the water.
winter
Waterproof Footwear
Provides grip and dryness when on wet or uneven surfaces aboard the boat.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the glowing waters and memorable moments of your tour.
Bug Spray
Protects against insects that are active during warmer months.
summer|fall