Is prior kayaking experience required?

No, the tour is suitable for beginners, and guides provide a safety and paddling briefing before launch.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Manatees, bottlenose dolphins, numerous bird species including roseate spoonbills, and bioluminescent organisms are common sights.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring water shoes, insect repellent, quick-dry clothing, a flashlight or headlamp, and water for hydration.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 5 and older are welcome and priced the same as adults.

Can I bring my own kayak?

Yes, there is a discounted rate if you bring your own kayak, but tandem kayaks are primarily used.

What is the best time to do the bioluminescence portion?

The bioluminescence displays are best observed after dark, varying by season with peak visibility on moonless nights.

Bioluminescence & Wildlife Kayak Tour | A Day Away Kayak Tours

Just north of Florida’s Space Coast lies the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, a vast mosaic of estuaries, marshes, and mangrove-lined waterways where nature plays out in full, wild color. A Day Away Kayak Tours invites paddlers of all levels to experience this unique ecosystem on their Mondo Combo Bioluminescence Tour—a rare opportunity to witness an unforgettable blend of manatees, sunset birdlife, and glowing bioluminescent waters in a single, three-hour outing.

Launching from Titusville, this tour delivers scenes that shift as the sun dips and darkness unfurls. Early on, you’ll float quietly among West Indian Manatees—the gentle giants of the refuge—who hover close, rolling and nuzzling in the water’s embrace. Bottlenose dolphins often put on impromptu displays nearby, offering a dynamic contrast to the serenity. Then, under a sunset sky brushed with pinks and burnt oranges, paddlers glide toward a federally protected rookery known as Bird Island. Here, flocks of ibis, roseate spoonbills, herons, and pelicans settle for the night, their evening flights silhouetted against the dimming light.

As twilight deepens, the spotlight shifts to the water itself. The Mondo Combo tour culminates with a mesmerizing bioluminescence experience, as tiny organisms light up the kayak’s wake, giving the water a supernatural glow. Whether it’s the summer’s signature "dino bio" or winter’s comb jelly bioluminescence, the spectacle offers a magical finale unique to this region.

Paddling here combines wildlife immersion, scenic calm, and a touch of wonder, all within a manageable distance from shore. A Day Away Kayak Tours stands out in the local outdoor landscape by pioneering bioluminescent kayaking in North America, pairing expert guides with quality equipment to provide an accessible, eco-conscious adventure that connects visitors deeply with Florida’s coastal wilds.