easy
2–2.5 hours
Suitable for beginners in good general health; some paddling endurance needed for 2-hour tour.
Paddle through Florida’s Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge as dusk fades, and witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing shows—glowing waters illuminated by bioluminescent creatures. A Day Away Kayak Tours offers this rare nighttime adventure close to Titusville.
$65 | 2 Hours | Year Round
Adult - $65 Young Adult - $65 (12 to 17 years old) Child - $65 (5 to 11 years old) Bring Your Own Kayak - $55
Singles available on as-needed basis (odd number parties, body type, etc.)
Sunset is a magical time on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. There is movement everywhere. Dolphins are rounding up their dinner, manatees are moving into the shallows to find a comfortable spot to spend the night. As the light fades and the sky ignites with dynamics color, “Mullethead Island,” a federally protected rookery, buzzes with activity as many of the refuge’s 358 unique bird species flock above you to their protected nests for the night. Typical species to expect include Ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and roseate spoonbills, all set to the backdrop of rocket launch pads and iconic NASA landscape. Launch into your escape.
In the cooler Florida months, bioluminescent Comb Jellies congregate in the protected waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Living in the most bio-diverse estuary in North America, Comb Jellies are clear, glob-like creatures that, despite their name, do not sting! So as you paddle the calm waters laced with mangroves and palm trees, you can catch and hold these gentle glowing creatures. They're right at your fingertips while having a safe, awe-inspiring kayak adventure with those who share your enthusiasm for new and unique experiences.
During the warm summer months the waters of Florida's Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon come alive with single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates. Every movement in the water produces a sold-light called bioluminescence! From the swirl of your paddle or the trail of a speeding school of mullet (which look like hundreds of blue-green underwater bottle rockets), to the ghostly glow of a slow moving manatee or sting ray, every movement is illumined. No need to travel to Puerto Rico to see this phenomenon. It's right here in sunny Central Florida.
Protect your feet from wet and rocky launch areas while ensuring good grip during the kayak rides.
Temperatures can drop after sunset, so pack a light jacket or long sleeves for comfort during the tour.
Bright lights disrupt the bioluminescence and disturb wildlife; trust your guide to navigate safely in the dark.
Tours can fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons, so reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Merritt Island Refuge was established in 1963 and serves as a critical habitat within the National Wildlife Refuge System adjacent to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
A Day Away Kayak Tours emphasizes low-impact paddling practices and works to protect the sensitive habitats of the Indian River Lagoon through education and leave-no-trace principles.
Protects feet from rough terrain and keeps you comfortable on wet launches.
summer specific
Keeps you warm during cooler evening paddles when temperatures drop.
fall specific
Useful for pre- and post-paddle navigation without disturbing wildlife or bioluminescence.
Helps reduce mosquito irritation common in estuarine areas.
spring specific