Bioluminescence is light produced by living organisms
Best places to see Bioluminescence
If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, there’s nothing quite like seeing bioluminescence in person and here are the best places to see bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is light produced by living organisms and is found all over the world in waterways you’d never expect.
This natural phenomenon can be found in various forms all over the world. If you’re looking to see something truly amazing, check out the top 10 places to see natural bioluminescence.
What does bioluminescence look like?
Check out this natural bioluminescence from dinoflagellate plankton filmed on a kayak tour in Canaveral National Seashore, Florida!
10. Fire Island National Seashore, New York, USA
If you’re looking for a unique opportunity to get in touch with nature, Fire Island National Seashore on the South Shore of Long Island, New York is the place to be! There, you can experience bioluminescent kayaking for an unforgettable adventure where glow-in-the-dark plankton and comb jellies light up the waters. The bright bioluminescence makes this a truly magical experience!
There are several kayak tours offered, whether you’re looking for sunset kayaking or an early morning wakeup paddle. Make sure to take some time to explore the diverse wildlife of Fire Island – its wild beaches, bird sanctuaries, world class fishing, and various coastal habitats provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor visit.
9. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, USA
If you’re looking for an amazing experience on the Texas coastline, look no further than Padre Island National Seashore. This 70-mile long park offers incredible bioluminescent kayaking and kayak tours that are sure to leave you mesmerized.
The bioluminescent waves surrounding the kayak will light up gently with every stroke of the paddle and give you a truly unique sight. You can even opt for sunset kayaking to see the setting sun in its full glory!
8. Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Situated in Downeast Maine, Acadia National Park is the perfect destination for outdoor nature enthusiasts. It boasts several breathtaking sites and hiking trails that offer spectacular views. For a unique experience, bioluminescent kayaking tours are available for visitors; groups can be guided through the park’s bays and coves, which light up as your kayak passes over them!
Only during summer months is a kayak tour at its fullest potential; sunset tours become particularly magical, as nights turn increasingly dark and the bioluminescence illuminates the water like stars. Make sure to book your bioluminescent kayaking tour in Acadia National Park ahead of time – it’s an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!
7. Newport Beach, California, USA
Newport Beach, California is a stunning beach city with tons to explore and enjoy. From incredible beach views and long bayside strolls to some of the best seafood in the state, the area has something for everyone – even bioluminescent waters! During certain months of the year when there is an ideal combination of bioluminescence plankton tossed up in the waves generated by passing boats, a magical bioluminescence experience can be seen and enjoyed by all.
This blue-green light from nature’s beauty makes Newport Beach truly something special. If you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway experience on the coastline, Newport Beach is definitely worth exploring!
6. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, USA
If you’re looking for a memorable experience, look no further than bioluminescent kayaking in the coastal waters of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Being one of the only places in North Carolina where bioluminescent kayaking is possible, our knowledgeable guides will bring you to a different world – one filled with bioluminescence and beautiful marine life.
You’ll marvel at the glowing plankton as they shimmer in the ocean’s depths while you kayak or take part in our boating tours. With breathtaking views and amazing sights that can’t be found anywhere else, this national seashore promises an adventure of a lifetime!
5. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, USA
Located in Florida is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, an area renowned for its alligators, migratory birds, seasonal manatees, NASA & city lights reflecting over the lagoon, and bioluminescence. This nature reserve is home to a huge variety of animals including alligators, and migratory birds.
The most unique experience available in the refuge comes when you kayak out on lagoon to see the shining lights at night over the water NASA and nearby cities that contribute to the nutrients that in the bioluminescent organisms flourish in Merritt Island and the southern Indian River Lagoon. It’s best way to see the natural beauty that this area has to offer!
4. Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia, USA
Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia, USA is a nature-lover’s paradise. With miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, shimmering water and bioluminescent bays, this area is perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As an added bonus, there are kayak tours available to take a unique journey through the bays, allowing visitors to see bioluminescence up close in all its natural beauty. Each two-hour tour also provides amazing views of wild ponies, dolphins, and birds as you paddle your way around the islands.
Whether it’s simply relaxing on the beach or an adventurous bioluminescent kayaking excursion, Assateague Island National Seashore offers something special that everyone can enjoy!
3. San Juan Island, Washington, USA
With breathtaking views of stunning bays, harbors, and shorelines tucked away off the coast of Seattle, Washington, San Juan Island is an adventurers paradise. When visiting the island be sure to check out the bioluminescent kayaking tours at night where you can witness magical displays of bioluminescence as you paddle along with like minded outdoors enthusiasts.
You’ll feel mesmerized by this natural phenomenon as you glide and explore some of the most gorgeous bays in Washington. Don’t forget to plan extra time on the tour either to take a dip in some secret coves or watch wildlife like seals, porpoises or maybe even some of the local sea otters! San Juan Island will give any adventurer a bucket list experience.
2. Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico, USA
Have you ever experienced a bioluminescent bay? Puerto Rico hosts one of the world’s most stunning bioluminescent bays, and it’s definitely a sight to behold.
Taking a kayak into the bay is the most popular way to experience its beauty— as you row through the water you’ll be surrounded by a peaceful blue-green light show courtesy of thousands of bioluminescent microorganisms called dinoflagellates that are living in this unique ecosystem. Seeing this bioluminescence is truly an unforgettable experience.
1. Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna Beach, Florida is an incredible outdoor destination with the best bioluminescence in the United States. You can experience spectacular sights, sounds, and immense feelings under the night skies at this “Gateway to the Stars.” Bioluminescent kayaking is an exciting and popular way to explore this National Park.
Bioluminescence tours provide a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts, allowing them to observe dinoflagellates as they cause the water to glow in vibrant blue and green tones Bioluminescent kayak tours at this Florida National Park are the greatest displays of blue/green bioluminescence in the US!
Is there bioluminescent kayaking near me?
If you’re looking for a natural light show, these 10 locations in the USA are sure to dazzle. From bioluminescent bays to sparkling shorelines, there’s plenty of opportunity to see why this phenomenon has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Be sure to see what bioluminescence kayaking is available in Florida for an amazing bioluminescent experience in summer or winter. Learn more about what causes bioluminescence or book your bioluminescent tour today with Viking EcoTours!