Here are the Best Times to See Bioluminescence in Florida
The date in green that is underline is the actual new moon. The dark green days indicate best viewing days for bioluminescence in that calendar month.
New Moon Calendar Color Key
When Can I See Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is a year-long phenomenon. In the summer months (June – September) and into Fall, we see a bioluminescence produced by a plankton called dinoflagellates. In the winter months, we see a bioluminescence produced by comb jellies. During certain months we are able to see both of them at the same time during the transitionary periods.
While we are able to see at least one type of bioluminescence throughout the entire year, the visibility of the bioluminescence can depend on the moon phase, shown on the above calendar.
So, Should I Go See Bioluminescence on the New Moon?
While we typically see the bioluminescence nightly, the optimal time to go is on the days before or after a new moon when there is little to no moon visible. This way, there is no moonlight reflecting on the water disrupting your view of the bioluminescence. We recommend going within a week of the new moon, or on days when the moon is going to be rising late. However, these dates typically fill up fast, so we recommend booking well in advance.
Will I Still See Bioluminescence If I Go On a Full Moon?
While the moonlight can affect the bioluminescence, you can still have a great experience on a full moon night. Our guides are trained to take you to the areas where you are most likely to see the bioluminescence, such as areas where trees are blocking the moon. There are also many nights where the clouds are blocking the moon, making it feel like a new moon night. You can also try to go on a night when the moon rises very late in the evening after your tour. Plus, during the summer months when the dinoflagellate bioluminescence is at its peak, you should see bright bioluminescence every night. Kayaking during the full moon can be a beautiful experience!
What Are Dark Sky Nights?
“Dark skies” is when the moon rises later in the evening or early the next morning. Depending on the time of your booking, even if it’s not a new moon, the moon will not be visible as it will not have risen yet! This makes it just as good of a time to go as a new moon night. To see our dark sky calendar for 2024, please click here.
Still Need Help Picking A Date?
We are happy to help you pick the perfect day to go that works for you and provides an amazing bioluminescence experience. Call or text us at (407) 519-8711 or email [email protected].
Looking for the 2024 Bioluminescence Moon Calendar? Check it out below!
Hello, I was trying to book but it is not letting me. I wonder if it is because there is no space available. Which ones do you have available for May 19.2023? I’m interested in Clear Kayak Bioluminescence – Wildlife Refuge
Hi. I have wanted to do a bioluminescent tour for a long time. I have a bunch of family members with various “issues” and I’m curious if/ how they might be accommodated. My sister is battling cancer and has some good days and some really bad days but it’s a bucket list item for her, so I’d really like to take her and her husband. She’s no sure if she’d be comfortable in a kayak. Can you please explain the # of people and if you have “see through” rafts? Also, I’d consider bringing my 88 yr old Dad and his wife, if they’ll go. Do you ever have folks of that age on your tour?
We do not have see-through rafts, but we do have see-through clear kayaks. We have had people in their 80s on the rafting tour, so that might be a good choice. If you go at the Wildlife Refuge – Beacon 42, the rafts and the clear kayaks launch at the same spot, so you could do that if some want to go on the clear kayaks and others do not.
I would like to go kayaking with my wife on June 30th as late as possible. Could you let me know if you have two person kayaks and what would be the latest excursion on the evening of June 30.
The latest tour we have is the Clear Kayaking Tour on the Wildlife Refuge at midnight on June 30, 2023. Here is the link: https://live.tripkee.com/bkadventure/preview-widget/18
Choose time – 11:44-11:59. It is a 2 hour tour, but our booking system does not allow us to put a time increment into the next day.
We read that the organisms are harmful to people and shouldn’t be touched. Your video shows someone swimming in the luminous water.
So is it toxic?
Thanks for your comment. No, the dinoflagellates are not harmful. There are some types of toxic algae, but the bioluminescent organisms in the Indian River Lagoon are not toxic.