Fall and winter best for bioluminescent kayaking in Florida

KTBS reported that fall and winter are ideal seasons to visit New Smyrna Beach in Florida for bioluminescent kayaking tours. Cooler air and lower humidity make nighttime paddling more comfortable while providing excellent conditions for viewing glowing marine life.

Tour participants paddle pedal kayaks through Mosquito Lagoon in Canaveral National Seashore, a popular spot for bioluminescence in the continental US. Stirring the water causes microscopic algae to emit light through a chemical reaction, creating glowing blue patterns.

Eric Hansen from Viking Ecotours explained that the easiest glowing creatures to spot at night are alligators, whose eyes appear like red flashlights. However, visitors also encounter comb jellies and glowing jellyfish during the tours.

Hansen recommends planning visits during a new moon to ensure dark skies and optimal viewing conditions. The tours are family-friendly and non-extractive, providing a unique way to experience Florida's natural nighttime environment.