Explore the Magic of Florida’s Glowing Waters

Whether you call Florida’s Space Coast home or travel there for business or pleasure, be sure to set aside time to explore the splendor of Florida’s glowing Indian River lagoon. When you participate in a late-night tour in a clear-bottom kayak courtesy of A Day Away Kayak Tours, you’ll experience firsthand the beautiful, mind-boggling effects of dinoflagellate bioluminescence — water flashing blue and green and illuminating literally beneath your feet. It’s something you simply don’t want to miss.

What is bioluminescence?

If you’ve ever spent time in the summer as a child trying to capture fireflies in a jar, you know what bioluminescence looks like. It’s that flash of light that may last but a second or for several seconds. According to the Smithsonian Institution, bioluminescence is created by a living organism as a result of luciferin, a chemical compound reacting with oxygen. Unlike other sources of light, it generates little heat and is therefore considered a cold light.

What organisms cause bioluminescence?

We’ve mentioned fireflies already. And some fungi also cause bioluminescence. But most bioluminescent creatures including some species of fish, jellyfish, worms, sea stars, and even sharks find their home in the ocean. The spectacular bioluminescence found in the lagoons of Florida’s Space Coast is created by dinoflagellates, miniscule single-celled organisms in the algae family that are typically found in marine plankton.

Why do they glow?

According to National Geographic, there are many reasons why some organisms glow. For example, some squids will use their bioluminescence to confound their attackers. The sudden flash creates a deer-in-the-headlights frozen reaction to predators giving them time to quickly slip away. And the brittle star, a type of sea star will detach a bioluminescent arm so its predator will chase after it leaving the main body of the star to escape. (It’s little matter to the brittle star as it will grow a new arm in its place.) Other sea creatures including worms and small crustaceans use their bioluminescence to attract suitable mates. Earthbound fireflies use it for the same reason.

Dinoflagellates flash blue light whenever the water they are in is disturbed, including when hungry fish swim by — or when curious kayakers paddle through. Scientists believe their response works to distract predators while also attracting the kind of prey those predators might prefer to dine on.

Where can bioluminescent waters be found?

Bioluminescence can be found in Jamaica, the Maldivian Islands, and other warm water ecosystems, but you don’t have to go nearly so far to experience the beauty of bioluminescent plankton. The Indian River lagoon on Florida’s Space Coast and the Banana River near Cape Canaveral provide amazing kayaking opportunities to enjoy this magical experience.

When is the best time to see the glowing water?

Dark, moonless nights anytime between the months of May and November are good, but if you want a truly fiery night, July and August are prime time. You can experience this extraordinary phenomenon from a traditional kayak, observing glowing droplets of water as they swirl from your paddle, or you can immerse yourself in the magic completely with a clear-bottomed kayak and perhaps catch a glimpse of a graceful manatee as it glides below you.

The choice is yours.