
Haulover Canal in Titusville – where most bioluminescence kayaking tours are launched from – is sandwiched between Merritt Island and the Indian River, with views that make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. There are dolphins, manatees, and arguably, some of the best stargazing you will ever see.
But the thing with this part of Florida is, as much as it looks like a paradise, it might not play nice if you come unprepared. The sticky air and the relentless mosquitoes can be a lot to handle, especially if you are bringing kids along. We’re not saying you need to join some kind of pre-kayaking training bootcamp, but you also can’t simply pack a granola bar, a pair of flip-flops, and call it a day. Those “let’s wing it” plans fall apart fast when you have to keep swatting bugs and try to sweet-talk extremely cranky kids in the dark.
Don’t worry, our guides have seen it all. Here is everything you need to know before you hop in your kayak to make the most of your trip.
Wear Quick-Drying Clothes
Florida doesn’t get freezing cold, but being on the water after sun goes down does get chilly. You are also bound to be splashed so that means wearing moisture-wicking clothes, and not cotton that will remain soggy. Choose loose fitting, long-sleeve shirts that are breathable, dry fast, and preferably also protect against bugs. Long paddling pants will keep you warm even if damp.
Pair them with neoprene water shoes that grip slippery surfaces. Bring a lightweight rain jacket; you can use it as a windbreaker. And please, no speedos and bikini bathing suits – the tiny “no-see-ums” will eat you alive!
Do Not Forget Bug Control
Mosquitoes and other little blood suckers are relentless near the mangroves, so bringing a bug repellant with you is highly recommended. This is one of the reasons we request people to arrive at least 20-30 early before we launch.
As we check you in and fit you with the right kayak, paddles, and PFD (personal floatation device), you should apply a long-lasting, water-resistant insect repellent (look for 30% DEET or a natural picaridin-based option if you prefer). It’s an astute idea to treat the clothing you are going to wear on water ahead of time with Permethrin spray.
Pack a Small Flashlight
If your tour falls around a new moon, it will be dark enough for you to get the full effect of glowing bioluminescence and you might not even need a flashlight. But just in case, you want some source of light, keep in mind that regular flashlights emit white light, which disrupts night vision and ruins the bioluminescence effect.
Instead, use a headlamp with a red-light mode to safely illuminate the kayak interior or help your kids without impacting the ambiance. That said, bring a small, waterproof flashlight for emergencies if you drop something or need to signal the guide. You can attach it to your PFD with a retractable clip for quick access. If your little ones are accompanying you, maybe get some glow sticks or LED bands in their favorite colors for their wrists and kayak seats. It will not only make it easy to spot them in the dark, but also bring a festival-like energy onboard.
Use an Insulated Dry Bag
Get yourself a couple of waterproof, air-tight bags (PVC or heavy-duty nylon) with an added layer of insulation to stash everything you might need to keep safe from water: your phone, wallet, car keys, camera, water bottles, and any snacks. These are great to store a thermos as well if you’d like to enjoy tea, coffee, or hot cocoa during your trip. You can attach the bag to your kayak with a carabiner to prevent it from floating away if it tips.
Pro tip: if you don’t want to fumble in the dark to get your water bottle out, get a hydration pack and wear it under your PFD.
Bring a Change of Clothes
After you are done paddling, the first thing you will want to do is get out of your damp clothes, so don’t forget to pack:
- Wet wipes or a washcloth to clean off sand, mud, and saltwater
- Microfiber quick-dry towels
- An extra set of clothes (including socks, shoes, and hats for kids)
Keep all of this in your car. Have a large zip-lock bag at hand to store your soaked clothing after changing. If it’s a cooler evening, a hoodie, fleece jacket, or blanket to throw on afterwards will be awfully convenient. Also, there are no bathrooms or changing rooms at the bioluminescent kayaking Merritt Island launch site, so you may want to add a portable changing poncho or a large towel to use as a cover-up while changing.
Emergency Add-ons for Kids
January is one of the coolest months here so night temperatures can easily dip into the 50s or 40s Fahrenheit. The combination of drenched clothes and cold breeze can cause children to feel colder than you might expect, even if the air temp is in the 60s. In addition to a fleece hoodie or lightweight thermal jacket for each child to change into after paddling, consider tossing some waterproof, lightweight emergency blankets in your bag.
And since it is always better to overprepare when it comes to kids, we suggest adding a tube of hydrocortisone cream (for bug bites), liquid bandages for minor cuts and scrapes, and dramamine or ginger chews if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness (the waters are calm here, but it still could be needed).
Join Us For Bioluminescence Cocoa Beach & Titusville Kayaking
The tandem kayak and clear kayak bioluminescence tours are our most popular ones, but you can also choose a more family-friendly sunset kayaking or group rafting option that includes bioluminescence. If you want to kayak with your dog, our daytime manatee or dolphin kayaking Titusville tour is a better option. Taking your pets out on the water in the dark might not be wise.
Here at Florida-Adventurer, we take the safety of our local wildlife and environment very seriously – because of which only a limited number of kayaks are launched at one time. This way, we can also provide our guests a more intimate experience. If you want to book for a large group or weekend night, we recommend doing so a couple of weeks in advance.
All of our tandem kayaks are equipped with a small seat in the middle for one young child to sit in; the recommended paddling age is 5+ years old. Although, be very sure that your kids can sit still for at least 90 minutes.
Book your spot online here. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (321) 735-9400 or email at info@Florida-Adventurer.com.