Yes! Even though we are paddling in the dark, kayaking at night with Sea Quest Kayak Tours is still incredibly safe. We make sure everyone brings or is provided with headlamps so we can stay in visual communication at all time. Furthermore, our guides are able to navigate because they are familiar with the shorelines of the area and stay within a protected bay. Even in very dimly lit conditions they will ensure you stay with the group and enjoy the bioluminescence.

Our kayak tours are always different with a diversity of visual display seen on our tours. Sometimes the bioluminescence is so thick it appears like a magic glowing carpet on the surface of the water. At other times through the year bioluminescence simply sparkles fantastically in lower densities.

In addition to bioluminescence we will sometimes see the following creatures glowing in the water:

• dock shrimp
• jelly fish
• ctenophores
• porpoise
• seals
• and even orca whales!

Bioluminescence is a biological light display that produces no heat. It is created by special protein and enzyme combinations found that evolved in organisms ranging from fungi to fish. Some glow continuously while others can carefully control their light in unique displays.

In the sea, most bioluminescence is produced by plankton – organisms that drift on the currents. These include pulsating “jellyfish”, clusters of salps, and even masses of mating marine worms!

The largest majority, though, are microscopic creatures that use sunlight for energy during the day.

By night they release sparkles of light when disturbed by the movements of fish, seals, kayaks and waves.

Bioluminescence and the lunar cycle have a strong relationship. A bright full moon will make the glowing organisms seem dimmer. Oppositely, a dark new moon will allow the full glory of bioluminescent organisms to shine! The “in-between” phases of the lunar cycle offer moderate displays. To increase your chances of seeing a good bioluminescence display on your kayak trip with Sea Quest, use the lunar calendar below and select a date with a darker moon. If you must pick a date with a partial moon, go when the moon is in the “third-quarter” of the cycle. The moon is waning (becoming smaller) and rising later at night at this time. The “first-quarter” moon is waxing (expanding) and rises well before the sun sets.

Bioluminescence is a strictly biological phenomenon. Phosphorescence also produces no heat, but differs by releasing light that was absorbed by a chemical process. The reason you may hear some people use the wrong term is because soldiers in World War II saw light in the sea of the same color as their phosphor tracer bullets. Not knowing any biology, they mistakenly called it “phosphorescence” and the improper name stuck for decades afterwards.

Because of the abundant sunlight and warmer surface waters, the months of June, July, and August are ideal. However, there is still a chance of discovering displays in late spring and early fall.

Best dates for star-gazing and bioluminescence:

• March 15-27
• April 13-26
• May 12-25
• June 10-24
• July 10-23
• August 8-22
• September 6-21
• October 6-20

Best dates for romantic moonlight kayak tours:

• March 4-10
• April 3-9
• May 2-8
• June 1-7 + 30
• July 1-6 + 29-31
• August 1-4 + 28-31
• September 1-3 + 26-30
• October 1-2 + 25-31