Bioluminescent Paddleboarding

Seeing the bioluminescent algae has been on my list for years. It was as magical as I’d hope it would be. We’ll probably make this an annual trip. The photos do not come close to what it was really like.

When and Where?

  • Peak of bioluminescence season: July - September

  • It is recommended to go during the New Moon for a more vibrant viewing in the water.

  • Location: Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and Indian River Lagoon

The Glowing Organisms

Dinoflagellates are eukaryotic phytoplankton. There are 2 types that live in and affect our area:

  • Noctiluca scintillans type that emits blue-green light

  • Rapid increase of Karenia brevis causes red tide, a harmful algae bloom

Comb Jellies

  • Are actually Phylum Ctenophora, not a jelly fish

  • Have gelatenous body and a mouth, no brain and no tentacles

  • Use oxygen to emit blue light along their ctenes, which resemble the bristles of a hair comb and how they got their name

Equipment

  • Paddle Board

  • Paddle

  • Electric pump

  • Life Vests

  • Dry bag

  • Towels

  • Waterproof pouch for phone (navigation and pictures)

  • Waterproof shoes

  • Filled water bottle

  • Bug spray (lots and lots of bug spray)

  • Flashlight

Some things most people had that we didn’t think of and thought were great ideas:

  • Lights for their vessel

  • Glow stick necklaces

We wore long sleeves and bug spray to help thwart the mosquitos and they were still overwhelming, especially in the canal. Once we got out into the river and kept our boards facing into the wind, they weren’t bad.

Haulover Canal

  • NW Haulover Road, Mims, FL 32754

  • man-made canal connects the Indian River Lagoon and the Mosquito Lagoon

Public Launch Points

  • Option 1: Bairs Cove Boat Ramp

    • Bairs Cove Rd, Mims, FL 32754

    • kayak and paddle board launch with its own parking perpendicular from boat ramp

    • Requires a Refuge Pass ($9 for day pass, $23 for annual pass)

  • Option 2: Dummit Cove Road

    • hand launch only

    • about four miles north of the intersection of SR-406 and SR-3 on the left (west) you will see a sign for the Sendler Education Outpost and the entrance to Dummit Cove

Tips from VisitSpaceCoast.com

  • Rainwater can dilute the effects of the bioluminescence

  • Bring and wear INSECT REPELLANT, the Mosquito Lagoon lives up to its name.

  • Eat before you go, most restaurants will be closed by the time your tour is over.

  • Your camera may not be able to capture the beauty of bioluminescence. It’s ok to put your phone down and enjoy the moment.

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