Experience Cocoa Beach, Florida Sunset Bioluminescence Tour
Experience sunset at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll watch dolphins round up dinner and manatees slip into the shallows as the sky ignites; on the federally protected rookery Mullethead Island hundreds of birds - including ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and roseate spoonbills - gather above you to return to their nests among the refuge’s 358 unique species. As light fades, the scene is framed by iconic rocket launch pads and the nearby NASA landscape, creating a dramatic backdrop that makes this short escape from Cocoa Beach, Florida perfect for nature-focused tours, family outings, romantic evenings, or wildlife photography sessions. You’ll leave with vivid memories of movement and color, and a deeper connection to this special coastal habitat.
About this activity in Cocoa Beach
Highlights
- Experience sunset on Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge as dolphins and manatees move through the shallows while hundreds of birds head to their roosts on Mullethead Island.
- Watch ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants and roseate spoonbills wheel against a colorful sky with the iconic NASA launch infrastructure in the background.
- Paddle a guided 2-hour kayak tour that puts you up close to protected rookery activity and dynamic coastal wildlife in the Cocoa Beach region.
- Enjoy an intimate, nature-focused evening where the refuge’s rich birdlife and coastal species create a living, ever-changing sunset show.
Important Information
- Suitable for all fitness levels - the tour is guided and designed for beginners through experienced paddlers in the Merritt Island area.
- Included: kayak, professional guide, paddle, PFD and a 2-hour guided outing; gratuities are not included.
- What to bring: clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet, towel (leave it in your car), water shoes (sandals or Crocs), change of clothes, bottled water, snacks and an optional camera with dry bag.
- A safety light will be provided; you may bring a small flashlight and any personal paddling gear you prefer.
Meeting Point
Includes
- 2-hour kayak tour in Cocoa Beach - enjoy a guided paddle tailored for exploration of the local waterways
- Professional guide leads the tour, providing safety direction and local knowledge throughout
- Personal flotation device (PFD) provided so you can focus on paddling and sightseeing
- Paddle included - arrive ready to glide through the estuary or coastline with everything you need
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included in the booking price
Other
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels - this activity in the area is accessible whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler
- Clothing: wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet and bring a towel (you may leave it in your car)
- Footwear: water shoes such as sandals or Crocs that can be worn in the water are recommended
- Bring an extra change of clothes just in case you get wet during the outing
- Camera and dry bag optional - these are useful for capturing people, though they’re fairly ineffective for bioluminescence photos
- Pack bottled water and snacks to stay refreshed on the paddle
- You may bring any special personal paddling gear you prefer
- Flashlight optional - you may bring one, although a safety light will be provided
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