Mondo Combo Bioluminescence Tour
1 hour and 30 minutes on the water
Year-Round
Adult – $80
Young Adult – $80
(12-17 years old)
Child – $80
(5-11 years old)
Bring Your Own Kayak – $70
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Experience everything the wildlife refuge has to offer with three distinct experiences packed into one three-hour tour! Launch your kayak in the daylight and surround yourself with Florida’s most-loved endangered species, West Indian Manatees! Sit back while the gentle giants roll, sniff, and nuzzle all around you. Dolphins are also active this time of day as they wrangle their dinner in the adjacent cove, putting on an unrehearsed, spectacular show in their natural environment.
Next, head out to Bird Island, a federally protected rookery, to watch hundreds of birds soar in overhead. Ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and roseate spoonbills and more all glide in their flocks to nest for the night. Be lulled into serenity by the gently rocking kayak as the sun descends for the night in the pinks, oranges, and reds of sunset.
Finally, the tour culminates in the season’s bioluminescent experience, whether it be summer bioluminescence, winter comb jelly bioluminescence, or a star-studded moonlit sky. You can read more about our night tours HERE.
While there is a ton of nature to take in, it is all concentrated in nearby areas, which means you can still enjoy a leisurely pace. This tour is absolutely the best kayak tour when you want to see it ALL! Check out the video preview on this page!
The kayaking adventure continues with a search for playful dolphins, often fishing actively nearby. As if beholding these majestic mammals in their element isn’t enough, you’ll likely enjoy many other Florida natives including pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and even the occasional gator.
As visitors in the manatee’s natural habitat, you can expect to observe and study the famed Sea Cows. Keep in mind that we seek not to disturb, overwhelm, or disrupt the manatee’s natural behaviors, but rather let you experience them on their terms. Your voice may reach a new octave as you ooh and ahh, but you can be sure they’ll just keep doing their adorable and friendly (but curious) thing.
Experience the freedom of Florida’s waterways with our premium kayak and paddleboard rentals. Whether you’re a pro or a first-timer, we provide everything you need—top-tier gear, safety equipment, and expert local advice—to explore the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at your own pace. Simply reserve, launch, and reconnect with nature.
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is located on the east coast of Florida. It covers 140,000 acres of land and includes the Kennedy Space Center. This animal refuge center was established in 1963 to preserve land for future generations. It’s currently home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, sea turtles, alligators, and bald eagles.
Visitors have numerous opportunities to view wildlife, including hiking trails, kayak and canoe launches, driving tours, and observation towers. The Merritt Island NWR has something for everyone.
Taking guided kayak tours lets visitors get the whole outdoor exploration experience, including a sense of adventure and the tranquility of nature. Kayaking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, and guided tours let you paddle through nature’s wonders while enjoying the peace of mind and safety that comes with following knowledgeable guides. Visitors can discover hidden gems and get local insights from our expert guides at A Day Away Kayak Tours.
Discover secluded coves, a peaceful lagoon, and spotless beaches during our day tours. Take authentic and immersive kayaking night tours that lead to further discovery.
While you can experience bioluminescence any time of the year, fall or spring may be the best time to go when it’s not too hot or cold. Some also prefer to go in the summer as it’s abundant with dinoflagellates illuminating the waters of the Indian River Lagoon. When you go in the winter, the comb jellies may brighten the lagoon.
Kayaking through the Indian River Lagoon is a safe, awe-inspiring kayak adventure for families, even children. Kids 5 and up are welcome to join. Children under five who are comfortable in confined spaces can also join the tour.
The Merritt Island NWR’s coastal location, tropical climate and various habitats make it home to a wide variety of bird species. To date, 358 bird species have been identified on the refuge. Breeding populations of Brown Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Bald Eagles, Mottled Ducks and Reddish Egrets continue to grow annually. Eight heron and egret species are commonly observed year-round in the refuge.
While the shallow impoundments and marshes are the best birding areas, visitors can find more bird species on the mangrove-rimmed shorelines, palmetto and pine uplands, oak scrub, cabbage palm and hardwood hammocks, and the beach. Merritt Island NRW has roads and trails in these habitats to enhance your birdwatching opportunities.
Due to its ecological importance, Bird Island is the focus of ongoing conservation efforts that aim to protect the nesting habitats from human disturbance, invasive species, and environmental threats such as pollution and climate change. It also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and educational programs. Our guided tours and educational materials help visitors learn more about the island’s avian inhabitants and the importance of protecting their habitats.
Bioluminescence is one of Florida’s most enchanting natural phenomena, particularly in the waters around Merritt Island. This spectacular light show is created by tiny marine organisms, such as dinoflagellates and comb jellies, which emit light when disturbed.
Our bioluminescence tours in Florida allow visitors to experience a lagoon that emits thousands of mesmerizing greenish-blue illuminated lights on the water’s surface. It’s one of only six places in the world where natural bioluminescence is seen.
The best time to witness bioluminescence is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall. The phenomenon is most visible when the glow is more pronounced on dark, moonless nights. While bioluminescence is a natural and safe phenomenon, respecting the environment and avoiding disturbing delicate ecosystems is vital.
Our guided tours include safety briefings and eco-friendly practices to ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience.
A Day Away Kayak Tours offers a pure, natural Florida experience. Our goal is to provide customers with quality tours, ensuring every participant enjoys this haven and can reconnect with nature. Our tour guides leave work to ensure you have an awe-inspiring experience while visiting the Merritt Island NWR and spending time with the amazing creations surrounding them.
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If you plan to kayak in Florida, we are your gateway. We specialize in large group kayak rentals and tours from all over the state of Florida.
Unforgettable day and night kayak tours in Titusville, Cocoa Beach, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
