TITUSVILLE, Fla. — The waters around Titusville have been lighting up every night, and Jenny Wright says the best way to see them is kayaking in complete darkness.

“We stage everything out and prepare the vessels," said Wright, who owns Epic Paddle Adventures. "And when guests arrive, we are all set and ready to go."


What You Need To Know

  • Bright blue bioluminescent lights caused by microorganisms can be seen in the waters around Titusville at darkness

  • Epic Paddle Adventures takes families out to experience the lights

  • Experts say the bioluminescence occurs in the water naturally between May and October

  • Tour leaders say a trip to see the lights will help you understand the amazing natural phenomenon

The star of the kayak, or paddleboard, adventure (you choose) is something called bioluminescence — a natural process created by microscopic microorganisms that live in the water. 

Wright says that when someone stirs up the water with their hands, feet or kayak, the water below will light up blue like a glow stick.

She said the natural process happens seasonally from the months of May until October, and you need complete darkness to see it.

“So, if you think about a firefly on land, that natural light that comes from a firefly, it’s a chemical reaction," said Wright.

Wright and her team of sightseeing experts meet at Parrish Park in Titusville nearly every night this time of the year to take guests to a nearby island to see the lights.

“It never gets old," she said. "It’s like seeing an entire universe below you."

Epic Paddle Adventures takes families out to experience the bioluminescence lights in Titusville. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

Wright says the people who take part in the adventure —  some of whom come from around the country and world — are usually beginners with little or no experience being on the water.

Tim Ginas traveled from New York to Titusville for a vacation, and to see the lights in the waters near Titusville.

“The water is warm and unbelievably clear," he said. "So, you can see the bioluminescence even clearer — it’s bright and beautiful and something you have never seen before."

Wright says the organisms that create the natural glow have no effect on the human body, so her guests have nothing to fear. 

“You know, the whole way out here is only 2 to 3 feet deep,” she said.

Epic Paddle Adventures takes families out to experience the bioluminescence lights in Titusville. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

Wright said the tour lasts about two hours and there is a good chance participants might also hear and see dolphins, manatees, and large schools of fish.

Reservations are mandatory and prices vary depending on the size and type of kayak or paddleboard.

For more information, you can reach out to Epic Paddle Adventure directly at their website.

Epic Paddle Adventures takes families out to experience the bioluminescence lights in Titusville. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)