We select the best dates of the month based on the moon’s phase to ensure the darkest nights. If dates are not listed the moon will simply be too bright to view and enjoy the bioluminescence.
Our Bioluminescence Kayak Tour is often imitated but never recreated. Leading the way we created the San Juan Island Bioluminescence Kayak Tour decade ago. When you read about bioluminescence paddling on San Juan Island, you are reading about Discovery Sea Kayaks. We have the most experience on the water at night, setting the standard for quality and safety. Join the Bioluminescence Kayak Tour on San Juan Island and experience the natural lights from the depths of the ocean.
The San Juan Islands of Washington State have significant tidal exchanges that create swift currents and ocean upwellings. These upwellings yield highly nutrient-rich bodies of water, creating an environment with a wide diversity of microorganisms. Some of these microorganisms are bioluminescent, creating their own light.
Bioluminescence is the emission of light by a living organism. In the San Juan Islands this organism is a marine dinoflagellate (a flagellated protist), called Noctiluca. When disturbed, noctiluca emits a sparkling green burst of light. When many bioluminescent organisms congregate in bays, the collective effect can be very dramatic.
We launch just before sunset to take advantage of the last bit of daylight and enjoy the rich colors as the sun drops below the horizon. As twilight fades to darkness, green sparkles become noticeable throughout the water. Traveling close together we will pass through areas where the disturbance of paddles and kayaks create long streaks of bright green on the surface of the water. Floating in shallow flats, darting fish create a light show beneath the kayaks.
Preview the experience of Discovery’s Bioluminescence Kayak Tour:
Important Information
- Book in advance, we operate only one tour each evening during certain times of the year and only around new and small moon phases.
- Bring a headlamp.
- Please find lodging as you will be staying the night on the island due to our late return time.
- Eat dinner prior to the tour. Please do not consume alcohol before the kayak tour.
Discovery is a full-service kayak outfitter. If you cannot find dates for the Bioluminescence Kayak Tour, See our San Juan Kayak Tour Index Page for other options.
We Provide
- Kayaking Instruction and Guiding
- Waterproof Pants and Jacket
- Kayaking Gear
- Dry Bag
- Transportation
You Provide
- Water bottle
- Hat or Beanie
- Headlamp
- Extra Layers
- Sandals or Water Shoes that can get wet
- Gratuity for Guides (greatly appreciated)
Price: | $140/Person |
Style: | A Bucket List Adventure |
Location: | San Juan Island |
Duration: | 4 Hours |
Depart: | Our Shop |
Activity: | Beginner Level |
Restriction: | 12 Years Min / 250 Pounds Max |
Tour Dates
2022 Dates Available! |
See Dates and Reserve by clicking Red Button "Book Tour" |
2023 Dates Now Available! |