Moonless evenings in late summer and early fall are the best time to see the incredible phenomenon known only to occur several places around the world. We encourage guests to book a guided tour, but experienced paddlers can plan a trip without professional guidance.
Bioluminescent dinoflagellates (phytoplankton) flicker and glow when water moves with paddles, schools of fish, seals, or a hand draping into the water. On an especially good night, this causes a trail of blueish/white trails following the disturbance. Because most marine bioluminescence is triggered by motion, kayaking and canoeing are an excellent way to experience this. Sitting above the water gives you the best view.
While many marine and terrestrial creatures are capable of bioluminescence, most marine bioluminescence is caused by phytoplankton like Noctiluca scintillans or jellyfish. If you’ve ever seen a firefly, you’ve seen bioluminescence!
You can schedule tours and boat rentals in Jenner at WaterTreks Eco Tours. Please see their website for details and potential tour dates.
A few tips for night paddling:
- Always wear your life vest (day or night)! Guided tours usually provide these.
- Wear a headlamp or carry a flashlight for getting in and out of the water but turn them off once you’re watching for bioluminescence.
- In case you get wet or are extra cold, bring a change of clothes for after the tour.
- Plan for cooler evenings, potentially chilly weather, and some wind by wearing layers and hats.
- Depending on the length of the tour, bring water and snacks.
- Have warm beverages in a thermos for after your tour. Additional snacks and water are also a good idea for after the tour.
- There are picnic tables, benches, and a public bathroom at the Jenner Visitors Center and Boat Launch for before or after the paddle.
- Use Dramamine or motion sickness bands if you tend to get seasick.
- It’s hard to photograph bioluminescent trails, but you can give it a try! A waterproof camera isn’t necessary, but a way to keep your phone or camera dry is a good idea. If you take a great photo, please let us know!!! We could use a couple…
- A dry bag will keep everything you bring out of the element – even if it accidentally falls into the water. Again, not required, but very helpful. This isn’t whitewater rafting but drips and drops from paddles and oars tend to add wetness to the trip. Some guided tours provide these.
- This is not always a good adventure for very young kids, but you know your children best. What fascinates some may scare others. There isn’t a bathroom while paddling and it can be chilly.
We hope you get to experience bioluminescence!!! It’s an often overlooked and rare adventure.
