Floating an idea
Get out on the water this spring, summer
Picture this: It’s after dark and you’re kayaking through Florida’s Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, about an hour from Walt Disney World.
The sky is so dark that the stars are in clear view. The only noise you hear is your paddle as it slices through the water. You’re already perfectly content. h Then, a pod of more than 20 dolphins shows up. That, in itself, is enough to get the endorphins going. h But, wait, it gets better. h When the dolphins exhale, the water spray expelled from their blowholes begins to glow. You are suddenly surrounded by sea sparkles in every direction.
As dolphins dart beneath you and beside you they glow a lovely neon blue. Dip your hand in the water, and the brilliant blue shows up yet again.
It’s all thanks to a large concentration of single-celled bioluminescent organisms called dinoflagellates that bloom here from June to October each year. They light up like fireflies in the water, creating an unforgettable spectacle like something straight out of “Avatar.”
Just ask Justin Buzzi, the founder of Get up and Go Kayaking, an Orlando, Florida-based company that leads guests on this bucket-list adventure in
see-through kayaks. He’s experienced the phenomenon the past several years.
“The unique thing about where we paddle in the refuge is that it’s in the middle of a 140,000-acre wildlife refuge with no light pollution,” Buzzi says. “It’s so dark that you can even see the Milky Way on clear nights.”
It’s equal parts peaceful and thrilling. And don’t be surprised if a jumping mullet (also glowing bright blue) occasionally
goes kerplunk into your kayak. Chances are, it will be a giggle fest as you try to help the fish back in the water. You may be wondering why does the bioluminescence happen regularly here? Edith Widder, founder of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, says the bloom is consistent because it happens in an estuary that tends to be protected and stable.
Lucky for us, that means it’s something to easily plan ahead for. Tours run from May to October, but Buzzi says the best nights for viewing the bioluminescence are the darkest nights. He recommends a night with a 55% moon phase or lower, with July and August being the peak season.
Make like a superhero in Hawaii
Think surfboard. Now add a long metal rod to that board that elevates it above the water. Add a small motor, lithium battery and a remote control and you’ve got a Fliteboard, a watercraft that looks like a surfboard but maneuvers on water with the quickness of a jet ski.
Make your way to Maui and rent a Fliteboard at E-foil Hawaii. The familyowned business offers lessons and rentals. After orientation, you hop on a board and through gorgeous waters where you might catch a glimpse of a turtle, manta ray, or dolphin. If you visit between middecember and mid-may, you’ll likely spot humpback whales.
Rent a vintage boat in Michigan
For something tamer, make a beeline for Retro Boat Rentals in Saugatuck, Michigan. There you can rent a vintage boat to take in views of Kalamazoo Lake, a picturesque inland body of water that
makes for the perfect backdrop. Choose from a fleet of old-school boats that have been retrofitted as electric.
Jane, a 1958 Geneva is a popular pick. So is Ruby, a 1959 Bell Boy Banchee that seats four. Keep in mind, the boats only reach about 5 mph, so it’s more about the experience and less about speed.
For something roomier, opt for a Donut Boat, which holds up to 10 people. The electric, easy-to-maneuver boats have a round table in the middle, so you can picnic the whole time. It’s also petfriendly, so bringing your dog or adventurous cat along is absolutely OK. Pontoon boats and Duffy boats are also available. They are perfect for a sunny day since they have shaded areas. And on a cold day, clear panels can be added for extra warmth.
Scuba dive with sea lions outside of San Diego’s Mission Bay
For an adventurous day, book a dive with San Diego-based Waterhorse Charters to explore the Coronado Islands, an 11⁄2-hour boat ride from San Diego’s Mission Bay. This spot is known for good underwater visibility and its large population of sea lions. Once you arrive, the three-tank dive gives you plenty of time to interact with the inquisitive mammals.
Be sure to bring your Gopro along to capture them on camera. It’s common to see a sea lion colony of 40 to 60 pinnipeds. Not only that, but there’s a good chance you’ll see moray eels, harbor seals and horn sharks. Keep your eyes peeled for triggerfish, sea hares and lots of reef fish. Waterhorse Charters provides wetsuits, hoodies, gloves and booties to keep divers from getting cold.