About Kayakmarco.com

Reservations/Appointments: Required

Established: 2013

Staff Size: 2–10 people

Average Duration of Services: 2–4 hours

Parking: Parking lot

Brands Used: Ocean Kayak, Native Watercraft, Cannon Paddles, PFD's

Recommended Age Group: All ages

Pro Tip: Bring water, hats, sunglasses, and sunscrean

Most Popular Attraction/Offering: 2.5 hour kayak trip

The warm, sunny climes of Marco Island entice visitors to paddle through the waters no matter what time of year it is. The guides say one of the best views the island has to offer, though, can only be seen on warm summer nights beneath a new moon. As the waters grow warmer, they provide a home for single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates, and larger comb jellyfish. Both creatures naturally emit light, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. When ambient light is low enough and the water warm enough, the combined presence of the two glowing critters becomes so bright, it can even cast shadows. Guides only offer these tours during the appropriate months and lunar phases, but they conduct plenty of other excursions during daylight hours. They take groups by kayak to the Barrier Islands for a picnic, show off sunsets from watery perches, and even provide the opportunity to paddle alongside manatees—sometimes called sea cows because, like land cows, they often say, "Cowabunga!"