Bioluminescence Night Tour

PRICE: $105 per person Duration: 2 hours Location: Larrabee State Park Restrictions: Ages 10+

Bioluminescent blue waves in the Bellingham Bay on a Moondance Kayak bioluminescence trip.
Two people kayaking near Larrabee State Park on a Moondance kayak bioluminescence night time kayak trip

Join Us For a Nightly Bioluminescent Kayaking Adventure at Larrabee State Park!

Come join us for a Bioluminescence Paddle at Larrabee State Park! Our Bioluminescence trips are scheduled around new moon phases as the less light on the outside world provides a better opportunity for us to see these glowing dinoflagellates in the water. You will learn about the wonders of Bioluminescence while having the opportunity to paddle at night.

All trips include a guided instruction and are great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike! All guests will be in stable fiberglass northwest made TANDEM sea kayaks. Weight limit is 250lbs per person. 

While we do our best to schedule these tours at the most optimal times of the month to see bioluminescence, we can’t guarantee the bioluminescence will be the brightest you have ever seen on any given night. We can however say that traveling in kayaks by night is a truly unique adventure. If you have an open mind and adventurous attitude this tour is for you!

  • This trip departs from the Larrabee State Park boat launch and spends three hours exploring some beautiful sandstone coastline.

    Driving directions can be found in your confirmation email

  • While we do our best to schedule these tours at the most optimal times of the month to see bioluminescence, we can’t guarantee the bioluminescence will be the brightest you have ever seen on any given night. We can however say that traveling in kayaks by night is a truly unique adventure.

    Typically the best time to see this plankton phenomenon is in the warm summer months, near the new moon.

    • Sunset: Meet at Larrabee State Park, unload boats, and issue gear.

      Orientation: Kayak setup and paddle technique instruction.

      Bioluminescence Exploration: Paddle through dark waters to look for bioluminescence! Watch your paddles glow!

      Return: Head back to the beach, de-issue gear, say goodbye and thank you for joining!

      *Trip start times vary based on sunset times

    • All kayaking related equipment (Tandem fiberglass sea kayak, paddle, pfd, spray skirt, guide, etc)

    • Glowsticks/ lights for kayaks

    • Experienced Sea Kayak Guide

    • Personal Gear (ie. footwear, clothing, sunglasses, etc)

    • Transportation to and/or from launch location

    • Headlamp

    • Guide Gratuity

  • Bring a headlamp!

    Be prepared to get your feet wet! Wind or rain break recommended as well as comfortable and preferably “quick dry” shorts or pants.

    For night paddles, bring extra layers as it can cool down quickly.

    Be sure and check out our “Gear List” to ensure you have everything you need! You will receive a confirmation email upon booking that will include detailed information on directions, emergency phone #’s and more.

 

“We did a bioluminescence night paddle with Moondance. Our guides were friendly, professional, and made everything run very smoothly. Paddling in the dark with sparkly plankton was incredible. It was a lovely experience.”

— Gabriel

Kayaker with a red headlamp paddling calm waters while exploring the bioluminescence waters near Bellingham

More Bioluminescence Options

  • Group of people kayaking on the ocean during sunset, wearing life vests and beanies.

    Group Trips

    Unable to make our scheduled trips? Gather a group of friends and ask about our private group availability!

  • Person in a winter jacket and hat holding a mug, watching a sunset at the beach.

    Multi Day Trips

    Looking for a longer adventure and still want to see the bioluminscence? Join us on a multi day trip! We offer bio paddle opportunities on all multi day trips.

  • Two people paddling in a kayak on a calm sea at sunset.

    Sunset Paddles

    If you’re not keen to stay up past dark, but still want to get out for an evening paddle, check out our sunset options!