Did you know that you can take a bioluminescence kayaking tour in the Bay Area? Blue Waters Kayaking hosts these unbelievable tours on select nights each month, where you can paddle through glowing waters on Tomales Bay.
The phenomenon of bioluminescence occurs when microscopic algae called dinoflagellates concentrate at the water’s surface, emitting a neon-blue glow when agitated via a chemical reaction. In California, it’s most common at beaches in the southern part of the state.
While bioluminescence is more fleeting here in the Bay Area, these kayaking tours in the Tomales Bay allow us to see it with our own eyes, just 1.5 hours from San Francisco.
Bioluminescence kayaking tours in Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay is an unusually good environment to see bioluminescence, thanks to its low light pollution, fjord-like shape that “traps” bioluminescent plankton, and calm waters.
A colorful Bay Area sunset provides a memorable backdrop during the tour orientation and check-in time at Miller Boat Launch, where a guide gives a safety briefing, and guests are fitted for paddles and life jackets. As dusk falls, an expert leads the group across Tomales Bay to find the best spots to see the water glow.
Once the sky is fully dark, kayaking is a great way to see the water light up around you, because each paddle stroke agitates the water to create glowing ripples. As you glide past the eelgrass and algae mats, look for luminous, light blue trails as fish dart through the water.
Blue Waters Kayaking offers bioluminescence kayaking tours on select dates each month. They are prone to selling out, so make sure you book in advance.
🌐 Website: Blue Waters Kayaking
