--- title: "The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence: A Natural Wonder in Florida" description: Discover the fascinating world of bioluminescence! Learn how Florida's living organisms create light, and why they use bioluminescence. --- [Skip to content](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/what-is-bioluminescence#main-content) Close - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Viking EcoTours](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Our Pedal Kayaks](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/why-pedal-kayaks) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Morning Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/morning-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Sunset Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/sunset-kayak-tours-in-new-smyrna-beach-viking-ecotours) - [Bioluminescence Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/bioluminescent-kayak-tours/) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Contact Us](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://vikingecotours.com/frequently-asked-questions) SEARCH CONTACT PHONE HOTLINE: [(386) 888-1552](tel:(386)%20888-1552) E-MAIL: [info@vikingecotours.com](mailto:info@vikingecotours.com) [Book Now](https://www.vikingecotours.com/tours/) [![logo](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png?width=90&height=90&name=VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png "logo")](https://www.vikingecotours.com/) [![VikingEcoTours\_Logo\_Revised\_Horiz\_4C](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png?width=150&height=75&name=VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png)](https://www.vikingecotours.com/) - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Viking EcoTours](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Our Pedal Kayaks](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/why-pedal-kayaks) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Morning Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/morning-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Sunset Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/sunset-kayak-tours-in-new-smyrna-beach-viking-ecotours) - [Bioluminescence Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/bioluminescent-kayak-tours/) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Contact Us](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://vikingecotours.com/frequently-asked-questions) PHONE HOTLINE: [(386) 888-1552](tel:(386)%20888-1552) E-MAIL: [info@vikingecotours.com](mailto:info@vikingecotours.com) [Book Now](https://www.vikingecotours.com/tours/) ![AdobeStock\_135991697-1-2048x1363](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_135991697-1-2048x1363.jpeg?width=575&name=AdobeStock_135991697-1-2048x1363.jpeg) [Viking Ecotours](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/author/viking-ecotours) Dec 19, 2023, 2:30:20 PM 22 min read # The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence: A Natural Wonder in Florida [Previous Post](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/experience-playalindas-white-sandy-beaches) [Next Post](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/bioluminescent-comb-jellies)   ## What is bioluminescence and how does it work? Bioluminescence is a process where living organisms make light. It often happens with marine animals such as comb jellies, plankton, and bony fishes. Visitors to Canaveral National Seashore in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon can see bioluminescence created by comb jellies and plankton. This light is made by special cells. The energy from the chemical reaction is turned into light. This chemical reaction happens because of enzymes and luciferin compounds. These are mixed together to make a bioluminescent reaction that makes a gentle but beautiful blue and green light show.   ### Examples Of Bioluminescence In Nature The most well-known example of bioluminescence are fireflies which emit a yellow-green light at night. However, there are many other examples as well. Fish such as anglerfish have luminescent lures on their heads to attract prey while squid use their abilities to attract mates. Even plants, plankton, and fungi such as mushrooms can be bioluminescent! [Learn More](https://www.vikingecotours.com/bioluminescent-comb-jellies/) ![Bioluminescent plankton illuminating dark water.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/bioluminescent-highlight-1024x535-1.png?width=301&height=157&name=bioluminescent-highlight-1024x535-1.png)   ![Comb Jellies showing bioluminescence](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_135991697-1-scaled-3.jpeg?width=340&height=226&name=AdobeStock_135991697-1-scaled-3.jpeg) ### Why Plants & Animals Use Bioluminescence Bioluminescence is used by living things for four different reasons: 1. To help them find food or avoid being eaten, 2. To talk or mate, 3. To protect themselves, 4. To use oxygen.   ###### How comb jellies use bioluminescence ### Why Are Comb Jellies Bioluminescent?   One example of bioluminescent animals are comb jellies. They sparkle during the day time and flash blue light at night when they are disturbed in water! Comb jellies bodies match up with the moonlight above them so they are less visible to any predators lurking below them.   ### Comb Jellies ###### Bioluminescent comb jellies in Canaveral National Seashore & the Indian River Lagoon Comb Jellies are zooplankton, they cannot swim against the tides and currents in the water. You can see these animals shimmering like a rainbow as they swim during the day. While kayaking or boating at night their bioluminescence bursts in flashes for about one second every time they’re moved. [Learn More](https://www.vikingecotours.com/bioluminescent-comb-jellies/)   ###### Why plants and animals started making bioluminescence ### About The Origin Of Bioluminescence People think that bioluminescence, or the ability to create light, came from creatures who needed to remove oxygen. These creatures might have come from deep sea environments where there wasn’t a lot of oxygen. Glowing organs would help them get rid of oxygen by breaking down organic materials. This would give them an advantage over other creatures who couldn’t create light. Zooplankton and phytoplankton use this ability to get oxygen from chemical reactions instead of getting it from the air or water.   ###### Where is the best place to see bioluminescence in Florida? ### Florida Bioluminescence Bioluminescence is a beautiful natural phenomenon seen in Canaveral National Seashore and the Indian River Lagoon of Florida. This happens when there is a chemical reaction inside the plant or animal. For example, comb jellies and phytoplankton are bioluminescent creatures found in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. When the water is disturbed, these creatures will produce blueish flashes of light. This can be a very enchanting scene for those who witness it. It often sparkling at night while kayaking, giving visitors an amazing sight to behold   ###### Conclusion ### The Magic of Bioluminescence   We hope this article opened your eyes about this incredible natural wonder! Whether you’re a family looking for something fun to do together – come explore the magical world of bioluminescence today! At Canaveral National Seashore in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, you can view bioluminescent creatures such as comb jellies and other plankton. [Book Now](https://tickets.vikingecotours.com/event/bioluminescence-and-stargazing-kayak-tour-guided-copy-q0ba) #### [Viking Ecotours](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/author/viking-ecotours) ## RELATED ARTICLES Button Title ### [Eric Hansen May 6, 2024, 8:51:15 PM 17 min read Summer Bioluminescence Kayaking: 10 Things to Do & See Embark on a thrilling adventure with summer bioluminescence kayaking and explore the wonders of nature under the night sky. ... Start Reading](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/summer-bioluminescence-kayaking-10-things-to-do-see) ### [Viking Ecotours Dec 19, 2023, 2:36:39 PM 51 min read Discover the Bioluminescent Comb Jellies in Florida's Waters What Are Comb Jellies? These simple bioluminescent animals are 95% water and can be found anywhere from the deep ocean to ... Start Reading](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/bioluminescent-comb-jellies) ### [Viking Ecotours Dec 19, 2023, 11:54:42 AM 55 min read Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramps Kayak Launches in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Indian River Lagoon Boat Launches Merritt Island National Wildlife ... Start Reading](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/merritt-island-national-wildlife-refuge-boat-ramps) ![Asset 1-1](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Asset%201-1.svg "Asset 1-1") [![VikingEcoTours\_Logo\_Revised\_Horiz\_4C](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png?width=240&height=120&name=VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png)](https://www.vikingecotours.com/) Explore New Smyrna's Canaveral National Seashore with Viking Ecotours: Fishing, Bioluminescence, Birding, Manatees, Dolphins, and More Adventures Await! - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Viking EcoTours](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Our Pedal Kayaks](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/why-pedal-kayaks) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Morning Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/morning-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Sunset Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/sunset-kayak-tours-in-new-smyrna-beach-viking-ecotours) - [Bioluminescence Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/bioluminescent-kayak-tours/) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Contact Us](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://vikingecotours.com/frequently-asked-questions) All rights reserved - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United States", "addressLocality" : "Oak Hill", "addressRegion" : "FL", "postalCode" : "32759", "streetAddress" : "250 H H Burch Rd" }, "email" : "info@vikingecotours.com", "knowsLanguage" : "en-us", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://21164450.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21164450/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png" }, "name" : "Viking EcoTours LLC", "telephone" : "(386) 888-1552", "url" : "https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/what-is-bioluminescence" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "Discover the fascinating world of bioluminescence! Learn how Florida's living organisms create light, and why they use bioluminescence.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Viking Ecotours" }, "dateModified" : "December 19, 2023 7 PM", "datePublished" : "December 19, 2023 7 PM", "headline" : "The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence: A Natural Wonder in Florida", "image" : "", "inLanguage" : "en-us", "keywords" : "[Bioluminescence, Bioluminescent, Canaveral, Nature]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence: A Natural Wonder in Florida", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://21164450.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21164450/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png" }, "name" : "Viking EcoTours LLC" }, "text" : "What is bioluminescence and how does it work? Bioluminescence is a process where living organisms make light. It often happens with marine animals such as comb jellies, plankton, and bony fishes. Visitors to Canaveral National Seashore in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon can see bioluminescence created by comb jellies and plankton. This light is made by special cells. The energy from the chemical reaction is turned into light. This chemical reaction happens because of enzymes and luciferin compounds. These are mixed together to make a bioluminescent reaction that makes a gentle but beautiful blue and green light show. Examples Of Bioluminescence In Nature The most well-known example of bioluminescence are fireflies which emit a yellow-green light at night. However, there are many other examples as well. Fish such as anglerfish have luminescent lures on their heads to attract prey while squid use their abilities to attract mates. Even plants, plankton, and fungi such as mushrooms can be bioluminescent! Learn More Why Plants & Animals Use Bioluminescence Bioluminescence is used by living things for four different reasons: To help them find food or avoid being eaten, To talk or mate, To protect themselves, To use oxygen. How comb jellies use bioluminescence Why Are Comb Jellies Bioluminescent? One example of bioluminescent animals are comb jellies. They sparkle during the day time and flash blue light at night when they are disturbed in water! Comb jellies bodies match up with the moonlight above them so they are less visible to any predators lurking below them. Comb Jellies Bioluminescent comb jellies in Canaveral National Seashore & the Indian River Lagoon Comb Jellies are zooplankton, they cannot swim against the tides and currents in the water. You can see these animals shimmering like a rainbow as they swim during the day. While kayaking or boating at night their bioluminescence bursts in flashes for about one second every time they’re moved. Learn More Why plants and animals started making bioluminescence About The Origin Of Bioluminescence People think that bioluminescence, or the ability to create light, came from creatures who needed to remove oxygen. These creatures might have come from deep sea environments where there wasn’t a lot of oxygen. Glowing organs would help them get rid of oxygen by breaking down organic materials. This would give them an advantage over other creatures who couldn’t create light. Zooplankton and phytoplankton use this ability to get oxygen from chemical reactions instead of getting it from the air or water. Where is the best place to see bioluminescence in Florida? Florida Bioluminescence Bioluminescence is a beautiful natural phenomenon seen in Canaveral National Seashore and the Indian River Lagoon of Florida. This happens when there is a chemical reaction inside the plant or animal. For example, comb jellies and phytoplankton are bioluminescent creatures found in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. When the water is disturbed, these creatures will produce blueish flashes of light. This can be a very enchanting scene for those who witness it. It often sparkling at night while kayaking, giving visitors an amazing sight to behold Conclusion The Magic of Bioluminescence We hope this article opened your eyes about this incredible natural wonder! Whether you’re a family looking for something fun to do together – come explore the magical world of bioluminescence today! At Canaveral National Seashore in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, you can view bioluminescent creatures such as comb jellies and other plankton. 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