Photo courtesy Kyle Peterson via Flickr.
Night-time can be a peaceful or even romantic time to kayak . Many parks and outfitters offer full-moon kayak and canoe trips. There also are some other ways to enjoy the outdoors on full-moon nights, including bicycling and concerts.
Here are some full-moon kayak trips around the state:
Blue Moon outfitters has offered full moon paddles at Oleta River State Park, North Miami, every month for 13 years. Their trips include a bonfire and smores and usually live campfire style music from some of the Full Moon guides. (Tours are $50 per person; $25 with your own kayak.) Blue Moon often runs tours on two nights around the full moon. In 2013, there will be trips on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24 and June 21 and 22.
Paddle with the gators at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. For $10 per person, you can join a group paddle from 7:30 to 9 p.m. though the sawgrass marsh. Reserve in advance; bring a flashlight and bug spray. There’s a $5 per car admission in the refuge. Loxahatchee Canoeing is also planning trips on these 2013 dates: Friday May 24, Saturday June 22, Saturday July 20, Saturday Aug. 17, Saturday Sept. 20, Friday Oct. 18, Saturday Nov. 16 and Saturday Dec. 14.. To reserve, call 561-733-0192.
Bring wine and explore Winter Park Chain of Lakes. The outfitter Adventures in Florida runs a full-moon paddle trip every month, starting in Maitland. Participants are asked to bring a plastic wine glass — and a bottle to share, if you’d like — plus headlamp/flashlight and two glow sticks or L.E.D strobes. The fee, which includes equipment, is $40. Here are details and how to register. Dates for 2013 are: May 25, June 23, July 21, Aug. 21, Sept. 19, Oct. 19, Nov. 17, Dec. 18.
Note: Kayak and canoe outfitters all over the state offer full-moon activities, so check with your local outfitter. Most, but not all, require you to rent canoes or kayaks from them for the trips. Each outfitter is different, so call ahead. Most require advance registration and these trips do fill up during winter.
More moonlight adventures in Florida’s outdoors
Lighthouse Moonrise Tour. View the rising full moon from the top of the Jupiter Lighthouse. The tour time is about 75 minutes and costs $15 for members and $20 for non-members. You must reserve in advance at 561-747-8380 x101. Tours are weather permitting. No flip-flops on tour, children must be accompanied by an adult and be at least 4-feet tall to climb. Lighthouse is located in Lighthouse Park, 500 Capt Armour’s Way (Beach Rd & US Hwy 1.) Check the calendar for start time for the tour.
During the winter season, here are two full-moon adventures:
Bicycle Shark Valley loop at Everglades National Park. This smooth, flat trail is the best place to bicycle in South Florida. (Here’s our story on biking Shark Valley.) In winter bring your bike and you can join a full-moon group here. The bike tours are free and you must bring your own bike. Admission to the park is $10 per vehicle.
Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. Enjoy an hour-long carillon concert under a full moon as you walk the paths through these exceptional gardens. Admission is $5 for adults, $1.50 for children 5 to 12, free for members. Blue Palmetto Cafe will remain open until 7:30 p.m. and serves beer and wine. Call 1-836-676-1408 for details. www.boksanctuary.org
In addition, parks and preserves around the state also plan special outings for full-moon visitors. If activities in your area aren’t listed here, check with your local parks department, or kayak and canoe liveries, for full-moon events near your home. Here are full-moon dates in 2013:
- Feb. 25
- March 27
- April 25
- May 25
- June 23
- July 22
- Aug. 20
- Sept. 19
- October 18
- Nov. 17
- Dec. 17
Be sure to call ahead to verify these events and their dates.
And let us know about full-moon events that aren’t list here so we can update our listings and share them with others!
Hello, I enjoyed reading your article. It was awesome to find out the dates for our Kayak Tours here in Cocoa Beach and I wondered if you would like to include us as we offer Moonlight Kayak Tours in our area.
Thank you for your time,
Natalie
Natalie,
Would love to add you to our moonlight kayak tours! Can you send me details? Thanks!
Sounds fun! Wish I was in Miami tonight!
For the paddle trip, do you need to bring your own canoe? Sounds amazing.
No. The canoe/kayak concessions will rent them if you need ‘em. Thanks for pointing that out. Will add it to the story.
One more clarification… most outfitters will only allow their own boats, and they include the rental in the price. Only a few allow you to bring your own boat. You need to call ahead and ask.