Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

We start your tour with introductions of your tour guides followed by a Naturalist talk, and then a Kayak lesson (or refresher).  After which we are off to enjoy Bioluminescence viewing on Port Gamble Bay.

We use stable double sit-on-top kayaks. You are more than welcome to bring your own kayak, however the cost of the tour will still be the same, and you will need to get approval from our programs director at least 5 days before the tour. Please send request to programs@olympicoutdoorcenter.com .

New for 2025, Larger double kayaks to accommodate taller clients. 

The cost of the tour includes: Guide, Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Boat light, head lamp. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. We hope to see you out on the water!

Please bring a head lamp if you have one to be worn during the tour. If not we will provide one for you. 

Bioluminescence Tours begin and end at our beach in Port Gamble and will last about 2 hours.

Moonlight Tour Dates

Even when there's a full moon, bioluminescence can still be seen, although not as brightly. Keep in mind that a full moon doesn't guarantee a clear sky, which could enhance viewing.

Explore the incredible beauty of Port Gamble's night sky on a kayak tour under the glittering light of a full moon! Feel the exhilarating freedom of gliding through the dark waters like a mythical creature! At this time of year there is always bioluminescence present and on cloudy nights this can readily be seen.

What to Expect

You will almost certainly see Bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is an amazing natural phenomenon in which an organism produces and emits light due to a chemical reaction where the chemical energy is converted into light energy. When disturbed the organisms give off light such as when you paddle a kayak. There may also be amazing sunsets over the Olympics as well as paddling beautiful Port Gamble Bay.

• We use stable double sit on top kayaks
• If you are coming as a single you can either match up with another single guest in a double or paddle a single kayak.
• We will be putting in on a beach that can be sandy or rocky depending on the tide.
• You will be wearing a life jacket
• There will be a safety and naturalist talk before leaving the beach which can last 30-45 minutes.
  
• You may need to get your feet wet getting in and out of the kayaks so wear boots, sandals, or shoes that can get wet. Our staff will launch you from the beach and you are not expected to get wet but it can happen.
  
• It will be chilly on the water after sundown so pack a jacket
• You will be using headlamps and boat lights that we provide but please bring your own if you have them.
• Boat lights will go out after about 20 minutes on the water to enhance our viewing of the bio. They can be turned back on at any time.
• We will paddle as a group and each person will have, besides lights, a whistle for signaling and safety. If you are unsure at any time blow your whistle for help.
• Paddlers will be encourage to paddle in single file or small groups to enhance viewing. The best viewing is next to shore. It is not uncommon for us to be spread out on the tour.
• There will be a lead guide (front), a sweep guide (rear) and depending on group size guides that roam the group.
• The tour is an out and back along the shore of Port Gamble Bay, about 1.2 miles. The shore is on your right going out and on your left coming back so it would be difficult to get disoriented while on the water. Everyone also has a head lamp which can be turned on if needed.
• There is a sani-can at our beach which we encourage everyone to use before leaving the beach. We will be on the water 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Occasionally we will have wind and waves on the bay. We do not go out in heavy wind, heavy rain, or lightning. Our tour goes rain or shine and at times you may experience rain and waves while paddling.

What Your Paddling

We are paddling Ocean Kayak Malibu II XL kayaks. New for 2025 a new fleet of Malibu II XL kayaks with more leg room and comfort.

What To Bring

We will paddle even in light rain. We will not paddle in high winds or lightning. It will be cold on the water at night so dress warmly.

• Hardy snack
• Water Bottle
• Warm Fleece hat (Windproof if available)
• Shoes that can get wet, tennis shoes, sandals with straps or hard sole water shoe, NO flip-flops.
  
• Short or long pants depending on weather (Ideally synthetic).
• Short or long sleeve shirt depending on the weather (Ideally synthetic).
• Change of clothes left In your car If the ones your wearing gets wet.
• Towel for After (Always nice)
• Warm Fleece jacket, NOT cotton (Windproof if available)
• light waterproof/water resistant jacket.
• Dry Bag for items carried on the kayak (optional)

If bringing electronics (phone, camera, etc.) put in dry bag or Double baggie or provide a waterproof case.

Put Your name on all of your belongings, we are not responsible for lost or stolen gear especially phones, cameras, watches, etc.

Tipping your guides are always a nice gesture for excellent service.