Space Coast Paddle Co. began offering bioluminescent kayak tours in Mosquito Lagoon last week, joining three other local operators. The tours run from late April through October, with departures at 8:30 p.m. each Thursday and Saturday. Kayakers pay $45 per person for the 2-hour excursion, which includes a guided paddle through the lagoon's glowing waters. "It's like floating through a starry sky," said owner Mark Thompson during a test run last week. "The plankton light up when they're disturbed by the paddles." The tours are limited to 12 participants per trip to maintain social distancing. Local marine biologists note the best visibility occurs during new moon phases when water is calm and dark. Lighthouse Paddle Co. also offers similar tours from the Cocoa Beach Pier, with a different route that passes through the Banana River. The bioluminescence phenomenon occurs when dinoflagellates—single-celled marine organisms—react to motion by emitting light. Florida Tech professor Dr. Emily Carter confirmed the lagoon's unique conditions make it one of the best spots on the East Coast for the display. "The salinity and temperature here create ideal habitat for the plankton," she said. Tour operators require guests to wear life jackets and bring their own water bottles. Reservations are recommended, with some dates already selling out for the season. The tours have become a popular alternative to the more crowded Kennedy Space Center visitors' center, drawing both locals and tourists. Space Coast Paddle Co. plans to add a second departure time in July if demand increases.