courtesy Titusville Tours

The lagoon waters of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, FL teem with bioluminescent organisms throughout the summer and fall. The best way to experience these glowing waters is, of course, by either kayak or canoe.

Naturally occurring and concentrated in large numbers, these organisms create underwater laser-like light shows. Everything underwater glows bluish-green, making for a spectacular place to paddle. Many local outfitters offer guided tours during the luminescent season.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to kayak and canoe year-round, even when the lagoon floor, fish and grasses are glowing vibrantly. According to the paddle page on their web site, there are several protected-water areas that provide ideal locations for canoeing, kayaking, and small open boats. These include Turnbull Creek, Dummitt Creek, Eddy Creek, and the waters west of the spoil islands in Mosquito Lagoon.

For more information about kayaking and canoeing in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and to find even more great places to paddle, kayak and canoe in the state of Florida, click here to visit our Places to Paddle in Florida page.

If you’re in the market for kayak, canoe or paddle gear, now may be the best time of year to buy. End of season sales abound in the paddling world. Read this to find deals and sales on great kayaking, canoeing and paddling gear, boats and accessories.

Some of the best sales can be found at local kayak and canoe outfitters. If you don’t mind used gear, this may be your best bet for be able to buy a new-ish boat, paddle or other gear at a great price. Before you buy used though, be sure to completely check out the equipment. Most outfitters take really good care of their rental equipment, but it is wise to fully inspect any used gear you want to buy. Look for wear and tear, holes, patches, etc.

If you’re looking for new gear, plenty of on line kayak and canoe dealers are offering great end of season sales. Here are some of our affiliates and the kayak, canoe and paddle gear they have currently on sale:

BackCountry.com (click on links to be taken to the sale page):

Kayak and Paddle Clothing – tons on sale right now!

Paddle and Paddle Accessories – a good selection on sale.

Car Racks and Rack Accessories – kayak racks and other sport rack sale.

Kayak and Canoe Accessories – seats, dry bags and more on sale

PFDs, life vests and life jackets – a big selection of PFDs on sale.

BoatersWorld.com (click here to go to the Kayak, Canoe, Paddle shopping page):

- Kayak, Canoe and Boating End of Season Savings
- 10% off purchases of $70 or more
- Free Shipping on orders over $100
- No Sales Tax…Ever!

UpsideOver.com Kid’s Outdoor Clothing and Gear ON SALE Now at UpsideOver.com – Click Here

- Big savings on kids kayak, canoe and paddling gear – children PFDs, Paddles and more

Viator.com – Adventure Travel (click here to browse kayak and canoe trip deals):

- Make plans to escape the chilly winter with a kayak or canoe trip to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Central America or even Thailand!

Don’t miss out on some of these great fall/winter kayak, canoe and paddling sales! It’s a great time to stock up on the canoe and kayak gear you really want or need.