Full-moon kayaking has gone from a little-known hobby to a full-fledged ritual. Cruising under the moonlight might add an element of excitement to your usual daytime destination or could be a fun way to check out a new zone. Below are a few locations where the monthly occasion is pretty popular.
Tomales Bay, California
Known for its dark skies, Tomales Bay has a lot to offer the nighttime kayaker. In the fall, blue bioluminescence lights up when the water is disturbed by drifting boats. Sightings of rays, night herons and big jellyfish are not uncommon. Some outfitters take kayakers on overnight camping trips along the edges of the huge Northern California estuary. Fog can be issue, but it can also add to the adventure.
Peanut Island, Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is a kayaker’s dream, especially at night. Traffic in the lagoon slows down and wildlife tends to be most active. Tiny Peanut Island is a favorite with the full moon crew. Manatees and dozens of species of fish and birds patrol these waters, so you might want to bring a flashlight to inspect suspicious splashes in the dark. Some tours in the area offer stops at the old Coast Guard station and the bunkers on the island.
Lafayette, Louisiana
Exploring the bayou by kayak allows a look at the landscape that’s hard to get any other way. Doing it at night is just plain wild. The narrow winding swamps take on a whole new character. Huge cypress trees rise out of the misty waters. Wildlife like shrimp and turtles become active. The catch with paddling in this area is you need to know the terrain well or go with a guide. Luckily a variety of outfitters offer night and full-moon tours.
Puget Sound, Washington
Seattle is one of those cities that’s got it all. At night the skyline, punctuated by the Space Needle, lights up the area’s waters. Though it’s not ideal for star gazing, the scene is spectacular. A variety of night tours take kayakers into the Puget Sound and along the shores of Lake Washington.
Sugar Pine Point State Park, Lake Tahoe, California
A popular spot for tour groups, kayakers and standup paddlers depart at sunset and head south along Lake Tahoe’s west shore, one of the darkest parts of the area. As the moon rises over the pines in the east, Tahoe’s 22-mile breadth lights up. The white granite beaches can be bright enough that a flashlight isn’t necessary. There are plenty of great stops along the shore. Or try heading into Emerald Bay for amazing views of the Sierra and the stars.
