Q: I thought this only happened in the summer?
A: No, we see bioluminescence year round. Guana Dam traps multiple species of bioluminescence in the lake. But, during the rainy season, it is possible for the luminosity and abundance to be diminished by the freshwater decreasing salinity behind the dam.
Q: What is the best way to get tickets?
A: Buy your tickets online here. If you have special needs, custom dates and times, lead groups, or wish to have a private tour you should call (904) 701-3272.
Q: Isn’t the park closed at night?
A: Yes it is. Only our guests and park officials are allowed in after hours. We have an exclusive permit to conduct business in the Guana Aquatic Preserve day or night. If you tour runs after gates are locked, we have a guest pass for you so rangers and law enforcement know you are not trespassers.
Q: How do we get in if the gates are locked?
A: It is vital that you arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time to get in. Your guide opens the gate to let everyone in at the same time. Just in time or late arrivals will have to park outside the gate and walk in.
Q: What is bioluminescence?
A: Bioluminescence is a biological process used by animals, fungus, bacteria, and insects alike. It can be used for different reasons. Many use it as a form of communication, signaling to each other in the deep dark depths of the ocean and caves on land. Everyone has seen Fireflies, they use their light to attract a mate. Bioluminescent fish, like the Angler Fish wait in the dark dangling a lure of light to attract its prey.
Q: What makes the bioluminescence in Guana Lake glow?
A: It is a chemical reaction from the mixing of phosphorescent enzymes that thousands of species are able to produce. There are at least two kinds of bioluminescent creatures found in the Guana Aquatic Preserve regularly. Comb Jellies and Dinoflagellates are present in constantly fluctuating numbers. GeoTrippin’ has been monitoring the bioluminescent phenomenon at the GTM Reserve since August 2020. We have gathered evidence of the presence of bioluminescent comb jellies every tour since then.
Q: What is the best time to see the bioluminescence?
A: This tour can go out anytime and it will be a wonderful time on the water. For the best viewing conditions for the bioluminescence, there must be full darkness around you in order to fully observe bioluminescence. As a result, if you want to see this phenomenon, night kayaking tours are a requirement. Take your night kayaking excursion in the two weeks leading up to the new moon for darkest skies. By the third day of the waxing moon, early evening viewing already starts to be lessened by the moonlight.
Q: Will the Bioluminescent Jellies sting?
A: Comb Jellies do not sting. They are not the same as jelly fish. Comb Jellies are voracious eaters, most have short sticky tentacles they use to capture prey and direct it into their mouth.
Q: If I eat bioluminescent plankton, will my pee glow?
A: NO! You will get sick and your pee won’t glow.