Tom Long's Sunset/Bioluminescence Paddle, 11/07/2025, with Near-Full Moon at End

This event is free, as all paddles should be. Not even a parking or launch fee. Please read this in its entirety before signing up!

Travel and paddle at your own risk. By signing up you accept all responsibility for damage to your boat or equipment, your vehicle, and any injuries (including fatal injuries) that you incur. Like all tours, this one is weather-dependent, but even more so than daytime paddles, so you'll need to pay attention to updates. Check this Meetup page before you start driving for the launch. Please arrive early enough to be fully ready at 4:40 PM. (It's Standard Time by then, so sunset is early.)

I can't promise any particular magnitude of bioluminescence in the
waters of Rookery Bay. However, I have never been out there in normal conditions and seen zero bioluminescence after it gets good and dark. And it could be spectacular. We will have very little interference from moonlight, because the nearly-full moon will rise over the trees in the East around 7:45 PM. Prior to moonrise, the moonlight will not be there to diminish our ability to see bioluminescent organisms. The darker the sky, the brighter the biolumes appear to our eyes: hopefully dark enough to see the sparkle of the Dinoflagellate algae cells and/or the glowing, adult (hopefully adult) Comb Jellies. But the bioluminescence isn't all we'll see.

Before we go looking for it, we'll watch 2,000 to 3000 or more birds land on the rookery island that gives Rookery Bay its name, which is worth the trip all on its own. Early November is the PEAK of nightly attendance on the rookery island. Eight species* of wading or diving birds will likely be there, and one speces** of song bird. Occasionally, we get a temporary landing of two more species***. As the sky turns dark, we will begin paddling through the mangrove trails, which are quite beautiful in the fading light, and unlike anything else you've paddled through, likely. In there we may see Yellow-Crowned Night Herons and Great Blue Herons, while occasionally hearing owls and Spotted Marsh Grasshoppers. And we might also see some lightning bugs.

This tour does not require a sea kayak or a skirt, although skirts help protect you from skeeters and noseeums. Speaking of them, bring bug repellant, and DO NOT leave it in your car just because you already put it on. Don't be convinced that there won't be many biting insects in November. They appear 12 months a year in the mangroves, especially after sunset. DEET-free spray does not work for many people, and if the bugs are very thick, the DEET-free sprays are particularly useless, in my experience. Don't be scared off by this. I recommend using spray with the active ingredient that's made of at least 20% DEET (not merely 15%, or less) and Deep Woods Off works very well. If they still bite, use more! It's not perfume, where less is more. It's bug spray. More is more. And I have learned this by doing this night tour maybe...250 times. It's also good to have long sleeves, long pants, and gloves to keep the little bastards off of you. But they should breathe well, because early November is rarely cold.

We will launch from the end of Shell Island Road, Naples. If you don't
know it, it runs west from Collier Blvd between 41 and Marco Island,
from just north of the traffic light intersection at Fiddler's Creek. Use
11 Shell Island Rd Naples in Google Maps. I have found that WAYS and
AppleMaps tell you that you've arrived when you have not, so ditch
them.

The only port-a-john I know of is at the edge of Shell Island Road at the FWC office, 1st building on the right after you turn from 951. Stop there on your way to the launch if you want to empty yourself before you start on a 3-hour, 15-minute paddle.

Drive to the end of the road, at the water's edge, to unload for the launch, then move your vehicle back to the parking lot that was on your left just the 90-degree turn to your right, that brought you to the launch. Do not park for the whole trip in the launch area or you'll be in the way of others.

You must properly wear a properly fitted life jacket (USCG Type III). I will not permit anyone to participate who is not following my lifejacket instructions.

You will need to bring a hands-free flashlight that you can attach to
your vest with a carabiner or tether, or have on a head-mount. Bring a bottle of water. No alcohol, please.

No boats shorter than 10 feet allowed, and only if that's big enough to fit you. Bring dry clothes and a towel to leave in your car. If you are not in a boat you know for sure is comfortable for that duration, I suggest you bring a thick towel or a seat cushion to soften the ride. 3+ hours is a long time to sit on a hard plastic seat. There won't be any good place to get out until we return, although there are shallow spots you could stand in if you have a dire need to get out of your kayak and, well...you know.

If you have questions feel free to call my cell or text me at 239.963.6162.

See you Friday, November 07, 2025.
Tom Long

* Double-Crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, White Ibises, Little Blue Herons, Tri-Colored Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Reddish Egrets
** European Starlings
*** Roseatte Spoonbills and Magnificent Frigate Birds
**** Skunk Apes