Viral travel trend has vacationers flocking to hot spots where water glows in the dark

Bioluminescent kayaking appears to be having a moment in the travel spotlight.

In nature, bioluminescence refers to certain organisms like jellyfish, fireflies and plankton, which can emit a glowing light. 

When you're on a so-called bioluminescent kayaking tour, each time you move your paddle, a fish swims below you or the kayak creates a ripple as you float along, the water's surface takes on a mesmerizing blue hue.

Here are six evening kayaking tours to book for an experience that's equal parts tranquil and ethereal. 

Founded by Suki Waters, this Sonoma Coast outfitter will bring you where the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean commingle. 

Along with that glow, you may get to spot local species like harbor seals and herons on your outing as you learn about the area's marine and wild animal ecosystems.  

Book or learn more at watertreks.com.

The U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico is a hotbed for bioluminescent bay activity. 

A trek with Shore Excursions for the El Yunque Rainforest and bioluminescent bay kayaking tour offers an experience that combines the beauty of the rainforest with the surreal tranquility of twinkling waters. 

First, you'll head to El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, where a short hike will lead you to a waterfall pool.

From there, you'll enjoy lunch at a local haunt and then hit the water on a twilight kayaking ride through mangrove channels to Laguna Grande.

Book or learn more at shoreexcursionsgroup.com 

This two-and-a-half-hour Elkhorn Slough river tour weaves you through a National Estuarine Research Reserve during night hours to experience California. 

As the water illuminates, rest assured you'll be comforted by warm gear and hot chocolate that Monterey Bay Kayaks provides.

These tours are offered on select dates every month, so make sure your vacation timing aligns with the company's offerings. 

Book or learn more at montereybaykayaks.com.

For another unique California experience, check out Tomales Bay for a bioluminescent kayaking tour.

The tour is offered on the darkest nights from July to October, and kicks off before nightfall, so you can catch the sunset.

Book or learn more at napavalleypaddle.com. 

Tours can be scheduled any day of the week in March through November, and guests can brace themselves for a one-of-a-kind experience aboard translucent kayaks illuminated by colorful LED lights under the starry Texan sky. 

On your evening trip, guides will lead the way and narrate as you paddle through landmarks, catch glimpses of wildlife and get schooled on local history.

Along with the chance to spot numerous types of fish, crustaceans and birds, in some locations, you might even see a submerged object or two. 

If you're 21 years old or older, you're welcome to bring an alcoholic beverage to sip on during the tour. 

Book or learn more at glowrow.com.

A bit different from kayaking glowing waters, though in the bucolic Canyon Lake, Yak N Sup offers weekly Saturday evening "light up the night" excursions. 

You'll journey to the Boulder Recreation Site, a fish-habitat structure installed in Canyon Lake hosting large bass and other fish species. 

Each kayaker will be given glow necklaces for the adventure, and kayaks and paddleboards are outfitted with LED lights.

Book or learn more at yaknsup.com.