Why is Cocoa Beach water blue?

This natural phenomenon is caused by glowing algae, or dinoflagellates, which light up the waterways with their high salt content. Cocoa Beach is just minutes away from Kiwanis Park, where you can embark on a clear kayak bioluminescence tour. This tour is one of the most popular nighttime events in Cocoa Beach.



Cocoa Beach water often appears more of a greenish-brown or murky teal rather than the crystal-clear "Caribbean blue" found further south in Florida. This is primarily due to its proximity to the Canaveral Bight and the composition of the sea floor. The sand at Cocoa Beach is extremely fine and silty; when the Atlantic surf hits the shore, these fine particles are easily agitated and remain suspended in the water for long periods, creating a "cloudy" appearance. Additionally, Cocoa Beach is situated further from the Gulf Stream, a powerful current of warm, clear blue water that hugs the coast more tightly near places like Miami and West Palm Beach. Because the Gulf Stream is further offshore at Cocoa Beach, the near-shore water is influenced more by local runoff and nutrient-rich sediments. During periods of very calm weather and offshore winds, the sediment settles and the water can appear a much clearer blue, but the typical "surfer's paradise" waves usually keep the water in its signature stirred-up, emerald-tinted state.

People Also Ask

This beach town is known for its clear blue waters, white sand, long coastline, tons of water activities, and exciting tourist attractions.

MORE DETAILS

We humans can witness this natural phenomenon when there is lots of bioluminescence in the water, usually from an algae bloom of plankton. The bioluminescent sea will glow when it's disturbed by a wave breaking or a splash in the water at night. Algae bloom sea sparkle events are caused by calm and warm sea conditions.

MORE DETAILS

Bioluminescent algae can have severe effects on human health and should not be touched. Do not swim in waters containing algal blooms, no matter how beautiful they are. Direct contact could lead to skin infections or even death.

MORE DETAILS

At this time, there is a potential health risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended. The Brevard County Health Department (DOH-Brevard) has been conducting saltwater beach water quality monitoring at Cocoa Beach Pier once every two weeks, through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

MORE DETAILS

Yes there are, but they aren't fully grown. The waters of the Mosquito Bay are used as a sanctuary for fish. Sharks usually lay their eggs in the bay and leave for deeper waters. Just be cautious and listen to the tour guides.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. The northernmost section right next to the undeveloped land can be sectioned off for nude sunbathing. There's a large windscreen between that area and the main section of Coco Beach. If you don't see it, ask the beachboy to set it up.

MORE DETAILS

The Weddell Sea has been claimed by scientists to have the clearest waters of any ocean in the world. Described by a historian as “the most wretched and dismal region on earth”, due to the flash freezes that caught Shackleton's ship, its clarity is only belied by the sheer depth of the ocean below.

MORE DETAILS