Bioluminescent Bay Locations

It’s a well-known fact that Puerto Rico has three of the five Bioluminescent Bay Locations in the world that hold the right conditions to support a year-round concentration of bioluminescence! These bioluminescent bay locations must support a very critical group of conditions annually in order for bioluminescence to flourish, but many people don’t know that Puerto Rico also has twelve other bioluminescent bay locations that are considered Semi-Annual.

Semi-Annual bioluminescent bay locations are those bodies of water that during certain times of the year develop all the correct conditions to support the bioluminescent organisms known as Dinoflagellates. Due to the short nature of these conditions within these twelve bioluminescent bay locations the bioluminescence may only appear a couple of days, weeks or possibly a month, and then they are gone, thus justifying the term “Semi-Annual”

Bioluminescent bay locations in Puerto Rico that are annual, must harbor the following conditions to support the bioluminescence on annual basis. Bodies of marine water that are surrounded by mangrove forest, saltwater trees, primarily the Red Mangrove which plays a large role in water filtration, marine dinoflagellates thrive in a saltwater environment, so exposure to little or no freshwater, tidal movement via an open channel, inlet or bay that allows for ocean waters to cycle into and out of the bay or lagoon keeping them oxygenated, a composting bottom as found in most estuaries, water clarity that allows for good sunlight penetration. Bioluminescent bay locations in Puerto Rico that exhibit these conditions annually support the glowing waters Puerto Rico is so well known for, such as these annual bioluminescent bay locations:

1). Laguna Grande, Fajardo, Puerto Rico located on the Northeast corner of the island.
Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours LLC.
18°21’48.2″N 65°37’31.9″W, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico

2). Mosquito Bay, Sister Island Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Bahía Bioluminiscente
Puerto Rico

3). La Parguera Bay, Lajas, Southwestern Coast Lajas, Puerto Rico
La Parguera Bay,
near PR-997, Vieques, 00765, Puerto Rico

Note, that all the above bioluminescent bay locations support annual concentrations of bioluminescence, but can vary in their concentrations based on the time of the year, weather patterns and lunar cycle. It’s best to contact a legal outfitter such as Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours LLC. and request updates on the bioluminescent bay locations conditions you are choosing to visit before booking your tour!

By, Michael Grasso 

Michael & Nilsa

President and Office Administrator of Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours LLC. owners and founders are a husband and wife team that for the last 28 years have worked together pushing daily to bring a professional, quality standard to our guests...

Michael & Nilsa Full Bio
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
10 to 24

Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Adventure

Join us for an unforgettable night kayaking experience into the Bioluminescent Bay of Laguna Grande, located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Paddle through waters filled with bioluminescent organisms that light up under the right conditions, creating a magical glow around your kayak. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness one of the world's rarest natural phenomena.

Our experienced guides will lead you through the bay, providing insights into the fascinating ecosystem and the science behind the bioluminescence. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, this tour is designed to be enjoyable for all skill levels. Feel the tranquility of the night as you glide through the water, surrounded by the beauty of the stars and the glowing lagoon.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to explore the natural wonders of Puerto Rico.

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$65
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
10 to 24

Full Moon Kayak Adventure

Our Full Moon Kayak Adventure is the perfect nature adventure under a full moon, and if your stay in Puerto Rico happens to fall during the full moon stage you don’t have to miss out on our Night Kayaking Tours!

Fajardo’s Bioluminescent Bay is best seen on the darkest nights of the lunar cycle, and if your stay in Puerto Rico happens to fall during the full moon stage you don’t have to miss out on our “Puerto Rico Night Kayaking Tour.”

This tour was developed as an alternative to the Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure during the full moon cycle as the reflection of the moonlight on the surface of the lagoon makes it difficult to see the bioluminescent organism. But that same moonlight exposes mangrove forests, eight ecosystems, bird life, second oldest lighthouse in Puerto Rico, iguanas and much more of natures secrets that are normally overlooked on the darkest nights!

Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable adventure, the Full Moon Kayak Adventure promises an unforgettable night on the water. Book your Puerto Rico night kayaking tour today and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Puerto Rico.

The activity will start with guest check in, storing of personal items, botanical insect repellent.

At this point our tour will start, your group will be led across a small fisherman’s harbor to the entrance of Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve here they will enter a mystical channel that leads to a peaceful place where the mangroves create natural tunnels and the sights and sounds of wildlife surround you! After a 25 to 30 minute paddle through the channel, based on traffic and tidal currents your lead guide will be stopping once in the lagoon to give commentary on the following points of interest:

• Mangrove forest and the different species.

• Bird life that inhabits the area.

• Aquatic marine life that uses the lagoon as an estuary.

• Information on the Bioluminescence organism.

• History on the lighthouse.

• Insight on seven of eight ecosystems found in the area.

At this point we will enter the lagoon called Laguna Grande, (large Lagoon) here we will paddle along the edge of the mangrove forest as we watch the stroke of each paddle light up a bioluminescent blue-green/white-green and encounter fish that look like shooting stars as they swim through the thick concentration of “Pyrodinium Bahamense” a species of “Dinoflagellate”, the bioluminescence is best seen on the darkest nights, so during the full moon phases the bioluminescence is less visible or not visible at all.

This will lead the group to our break point where beautiful views of the Rainforest and the lighthouse of Fajardo accompany interpretation of the natural area and good conversations. Now we are about 1 hour into our tour, interpretation of the natural area has ended and our group is now in route to “Bird Island” to view many birds that roust here at night! Once quietly rounding the small island we will start our return to the departure site, this will take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Tour duration is 1:45 – 2:00 hours in water with 45 minutes of pre-ride (kayak – 101) safety training, life vest sizing and fifteen minutes once back on shore for snacks, cold water and closing comments for a total of 3 hours.

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Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 20

Wild & Scenic Rainforest Nature Walk

Join us for a morning adventure into the El Yunque National Forest via Angelito Trail. This nature walk is perfect for all ages, six and above, accompanied by an adult and offers a chance to learn about the diverse species that inhabit this lush environment, local history and culture. Conclude your journey with a refreshing swim in the Las Damas natural pool, weather permitting.

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$60
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 20

Twilight Night Nature Walk

Experience the magic of El Yunque Rainforest as the sun sets on a guided night nature walk. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the El Yunque National Rainforest's flora and fauna in the enchanting twilight. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through this natural wonder, providing insights into the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

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