Bioluminescent Bay Tours

Discover Puerto Rico’s beautiful bio bays

Bio Bay Tour with Transportation from San Juan

Overview

  • Location: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

  • Duration: 2 Hours + 2 Hours Transportation

  • Ages: 7+

  • Cancellation: Full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance; $10 fee applies.

Bring excitement to your vacation with a night kayaking tour in the Bio Bay of Laguna Grande Reserve in Fajardo. The Bio Bay has microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that produce a glowing effect when they are stirred by a paddle.

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop off

  • Guided Night Kayaking Eco-Adventure

  • Live-commentary in English or Spanish by certified tour guides

  • Kayaking lesson for beginners

  • Life jackets (US Coast Guard Approved)

  • Two-person sit-on-top kayaks

  • Wheelchair accessible adaptations

What's not included

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Waterproof cell phone pouches

Highlights

  • An Eco-Adventure – For outdoor enthusiast and nature lovers only.

  • Night Kayaking – Through the mangrove forest of Laguna Grande Reserve.

  • Chance to paddle through the glow of bioluminescent water.

Tour Location

Bio Bay Kayak Tour (No Transportation)

Overview

  • Location: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Ages: 6+

  • Cancellation: 48 hours notice required for full refund; no-shows incur full charge.

Embark on a magical two-hour nighttime kayak tour through Fajardo's Bio Bay, one of the few bioluminescent lagoons in the world. Paddle through a mangrove channel in the Laguna Grande Nature Reserve and witness the glow of bioluminescent waters under a starry sky. Led by expert guides, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Puerto Rico’s unique ecosystems.

What's included

  • Kayak, paddles, and life jacket

  • Pre-tour safety training

  • Low-intensity navigation lights

  • Bug repellent and snacks (water and granola bars)

  • Eco-interpretive guide

What's not included

  • Gratuities

  • Transportation

Itinerary

  • Check-in & Pre-Tour Training: Meet at Las Croabas, Fajardo for a brief check-in and kayaking safety instructions.

  • Entering the Bio Bay: Paddle through a red mangrove channel into Laguna Grande.

  • Bioluminescence: Marvel at the glowing waters as you explore the Bio Bay at night.

  • Stargazing: Learn about constellations while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

  • Return: Paddle back through the mangroves guided by kayak navigation lights.

Highlights

  • Paddle through one of the few bioluminescent bays in the world

  • Witness the glowing waters of Fajardo’s Bio Bay

  • Stargazing in a serene natural environment

  • Eco-friendly, guided experience in Puerto Rico’s protected mangrove ecosystem

Tour Location

Explore the Bio Bays of Puerto Rico

Tour reviews

 FAQs

  • If you click “book now” on the tour of your choice, and start the booking process you will be able to see how many spots are available on each tour. If there is limited availability, the number of spots left will appear after you select your preferred date.

  • Most bio bay tours last between 1.5 to 2 hours. That includes time paddling out, exploring the lagoon, and learning about the glow. You’ll usually be on the water for about an hour, depending on weather and group size.

  • Yes boat tours are only available out of La Parguera. Click here to book your boat tour.

  • Yes, for the Fajardo Bio Bay Tour, the weight limit is 200 lbs. The Bioluminescent Bay with Transportation from San Juan tour has a weight limit of 290 lbs.

  • Yes, click here to learn more and book a Vieques bio bay tour.

  • Cancellation policies vary from tour to tour. Click “Book now” of the tour you’re interested in and scroll to the bottom to see the cancellation policy for that particular tour.

  • Bio bays are visible year round in Puerto Rico, but the best time to see their glow is during the dry season (December - March) on a moonless or cloudy night.

Experience the Magic of Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bays

Puerto Rico is fortunate enough to be home to three of the five bioluminescent bays found in the world; There is Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas, and Mosquito Bay in Vieques.

Puerto Rico’s bio bays are easily some of the most popular and awe-inspiring destinations on the island. Don’t miss an opportunity to kayak at night and watch the water illuminate in shades of blue, green, and white.

Want to know what makes the water in Puerto Rico’s bio bays sparkle and glow? The bays are populated by millions of microorganisms called dinoflagellates who make their food by photosynthesis, which is the source of this spectacular glow. A little agitation of the water - whether it be by a kayak’s paddle or you hand, and the water lights up with this amazing microorganisms.

If you’re wondering when the best time to see the Bio Bays we’ll help you time your visit accordingly

Regardless of which of the three bays you choose, you won’t forget this amazing experience.