clear bottom kayak bioluminescence tour vieques

8 Best Bioluminescent Kayak Tours In Mosquito Bay, Vieques (2024)

• Mosquito Bay
• Bioluminescence Tours

Vieques is an island in Puerto Rico that is home to a bio bay.

This bio bay is called “ Mosquito Bay “, and you can experience it by taking a night kayak tour.

I lived in Vieques for 4 years, and I’ve seen the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay many times.

In this article, I will cover the 8 best bioluminescence tours in Mosquito Bay:

1. Glass bottom kayak tour

Exploring Mosquito Bay in Vieques on a glass-bottom kayak tour is an unforgettable experience.

This tour combines the excitement of kayaking with the experience of viewing the bioluminescent organisms in the water below while you paddle through the bioluminescent waters.

With a glass bottom kayak, you can see the bioluminescence more clearly without disturbing the organisms. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Dayna Davidson Collins (@daynalovesart)

Get ready to be surprised when you are surrounded by the magical glow of the bioluminescent water. 

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Mosquito Bay’s bio bay in a unique and eco-friendly way. 

Experienced guides will provide information about the organisms that create the bioluminescence and will ensure your safety throughout the tour, and give you a backstory about the constellations above. 

Check out the video of glass bottom kayaking below:

A glass-bottom kayak tour of Mosquito Bay is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Vieques, you can book with Taino Aqua Adventures .

You will want to understand the logistics of reaching Vieques from the main island of Puerto Rico, so check out our article How To Get To Vieques From San Juan for all the details.

2. Group kayaking tour

It’s a once in a lifetime experience to paddle through the water with a group of other people and see all the glowing organisms lighting up the bay. 

And don’t worry, it will be dark but you’re in good hands with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the area. 

You’ll get the chance to learn about the science behind bioluminescence and how important it is to the ecosystem.

The mangroves that surround the bay are one of the reasons why this is the brightest bio bay in the world; the roots of the mangroves protect the organisms, creating a nursery for them that keeps them safe from predators.

Learn more about Mosquito Bay in the video below:

Taking a nighttime kayak tour is one of the most amazing things you can do on Vieques, and you can book with Black Beard Sports . 

If you are looking for more ideas, check out our article covering the 30 Best Things To Do On Vieques .

3. Borikua Tours

If you prefer not to kayak through the bio bay at night, this tour is ideal for you. 

You’ll be taken on an electric boat that will cruise around the brightest spots of the bay, giving you a comfortable view of the bioluminescence.

You can leave your phone and other important items worry-free as this tour ensures they will stay dry.

Please be aware that this tour requires a minimum of four people, including your group, to be booked for it to take place.

Book this tour by contacting Borikua Tours and if you want to experience Vieques and other surrounding islands by catamaran, check out our guide to the 10 Best Catamaran Tours In Puerto Rico .

4. Island Adventures Bio Bay Tour

Island Adventures is a small eco-tour company that offers an educational experience to its guests about the bio bay.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vieques – Ready When You Are (@discovervieques)

Despite being a common misunderstanding, the primary factor that affects the visibility of bioluminescence is not the moon phase. Instead, it is the moon rise and set times that play the most important role in determining the visibility of the glow. 

While many people believe that the phase of the moon is the crucial factor, this is not usually the case.

Understanding this distinction can be crucial for those planning to witness bioluminescence, as it enables them to time their visit more accurately and increase their chances of seeing the stunning natural phenomenon in all its glory.

Read all about it in our article discussing When Is The Best Time To See The Bio Bay ?

You can learn more about booking with Island Adventures Bio Bay Tour on their Facebook page.

5. Wai Vie Bio Bay Tours

Vieques is well known for having beautiful, secluded beaches.

If you asked me, I would tell you that beach hopping, snorkeling, and bio bay are the top things to do on the island.

Wai Vie Bio Bay Tours offers different tour options where you can visit beaches during the day and explore the bio bay at night. 

Check out options on Wai Vie or dive in to our guide to the 17 Best Beaches On Vieques , including the famous Black Sand Beach.

6. Melaya’s Tours

Melaya’s Tours recommends bringing a bathing suit, towel and water shoes and sandals that can get wet.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by AVIAN COFFEE (@aviancoffee)

These kayak tours are suitable for individuals under 250 lbs.

This tour meets on the boardwalk in Esperanza, providing an easy to access option if you are staying on the south side of the island.

Check out Malayas Tours , and to make sure you get the most out of your stay on Vieques, read our guide on Where To Stay In Vieques – 12 Best Places And Areas .

7. Fun Brothers

Fun Brothers have been on Vieques since the early 2000’s.

In addition to their bio bay tours, they also offer scooter rentals if you are looking to take an excursion around the island.

Vieques is well known for having tons of free roaming horses, which could make for a great adventure as well.

Book a bio bay tour with Fun Brothers or learn more about the different tour options outside of the bay (like horseback riding!)  in our article featuring the 13 Best Tours In Vieques .

8. Bieque Eco Trips

You can rest assured knowing that all tour operators from Bieque Eco Trips have gone through safety training procedures before they take you into the water at night on your kayak to witness the beauty of the bio bay.

Before your trip to the bay, your guide will explain to you exactly what you need to do to remain safe while your tour is underway.

Vieques is known for being a very safe place to visit and so is the bio bay.

Book your tour with Bieke Eco Trips or for more detailed information, check out our article Is Vieques Safe For Tourists ?

FAQ section:

Do you need a tour for mosquito bay.

Yes. The government regulates the tour companies that operate in the bay to help conserve this natural phenomenon. There is no access to the bay without a guided tour.

How do you get to Mosquito Bay?

From San Juan, you will need to drive about one and a half hours to Ceiba, where you can take a ferry to Vieques. Once you arrive on Vieques, you will take a public bus or taxi to the town of Esperanza, which is where most of the bio bay tour companies meet with their guests for the tour.

Final thoughts

Mosquito Bay is a unique experience, but it’s very hard to get to.

I recommend that you go to Laguna Grande Bio Bay in Fajardo instead, since it’s located only an hour from San Juan.

If you want to learn more about Puerto Rico’s Bio Bays, then check out my article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know .

Additionally, if you want to learn when the best time is to visit a bio bay in Puerto Rico, then check out my other article When Is The Best Time To See Bioluminescence In Puerto Rico .

Brittany Ashford

Writer at PuertoRico.com. After living in Puerto Rico for seven years, I opened a guesthouse in Rincón and welcomed over 400 guests to the island from around the world. When I’m not writing about travel or spending time with my dog, I’m working towards becoming a pilot with dreams of flying around the islands.

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VIEQUES KAYAKS BIO BAY

787-905-6782

BIO BAY TRIPS

Vieques Kayaks offers guided bio bay trips in clear bottom kayaks to Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The bio bay in Vieques is known as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!

In order to participate in our tour, an overnight stay on Vieques is required . Vieques is a separate island off of the main island of Puerto Rico. You will need to take a plane or ferry (ferry schedule can be found at www.puertoricoferry.com) from the main island of Puerto Rico to reach Vieques, and you will need to arrange separate ground transportation because you will not be able to bring a rental car on the ferry with you. If you contact us, we are happy to provide a list of rental agencies or a list of taxi and publico drivers who may be able to assist you with ground transportation. Because we only offer tours at night so that our clients can experience the glow of the bay, even if you take our earliest tour, you will not be back to our meeting point (on the south side of the island) with enough time to get on a ferry or a plane back to the main island on the same day .

Our Bio Bay trips are at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm most days of the year, except the three days each month surrounding the full moon. The trip is two hours roundtrip from the meeting point, so you’ll be with us for two hours, and on the bay for about an hour and a half, weather and conditions permitting. We meet for the trips at 277 Calle Flamboyan in Esperanza, in the lot directly across from Rainbow Realty. Esperanza is located on the south side of the island of Vieques. All trips are in clear bottom kayaks. Each kayak seats two people. We provide life jackets and paddles for each guest.

Click here to book your trip today, or call 787-905-6782. Please note that if you are trying to book a trip within 24 hours of departure, you may get an error trying to book online. Please give us a call, because we may still be able to accommodate your trip!

Taino Aqua Adventures

Review Highlights

“ The experience of bioluminescence is something else in such a kayak, like watching stars under the boat. ” in 13 reviews

“ The clear bottom boats, great price ($50 per person cash), awesome tour guide ( Carlitos ) and the ease of transaction. ” in 10 reviews

“ Kevin gave us a great overview and then we had a nice Q&A session out on the kayaks about the phenomenon. ” in 16 reviews

Location & Hours

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Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

Serving Vieques Area

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About the business.

Business owner information

Alejandro R.

Business Owner

Come join us in Vieques Puerto Rico the island you have always dreamed about... we offer Bio Bay Trips on full CLEAR transparent kayaks and Snorkeling Trips in our beautiful crystal clear waters were you get to see the amazing beauty and colors of our corals. With dozens of undeveloped, virgin beaches, Vieques is a major vacation destination for Puerto Ricans, Americans, and international travelers. Whether you are newlyweds, backpackers, or just on an adventure with family or friends, Vieques is sure to provide an unforgettable vacation that will have you coming back for more. Like drifting through the Milky Way, the Bioluminescence bay will shine as bright as a bed of diamonds while you make your way through what should be known as the eight natural wonder of the world. …

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Overall rating

106 reviews

We had a great time on our trip to the Bio Bay! It was partly cloudy, and the view of the dinoflagellates was amazing! After a short bus ride, we arrived at the bay, and headed out in completely clear kayaks. Since the kayaks were entirely clear, we had an unbeatable view of the dinoflagellates below, and all around us. Traveling along the bay in a clear kayak made it look like we were traveling at warp speed among the stars. Our guide, Kevin was funny, informative, and added a lot to an unforgettable experience. Our group asked a lot of questions, and he was able to answer everything from Taino history, to ecology, to astronomy. I would recommend Taino Aqua Adventures to anyone spending any amount of time in Vieques!

We had a blast seeing the bioluminescent bay with Taino adventures. Our group was just the right size, 7 boats with 14 people, where we could hear our tour guide. Ezekiel was knowledge and funny (gotta follow the Barbie light!) and let us have time to explore the bay on our own. We were given clear instructions on when and where to meet, and the bay was only ~15 minutes shuttle ride from the meet up location. Be aware: the mud surrounding the bay is very smelly so don't wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. However, Taino provided water to wash your feet off with at the end so bringing a towel is helpful but not entirely needed.

My husband and I had such a fun, magical time on this tour with Taino Aqua Adventures. Of all the companies to choose from, I went with them because the heritage seems so much invested in Puerto Rico and the indigenous community... and I'm so glad I made this choice! Our guides were all folks who grew up in Vieques, and knew the history of the island of the bay well. It was an amazing experience to see the bioluminsence in their clear kayaks (which were well maintained, so they ACTUALLY were see-through, not foggy) while learning about how this magical space came to be.

Before you book this tour with them, make sure yourself that go to check the reviews with 1-2 stars that make lots of sense for you to understand their service. I went to bio bay tour on 15th April 2024 with this company, I would say I am far away from satisfaction. Long story short, their service does not show a fair and considerate decision making process. Because of this, I didn't see what other people see from my same group on that night. I won't recommend Taino if you go alone or doesn't speak Spanish, cost that 70 USD is not worthy, just go with a normal kayak, not the transparent one, you would see the same and get an even better experience, because the most important thing is the company's culture, attitude for clients and the SERVICE!

Amazing adventure! We'd highly recommend this to anyone. One caveat, though. There are about 10 minutes of VERY rough driving to get to and from the bay. This is done on a bus and if you have any type of neck/back problems, this could be a problem. Other than that, this was so so cool.

What an incredible experience! Our guide was very fun yet also very educational. They made sure we were given any assistance needed in and out of the boat. The biobay is truly a magical experience! Highly recommend

This was a really cool experience. Very little light pollution so you get a great view of the stars above. The bioluminescent bay sparkles below. After the tour guide talked about the bay and the stars they allowed some time to kayak a little ways off on our own to take it all in by ourselves. It was pretty great.

The bioluminescent bay tour at night is a "must-do" activity on the island of Vieques. The Taino Aqua Adventures tours use a glass-bottom kayak, which is essential to appreciate the dinoflagellates (marine plankton) which give off a bluish-green light at night when agitated in Mosquito Bay. The effect is mesmerizing (almost like seeing a thousand fireflies in the water). I think early residents used to call this a "ghost bay" because when you place your oars or hands in the water while moving at high speed, you'll see an eerie bluish-green glow. If you arrive within 5 days of a new moon (when there's only a tiny crescent shape), the viewing is better. We took the 9pm tour which starts in downtown Esperanza near the El Blok hotel entrance (just across the street). It's a large group (perhaps 20 people) who get assigned to kayaks (2 per person). After a 15-20 minute ride (in which the last 5 minutes are extremely bumpy on a dirt road), you'll arrive at the edge of Mosquito Bay with the soil emitting a sulfuric smell. You then remove your shoes and bags (and place them in a container). The reason for going barefoot is that you'll walk through a very muddy section before entering the kayak. Shoes will get ruined if you bring them. On the kayak tour itself, you'll be amazed by the water - but also will have a chance to enjoy the stars and constellations which your guide will point out. I was not super impressed with our guide - he seemed to be "going through the motions" based on a memorized script, but our bus driver was fun and hilarious (great sense of humor!). Be sure to fill out your waiver form before arriving. If you have young children, make sure they are securely seated and still during the last 5 minutes of the bus ride (which is VERY bumpy).

We have traveled to more than 25 countries and this bioluminescent bay was among the top experiences for me. Truly magical. The guides were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend them and the clear kayaks are a must for this experience.

Very well organized tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and had a great sense of humor. We had a wonderful experience.

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The Pirate Bio Bay Tours 

787-436-6082

Vieques Puerto Rico

Locally owned and operated tour guide company.

We know Vieques better!

Allow us to introduce you to the magical sight of our bioluminescent bay in our clear kayaks, and with our knowledgable and fun tour guides 

A once in a lifetime  experience

Vieques has the brightest bio bay in the world! Our clear kayaks make your time in the bay just magical. 

We limit our tours, which makes it more open for conversation and enjoyment.

Bio Bay Kayak Tour

Experience our nighttime  Bioluminescent Bay tour in our clear kayaks, with our educational and super fun guides.

Surround yourself with the magic!

to book your chosen date and time for the Bio Bay Tour, click the link below

Snorkel tour.

Guided Snorkel Tours to the best spots in  Vieques . Imagine  the possibility of marking that

"swim with  turtles" off of your bucket list! 

for more information on our Snorkel Tours, click the link below, or contact us at 787-671-3862

[email protected]

- Light clothing (swimsuits, shorts or any clothing you     will be ok to get wet on)

-  Eco-friendly Mosquito repellent (DEET FREE)   ​

​​​​​​​​​ Paddle through the brightest Bio Bay in the world on a  Full Two Person Transparent Kayak. Energetic local tour guides will take you on experience that you will not want to miss. Seeing and learning about the true beauty of nature and how these little organisms can brighten up your smile as millions of phytoplankton glow around you and beneath you. This is for sure the best part of Vieques and a truly unforgettable experience.                                   ​                                               NOTE: **You will Need to stay over night in Vieques Island in order to take the tour there is no way to leave the island after the tour is over** 

​   Starting November 1 st  we will Meet across the street from El Blok Hotel by the sign that says "VIEQUES"   { For   Now until october 31  we meet by the entrance of the lobby of El Blok hotel  }        

WHAT TO BRING

    Full 2 person Transparent Kayak  

   Approximately 1 hour 45 min Bio Bay    Tour  

​​ Bioluminescent 

Bay  tour, what''s included.

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• About this activity

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

• Free cancellation available
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• Instant confirmation
• Multiple languages

Vieques Kayaks Bio Bay excursions are guided in clear and semi clear bottom kayaks through the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay, located on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Mosquito Bay is the brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the world! To do our tour aware that Vieques is an island apart from Puerto Rico so you will need to take a ferry from Ceiba or a plane from San Juan or Ceiba and stay overnight at the island. Our excursions depart nightly at 7pm and 9pm. We do not operate during full moon. Book now to paddle the GLOW with Vieques Kayaks Bio Bay excursions, where the Bio Bay is the star!

Activity location

• 277 Calle Flamboyan
• 00765, Vieques, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Sun, Apr 21 -
• Mon, Apr 22 -
• Tue, Apr 23 -
• Wed, Apr 24 -
• Thu, Apr 25 $60
• Fri, Apr 26 -
• Sat, Apr 27 $60
• Sun, Apr 28 $60
• Mon, Apr 29 $60
• Tue, Apr 30 $60
• Wed, May 1 $60
• Thu, May 2 $60
• Fri, May 3 $60
• Sat, May 4 $60
• Sun, May 5 $60
• Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes 1h 30m 1h 30m

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Round trip transportation from the meeting point to the Bio Bay entrance
• What's included What's included Guide
• What's included What's included Paddle and Life Jacket

Know before you book

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Bioluminescent mosquito bay.

• Admission ticket included

Best Deals on Things to Do

Top experiences in vieques.

[email protected]

(787) 644-7112

Hours of Operation Monday — Sunday, 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 p.m.

Biobay Tour

«Bienvenidos» to a unique and rare Bioluminescent Experience, an adventure not to be missed while on Vieques Island! Join this fully guided night trip into one of the most amazing natural phenomena of the world with our tandem  CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAK ! This pristine ecosystem teems with astonishing marine life, inhabiting a secluded bay protected by mangrove forests. You will meet our glowing friends, the Pyrodinium Bahamense, a microscopic plankton capable of producing natural light at the touch of your hand!

Once-in-a-Lifetime Bioluminescent Experience!

At the prescribed time, we meet  on the dirt parking lot close to the fisherman dock in Esperanza on road 996  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Amf77vT9JNxa91gAA .  Your Eco interpretive guides call the group of kayakers together for a briefing session covering basic kayak handling, rules of the road and the importance of keeping to a minimum any disturbance of the pristine environment of the bioluminescent bay.

Explore these amazing organisms up close in our smaller group excursions led by knowledgeable interpretive guides. Learn how this fragile and unique ecosystem maintains a perfect balance of life, and what we all can do to protect and preserve such a special place on planet earth!

Our 2-hour and 15 minutes approximately guided bio bay  CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAK  excursion (including check in-time) includes interesting interpretations about the reserve fragile ecological system, star constellations, and a fascinating encounter with millions of bioluminescent organisms. As you glide along in your kayak, experiencing this unusual nighttime phenomenon and seeing how fish light up their path like shooting stars in the water, you might get the feeling that the dark Caribbean sky is getting jealous of the glowing water below as it tries to catch up with shooting stars and impressive constellations!

JAK Water Sports, beyond doubt, can provide you with the best interpretative kayak trip in the Puerto Mosquito bioluminescent bay. Go -«ECO»- explore, conserve, observe with JAK Water Sports and learn with our professional staff about the unique ecosystems, splendid constellations and glowing waters! The adventure to Puerto Mosquito can only be described as magical, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Let your Adventure Begin!

Reservations

For reservation, please Call us at (787) 644-7112 to check on availability and trip times, we love to talk directly with the clients.  We don’t do booking thru TripAdvisor, VIATOR or Third- Party Site.

Please be prepared with the following information:

• Number of people in your group, email address 
•   Please keep in mind that you need to stay overnight in Vieques if you plan to see our Bioluminescent Bay. 
• We accept Visa, MasterCard or Discover Note: Valid credit card info required to make reservations and to guarantee the reservation and spaces.    SPACES WILL NOT BE RESERVE WITHOUT CREDIT CARD. 
• We will gladly send an email confirmation of your reservation with directions. If you plan to pay with a credit card, for our mutual security, the physical card must be presented at time of check-in.  See below for our policy and cancellations. 

Weather Conditions and Your Trip

The tour is not cancelled on rainy days; it is still safe and the water is still glowing under the rain. JAK Water Sports and Rental reserves the right to cancel or reroute any tour due to acts of nature or unforeseen circumstances that would hinder our ability to safely run a trip. If we are unable to provide you with another trip, any money paid will be fully refunded. We make all the determinations about weather cancellations however, so please don’t make the mistake of deciding you’re not going to come because you think the weather might not be acceptable, as you will be charged if the trip goes out. If you ever have a question about weather conditions, please call us prior to 10 AM on your day of trip to be sure.

Things to Know

• Check-in and meeting place: We meet on the dirt parking lot close to the fisherman dock in Esperanza on road 996   https://maps.app.goo.gl/SCtSEazKoju3xN6w9 .  
• Insect repellent, optional: Please select a Deet-free kind to minimize bay contamination.
• Suggested clothing: long sleeve top (the bay gets chilly on certain month of the year), shorts, flip-flops, Crocs, clothes that can get wet.
• Please leave large bags at your lodgings as there is not storage on the kayaks or the meeting place. 
• Please keep in mind that you need to stay overnight in  Vieques if  you plan to see our Biobay.  Vieques Island is a separate island from the main island of Puerto Rico.  You must take a ferry  www.puertoricoferry.com   or a plane to get here.  
• Our kayaks have a combined weight limit of 385 lbs.  If you need special accommodations, please inform us at the time of your booking so that we can provide them.
• First timer’s kayakers are welcome. Most of our clients are first time kayakers, so we provide you with a briefing about how to kayak prior the excursion  
•   In compliance with DRNA regulations, there are no tours of the biobay in Vieques the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, and the day after the full moon each month.  

Cancellation Policy

• Credit card number is to  be held  and to guarantee  the reservation  but is not charged in advance of the tour  and are only run if participants don’t comply with our cancellation policy:
• Reservations canceled after 10:00 AM, day of trip.
• Failure to show or missed departure time.
• Spaces reserved but not used by the party at the last minute are considered a last-minute cancellation and will be charged the regular rate and the full amount.
• To avoid cancellation fees, you must call before 10:00 AM of the day of your scheduled trip.
• For groups of 7 or more will  have 48 hrs. before the date of your tour to cancel to avoid cancelation fee.   If you don’t comply with the cancelation policy the credit card will be charged full price of the tour and will NOT receive a refund due to our limited spaces.   We charge all large groups 48 hrs. before the day of your tour.
• Reservations booked the day of the tour are non-refundable.
• It is the client’s responsibility to arrive to Vieques island on time for their reserved activities or Biobay tours. Travel delays to Vieques do not constitute a reason for refunds. 

Please keep in mind that this tour takes place in a natural environment and that the bioluminescent phenomenon, although rare, can be seen year-round. All natural ecosystems are dynamic and their conditions can vary. Puerto Mosquito is known as a bright and stable bioluminescent bay, but the intensity of the glow may fluctuate due natural changes beyond our control. The intensity of brightness is unpredictable and can vary. Most important – the glow is always there!  ENJOY THE SHOW!  

Safety and Physical Condition Restrictions

For safety and health reasons, those under the following conditions are not allowed to participate in kayaking excursions with JAK Water Sports.

• children under 4 years of age
• pregnant women 6 months or more
• those who have epilepsy, back problems, heart conditions, dizziness, recent surgery
• any other condition that may put life (yours, our guides, or other guests) at risk

Please help us make this a pleasant experience for all!

Water sports, especially those involving motorboats, offer a thrilling combination of speed and adrenaline.

BiOBAY TOUR

ADVENTURE TOURS

Call us today to make a reservation.

• Most Popular!

Biobay Tour

Quick Details

• Info Important Note: Guests must stay overnight in Vieques to see the biobay

Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Users Ages: All ages welcome!

Key Hole Recommended Experience Level: All levels

Clock Start Time:  6:00 pm AST | 7:00 pm AST | 8:00 pm AST | 9:00 pm AST

Clock Meeting time: 10 minutes prior to start time.

We meet across from Rainbow Realty (278 Calle Flamboyan, near the Green Store)

Explore the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

The biobay in Vieques is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!

Discover the beauty and science of bioluminescence as you paddle through the bay and learn about the life of Pyrodinium Bahamense, the single-celled organism responsible for this incredible glow.

We meet in Esperanza across from Rainbow Realty. Here’s a map with our meeting location for your reference:

We then drive you to the bay and provide you with kayak, paddle, vest, and instruction. After a short paddle, we give you a very informative session explaining the bioluminescent bay’s unique ecology and the science behind the bright glow.

When the night is dark, and the stars are out, it is time to see the magic! Watch falling stars and witness Vieques’ bioluminescent bay shine like an aqua blue glowing cloud in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The biobay must be seen to be believed!

• Come enjoy a kayak tour of the beautiful bioluminescent bay
• We provide kayaks, paddles, and life vests
• Total weight limit per kayak is 450 pounds
• Minimum age to participate: one

If we can’t accommodate you online, feel free to reach out to our main office. We may still be able to place you on a tour.

Important Note

In compliance with DRNA regulations, there are no tours of the biobay in Vieques the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, and the day after the full moon each month.

Please click below to help plan your biobay tour dates.

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Take a paddle around a mangrove forest, kayak to a completely remote beach and snorkel from the shore, then head into the Caribbean Sea and paddle near sea caves on this four-hour elite journey.

Vieques Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure

Vieques, a beautiful island located off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, boasts one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders – the bioluminescent bay. This bay is home to millions of tiny dinoflagellates that emit a bright blue-green light when disturbed. The result is a stunning display of glowing water that is truly magical to behold.

One of the best ways to experience this natural wonder is by taking a kayak tour of the bay. Kayaking through the bioluminescent water is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with this beautiful natural phenomenon. The clear-bottom kayaks used by tour operators provide an unobstructed view of the glowing water below, making it easy to see the dinoflagellates as they light up the bay.

There are several tour operators on the island that offer guided kayak tours of the bioluminescent bay. These tours typically take place at night, when the dinoflagellates are most active. Visitors can expect to paddle through the glowing water for about an hour, during which time they will learn about the biology and ecology of the bay from their knowledgeable guides. Overall, a kayak tour of the Vieques bioluminescent bay is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Puerto Rico.

Planning Your Trip to Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

Getting to Vieques

To get to Vieques, visitors can take a ferry from Ceiba or fly from San Juan. The ferry ride takes about an hour and costs around $2.50 per person each way. Visitors should arrive at the ferry terminal early to ensure they get a spot on the ferry, as it can fill up quickly. Alternatively, visitors can fly from San Juan to Vieques, which takes about 25 minutes and costs around $100 per person each way.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Vieques Bioluminescent Bay is during a new moon phase, as this is when the bioluminescence is most visible. Visitors can check an interactive moon phase calendar to plan their trip accordingly. It is also important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip, as kayaking tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

What to Bring

Visitors should bring appropriate equipment for their kayaking tour, including a paddle and life jacket, which are typically provided by the tour company. It is also recommended to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be present in the area. Visitors should also bring a waterproof camera to capture the bioluminescence. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather, as it can get chilly on the water at night. Visitors should also bring snacks and water, as there are no concessions available on the tour.

Overall, visitors to Vieques Bioluminescent Bay should plan ahead to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. By arriving early for the ferry, checking the moon phase and weather forecast, and bringing appropriate equipment and supplies, visitors can have a memorable and magical experience kayaking in the bioluminescent waters.

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tours

Choosing Your Tour

When choosing a bioluminescent bay kayak tour in Vieques, it’s essential to consider the reputation and experience of the tour company. Look for tour guides who are knowledgeable about the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence and the local ecosystem. Reading detailed reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor can provide valuable insights into the quality of the tours offered.

What to Expect

Embarking on a bioluminescent bay kayak tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing glowing waters created by dinoflagellates. As the kayak glides through the dark waters, visitors can marvel at the stunning natural light show, often likened to a starry night or constellations beneath the surface. The experience is truly magical and unforgettable, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Booking and Preparation

Before booking a bioluminescent bay kayak tour, it’s advisable to confirm the tour details, including the duration, start time, and meeting location. Tour companies often offer online booking options through platforms like Viator, providing a convenient way to secure a spot. Visitors should also prepare for the tour by wearing comfortable clothing suitable for kayaking and bringing essentials such as water, insect repellent, and a sense of wonder to fully enjoy this enchanting experience.

Kayaking in Mosquito Bay

Kayaking in Mosquito Bay is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to witness the bioluminescence phenomenon up close. Here are some tips and guidelines to make the most out of your kayak tour.

Kayaking Tips

Mosquito Bay is known for its clear bottom kayaks that allow visitors to see the glowing organisms beneath the water. These kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Paddling at a steady pace will help you see more of the bioluminescence, so take your time and enjoy the view.

It’s important to note that the bioluminescence is best seen on dark nights with little to no moonlight. The tour operators usually provide life jackets, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own if you have one. Additionally, wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that can get wet is recommended.

Safety and Guidelines

While kayaking in Mosquito Bay is a fun and unique experience, it’s important to follow some safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. The tour operators will provide a safety briefing before the tour, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Always wear a life jacket and make sure it fits properly.
• Stay with the group and follow the guide’s instructions.
• Avoid touching the water or disturbing the organisms that produce the bioluminescence.
• Keep the kayak clean and free of any debris to maintain the cleanliness of the bay.

By following these tips and guidelines, kayaking in Mosquito Bay will be a memorable and safe experience for all.

Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip From Vieques - With Reviews & Ratings

• Vieques Tours
• Water Sports
• Kayaking & Canoeing

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip From Vieques

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Return Details : Please use the following link to review and sign your safety waiver to participate in the tour: https://na4.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=449f18ec-b782-4513-a7d8-1ddbd7be9f9a&.. read more
• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Know More about this tour

This excursion is located on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. In order to participate in our tour, an overnight stay on Vieques is required. Vieques is a separate island off of the main island of Puerto Rico. You will need to take a plane or ferry from the main island of Puerto Rico to reach Vieques, and you will need to arrange separate ground transportation because you will not be able to bring a rental car on the ferry with you. Because we only offer tours at night so that our clients can experience the glow of the bay, even if you take our earliest tour, you will not be back to our meeting point with enough time to get on a ferry or a plane back to the main island on the same day. Our guides will meet you in Esperanza directly across from Rainbow Realty (278 Calle Flamboyan). Roundtrip from the meeting point, the excursion is 2 hours, time on the bay about 1.5 hours, weather permitting. We provide transportation from the meeting point to the Bio Bay entrance and back.

• Round trip transportation from the meeting point to the Bio Bay entrance
• Paddle and Life Jacket

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Private & Custom Tours
• What to do in Vieques
• Best time of year to visit Vieques
• How to reach Vieques
• Restaurants in Vieques
• City Map of Vieques
• Vieques Itineraries
• Vieques Hotels
• Itinerary Planner

Traveler Reviews

Our guide, Lulu, was absolutely fantastic. She had great information about the bio bay, and was so friendly. Because of the odd number, my (minor) daughter went with her, and she talked and talked after the tour about all the extra things Lulu had told her about. One thing I've never seen reviews mention is how incredible the sky is out there because there's so little light pollution in the island. That was almost as beautiful as the bay.

This was the very best thing we did on our trip. Bucket list worthy! Highly recommend! Our guides were knowledgeable and professional.

We loved our tour. You could tell our guides were passionate about the uniqueness of the bio bay and the stories from the past. We also enjoyed the star gazing. Would highly recommend!

Absolutely wonderful experience- guides were kind, informative, funny and gave us a once in a life time experience. The bioluminescent bay was better than anything I could have imagined. Very easy to find the group for pickup, efficient check in process and got us out on the water right away! Highly recommend!!

We had a great kayaking tour with Rocket and Chris. They were extremely knowledgeable, funny, and helpful. Highly recommend this tour!

We LOVED this excursion. We had great communications before and during the excursion. Rocket and Chris were the best. They were knowledgeable and friendly. It was very organized but laid back. We saw some amazing sights including a flying fish that flowed across the water. We highly recommend this tour.

Wow… that was a one of a kind experience. If you are expecting a stateside kind of Disney packaged excursion this is probably not for you. This is island life. Island people. It’s noisy at times, wild, infrastructure is questionable, and alcohol flows freely. But that’s a part of the whole experience. The road getting to mosquito bay was so bumpy I knocked my head into my wife’s a few times riding in the back of the school bus. Yes, we took the short bus to get there. Our guides were young and vigorous, but laid back and chill. Again…island people. Great Music was pouring from the blue tooth speaker on our 10 min dog fight through potholes and craters. Once we arrived our guide Rocket was knowledgeable, funny, and introspective. This would be the version of him we got all evening. And it made for a fantastic experience. Somehow we managed to kayak on a night with no moon……Which made for a spectacular viewing experience of the water. Magical is an understatement. The air was cool, the water warm, and the stars were shining so bright and clear you could see the Milky Way. The bioluminescence was in full bloom. And to top it off….no bugs. Don’t be fooled by the name. The bay is not full of mosquitoes. It goes back to an old pirate legend and his boat. But that’s a story you’ll need to hear while out there. Not from me. We spent about and hour and a half total from start to finish. We took the 9 pm tour so that it would ensure complete darkness. it’s going on my list of rare and wonderful things I’ve experienced in my lifetime. Rocket was the perfect guide for this. His charisma and character made the whole night even better. So just go do this. Go and see for yourself. There’s a reason it’s in the Guiness book of world records.

Amazing experience! The bio bay is out of this world, I can’t express in words how stunning and magical it is. Our tour guides, Rocket and Chris, are perfect. Rocket is very knowledgeable and explained everything in detail and clearly. They take great care of the group, checking on each kayak regularly and kept everybody safe.

It is like a dream. Just do it, it is worth it and you will never experience anything like it. Lulu our guide was knowledgeable, very kind and had a lot of patience. Honestly I felt bad that didnt have small notes to tip, she really deserved it. Please note: you will get wet, (your ass and your ceet for sure) you will enter the lake barefooted in mud (they will have water to rinse) so either bring some change of clothing/towel. Also do the 2100hr tour, you will magae to see the moon rising as a plus

This was an incredible experience. Lulu and Christopher are fantastic, loved how they explained the science of the bay and pointed out several constellations above. We had been slightly concerned about how visible the bioluminescence would be—just 2 days after the full moon—but totally lucked out, thick cloud cover over the moon meant no moonlight to compete with, but the recent full moon still meant lots of fish were in the bay! But still, the clouds above cleared for some amazing un-light-polluted stargazing. We were excited to learn that the kayaks were clear on the bottom, so we could see the bioluminescence below us as we paddled by! So amazing. We highly recommended this tour to everybody! Tip—listen to the guides and ditch your shoes and phone in the van, your pictures will not do the experience justice (and tbh phone light disrupts the peaceful darkness for the others around you).

Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay

Mosquito Bay, also known as Bio Bay by locals, is located in Vieques Island, in the east of Puerto Rico.  Need to know that to do the Bioluminescent Tour with us you need to come to the island, either by ferry or plane, which are located in Ceiba.  Also you need to stay the night on Vieques cause there's no transportation back to the Main Island after 7:00 pm.

Come and enjoy an unforgettable night with your family or friends in the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.  Our knowledgeable guides will take you on in an adventure to remember.

Come experience the glow in our completely clear kayaks.

Cancellation Policy - Once the reservation is completed, you must provide us 24 hour notice prior to your tour to cancel and receive a full refund.  If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the tour a full charge for the activity will be made.  In the event that we cancel the activity, you will receive a full refund. Same day reservations can't be cancelled, if a guest does not show up for their tour we will charge the total amount of the reservation. We don't cancel activities for rain.    Reschedules with 24 hour or less notice, has an extra charge of $30 per person. 

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