Discovering the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico

The bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is also known as « bio bay ». It is one of the top tourist destinations on the island. Out of five bioluminescent bays in the world, Puerto Rico is really lucky to host three of them. Two are located on the main island, in the municipalities of Fajardo and Lajas. And the last one but not least is the most famous one. Mosquito Bay is located on the southern coast of Vieques island.

What makes the bioluminescent bay water glow?

It’s always a question that comes to our mind when we read for the first time about the bio bays in Puerto Rico. The reason for a bioluminescent bay to glow is because of some single-celled organisms living within the lagoon. The best way to illustrate them is to imagine fireflies within the water. And as a chemical reaction, when touched or moved, those amazing microorganisms emit light. That’s why they get active when you are sliding on the water, surrounding your kayak and paddles with a « magical » light.

For sure, a unique experience you won’t forget. So if you are planning a trip to visit « Isla del Encanto » besides enjoying the best beaches in Puerto Rico (Article in Progress) you cannot miss your chance to enjoy such natural beauty. Pick one, out of the 3 bioluminescent bays they are in PR, and come play with these living microorganisms called dinoflagellates.

Bio Bays in Puerto Rico are fragile ecosystems

These single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates are fed by their natural ecosystem. Mainly composed of red mangroves, fishes, dead leaves, iguanas, and a balanced quantity of clear and salty water. Red Mangroves play a significant role, sprouting a knot of roots that discharge microscopic organisms into the water giving basic nutrients to dinoflagellates. Change one of those numerous factors and this fragile ecosystem may not allow the bioluminescent bay to glow anymore.

Back in September 2017, after Hurricane Maria, a series of sargassum waves have harmed the bio bays and other protected areas in Puerto Rico. The challenge with this type of seaweed is that when they die, they take out the oxygen from the water and harm other sea life. As a result, the population of dinoflagellates decreased drastically and for a short period of time, the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico did show no light.

Where are the 3 bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico?

Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the closest to San Juan

Laguna Grande is the second most active bio luminous bay in Puerto Rico. Only one hour driving from San Juan, this bio bay located in Fajardo is surrounded by the natural reserve of « Cabezas de San Juan ». Its proximity to the capital makes it the most easily accessible bioluminescent bay on the island. Within the water, you will find out a thriving and active concentration of glowing microorganisms. Before arriving at the lagoon you will have to paddle through a long and narrow canal. So if you are looking for some unique and adventurous excursions by night, here you go!

Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the most glowing one

On Vieques Island, you will find another bioluminescent bay and within its water the highest concentration of dinoflagellates. Also known as « Mosquito bay » it is the most glowing bay on earth! Beware, this naming is coming from nowhere, there is also a high concentration of mosquitos in this lagoon. That said, the best way to explore it will be to go on a kayak tour. But unlike the bio bay in Fajardo, you won’t have to paddle through a long and narrow canal. More protected from city lights pollution, you should enjoy the amazing night scenery.

The third bioluminous bay in Puerto Rico is in La Parguera

Lajas is a municipality of Puerto Rico located between Cabo Rojo and Guánica, on the southern coast of the island, facing the Caribbean Sea. The bio bay in La Parguera, also known as « Bahía Fosforescente », is the least active bioluminescent bay on the island. But if you are visiting the south of the island, don’t miss your chance. Get a seat on one of the many boat trips and enjoy the tour on the water.

How to preserve the bioluminous bays in Puerto Rico?

Human activity has a negative impact on the bioluminescent bay. The more we reduce our footprint within the lagoon, the better this fragile ecosystem will be. But what does it means? How can you help the population of the microorganisms to grow and be active?

Being aware of your impact is the first step to help. Then choosing to go on a kayak tour is better than a boat trip, especially the ones with gas motors. Avoiding any chemicals on your skin such as bug repellants, sun creams, lotions, etc…

During your tour please refrain from throwing any type of object, food, or trash on the water. If you decide to shoot a picture or a video with your phone, please be really precocious. And by the way, your camera might not manage to catch any of the beauty you will be experiencing in real life.

My personal bioluminescent bay experience in PR

Back in 2018, I was lucky enough to discover the bio bays, both in Vieques and Fajardo. And to be honest, before going I was a bit skeptical, maybe like you are. But I am a curious person and I have decided to give it a shot. What a surprise it has been, when the water started to glow. I couldn’t believe it, it was a mix of daydreaming and magic.

From this moment, my best memory is a stingray fish. Paddling the kayak, we followed it for a few seconds while its entire body was glowing. That night in the bioluminescent bay, I felt like being in a Hayao Miyazaki mangas. Maybe I was lucky, but all I want to share with my personal bio luminous experience is that bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico are real beauty. And it is a wonderful moment to experience!

Choose one of the many types of tours

Reserve kayak excursions in Laguna Grande or Mosquito Bay.

In my opinion, kayak excursions are the best way to discover a bio bay. You will find many companies offering kayak tours, both in Fajardo and in Vieques. Of course, it is always better to book in advance but going directly to the pier around 6 pm should be no problem. There you might find available tickets, around 50$ per person.

Take it easy and take a tour with an electric boat in Fajardo

Because you will have to paddle through a long canal before getting to the lagoon, kayak tours in Fajardo can be a bit demanding. So for those who want to take it easy, just know that an electric boat tour does exist. Up to 6 seats it is also a nice way to experience the magic of the bio bay in Fajardo. From Monday to Friday this guided tour last 1h15min and cost 52$ per person.

Book a boat trip and enjoy the bio bay in La Parguera.

In la Parguera bioluminous bay, the only way to go is with a boat. Many companies operate different types of boats from 6 seats to 30 seats. One of them even offers a much bigger boat, that can seat up to 150 people. I guess it is also a nice and different way to explore the bio bay, spending a part of your night on the water. Cheaper than a kayak tour, it cost from 9 to 12$ per person.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bio Bay