Live this adventure paddling with us through an enchanted mangrove forest that leads to Laguna Grande where you will witness the unique natural phenomenon called Bioluminescence, a light produced by a living organism, specifically a microscopic plankton named Pyrodinium bahamense which is responsible for the Glowing Bay Adventure. Please remember that bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon and the intensity (brightness) is unpredictable and may vary from one day to another. On days when light pollution is high, we use a tarp to eliminate and/or block the illumination of the moon, allowing us to better appreciate bioluminescence. IMPORTANT NOTICE. ALL ODD-NUMBERED GROUPS OR SOLO KAYAKERS WILL BE PAIRED UP DURING THE TOUR.

Experience the bioluminescent waters of Puerto Rico
No prior kayaking experience is necessary
Enjoy an evening or nighttime paddle
A small group means more attention from your guide

What's Included

Double kayaks with backrest, paddles and lifejackets.
Snacks

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Kayak Village
987 Street, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico
LOCATION: We are located inside Kayak Village in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Look for the yellow awning! *Fajardo is located on the northeastern coast of the island. --- CHECK-IN: Check-in time is 30 minutes before departure. Please give yourself ample time to reach our launch site.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Laguna Grande

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 12 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not allowed for children under 6 years old.
Not allowed for pregnant travelers.

Not allowed for travelers with back problems.
Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
The maximum weight limit is 225 lbs (102kg) per person. Weight checks will be conducted before each session. Participants exceeding the weight capacity will not be allowed to participate, and no refunds will be issued. Please inform your party members accordingly.
You will get wet!
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Laura_W

The team so informative. They got everyone ready and made sure it all went well. I was so impressed at the knowledge and the enjoyment. I highly recommend this excursion. I will add I don't enjoy the dark but the team made it so comfortable. The whole experience was beautiful.

Reviews

4.5

260 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 260 reviews

Hooded adventure

Jeff_R, Aug 2023

We had a fun time, the glowing bay is real but a bit anti climatic. We were in the 2nd day of a new moon phase so the sky was dark but the lights from the city were bright. So the only way to actually see the microbs glow we all got to cover our heads with tarps and scoop water into the kayak. The kayak ride to and fro was the most entertaining as so many had no experience at all and were running into things including other kayakers.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we do use a tent to block out external factors that could affect the visibility of the dinoflagellates. There are other companies that also go into the bio bay and there's always a bit of traffic going in or out of the canal. Again, we thank you for sharing your experience.

Could be worth it if you know what you're looking for

Alec_S, Jul 2023

I will start by saying that my review is based on my personal experience. I acknowledge that others might have found this experience to be more fun and exciting, but after the time it took us to rent a car, drive to Fajardo, and complete the experience, it did not feel worth it. In order to reach the Bioluminescent Bay, there is a 15-20 minute kayak trip through a mangrove. This would have been a neat experience, but you are single file with about 10 other kayaks in your group and there are various other tour groups operating in the same space. The bioluminescence itself was very cool, but the guides had to use tarps to block out the light pollution that made it almost impossible to see the plankton. The guides themselves were incredibly friendly, knowledgable, and passionate about what they do. The average experience was not at all due to the guides, but rather the trip as a whole. Puerto Rico has a lot to offer. If I were recommending things to do to a friend, I would leave this experience off of my list.

Very fun and cool experience!

Jeff_A, Jul 2023

It was a fun and cool experience! Yes, you do have to wade in the water to get into the kayak and the water or area does stink so I do recommend bringing a change of clothes. Once you get to the bay they will put a tarp over your head to make it dark to enhance the experience. The guides were all very nice, respectful, and helpful the whole time we were there. Overall we enjoyed the experience!

Our family loved it!

Erick_M, Jul 2023

What a fantastic experience. The Kayaking Island Team were great at giving instructions, shared some history and scientific information about the place. Pedro, Jesus, Belen, and Marcus were funny and super helpful. A must do if you can make it to the Fajardo area in PR.

Fabulous Adventure!

Joycelynne_P, Jul 2023

Watching the actual glow of the bay! The tour guys were amazing. Make sure you use lots of bug spray.

So enjoyable

Laura_W, Jul 2023

It was an amazing...

Leudis_A, Jun 2023

It was an amazing experience, from kayaking in the dark seeing the starts until the bioluminescence experience. I loved every part of the experience and the crew is always helping you and having fun.

Fajardo bay bioluminescent tour island kayak tour w Pedro and the gang

Quincy_S, Jun 2023

Seeing the live organisms in our boat when we splashed the water into our kayaks. This was a fun experience

Refused refund despite flash flood warnings! Unsafe!

jackiehansen827, May 2023

We were staying in San Juan and planned on driving the hour to Fajardo. Sudden heavy rainfall started shortly before we were to leave, and we got flash flood warnings! Of course, since we assumed they would cancel. Our hotel concierge said we should not go as this was an obvious threat. The tour REFUSED to give us a refund despite FLOOD WARNINGS and severe weather alerts Apparently they expected us to drive through flooding to go on a water-based excursion...

Tons of fun

john_c, Apr 2023

Very enjoyable kayaking experience. Be prepared to paddle 2 miles down a meandering river running through Mangroves before you enter the lagoon. The lagoon contains the bioluminescent plankton/organisms which glow/ when disturbed by your hands. The guides were wonderful. There is a restroom for changing. Bring water shoes and prepare to have some fun.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

John, we're glad you had fun in your trip. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Easy and friendly check...

Sylvie_S, Apr 2023

Easy and friendly check in, awesome guides, great experience. I’d never been kayak at night, it was beautiful. The bioluminescence was visible even with the lights from the city. Very fun and highly recommended.

I’m so glad we did the bioluminescent bay kayaking excursion!

asmusamy, Apr 2023

Our guide was very informative, the evening kayak through the mangroves was WONDERful, and of course the bioluminescent organisms were the stars of the show! ✨✨✨

Fun but not exceptional

Antung_L, Mar 2023

Honestly? This excursion is just okay. There are a bunch of companies that have a very similar trip plan. I found this company doesn’t have a lot of value added. Equipment is fine but not exceptional. The guides are knowledgeable but English is a barrier.

Fun , not too strenuous for 68 year olds

Kay_L, Mar 2023

Sparkling water , cool weather , couldn’t hear the guides talk, 6 year old granddaughter came along and did great riding with her dad.

Adventurous and romantic !!!

Kentrelle_H, Feb 2023

From Tampa Fla!! First time kayaking, literally fell in water first 30 seconds of the ride , the guide was very helpful he literally took his time and talked us thru the whole experience , he was very patient and knowledgeable we really enjoyed ourselves will do it again!! And the little bar and kayak city!! hands down best fish tacos and pain killer drink 🍻 I've ever had!!

An absolute must!

Crista_H, Jan 2023

Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Puerto Rico. The water glittered and when I held it in my hands, my hands glittered. We had the best guides: Kenneth, Nestor (sp?), Pevey (sp?), and Cristian. The kayak distance was relatively easy when you communicate with your partner. We saw the beautiful mangroves, pristine bay, and even had constellations pointed out to us - and a shooting star!

Do it!

Gabriel_G, Jan 2023

Lots of pretty, much fun. They want me to write more bit I think I already got it in the first sentence.

Fantastic experience with kids

Andreea_B, Jan 2023

The guides were amazing and it was a very memorable experience. We went with kids ages 12 and 9 and they did great. The kayaking under the moonlight was amazing and we all felt this trip was one of the most memorable parts of our trip to Puerto Rico.

Waste of money

Srinivas_P, Dec 2022

We did not see any bioluminescent water. All we did was kayak the way through, waste of 65 dollars. Barely any light could be seen, and only when there was a tarp over our heads. Bad experience, and it was pretty close to a new moon too.

Great excursion

JoseD_A, Aug 2022

What an experience this was….We loved everything about this excursion, the guides who are very knowledgeable made it easier and fun. We recommend it for everyone looking for a WOW factor.

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