Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour from San Juan: Nighttime Adventure in Mystical Mangroves

Embark on a thrilling bioluminescent bay kayak tour from San Juan. Discover the mystical mangroves and meet the glowing Pyrodinium Bahamense plankton up close. Learn about this unique ecosystem and how to protect it.

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Laguna Grande - You will paddle your way for 30 minutes each way in a two-person kayak, through the mystical mangrove channels leading to the Natural Reserve at Laguna Grande. Once you arrive to the area of the lagoon where the bioluminescence can be best experienced, our guides will explain how this entire ecosystem works and will allow you to play with the water to see this effect (swimming not allowed).

Please read complete description for restrictions and requirements.

What's Included
  • Maximum weight to participate is 240 lbs (108 kg) per person
  • Quality kayaking gear and equipment (small size for children)
  • Commentary of the surrounding area and its flora and fauna
  • Kayaking orientation and instructions
  • Bottles of water
  • Complimentary pickup and drop-off in selected areas of San Juan (Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde locations and touristic zones). Locations outside of San Juan are subject to additional pick up fee.
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Pickup in: Dorado, Rio Grande, Fajardo, Humacao. Meeting point option available.
Additional Information

Embark on a fully-supervised nighttime journey into the bioluminescent bay via kayak. Navigate through the enchanting mangrove channels, a round trip of approximately 30 minutes, leading you into Laguna Grande.
Once inside, encounter the luminous dwellers, the Pyrodinium Bahamense, tiny plankton endowed with the ability to illuminate naturally when touched. Get an intimate look at these fascinating beings as the skilled eco-guides reveal its intriguing aspects. Gain an understanding of how this delicate and exclusive ecosystem sustains its balance of life and how you can contribute to the preservation of this remarkable spot.

  • Maximum weight to participate: 240 pounds (108 kg) per person. Not combined, no exceptions.
  • Due to the strict weight restriction all participants are subject to be weighted prior to beginning the tour. No cancellations or refunds will be issued if a person neglects to inform correct weight, and is not able to participate of the tour.
  • Each participant must be capable of paddling on their own on a 2 person kayak, and be able to sit on the same position for about 2 hours.
  • You will get wet, it is recommended that you wear bathing suit underneath, bring a towel and extra clothes for after the tour.
  • Pregnant women, persons with recent surgeries, past injuries or back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions cannot participate on this tour.
  • This tour does not includes a stop to eat.
  • The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility. In the event of this happening alternate methods such as the use of a tarp will be incorporated in order to appreciate it.
  • Please travel light and only bring the necessary to the tour. Leave behind electronic devices, any important documentation like passport, large sums of cash or credit cards. Cell phones require waterproof case. Bespoke Lifestyle Management will not be responsible for lost or stolen belongings. No luggage allowed on the buses.
  • Reservations made for the 6pm tour (second run) have a probability of being rescheduled to the first run if minimum is not met, or first run still has spaces available.
  • Minimum age to participate is 7 years.
  • Participants cannot be afraid of the dark as you will be kayaking thru pitch black areas.
  • Failure to provide correct weight or hotel/lodging/cruise information upon booking may result in bus not being able to pick you at your location or close to it. No refunds will be issued due to this.
  • Bus will wait only 5 minutes after your assigned pick up time. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
  • This tour operates under rain and other weather conditions. Guide will determine to call it off when thunderstorms or other serious conditions happens.
  • Total estimate duration of 5 hours includes: 2 to 2.5 hours driving time and 2 hours at tour site
  • Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the DAY PRIOR to your tour.
  • Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following instructions or being disruptive the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
  • Persons with the previously listed health restrictions cannot participate on the tour. No refunds will be authorized if a person neglects to read complete description and does not meet the safety requirements and limitations on the day of the tour.
Location
Laguna Grande
Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.8
(362 Ratings)
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Rachael_d
Aug 8, 2024
Once in a life time view! - This was a great experience!! You have to be pretty good at kayaking as you have to go thru a pretty narrow waterway.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_p
Aug 5, 2024
Cool experience - Good tour guides, safe, knowledgeable, and fun. Mosquito spray and water with snacks was provided. You need to be somewhat in normal shape to go on this tour with good arm, strength and common sense.
Review provided by Viator
Michele_c
Jul 19, 2024
My family and I... - My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour! Unfortunately, the moon was out so we had to use a tarp in order to see the glow, but it was still very cool. We also didn't realize that there were two tour times. We're happy with chose the earlier. We were able to catch a beautiful sunset and also see the mangroves along the way. It was pretty dark on the way back, so it was nice to know what we were in for. Yes, there are a lot of novice kayakers so if that is going to annoy you, I wouldn't choose this.
Review provided by Viator
Melinda_a
Jul 11, 2024
Worth the trip. - I enjoyed the enthusiasm from all of the tour guides, and their commitment to make the trip fun. Even though it felt like a long mile and a half, it was definitely worth seeing the bioluminescent waters.
Review provided by Viator
Maria_v
Jul 9, 2024
Great - The experience was great thanks to the expert tour guides. Especially Pedro he was a life saver. Once I'm a life time experience.
Review provided by Viator
Jose_h
Jun 24, 2024
Great Memories. - Amazing Experience. I have to say it is great but it can be a bit challenging for someone that its out of shape.
Review provided by Viator
Nuravni_s
Jul 24, 2024
The Bio Bay Experience was Too Short - The transportation pick-up was punctual, and the journey to the location lasted an hour. Kayaking to the bay was enjoyable, thanks to the positive and excellent guiding team. However, the experience of the Bioluminescent Bay itself was disappointingly brief, lasting only about 10 to 12 minutes before we had to depart. I had hoped for a longer duration to fully immerse myself in the bio bay experience, which was the main reason I chose this excursion. Additionally, we did not receive comprehensive instructions beforehand regarding what to expect and do during the 'bio bay experience' itself. This quite important information will help tourists mentally prepare themselves better.
Review provided by Viator
Allan_s
Jul 7, 2024
A unique experience - The bioluminescent bay tour was a unique experience, and I'm really glad we did it. I didn't quite know what to expect from the glowing effect, but we were lucky. There was no moon, and the glow was pretty strong. I would suggest that if you've never paddled a kayak before, try to rent a kayak at the beach some day before you go. Paddling in the dark is tough, plus there is a current, if the tides are coming in.. Learning to steer in those conditions will be frustrating. The guides will help you out, and they did a great job, but at the end of the day, you're paddling your own boat.
Review provided by Viator
Jose_p
Jun 25, 2024
Kayaking trip at night - The kayaking área was too crowded, there were too many people in the party , so for first time kayaking and the lack of light on the Chanel made the kayaking part of the trip uncomfortable.
Review provided by Viator
Lucecita_a
Jul 6, 2024
Overprice and unenjoyable. - The ride was uncomfortable. We had a couple that were arguing and should have been denied participating or at least separated. The area was smelly and scary. For $220.00, I expected a lot more. Our group was of 12 - 14 canoes and our knowledge of kayaking was from very elementary to novice. I felt the canoers did not know what "Right" meant. Maybe writing it on the canoe would help them. Then add no lights or reflectors to see where you were going, became a blindfolded bumper cars in the water. Being rammed into the sides where you could not see what was in there made the experience horrifying. I would not recommend this to anyone wanting to see the majestic balance of nature. Once we got the location the scenery was breath-taking, then it went away once you remember you had to go back through the tunnel of horror. I would have traded the 4oz Doritos and 6oz water bottle for a more memorable souvenir, after all we paid $220.00.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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