Catherine - Savvy Family TravelProper planning for Bio Bay Tours in Puerto Rico will make the difference between a glittering blue bay and a dark, disappointing evening on the island.
It is a treat to witness this natural phenomenon up close! Below I’ve outlined everything to consider before you book your Bio Bay Tour in Puerto Rico.
Bio Bay Tours in Puerto Rico
Choosing a Bio Bay in Puerto Rico
Bioluminescent activity can be found in various places worldwide, but there are only a handful of bioluminescent bays, and Puerto Rico is home to three of them!
The bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico are:
- Laguna Grande, Fajardo: Convenient if you’re staying on the east side of the island.
- Mosquito Bay, Vieques: Located on a sister island off Puerto Rico’s main island, it’s the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!
- La Parguera Bay, Lajas: The only bio bay where swimming is allowed.
Advanced Reservations are Essential
Book in advance! If you’re booking during the optimal conditions mentioned below, you’ll have a lot of competition! Make sure you reserve tour spots as early as you can.
Important: If you do an excursion out to Mosquito Bay, Vieques there IS NO TRANSPORTATION back to the main island after your night tour. You have to plan overnight accommodations.
Check the Moon Phase
Check out a moon phase calendar when you’re booking your 4 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. You’ll want to arrange your vacation and bio bay tour during the darkest possible conditions.
Know the Peak Time of Year
Our guides said the optimal time of year to see bioluminescent activity is April to July. The warm weather increases the amount and brightness of the glow.
Bio Bay Tours are a must on your Puerto Rico Itinerary if visiting during those months and a dark moon phase.
What to Wear
You should be prepared to get wet at least to your belly button as you will likely need to walk between the shore and your kayak before and after the tour. Wear clothes that you’re comfortable sitting in wet for the whole tour.
Full length clothing is recommended to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Make sure to douse yourselves in plenty of Bug Repellant as well. (Our tour company had plenty for guests to use at check-in too.)
Camera Gear
Your GoPro, Android, or iPhone does not have the right type of lens or filters to capture the incredible sight of bioluminescent.
Bring a camera and lens with a maximum aperture number of F/2.8, ideally an F/1.8 or lower number. Keep your ISO as low as you can while still exposing for blue light. Lower the ISO as much as you can without seeing noise in your photo.
This may be hard to preview in your camera screen, so take multiple photos at various ISOs and consider a post edit to remove noise.
Age Restrictions on Bio Bay Tours in Puerto Rico
If you’re bringing the kids, check the minimum age requirement.
Our tour company required that children be at least 6 years old. If you’re bringing a young child, be sure you can get a double kayak.
Keep in mind they will want to lean over the side to touch the water and light up the micro organisms.
Other Restrictions
Read the rules carefully of the tour company. Bags are likely prohibited other than a lanyard with waterproof pouch to hold your phone or camera.
They don’t want to risk anything falling overboard and polluting the fragile ecosystem.
Choosing the Best Bio Bay Tour in Puerto Rico
Here are three top rated tour companies, by area on GetYourGuide:
Save Bio Bay Tours Puerto Rico for Later
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
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