Have you ever seen a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico? The island is home to three of five bio bays in the world. These water bodies contain a high volume of microscopic organisms (dinoflagellates) that produce bioluminescence, a glow-in-the-dark effect.
Understanding Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is one of nature’s many wonders, where living organisms produce light through a chemical reaction known as chemiluminescence. This fascinating phenomenon generates light without heat.
Most bioluminescent organisms are found in saltwater bodies such as plankton (dinoflagellates), jellyfish, and some fish and squid species. Some land-based animals, such as fireflies and fungi, also possess bioluminescence.
Exploring the Science of Bio Bays
Dinoflagellates are found in seawater but exist in higher concentrations in bioluminescent bays. These single-celled plankton are equal parts animal and plant. They contain chlorophyll, the compound that gives plants their green color, enabling them to make their food through photosynthesis.
These dinoflagellates float into the bioluminescent bay from the sea. Due to the bay’s small entrance, they get trapped inside. As they accumulate and multiply, their concentration in the bay rises far above that of the surrounding sea.
When you disturb the water, it puts pressure on the dinoflagellates, which prompts the chemical reaction that causes them to produce a bright, neon-blue light (bioluminescence).
Puerto Rico’s Three Bio Bays
Let’s take a look at the beauty of these three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico:
Mosquito Bay, Vieques: The Brightest of Them All
In 2006, the Guinness World Records recognized Mosquito Bay as the world’s brightest bio bay. This bioluminescent bay in Vieques is stunningly beautiful, nestled in a pristine setting. The bay’s brightness is all thanks to its high concentration of dinoflagellates.
The Natural Reserve of Mosquito Bay and its mangrove swamps support the bio bay’s ecosystem by feeding the luminescent plankton – the star performers in this majestic masterpiece.
While you can’t swim in this bio bay, you can take a kayak tour for a close-up of this natural light show.
Laguna Grande, Fajardo: Most Accessible Bio Bay
Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon) in Fajardo is the most popular of Puerto Rico’s three bio bays due to its close proximity to San Juan. It’s also the second-brightest bio bay on the island. As its name suggests, this water body is not a bay, but a long, winding, and glowing lagoon.
As with Mosquito Bay, swimming is not permitted. However, you can reserve kayaks, trolley rides, and guided night tours. Whether athletic or not, there are activities to suit a range of physical abilities.
La Parguera, Lajas: Swim With the Dinoflagellates!
Named after “pargo” or “snapping fish,” La Parguera is a coastal fishing village surrounding the only swimmable bioluminescent bay.
You can reserve guided tours with diving equipment to immerse yourself in the glimmering wonder after dark. A glass-bottom boat ride is also a great way to pass the night enjoying nature’s light show. Motorboats can also access the area.
CONTACT THE COLECTIVO GROUP FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PUERTO RICO’S NATURAL WONDERS!
Planning Your Bio Bay Experience
Planning makes a great vacation run smoothly. So let’s discuss the logistics of your bio bay excursion:
Best Times to Visit
Follow the moon! Yes, the lunar cycle affects your bio bay experience. We recommend visiting during the new moon (with little or no moonlight). The darker the night, the better your viewing experience.
The dry season (from December to mid-April) is the best time to visit. Heavy rainfall clouds the water, making it difficult to see the dinoflagellates’ glow. This ideal weather also brings other visitors, hiking up the flight and lodging costs. So avoid mid-March (the Spring Break season) and focus on February and April for your visit.
Getting There
Here’s how you can get to each of these bioluminescent bays:
Traveling to Mosquito Bay, Vieques
Mosquito Bay is located on the southern coast of Vieques Island. You can take a flight or ferry ride to Vieques from the main island. Flights from the Isla Grande airport in San Juan to Vieques are 25 minutes long. Alternatively, you can drive from San Juan to Ceiba in under an hour, and take a ferry from Ceiba in eastern Puerto Rico to Vieques in 30 minutes.
Traveling to Laguna Grande, Fajardo
Laguna Grande is located in the northeastern section of Puerto Rico. Fajardo is about an hour’s drive from San Juan. The bay tours occur at night, so spending the night in Fajardo is ideal.
Traveling to La Parguera, Lajas
La Parguera is located at the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico. You can drive from San Juan to Lajas in about two hours. Lajas is just an hour’s drive away if you stay in Rincón.
Bioluminescent Bay Tours
There are various tours in each bio bay and their surrounding areas.
Navigating Puerto Rico’s Bio Bays: Approved Tour Operators
You can only visit these bioluminescent bays with a permit, so you must book a licensed tour operator.
Mosquito Bay, Vieques
Here’s the list of approved tour operators in Vieques. Please click the links to visit their websites and book your tour:
- Abe’s Snorkeling and Bio Bay Tours
- Bieque Eco Trips
- Black Beard Sports
- Din Din’s Bio Bay Tours
- Fun Brothers
- JAK Water Sports
- Melayas Tours
- Taino Aqua Adventures
- Travesias Isleñas
- Vieques Kayaks
While in Vieques, you can also explore the beaches and local cuisine.
Laguna Grande, Fajardo
Here are some Laguna Grande tour operators. Please click the links to visit their websites and book your tour:
- Eco Action Tours
- Eco Adventures Kayaks
- Island Kayaking Adventure
- Kayaking Puerto Rico
- Pirate Snorkeling Shack
- Puerto Rico Access Eco Tours
- Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours
- Puerto Rico Eco Tour
- Pure Adventure
- Yokahu Kayak Trips
Enjoy the natural beauty that Puerto Rico’s east coast has to offer by exploring El Yunque National Forest, the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, the beautiful beaches, and much more.
La Parguera, Lajas
Here are some tour operators in La Parguera. Please click the links to visit their websites and book your tours:
- Alelí Tours
- Discover Parguera Boat Charters
- Hook’d on Adventure
- Joy Tours
- Kayaking Parguera and Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tours
- Paradise Scuba and Snorkeling Center
- Parguera Chiliboats Bioluminescent Bay and Keys Tour
- Parguera Eco Tours and Bio Bay
- Parguera Water Sports and Adventures
- Pura Vida en Parguera Puerto Rico
While you’re in La Parguera, enjoy all the water-based activities!
Local’s Guide to Bio Bay Adventures
Check out these tips to enjoy the bio bays like a local:
- It’s best to visit the bio bays during the low-traffic months of February and April.
- Always use a licensed tour operator as the bio bays have restricted access.
- You will likely need to stay overnight as night tours are only allowed between 6 pm to midnight.
- Plan to spend a few days at each bio bay. Many local attractions will yield a treasure trove of memories!
- Please arrange pet-sitting as pets are not allowed on the tours.
- Ask each tour operator about their specific child-friendly accommodations.
- Travel light! Avoid taking too many valuables as most tour operators don’t have storage solutions.
Safety and Conservation
Some helpful safety and conservation tips include:
- Dinoflagellates are fragile so do not use sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET. Most tour operators provide DEET-free alternatives, but always ask to be sure.
- Always wear your protective gear during water-based activities.
- Only swim or snorkel in approved locations.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and all posted signs.
- Kayaks are a more eco-friendly way to explore the bioluminescent bays.
- The less artificial light, the better the experience!
CONTACT THE COLECTIVO GROUP FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PUERTO RICO’S NATURAL WONDERS!
Making the Most of Your Visit
Here’s what you should consider when visiting the magnificent bioluminescent bays:
Photographing the Bio Bay
- It’s hard to capture bioluminescence without specialized and professional photography gear. So don’t worry about taking pictures: live in the moment and enjoy it all!
- If you still choose to bring a camera, ensure it’s waterproof as someone may splash water onto it or it could fall into the bay.
What to Bring
- Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes and water shoes or sandals.
- Bring a towel to keep dry.
- For day tours, bring sun-protecting clothes such as hats and coverups.
Conserving the Bioluminescent Bays for the Future
Visiting a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is an amazing addition to your bucket list. However, it is crucial to conserve these natural wonders. Protecting the bio bays also means safeguarding the mangroves, swamps, and fauna that form a part of this intricate ecosystem.
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources regulates Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays. Prohibiting swimming in Mosquito Bay and Laguna Grande minimizes human contamination from sunscreen and insect repellents. DEET-based products can kill the dinoflagellates that make these bays light-filled masterpieces.
This department also regulates the size and types of watercraft allowed in each bay. The guided tours promote regulatory compliance and educate visitors about the ecosystem and its conservation.
Each bioluminescent bay is unique in its beauty. As you visit these natural wonders, help to conserve their magnificence to awe future generations.