The La Parguera Bio Bay tour offers a unique and captivating experience in one of the world’s few bioluminescent bays, located in Lajas on the southwest corner of Puerto Rico. This tour allows participants to witness the natural wonder of bioluminescent dinoflagellates with both kayaking and swimming in the greenish-blue glittery glow!
Where are the Bioluminescent Bays?
There are only five bioluminescent bays in the world! You can find them in Halong Bay, Vietnam, and Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica. The remaining three, known as Bahía Bioluminiscente, are all located in Puerto Rico:
1. La Parguera in Lajas, on the southwest corner of the island offers a unique experience where you can kayak and swim in a bioluminescent bay.
2. Laguna Grande in Fajardo, on the northeast corner of the island, which is the closest to San Juan and the easiest to access.
3. Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island
What is a Bio Bay?
A bio bay is a wonderous phenomenon where bioluminescent single-celled marine plankton, known as dinoflagellates, light up the water when agitated. These tiny creatures emit a captivating greenish-blue sparkle in the water whenever they are disturbed.
Do I Need a Reservation for La Parguera Bio Bay?
While some bio bay tours might have last-minute spots available, it’s highly recommended to book your reservations early, especially around the new moon or during peak tourist seasons like winter holidays, spring break, and Holy Week before Easter.
When is the Best Time to Visit the La Parguera Bio Bay?
For the best viewing experience, visit during the new moon when the night sky is the darkest. The glow of the dinoflagellates is typically brighter in complete darkness and often appears more vibrant during the summer. However, brightness can vary from day to day.
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What to Expect on the La Parguera Bio Bay Kayaking Tour?
La Parguera offers a unique experience where you can swim in the bio bay! After checking in, you’ll take a roughly 30-minute boat ride to the bay. Once anchored, you’ll transition to kayaks to paddle around and explore the sparkling waters. The areas near the mangroves are very shallow, some just 2-3 feet deep. The dinoflagellates tend to be denser and brighter in the deeper water, but it’s delightful to paddle around, moving the paddles, and dipping your hands to see the glittery glow!
After kayaking, you return to the boat and then get into the water to swim among the glowing dinoflagellates.
How Bright is the Glow of the Dinoflagellates?
The brightness of the plankton depends on the dinoflagellates’ growth cycle, their concentration in the lagoon, and the darkness of the night sky. During the new moon and the brightest phase of the growth cycle, the dinoflagellates emit a sparkling light when agitated, similar to glitter in the water. The best view comes from moving your kayak paddle in the water or swimming and making “snow angels” with your arms and legs, creating a dazzling display visible from several feet away. For the best view, you might swim under a boat or tarp to block out any ambient light.
How to Get to La Parguera Bio Bay?
La Parguera is located in the far southwest region of Puerto Rico, within the municipality of Lajas. The actual bio bay is in a protected area away from the light pollution of the town.
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The easiest place to park for guided tours is the lot near Wakey Monkey bar, just west of Turtle Bay Inn.
What to Wear?
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you’re ready to swim. Quick-drying clothes are ideal, and water shoes are great for the boat, kayak, and swimming. You can also go barefoot in the kayak and bay. Bring a lightweight towel for the boat ride back in case of rain or a cool breeze. A dry bag (or ziplock bag) is recommended for any items you don’t want to get wet.
Is the Bio Bay in La Parguera Worth it?
Absolutely YES! Considering there are only five places in the world to witness this natural wonder, seeing the plankton sparkle and swimming in their glow is an unforgettable experience.