Bio-Bay in Fajardo by Kayak – A Sparkling Experience
There are three bioluminescent bays (bio-bays) in Puerto Rico. One in the SouthWest – "La Parguera", one on Vieques – "Mosquito Bay", and the one in Fajardo – "La Laguna Grande". Out of all three, Mosquito Bay is the brightest, and La Parguera is the least bright. La Laguna Grande in Fajardo is very bright, and it is convenient to do from San Juan and the main island.
What Is It?
A bio bay is a body of water that contains millions of micro-organisms, called “dinoflagellates”, that glow in the dark for a second when agitated. It is a rare, natural wonder that you can easily experience while visiting Puerto Rico. It is best seen on a dark night, try to go when it is moonless or close to it. It also is best on a warm night (summertime is brighter than wintertime, no rain is better than rainy days). But even on a less than ideal night, the bioluminescence will be visible. It is a fragile environment, that can be destroyed by excessive abuse from motor oil, sewerage, sunscreen and bug repellent.
Who To Use?
The usual way most people visit the Fajardo BioBay is on a kayak. There are many kayak operators that guide tours into the bio-bay. They are all similar except for the snacks at the end and the color of their glo-sticks. They all meet at Kayak Village just before Las Croabas. We, and our guests, have used Kayaking Puerto Rico and Las Tortugas in the past – they seem to limit the number of people on their tour and we found them to be very responsive to inquires.
Can I Do It?
We think kayaking is fun and relatively easy. Even if you have never done it before, are out of shape, are young or older – you may want to try it. All the kayak operators provide a mandatory life jacket to wear and will give you a brief “lesson” on how to kayak – and away you go! If you are really bad at it (or just feel uncomfortable) – the group leader usually will help you out. We found the kayaking in the canal isn’t hard except for two places where the canal gets thin, so the current picks up. Some people do go astray and their kayak meets the mangrove bushes, but we didn’t find it to be that big of a problem. We always easily get back on track.
The Details
There are usually 2 trips per night: one right at sundown and one about 8:00-8:30pm. They will ask you get there about 30 mins earlier. Each trip takes about 2.5 hours from start to finish. I like the earlier one because at that time you can still see the iguanas in the trees above you, and it is not so dark on your way through the channel, but it is dark by the time you get to the lagoon.
All the tours start off near the boat ramp, and then you kayak across the boat marina to a thin channel that leads to the lagoon. You have to go single file to avoid hitting each other and the sides of the channel. The mangrove trees make a canopy over your head, which is low in some spots. But as you get closer to the lagoon, you will notice little sparkles as you dip your paddles into the water.
Once you get through the channel, it opens up to a large lagoon. By now, your paddles leave a swirl of glow behind at each stroke. Your tour guide will gather all of the kayaks on your tour together, explain the bioluminescence phenomenon, and answer questions that you might have.
After spending some time playing with the water making sparkles, the guide leads you back through the channel. You may meet up with another group, but if everyone sticks to the right and it all works out. The guides are all bi-lingual, and knowledgeable about the area, the bio-bay and kayaking. They will answer your questions and may even suggest places for dinner after your workout!
Effective in April 2007, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources no longer allows companies operating tours to swim in the lagoon.
We went again a few years later re-visited Laguna Grande in Fajardo and were happy to find that the ban on swimming has had a positive effect on the health (brightness) of the bio bay.
What To Wear?
All of the kayak operators use sit-upon ocean kayaks, which means that your butt will get wet – wear a bathing suit or shorts that you don’t mind getting wet. Also, getting in and out of the kayak requires you to walk in the water (usually no more than mid-calf deep), so wear water shoes or go bare foot. There is a bathroom to change at Las Croabas, or just wear shorts that will dry quickly. Bring a towel or something dry, so that when you get back to shore, you can dry your bottom off.
Most kayak companies run their tours Monday through Saturday, and give the lagoon the night off on Sunday to rest. Some companies do go out on Sundays.
Just down the road is Las Croabas, where there are a number of bars and restaurants for food and drink .
The minimum age to kayak is 6 years old.
Even if an operator has a web site, we recommend booking online or calling.
Details
Prices vary by operator, but are typically around $55-$68 per person. There is sales tax and DRNA fee, which may or may not be included in price. Some can provide transportation or at least give you transportation options if you don’t have a car.
If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.
The times for tours vary by operator, but they typically start around sundown, with a second tour around 9:00pm.
Allow at least 2.5 hours for your tour. Check with your tour operator if you’re on a tight schedule.
Kayaking Puerto Rico — Book Now Tours Monday through Saturday. (787) 435-1665 or (787) 245-4545.
Pure Adventure — Book Now Tours Monday- Saturday. (787) 202-6551 or (787) 314-4347. Transportation available.
Las Tortugas Adventures — Tours Monday through Saturday. (787) 809-0253 or (787) 637-8356
Yokahu Kayak Trips — Book Now Tours Monday – Saturday. (787) 604-7375 or (787) 863-5374. Transportation available.
Island Kayaking Adventures — Book Now Tours Monday – Saturday.(787) 444-0059. .
Peniel Access Eco Tours Bio bay Kayak Trips — They have an adaptive kayak for people in wheelchairs who can kayak. Tours run Sunday- Thursday (yes SUNDAY!). 787-463-1940. Transportation available.
Traveler’s Eco Adventures Bio bay Kayak Trips — Tours run Monday- Saturday. 787-863-2821 or 787- 206-0290.
Puerto Rico Eco Tour — Tours run Wednesday- Monday (Yes- a Sunday tour!). Regular kayaks(NOT glass bottoms). 1-787-616-9594 or (787) 613- 3928 or email them at ioprecotour@gmail.com . Also known as IO PR Eco-Tours, or The Kayak Rental.
Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours — Tours run Tuesday- Saturday. (787) 888-2887 or (787) 564-9827. .
There are other options for those who cannot kayak:
- There are now an electric motorboat company that is allowed to take people into the Laguna Grande BioBay. We think this is a great option for older folks, smaller children and handicapped people (or anyone else who doesn’t want to kayak!). Refer to our review of the trip. Space is limited.
Las Cabezas Nature Reserve has a night tour. An educational tour that also lets you see and play with the bio-luminescent water without too much physical effort. Reasonably priced, it seems ideal for the elderly, handicapped or people with small children, where kayaking or the trip to the Vieques BioBay is not an option. Only available on Thursday – Saturday. Refer to our review for more information, including hours and pricing.
Kayak Village is located by Las Croabas just before the end of Road 987 in Fajardo.
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
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