Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of fun ways to experience Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

• Vieques Bio Bay Tour and Beach Day Trip from San Juan by Ferry

• Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience

• CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay

• Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island

You have to book a tour with a licensed guide to visit Bioluminescent Bay. Canoe or kayak tours lasting 1–2 hours start from around US$65 per adult, and some tour operators offer discounts for children. Expect to pay around US$125 per person if you’re booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation from San Juan.

Yes, Bioluminescent Bay is worth visiting. It's one of the very few places on earth where this eye-catching natural phenomenon occurs, caused by tiny organisms called dinoflagellates. This particular bay is named the world's brightest, so if you can only visit one in your lifetime, consider Bioluminescent Bay. Also, while visiting the bay, you'll learn about the surrounding ecosystem and experience an aspect of Puerto Rico that many travelers miss.

Per one customer who booked the Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques, "Arnaldo was an exceptional guide! During the ride to the launch site, he shared fascinating insights about the island's natural ecosystem. Before we got into the water, he took time to point out numerous star constellations, which was a wonderful touch. Once we were in our kayaks, he explained the science behind bioluminescence in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. We had plenty of time to paddle around and explore—we even saw fish glowing as they swam by!"

Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, with Bioluminescent Bay believed to be the world’s brightest example of this natural phenomenon. Also known as Mosquito Bay or Puerto Mosquito, the glowing blue is created by organisms—dinoflagellates called Pyrodinium bahamense—that produce a burst of light when they come into contact with other organisms or are disturbed in some way.

The best time to visit Bioluminescent Bay is when it’s darkest. It’s worth considering the phases of the moon when planning your visit, as the glowing effect is better during nights with a new or crescent moon. Also, the glow is most noticeable between June-November, when the water is warmest and the organisms are more active. As tours typically take place at night, you’ll need to book an overnight stay in Vieques, as the ferry stops running in the early evenings.

No, it is against the law to swim in Bioluminescent Bay—any chemicals you apply to your skin, such as DEET insect repellent and sunscreen, could harm the water’s balance. The bay can be accessed by kayak only. You are allowed to swim in La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay.

Bioluminescent Bay is located to the east of Puerto Rico's main island on the small island of Vieques. You can reach Vieques by ferry from Ceiba in east Puerto Rico. Alternatively, you can take a small plane from Isla Grande airport in San Juan. Once there, book a kayaking tour of the bay.

Yes, it is worth visiting Bioluminescent Bay—it is a natural phenomenon that you need to see to believe. For the best bioluminescence experience, plan to visit during a new moon and book a glass-bottom kayaking tour. Some travelers do feel that the effort required to reach Vieques isn’t worth it, instead opting to visit Laguna Grande, which is closer to San Juan.

No, you can’t visit Bioluminescent Bay independently. The area is protected by Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and only licensed tour operators are permitted to bring visitors here. This helps maintain a minimal level of disturbance to the organisms in the bay. You are allowed to explore La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay on your own.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Bioluminescent Bay. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Puerto Rico:

• Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos)

• El Yunque National Forest

• Culebra Island

• Old San Juan

• San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan Bautista)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Puerto Rico.