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Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour

Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

No prior experience is required on this small-group bioluminescence kayaking tour from Puerto Jiménez. After a magnificent sunset, watch the water light up with glowing microorganisms with every stroke of the paddle as you maneuver over calm waters with your guide. You can even dive in for a swim to see what the bioluminescence looks like from within the water.
  • Receive personalized attention on an intimate small-group tour
  • Calm waters are appropriate for all levels of experience
  • All necessary equipment is included, plus a safety briefing
  • Snacks of fresh fruit and water for your own bottle are included

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Snacks (seasonal fruit)
  • Water to refill your personal recipient
  • Snacks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Tips

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Calle a Gringolandia
    C. a Gringolandia, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica

    Please show up at Aventuras Golfo Dulce 15 minutes before your tour. Or even early and enjoy our delicius Cafe

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.4:30 pm

What To Expect

1

Aventuras Tropicales Golfo Dulce

2

Playa Preciosa

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Transport is wheelchair accessible however be prepared for uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair, please advice.
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Ciara_R
I'll admit, I was abit apprehensive about booking this excursion. I am so glad I went for it as it was one of the most unique and beautiful experiences. Lino was our guide who is so incredibly knowledgeable, and his passion for the wildlife and fauna knows no bounds. I felt safe and well looked after the whole time. I walked away learning more than I thought I would - about different types of birds, land & marine animals, the benefits to various plant species. The beach snack where he taught us the tricks of the trade of opening up a coconut. Although there was not a ton of bioluminescence (can't predict mother nature), Lino showed us a couple crafty tricks so we could see some bioluminescence. If it's a clear sky at night - don't forget to look up at the magnificent stars too! A leisurely kayak paddle during sunset was not just a photographere dream, but a vision I'll be daydreaming of for a very long time. Sitting close to the water while beauty and wildlife is everywhere you look is a memory I'll cherish for a lifetime. If you're on the fence, do it! You won't regret it! A couple (semi unrelated) tips: make sure you have a ride planned for your pickup. My hotel shuttle straight up lied to me and I was forced to come up with something on the fly. Second, being a towel and leave it in their lockers - sitting in a taxi with a wet bum isn't ideal. Lastly, eat at the cafe! They have fantastic food, smoothies, coffee and pastries - but go early they'll be closed by the time you get off the water.

Reviews

4.6
based on 86 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Our tour guides were the...

Lauren_V, Mar 2026
Our tour guides were the best! We not only caught sunset, but they taught us how to survive with only a coconut if we were stranded on an island! A great experience and worth the money.

It's a must do! 10/10 highly recommend!!

Ciara_R, Mar 2026
I'll admit, I was abit apprehensive about booking this excursion. I am so glad I went for it as it was one of the most unique and beautiful experiences. Lino was our guide who is so incredibly knowledgeable, and his passion for the wildlife and fauna knows no bounds. I felt safe and well looked after the whole time. I walked away learning more than I thought I would - about different types of birds, land & marine animals, the benefits to various plant species. The beach snack where he taught us the tricks of the trade of opening up a coconut. Although there was not a ton of bioluminescence (can't predict mother nature), Lino showed us a couple crafty tricks so we could see some bioluminescence. If it's a clear sky at night - don't forget to look up at the magnificent stars too! A leisurely kayak paddle during sunset was not just a photographere dream, but a vision I'll be daydreaming of for a very long time. Sitting close to the water while beauty and wildlife is everywhere you look is a memory I'll cherish for a lifetime. If you're on the fence, do it! You won't regret it! A couple (semi unrelated) tips: make sure you have a ride planned for your pickup. My hotel shuttle straight up lied to me and I was forced to come up with something on the fly. Second, being a towel and leave it in their lockers - sitting in a taxi with a wet bum isn't ideal. Lastly, eat at the cafe! They have fantastic food, smoothies, coffee and pastries - but go early they'll be closed by the time you get off the water.

Peaceful adventure ✨️

Sandra_C, Jan 2026
A relaxed kayaking tour with a good, easy-to-understand explanation of the flora and fauna. Beautiful bioluminescence while swimming, snorkeling, and even a little bit while paddling. Nature is nature ;)

Shady company.

Desera_R, Apr 2025
Drove 4 hours each way just for this excursion to cancel, wasting two days of our trip, due to a full moon. I'm pretty sure science has made this information available well in advance, no? Then offered me some tour the next day completely unrelated to what I was looking for and stopped responding when I asked for a refund. There is so much to see in Costa Rica, don't waste two days, 8 hours of driving, and a hotel for the night on a company that knew well in advance what phase the moon was in. Scammers.

Absolutely worth it

Sarah_W, Mar 2025
super cool and small group, even cooler guide who seemed to enjoy the tour as much as we did and was absolutely passionate about his job! really nice and long break with fresh fruit our guide cut open for us and after we all jumped in the water and he showed us to the bioluminescent bacteria!! definitely worth the money

Great sunset/ bioluminescence kayak tour

pfuller508, Jan 2025
Very novice older kayakers on a girls trip. Lino was very patient and informative. He was very knowledgeable about the area and stars. The sunset was beautiful and the bioluminescence was amazing. The pineapple and coconut were a nice touch.

Bucket List Item!

Isobel_R, Dec 2024
Kayaked through the mangroves learning about the types of local birds and mangrove varieties. Watched the sun set as we paddled back before pulling up onto an island beach to eat snacks and swim with the bioluminescents. Much easier to see from underneath the water so recommend bringing goggles! Our tour guide Lino was brilliant and we had a wonderful night. Thank you!

Easy kayak trip, educational

Doreen_V, Jul 2024
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and had a great command of the English language which made for a better experience than struggling with limited Spanish. I expected an isle of Capri complete illumination however that was not the case. This is more like hundreds of lightning bugs lighting up the water as you used your hands or rowed. It was beautiful and my 11 year old grandson totally loved it. Even relatively new kayakers can do this tour. Water was very calm outbound and just slightly choppy on the way back. We preordered dinner at the location and were not disappointed. Very good meal. We did get wetter than I expected so bring a change of clothes!!

Super! Thanks Lino1

Hannah_G, Jun 2024
It was like seeing stars in the water! Not quite as wild as the internet pictures but still beautiful and Lino was a fantastic guide and took us around the mangroves in our kayaks also. Also gave us coconut and watermelon on the beach. It was a great trip. Thanks so much Lino!

A must do!!!

Helena_V, May 2024
The pouring rain. Eating pineapple and coconuts on the beach. The bioluminescence bursting like stars in the water. Our guide who was so sweet and knowledgeable. Everything about this experience was excellent.

Bioluminescence kayak tour

Margaux_T, May 2024
The guide was really nice and the bioluminescence was really beautiful. Thank you to Lino that answered so many questions and was very kind.

Beautiful experience

Peter_H, May 2024
Firstly, we did a small mangroove tour (because the conditions were good) where we learned about different types of mangrooves. We really liked that Lino showed us a survivor trick - how to open a coconut with stick and then he shared the fruit with us explaining each part. The bioluminiscence was beautiful but it is not that strong in this place, so you can see it with eyes but you won’t be able to photo it (maybe only with a really good professional camera). We nevertheless enjoyed the tour very much!

worth it

tess_r, Oct 2023
definitely a night we will never forget! be ready for an adventure! the bioluminescence was beautiful.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you so much for visit us, and for share your experience.

Perfect quick paddle

Jackie_C, Feb 2023
Travelled with my niece. Lino was a great guide and help to me. Warning. Have to walk through low tide muck to get to kayaks but when you return at night you are in high tide so you come up on beach. Really enjoyed it and felt like a kid playing in the water again.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Hello Jackie, Thank you so much for your comments, our goals is every person to come visit us have a great time.

Stars in the Water

Mandy_M, Apr 2022
Wonderful paddle and bioluminescence was amazing. Only suggestion is waterproof lights and flashlight on every kayak given the darkness.

Response from Host, Apr 2022

Thank you for your suggestions.

Life changing

Jake_J, Mar 2022
The whole expierence will be forever memorable. We will most certainly be back for the multi day! Most beautiful relaxing amazing time! Guide was awesome! The food and the drinks were amazing too.

Response from Host, Apr 2022

Thank you so much for your comments, we are already exited waiting for that multiday trip.

Great!

Camille_T, Oct 2025
We loved the excursion with our guide, he was super friendly, and we could feel the passion that drove him in his explanations! The phenomenon of bioluminescence was incredible, we found this magical moment. Thanks again!
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Glühwürmchen im Wasser

Lisa_W, Feb 2025
Wir durften einen faszinierenden Abend mit unsrem Guide Lino im Kayak am Golfo Dulce verbringen. Als Paar konnte man vorab zwischen Single oder Double Kayaks wählen. Lino hat uns gut in die Verhaltensregeln und das Kayaken eingeschult und während der gesamten Tour trotz aufziehendem Regenschauer sehr gut auf uns aufgepasst. Seine Erklärungen zur idyllische Flora&Fauna und auch zum Kokosnuss-Survival-Training waren superinteressant. Mitunter der motivierteste Guide auf unsrer gesamten Costa Rica Reise :). Man braucht ein bisschen Mut um nachts ins dunkle Wasser zu steigen, aber die Biolumineszenz hat uns dann eine knappe Stunde unaufhörlich staunen lassen. Wunderschön! Unbedingt wieder! (Tipp: be prepared - mit der Iphone 16-Kamera hat sich das Phänomen leider nicht einfangen lassen)

Voleurs

Sandra_V, Dec 2024
Nous avons réservé ce tour qui n’a jamais eu lieu car c’était la pleine lune. Il ne devrait donc même pas être réservable ! On nous a indiqué un remboursement sous 1 semaine de 120€ nous n’avons après 10 jours toujours pas récupéré notre argent.

Attrape touristes

Olivier_G, Jan 2024
On pagaie très peu ensuite on attend le coucher du soleil pendant une bonne heure. Bioluminescence faible. On revient en marchant dans la grosse boue. À mon logement il prêtait gratuitement des kayaks. Aurait été beaucoup mieux.

From $67.15

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 24 days in advance.