La Parguera Bio Bay Boat Ride and Swimming w/ San Juan Transport
San Juan, Puerto Rico
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the sparkling waters of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bay on this boat ride from La Parguera. Make your way to the dock and join a small group aboard your vessel for a ride across the sparkling waters. Then take a dip in the waters and see the microscopic organisms glimmering all around you before heading back to shore.
- Learn about the natural phenomenon from your guide
- Explore the village of La Parguera before your boat ride
- Choose from two tour times to suit your schedule
- A small group means more attention from your skipper
What's Included
- Life Jacket
- All Fees and Taxes
- Local guide
- Boat transport to La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel Pickup and Drop off
- DinnerFood and Drinks will be available for purchase in La Parguera prior to the bioluminescent boat ride.
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
Take in the views as your captain leads you to a prime spot for bioluminescent activity. Put your hands in the water to watch the glimmering access or hop right in to swim amongst the sparkles. After you’ve had plenty of time to experience the natural phenomenon, climb back on board and let your captain take you safely back to shore.
1
La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay
2
La Parguera
3
La Parguera
4
San Juan
5
Old San Juan
6
Caguas
7
Cayey
8
Salinas
9
Ponce
10
Guanica
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- **Swimming is not mandatory. While it is an option that we highly advise you to take advantage of, no guest is required to swim if they are not comfortable to do so**
- **This is not a Kayak Tour. Guests will be transported via motor boat through the protected waters to the best location to see and swim in the bioluminescence**
- **Total time on the water is 45 minutes - 1 hour. Guests will be able to swim for 20 minutes**
- **Visibility of the bioluminescence will fluctuate with weather, currents, and the moon cycle.**
- **All guests pay regular rate regardless of age. The number of participants is monitored by the DRNA and is by seat, not age**
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Muralikrishna_S
We did the Bio Bay tour in La Parguera with a group of friends, and it was truly unforgettable. The boat ride was about 15 minutes, giving us time to relax and enjoy the night before reaching the bay.
Once there, we were able to jump into the water and even swim underneath the boat. You’re not fully submerged the entire time — the boat has a unique underwater swim-through area where you can comfortably float and experience the magic up close.
At first, we could see a bit of the bioluminescence glowing from the boat’s rotating motors — but once we were under the boat, it was absolutely breathtaking. The water lit up around us with every movement. It felt surreal! 🌊✨
Highly recommend jumping into the water to fully experience it. A few of our friends didn’t even know how to swim, but with life jackets on, they still jumped in and had an amazing time.
If you’re in the area, this is a MUST-DO experience. Truly magical and something you’ll remember forever! 💙
Reviews
3.9
based on 715 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Maria_S, Aug 2026
Trust God and the staff the glow is amazing!! if you bring your camera of any kind you can’t use any lights or flash it makes the glow very dim but it’s a must do experience in Ponce Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 if you staying in San Juan only large groups will get transported so try to have your own transportation
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Hey Maria! Thanks for sharing your tips and feedback. We’re so glad you had an amazing experience with us and enjoyed the glow out on the water. Hope to see you back in PR!
David_A, Aug 2026
My husband and l were celebrating our anniversary. It was a very interesting trip and our guide , Israel, was wonderful. We learned a lot about the country. He also recommended a good place to eat.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Hey David, thanks for sharing! We're so glad Israel could take care of you guys on your special day, and was able to teach you something new about the island!
We hope that the rest of your time in PR was just as magical as your night in the bay, and can't wait to welcome you both back next time!
Rhina_B, Aug 2026
This was an awesome and memorable experience. I highly recomment to add this to your list if your visiting puerto rico!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for the awesome recommendation! We’re thrilled that swimming in the bio bay was such a memorable part of your trip to Puerto Rico. Hope to see you again!
Angela_F, Aug 2026
Swimming in the bioluminescent Bay was awesome, however, they only give you 15 minutes to swim. That time started from the first guest that entered the water. For the amount of money, it’s not really worth it. The tour started over 30 minutes late and lasted less than an hour in it’s entirety. I would choose a different company for this experience. The company subcontracted Gina’s Johnny boats for the tour. The captain and crew hardly interacted with the guests at all except for to tell us to move forward or move backward, depending upon which direction the boat was moving. A little disappointing. I would not book this tour again and I would advise others to look at other companies that offer similar tours.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the bioluminescence, but we sincerely apologize for the delay and frustration regarding the overall tour timing and swim duration. We work continuously with our boat partners to uphold strict schedules, and we will be reviewing this departure with our team to ensure smoother execution.
Isabel_S, Aug 2026
From the moment you get on the boat it is 45 minutes. The bioluminescence swimming is incredible, felt safe. They use a timer and you only have 15 minutes of swimming. I just wish we had a lil more time swimming. The trip back to dock is another 15 minutes for a grand total of 45 minutes to the dot.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad you felt safe and got to experience the magical bioluminescence, though we understand wanting more time in the water. Swim time in the bay is strictly regulated to protect the natural ecosystem, but we appreciate your feedback as we work to optimize every guest's experience!
Windy_Z, Aug 2026
Only take the experience that I took with the speedboat, because you get a chance to get in the water. It’s very safe, they put a life ring around your waist so you will float. It is a beautiful experience. The water is warm not cold at all. Also if you don’t want to get in the water, you could put your hands in the water and still experience it. Please understand and know what way you wish to experience this remarkable moment. You will not have the same experience on the big boats.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review and tips for future travelers! We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience, warm water, and swimming in the bio bay. Hope to see you back in PR!
Yameilee_B, Aug 2026
This experience was absolutely amazing. The water was so warm and my skin sparkled like glitter when I pulled my arms out of the water. The sky was gorgeous! We literally saw the Milky Way and the amount of stars in the sky was crazy!!!! I would recommend everyone to do this! It was so dark and the only thing you saw was the sky and when you moved around in the water the water would glow. This was the most exhilarating experience we have ever had. Must try this!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for the breathtaking review! We’re thrilled that swimming in the glowing water under the stars made for such a magical night. Hope to welcome you back again!
Stacy_F, Jul 2026
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Puerto Rico, the bioluminescent bay is an absolute must! ✨🌊
It was magical for both the adults and the kids—watching the water glow with every splash is something we’ll never forget. Our captain, Franco, made the entire experience even better. He was knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and made everyone feel safe and welcome throughout the tour.
Everyone was amazing and accommodating from the front desk to the captain!
This experience see experiences shows my family the beauty of nature and darkness!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hey Stacy! We appreciate the wonderful feedback! We're thrilled that the whole crew made the whole family feel welcomed and taken care of, and that the bay lived up to the hype!
Thanks so much for sharing, we'll see you on the next adventure!
tennsully, Jul 2026
We had an excellent time. Boat ride was smooth. Bio bay was awesome to swim in and see in person. Highly recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the wonderful recommendation! We’re so glad you had a smooth boat ride and an amazing time swimming in the bio bay. Hope to see you again soon!
daliab1529, Jul 2026
This is a MUST do while in PR!! Our boat driver was very helpful and made sure that we were safe at all times. It was magical!! Godsend an unforgettable experience!! Worth every penny spent!! Would definitely do it all over again!! Ohhh don’t waste your time trying to get a photo unless you have special equipment! Just enjoy the moment!! 10/10 experience!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the glowing review! We’re thrilled that our boat driver kept everyone safe while guiding you through such a magical, unforgettable experience. Hope to see you on your next trip to PR!
JEAN_S, Jul 2026
The swim in the bay was a thrilling experience that fascinated the kids. A 15-minute swim is not what you expect for the price that was paid. The staff is lukewarm and not attentive to the needs of small kids.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. While we’re glad the kids enjoyed the swim in the bioluminescent bay, we are truly sorry that the service felt inattentive and that the experience fell short of expectations for the price. We take your notes on family care and timing seriously and will discuss this with our crew to ensure better attention for all guests.
Sheila_F, Jul 2026
Franco, our tour guide was awesome. He provided us with a little history of our excursion and was detailed and informative of what we were going to be doing. He was great.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that the team's local history and clear guidance made your tour so informative and fun. We look forward to hosting you again!
Jamilliah_B, Jul 2026
It was very beautiful and fun will do again. It was a little behind schedule but that was not a problem. The staff was fantastic and funny and made the experience wonderful.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We’re glad that despite a slight delay, our fun staff and the beautiful views made it a experience you’d do all over again. Hope to host you next time!
Jules_C, Jul 2026
The add shows pictures of people in kayaks with bright, glowing water. Please know you will be on a large boat, not a kayak, and you have to jump in the water off the boat. There were several other large tourist filled boats coming through with people and lights. The water did glow, but nothing like the pictures. Important to note that we made sure to go when there wasn’t a full moon as recommended. We saw some glow, but I am on the fence on the cost.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for any confusion regarding the vessel used for our tour. While our experience is hosted on a larger boat to accommodate group trips, we appreciate your notes on expectation setting and photo clarity. We’ll review our listing details carefully to ensure everything is transparent for future guests.
Tanya_C, Jul 2026
This was one of the best experiences of our whole trip to Puerto Rico. It was magical swimming in the bioluminescent bay under the stars. We rented a car and did the self transportation option and stopped at Cascada Delicias and Ponce along the way. Highly recommend this activity.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! Swimming under the stars in the bioluminescent bay is truly magical, and we’re thrilled it was a highlight of your trip to Puerto Rico. Hope to host your family again!
Elvira_F, Jul 2026
We had a blast and the water temperature was just right. Swimming in the bioluminescence simply felt magical. If you book this don’t short change yourself… Jump in!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the great review and advice! There’s nothing quite like jumping into the glowing water, and we’re so glad you had a blast. Hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
Marlene_B, Jul 2026
Literally coolest experience ever! We’ve kayaked through the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo but there’s nothing like swimming in it! They’ll suggest you bring goggles but we didn’t end up using ours!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the awesome review! Swimming in the bioluminescent bay is truly magical, and we’re so glad you had such a memorable experience with us. Hope to host you again soon!
Girish_K, Jul 2026
Videos and pics will not do justice to this experience, you really need to be in the water to experience the magic. Nature is phenomenal, this was on our bucket list for a while and it was amazing. I can be scary for kids as you ride through the water in pitch dark conditions but once you get to the bay and dive in to experience the bioluminescence it’s absolutely magical. Just that it’s too short of a swim, would recommend the operator to increase prices and let us swim for at least 30 minutes. Also have some decent changing room facilities near the dock.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! You’re so right—seeing the bio bay in person is truly magical. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you and your family back for another unforgettable night!
Karen_O, Jul 2026
The experience itself did feel short, but I would have stayed in the bay for hours if I could. We were part of a bigger tour group that got split onto 2 boats, a smaller boat and a bigger boat. We got onto the smaller boat, and thankfully it worked out that way, because our tour guide told us the group on the bigger boat would not be able to swim in the bay. We would have been VERY disappointed if that was the case for us, but it wasn’t. We traveled with a 9 y.o., a 7 y.o., and a 3 y.o., they all went in the bay and LOVED the experience. We brought our own swimmies because the younger 2 did not do well with life jackets provided on other excursions. I definitely would recommend this excursion and would do it again if I could. We Loved it!
Francesca_R, Jul 2026
Excellent experience! Our family enjoyed it along with dinner at one of the restaurants at the marina. Definitely add it to your trip!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
That bioluminescent boat ride and swim really is something special! So glad your family loved it and capped it off with a great dinner at the marina. We'll see you next time!
Mercedes_A, Jun 2026
It was awesome !!! this was my second time booking this activity and next time I come I will be doing it again.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for sharing, Mercedes! We're thrilled that our guides are able to provide an incredible experience for you time and time again.
Can't wait for the next one, hope to see you soon!
Jayme_S, Jun 2026
This was an amazing experience and highly recommended for families. They accommodated all 15 of us and recommended a dinner spot for us
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Wrangling a big group of 15 can be a challenge, so we are thrilled to hear that the team took such great care of your family and hooked you up with a solid dinner spot. Come back and see us anytime!
Morris_J, Jun 2026
"Our tour was cancelled on the morning of the day we had reserved. We were offered another date or a refund, but unfortunately we were leaving the next day so we chose the refund.
I wish the tour operator had given us more advance notice or disclosed upfront how many people had booked—the listing only showed 'available' or 'sold out,' with no transparency about group size. Knowing the tour was undersubscribed would have let us plan an alternative activity. This was particularly disappointing since we were celebrating our wedding anniversary.
If you book this tour, try to schedule it early in your vacation so you have backup options. (Note: we couldn't, as all other dates were sold out.)
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are incredibly sorry for the last-minute cancellation and the bummer start to your morning. Vacation time is precious, so we hate that we disrupted your plans, though we're glad we could get your refund processed right away. We hope the rest of your trip was great!
Rebecca_S, Jun 2026
The paperwork said to be there at 8:15, them the ticket person said 8:25, but we didn’t board until 8:45. All of that was a bit frustrating, but once we got on the boat, the guides were nice and the experience was great! Being able to swim in the water with beautiful stars above was an amazing experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks for the honest feedback about the boarding wait time—we'll definitely look into smoothing out that timeline. That said, we're so stoked that the crew and the magic of swimming under the stars made the wait totally worth it!
Lea_S, Jun 2026
We had a fantastic time!! It was a bucket list item for me and I’m
So happy we did this one-we got to swim!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Checking off a bucket list item is huge! We are so happy you got to experience the magic of that night swim. Thanks for choosing us for it!
Lynda_B, Jun 2026
It was an amazing experience. Night time boat ride. Bioluminescence swim. So amazing. The water was not too deep.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
That bioluminescent swim really is pure magic, isn't it? So glad you had an amazing night out on the water. Thanks for joining us!
Bex_H, Jun 2026
We opted for the tour with transportation included, and the ride itself was very comfortable. The guides were incredibly nice and welcoming throughout the day, though I do wish the tour had dived a little deeper into the history of the area.
Our main critique is the timing: it is a very long day of travel for only about 15 minutes of actual time spent swimming in the water. If you go into this tour with the mindset that you are primarily exploring and seeing a completely new area of Puerto Rico, it helps a lot! However, if you are booking this strictly for the swimming experience, you might find it a bit too short.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you found the ride comfy and the guides welcoming. We appreciate the note on wanting a bit more history mixed in, and we'll definitely look into weaving more of that in. Hope to see you again down the road!
Alexis_C, May 2026
The tour and guide were excellent, sad we didn’t get to see much as we were told that the night and moon were were too bright to observe as clearly but still obtained some pictures and a great night swimming experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
So glad you enjoyed the night swim and had a great time with our guide! Mother Nature definitely has a mind of her own when it comes to the moon's brightness, but we love that you still made the most of the experience and grabbed some cool pictures. Thanks for hanging out with us!
Bahador_N, May 2026
Great experience overall! The team was very understanding and kindly offered a partial refund when two seniors in our group couldn’t attend due to health-related circumstances.
The tour was well organized, and the staff was friendly and professional. Due to the weather and bright moonlight, we couldn’t fully see the blue glow of the Bio Bay, but we still saw beautiful sparkles ✨ in the water around us, which made the experience special.
Highly recommend this tour if you’re visiting Puerto Rico!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks for sharing! We're thrilled that the team made you guys feel taken care of and made sure the group that attended had a great time.
We appreciate the recommendation, and hope to see you next time!
Rachel_C, May 2026
This was an amazing experience. Our family chose the smaller group tour on the smaller boat. The water was warm, bright and beautiful. I would have given this 5 stars if our boat captain had been more engaging…. Or engaged at all with us. He would answer questions when asked but seemed short and irritated and did not care to offer up any information on the area etc. When a few in our group got stung in the water he just shrugged and said “it’s jelly fish”. Jelly fish happen and we know this and everyone is fine but would have been nice of him to explain about it or something… anything… When we pulled back up to the dock he simply said “Good night”…. That was it.
We had been on a private boat tour with a different company the previous day and the captain on that boat was kind, knowledgeable and talkative. Perhaps we were expecting the same or perhaps our family is overly talkative. I would do this experience again, perhaps with a different captain or different company.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hey Rachel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're glad you experiencing the magic of the bio bay with us, and are sorry to hear we left something to be desired.
We'd love to hear a little more, if you'd like to reach out to our main office, we'd be happy to talk!
Thanks again for sharing, we hope to welcome you back again soon!
From $54.99
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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La Parguera Bio Bay Boat Ride and Swimming w/ San Juan Transport
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