La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan: Experience the Magic

Embark on a magical boat tour from San Juan to La Parguera, where you can witness the incredible bioluminescence in its glowing bay. Swim in the crystal-clear waters and learn about the fascinating dinoflagellates that create this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • La Parguera - La Parguera, a small fishing village in Lajas has reborn as a local and international destination.
    Because of its geographical location it offers one of the best preserved coral reef systems and mangrove forests in the Caribbean. Various restaurants and bars add to the local attractions.
    We will drive for 2:15 hrs each way (bathroom stops offered along the way), as you enjoy the panoramic and lush views of the Central area that then changes to a semi-desert landscape.
    Upon arrival downtown we will stop for appetizers.
    Watch the sunset as we head out for a 25 minute ride thru the mangrove channels.
    You will have the opportunity to swim at one of it’s cays, before we head out to the area where the bioluminescence happens.
    Your guide will explain everything you need to know about these microscopic dinoflagelates that give off heat in the form of light when disturbed.
    Once we reach the bay you will have the opportunity to swim (optional) and experience this phenomenon first hand.
What's Included
  • Complimentary local beer and water on the boat
  • Appetizers at La Parguera, including vegetarian choices (advance notice required)
  • Free pickup and drop-off in San Juan’s key areas (Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde)
  • Expert guidance by a certified guide
What's Not Included
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Gratuity
Additional Information

La Parguera, a quaint fishing hamlet in Lajas, has experienced a renaissance in recent times. Thanks to its location, it boasts one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled coral reef systems and mangrove forests. A variety of eateries and bars contribute to the local delights. We’ll journey for roughly 2.5 hours (restroom breaks provided), drinking in the verdant vistas of the Central region as they transform into a semi-arid scenery. Upon reaching our destination, we’ll pause for some light bites (additional food & beverage expenses are separate).
As we sail out for a 25-minute voyage through the mangrove canals, you’ll get to witness the sunset (depending on the season). There’s a chance to take a dip in one of its cays, after which we venture to where the spectacle of bioluminescence takes place. Your guide will elucidate about the microscopic dinoflagellates that emit light when agitated. When we arrive at the bay, you’ll get to encounter this magical light show firsthand.

  • Minimum amount of 4 participants is required in order to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after receiving instant confirmation if the minimum is not met. IN the event of this happening you will be offered an alternate date or full refund.
  • It is an approximately 2:20 hour drive from San Juan to La Parguera each way, depending on the time of day and traffic.
  • The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice.
  • Tour not suitable for persons with mobility issues, using wheelchair, walker or cane as you must climb into the boat from a narrow pier. If you get in the water, you must be able to climb a small boat ladder.
  • Children must weight 50 lbs or more in order to participate on tour, and must be notified with anticipation in order to assign a car seat.
  • Complimentary car seats or booster seats available upon request (subject to availability).
  • You are more than welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
  • Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the DAY PRIOR to your tour.
  • Total activity duration of 8 hours includes: 2:20 hr driving time each way, 2 hour tour, and stop for appetizers.
  • Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following instructions or causing disruptions the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
Location
La Parguera
Southwestern Coast
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(231 Ratings)
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X6496ptashleyc
Jul 29, 2024
Worth it! - Felix was amazing and made the day so special for me and my 6 year old daughter. The day was long but it included a little bit of everything. The bay was incredible. Thank you Felix and fam!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3637mialanb
Jul 13, 2024
Once in a Lifetime Experience - This was the most magical experience! This tour allows you to SWIM WITH THE GLOWING PLANKTON… AND INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION AND A MEAL! Our driver/guide Hector was wonderful! The drive from San Juan (picked up from our hotel) was a great chance to see the island (through the mountains and along the coast). We were given several delicious options for the meal. Even waiting for the night sky was special as we anchored and went in the water (optional) to watch the sunset. Try to go when there is not a full moon (cloudy sky is great too).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aashna_j
Jul 11, 2024
Highly recommended to anyone who is scared of ocean! - One of the best experiences I ever had. Highly recommend this tour to anyone with kids. Worth every penny !
Review provided by Viator
Kylie_c
Jul 11, 2024
Epic and Magical - Last minute plan and I couldn't recommend it more. Hector was the best tour guide. Everyone had a blast and I wish I could go back again and again.
Review provided by Viator
Bnb_pa
Jun 24, 2024
Lots of fun swimming with the "lights" - Smoothe ride out. Incredible to experience the water (my body) light up! History of the area and of the Bioluminescent Bay was enlightening. Definitely do this on the South side of Puerto Rico.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzanne_p
Jun 24, 2024
Tour of a lifetime - This tour was the highlight of our vacation in Puerto Rico. It was so much more than we expected. Hector, our tour guide was excellent. He arrived promptly at our hotel for pickup and went out of his way to make sure everyone was having a great time. I would definitely do this tour again. From start to finish everything was amazing. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Kaylee_g
Jun 19, 2024
One thing to not miss in PR! - The bio bay tour was more than just driving and swimming. You start the tour at your hotel and then drive 2.5 hours to La Parguera and a local town. The whole way there, our guide Hector, kept us entertained and interested learning about Puerto Rico far beyond surface level. During the trip, we had waters and local beers to last us the whole trip and then some. At the town, we ate delicious local food (the amount pre-paid was plenty enough for a full meal) and had time to both explore, shop, and watch live music and dancing. After our time in the town, we took a short trip to the bay. Our boat captain, Luis, took us out to a local cay, where we could swim and watch the sunset. Hector was more than willing to take photos and accommodate us the best he could. Once the sun was down, we went to the bio bay, and this quickly became the best tour and excursion our group experienced throughout our whole Puerto rican vacation. Though expensive, this tour was far worth the price. Getting to swim through the bio bay was excellent as the water glows around you and your movements (We looked at kayaking but highly recommend this one instead). This company made us all feel more like family then friends, and it was a great time - highly recommend this group and our guide Hector!
Review provided by Viator
Gayan_s
Jun 9, 2024
It was out of this world... - It was out of this world experience. Tour guide was very polite and friendly. I would recommend highly.
Review provided by Viator
T8675ftbarbarac
Jun 8, 2024
A unique experience. - The best excursion I have ever done, my God it is an experience that must be lived even once in a lifetime, having contact with the water of the Bay is as if it were something magical, thank you God for giving us such a beautiful creation. We also had the joy of having a good driver, Hector is an excellent person, very professional, he explained to us every detail of what was going to happen. Excellent trip, I recommend it 💯 and Mr. Luis is the captain of the super professional boat, he made the trip very enjoyable and safe, thank you Hector and Luis for making the trip so excellent. Oh and the super good food, typical of Puerto Rico, 🇵🇷 😍 the truth was it was a unique experience, I hope to repeat it again God willing. I recommend it 💯 don't miss it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sydney
Jun 7, 2024
Loved it - This tour was AMAZING. In addition to the bioluminescence experience, they provided transportation from San Juan, a delicious meal, lots of beer, and time to explore a quaint town in La Parguerra. Hector was the best tour guide! He was personable, knowledgeable, funny and was a big part of why our experience was as enjoyable as it was. The bioluminescence was absolutely amazing and a once in a lifetime experience that even words cannot describe. I am so grateful I did this tour and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 13 guests
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September 2024
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