El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking: Discover Puerto Rico's Ecology and Culture

Experience the beauty of El Yunque Rainforest and the magic of the Bio Bay in Puerto Rico. Hike to natural pools and waterfalls, then kayak through bioluminescent waters. Lunch included.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • El Yunque National Forest - Get adventurous, get muddy and get off the paved trail! Hike to explore different zones of the rain forest and enjoy beautiful views, natural pools and the Atlantic Ocean. Once we arrive to the skirts of El Yunque we will start with a 25-30 minute journey on a river-wading and rock scaling path to the river. You will see bamboo trees, flowers, and beautiful plants and experience rivers, waterfalls, and natural trails.  We will make a stop to visit a collecting pool that forms at the base of a small waterfall. Here you will have the opportunity to swim in its crystal clear waters, swing from a rope and enjoy the different tones of its deep pools.

Then, after a few minutes of hiking and rock climbing to the upper sections (more strenuous), arrive at a natural river where you can swim, cliff jump, enjoy the natural water slides and small waterfalls.

After the hike, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant (food cost not included) for about an hour to an hour and half.

What's Included
  • USCG certified lifejackets
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Guidance from a certified tour guide
  • Access to first aid equipment
What's Not Included
  • Gratuity for tour guide not included, but greatly appreciated
  • Lunch
  • Additional fee for pick ups outside of San Juan will apply (Dorado, Bayamon, Rio Grande, Fajardo, Humacao)
Additional Information

Please read carefully for all safety requirements and limitations for this tour before booking. This is a moderate to strenuous activity that may not be suitable for everyone.

If you’re seeking an active way to experience Puerto Rico’s native environment, seize the opportunity with this combo adventure from San Juan! It includes a nature hike that will lead you to amazing natural pools, a waterfall, and waterslides, followed by a nighttime kayaking tour on the bioluminescent bay. These two natural wonders provide a fascinating look at the island’s ecology. You will also enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican lunch between both activities to enhance your cultural experience (food cost not included in tour price).

  • This is a moderate to strenuous activity. Please dress appropriately.
  • Must wear hiking shoes or tennis with a good grip (closed toe). Please note: shoes will get wet and very muddy. Water shoes required for the Bio Bay portion (sandals with straps or flip flops work too- cannot be barefoot).
  • Participants must be physically capable of walking thru rocky, uneven and muddy surfaces without assistance and paddling a two person kayak in a coordinated matter .
  • Maximum weight to participate is is 240 lbs (108 kg) per person.
  • Failure to notify correctly may result in person(s) not being able to participate on bio bay tour, no refunds will be issued due to this.
  • Due to the strict weight restriction all participants are subject to be weighted upon arrival to the tour site. No cancellations or refunds will be issued if a person neglects to inform correct weight, and is not able to participate of the tour.
  • Pregnant women, persons with back or knee problems, heart complaints, recent surgeries or injuries or other serious medical conditions cannot participate. Children must be 7 years or older to participate.
  • On Saturdays the hike is longer and more challenging since we depart from a different point.
  • Rainforest portion is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • Due to safety reasons participants must be able to understand English or Spanish. Legally blind or deaf persons are not able to participate due to the same. An alternative for persons with certain limitations is to book a Private Rainforest tour. Please contact us prior to booking for more information.
  • Use of lifejacket and helmet is mandatory. $100 fee will apply for each piece of equipment if not returned.
  • Once you begin the Rainforest tour, you must finish it all the way up to the second stop and return back with the group.
  • You must have a good breakfast before departing on this tour
  • 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. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility of the bioluminescence. In the event of this happening alternate methods such as the use of a tarp will be incorporated in order to appreciate it.
  • Please travel light and only bring the necessary to the tour. Leave behind electronic devices, any important documentation like passport, large sums of cash or credit cards. Cell phones require waterproof case and can be brought at your own risk..
  • Failure to provide hotel/lodging or cruise information upon booking may result in bus not being able to pick you at your location or close to it. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
  • Bus will only wait 5 minutes after arriving to your pick up location, we will not be responsible if you miss to arrive on time.
  • Bio Bay portion of tour operates under rain and other weather conditions. Guide will determine to call it off when thunderstorms or other serious conditions happens.
  • Participants cannot be afraid of the dark as you will be kayaking thru pitch black areas during the Bio Bay portion of the tour.
  • Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to failure to provide correct weight, follow instructions to meet requirements to participate, failure to provide pick up location, late or non-arrival of participants.
  • Complimentary transportation available only in San Juan. Persons staying in Rio Grande, Luquillo or Fajardo must arrive to meeting point.
  • Estimated tour duration of 12 hours includes: 3.5-4 hours at the forest, 2 hrs at bio bay, 3.5-4 hrs combined of driving each way and lunch time.
  • Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the DAY PRIOR to your tour.
  • Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following COVID19 protocols or not dressed appropriately (due safety) the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
  • Persons with the previously listed health restrictions cannot participate on the tour. No refunds will be authorized if a person neglects to read complete description and does not meet the safety requirements and limitations on the day of the tour.
Location
El Yunque National Forest
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(941 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Kendra_c
Jul 31, 2024
Fantastic experience. Lifetime memories made! - Seeing my young son and younger brother jump off the cliff into the water was amazing. Our tour guide Jason was an absolute treasure and really made the experience enjoyable for everyone. He was very knowledgeable and great with kids! Our kayak tour guides were also incredibly friendly and took special interest in showing my son how to kayak and get the most out of the bay!
Review provided by Viator
Brenda_v
Jul 28, 2024
Adventure day - What an amazing day in the great outdoors! George, our tour guide did an amazing day guiding us through everything! He picked us up in Plaza Colon in old San Juan and made sure to explain everything in Spanish and English! He then drove us to the rainforest where he gave us a life jacket, helmet and even had water for us! During this tour they will tell you to embrace the mud otherwise you will get hurt! Walking in the mud made you feel like a little kid again! It was awesome! Once you reach the river you can rinse off! George also gave us options to do the water slide and jumping in the water! I love that they don’t force you to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with! George was also a great photographer! He took pictures of everyone individually and as a group! I loved the enthusiasm that he had! The bio bay was an amazing experience, my mom and I were having a difficult time kayaking but one of the guides clipped or kayak to hers and helped us the whole way through! Very thankful for that!! All in all I highly recommend this tour! Know that this is an all day activity and you will be exhausted at the end of the day! But so worth it!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Michael_l
Jul 17, 2024
The best part of my vacation - My tour guide Adriana was the best. She told us about the history and also made us feel very safe. This was the highlight of our vacation to Puerto Rico. We did everything on this excursion waterside, cliff diving and rope swing. All of that in a natural environment with a waterfall behind us. I totally recommend this trip. And if you’re lucky Adriana will be your guide too.
Review provided by Viator
Doris_d
Jul 13, 2024
Amazing experience - The experience of being out in nature, seeing all the beautiful wilderness in the forest, Jason and Jay were both amazing hosts, they made sure we were all safe and comfortable with every activity. They were really friendly and knowledgeable about everything. I would definitely do it again!!
Review provided by Viator
Amarie_o
Jul 11, 2024
Best tour ever - Best experience ever. And our tour guide was amazing. Had a blast would definitely recommend this tour to everyone
Review provided by Viator
Ansel_w
Jul 9, 2024
Amazing experience that felt like an endurance race - Amazing experience. Jason is the best tour guide ever. He knew every critter on the trail. We are flowers, picked up snails and all type of stuff. The bioluminescence bay isn’t what you think it is tbh, but it was more of adventure, kayaking down a water path with nothing but glow sticks to guide you was way more fun than it sounded… If you want an adventure do it! But I’d have to say I’d hit the gym first, it’s a very physical activity not meant for everyone
Review provided by Viator
Shaun_f
Jul 7, 2024
rain forest, cliff jumps, epic mountain water slide, and water rope swing - Our tour guide Frankie was amazing!!!! The rain forest, cliff jumps, epic mountain water slide, and water rope swing were awesome too!!!!
Review provided by Viator
160simrank
Jul 11, 2024
Overall a great time! - The whole experience was wonderful at el Yunque. Our guide, Jordan, & Jay were great at making everyone feel comfortable. They were enthusiastic and friendly and helped everyone when they needed it. The hike in general was challenging given the mud from the rain but not bad. The waterfalls were gorgeous. The biobay tour was good overall as well. All the guides were very friendly. Kayaking to the bay was a workout but not bad. Kayaking back in the dark was honestly cumbersome and could have been better—the glow sticks did not do much. We were able to see the bioluminescence though it wasn’t as strong and not really photographable. Still a cool experience and the view of the bay itself was very beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_w
Jul 6, 2024
Rainforest great-Bio Bay disappointing - The rainforest part of the tour was AMAZING!! We had THE BEST tour guide-Adriana was WONDERFUL! She was knowledgeable and fun!! DEFINITELY recommend! 5 stars! The bio bay part was VERY disappointing! From the smell, the trash, the guides were NOT helpful, and the kayak back in the dark was a disaster! The kayaks had no lights so navigating in a small channel against the current was NOT fun! We spent very little time viewing the bioluminescence. Seeing the bioluminescence was very cool.
Review provided by Viator
Y6723yutiffanyg
Jul 11, 2024
Poorly informed tour description with bad timing - You can do this same tour through a bunch of different tour groups, I highly don’t recommend picking this one. The tour guides were nice enough but the way this is advertised is extremely misleading. Things I wish I had known upfront: It isn’t one tour you are booking, it is two seperate tours run by completely unrelated companies, and because of this there is a ton of down time in between them. I don’t really know why they don’t start the first tour hours later or let you stay at the waterfall longer. They say that you can keep all of your stuff on the bus, this isn’t true because the first tour ended and just took us and dropped us off on a random sketchy beach to wait for the second tour and left! Before that, we sat at a restaurant for hours because they are killing time until the next tour. Restaurant was fine but pretty bad service because they know they will always have trapped customers from these tour groups. Also, the tour started at 9 am and in the description it says you will be going to a restaurant for “lunch”. We did not get to the restaurant until around 3 so that’s really not lunch lol. Other tours I looked at for this exact same price included food, this one did not. Lastly, do not wear shoes you care about at all, they will be DESTROYED! They mention some muddy terrain but there is nothing except very deep red mud that will stain anything it gets on. I don’t know why they don’t update the description before hand because this is clearly an ongoing issue, because they take you to a Walgreens before you go to buy water shoes, but they are nearly sold out because this is obviously a daily occurrence due to missing information. Another strange part is that the first tour knows nothing about the second tour? Our first tour guide told us we could not wear bug spray on the second tour or we would be kicked off the tour. This was completely false because the second tour actually provided bug spray to us. Just strange poorly run tour company. The waterfall and bioluminescent bay were phenomenal but either pick another tour company or even hike to the waterfall on your own, it is not difficult at all. The hike was less than 2 miles round trip and heavily trafficked on a clear path, and the tour forces you to wear a life jacket so it honestly would be easier/nicer to just go without them. The bioluminescent bay is necessary to have a tour, but there are like 10 different companies doing this in a semicircle at the bay (one of which this tour used) so I imagine it would likely be cheaper to go directly thru them instead of this 3rd party.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today