bio bay tours la parguera

6 Best Bioluminescence Tours In La Parguera Bio Bay, Puerto Rico (2024)

• Bioluminescent Bays
• La Parguera Bio Bay

Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays.

La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay is the only one you are allowed to swim in.

I first visited this bio bay when I was a child, and I have taken these tours at least a dozen times since. 

Below are the 6 best tours in La Parguera:

1. Glass bottom catamaran tour

As the name says, this is a catamaran with a glass bottom.

On this tour, you don’t get to swim in the bioluminescent bay.

When you arrive at the bioluminescent bay, the captain briefly explains the bio bay. Then, t hey collect a bucket of water, and you can agitate the water with your hands to activate the bioluminescent organisms.

After that, they send some crew members to swim under the catamaran. As the crew members agitate their arms and legs, you can see how the water starts to illuminate through the glass bottom.

This tour is excellent and inexpensive, perfect for the elderly and younger family members. 

You can book this tour with the Fondo de Cristal Tour .

2. Bio bay swimming tour

La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay is the only bio bay in Puerto Rico where you are allowed to swim.

Some tours allow you to get in the water and activate the bioluminescence yourself by moving in the water.

The tour operator will take you on a boat to La Parguera’s Bioluminescent Bay.

You will get a brief explanation of what makes the water glow, and then you will swim in the bio bay, spending about an hour in the water.

This tour is physically demanding, but if you can swim, I highly recommend it.

To book a swimming tour in the bay, visit Parguera Eco Tours.

3. Snorkeling and bioluminescent bay tour

They call this tour the best of both worlds.

At 4:00 PM, they take you to snorkel some of the best shallow reefs in Parguera. A PADI professional will accompany you on the trip to ensure your safety.

At 6:00, they will serve you Puerto Rican empanadas and your choice of soda or local beer.  After you have eaten, they will take you on a boat to the bioluminescent bay.

At the bio bay , they will provide you with a mask and a snorkel.

This tour lasts half an hour and allows you to experience bioluminescence with an underwater view.

You can book this tour with Paradise Scuba Snorkeling PR .

4. Nightime bio bay kayak tour

If you like kayaking, this is the tour for you.

On this tour, they take you to the bioluminescent area on one of the company’s vessels, towing the kayaks with their boat. 

The tour operators will provide you with a life vest, a glow stick, and a sound device.

You will be allowed to go in the water and swim in the bioluminescent bay . These tours take two hours from start to finish.

Large families or groups should call in advance for scheduling purposes.

To book this tour, go to the Parguera Water Sports website.

5. Private bioluminescence tour

Do you want to experience La Parguera’s bio bay more intimately?

In that case, this tour is the right one for you.

This tour has a six-passenger maximum. The tour operator will take you to bio bay in a 19-foot boat. You are allowed to swim so you can experience it firsthand.

Tours use a skiff which is a shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with a sharp bow and square stern.

The US Coast Guard regulates all marine vessels, and they have the following regulations: 

The maximum weight the boat can carry is 1,400 pounds. The ladder to get in and out of the boat might not hold more than 250 lbs.

For more information about booking this more intimate tour, contact Alelí Tours .

6. La Parguera bio bay tour from San Juan

Do you want to go to the bio bay from San Juan but don’t want to drive 5 hours round trip?

Then a tour from San Juan to La Parguera is suitable for you.

These tours take care of everything. They will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to La Parguera . Once you arrive, you will get appetizers. 

You will then board a private boat that will take you to see the floating homes and the mangrove keys at La Parguera.

After sunset, they will take you to the bio bay.

You will get bottles of water and local beers on the boat. On the bioluminescent bay, you will be allowed to swim, and as you agitate the water, it will start to glow.

After you have experienced the bio bay, they will take you back to your hotel in San Juan.

For more information, check out Bespoke Lifestyle Management .

FAQ section

Do you need to take a tour to visit la parguera bio bay.

You need to book a tour to Visit La Parguera Bio Bay. A licensed tour will guarantee your safety and enjoyment of the bio bay.

Where can you buy tickets for La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay?

It is better to book the Bio Bay tour in advance. You can buy tickets from the tour operators on their websites. This article provides you with the links.

Final thoughts

La Parguera is not the best bio bay in Puerto Rico.

To learn about Puerto Rico’s other bio bays, check out our article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know .

Carlos Cubero

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. I’m passionate about Puerto Rican history and culture. I live on the west coast of Puerto Rico, and host an Airbnb for tourists. I also coordinate tours and concierge services for tourists. I authored “Eat Like A Local, Puerto Rico”, and have contributed to blogs and magazines with articles about discovering and enjoying what Puerto Rico has to offer.

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Pick a date and we bring you out to one of the cays to spend the day on the boat. You can bring food and drink. Min capacity is 4 and max 6. Earliest departure at 9 am but you can choose your time of preference. You have until 630pm to stay and then we bring you back to land. This tour is $50 per person.

We offer you a boat trip to Parguera’s Bioluminiscent Bay. You get a little talk about what makes the bay glow. Afterwards you get the chance to jump in the water and experience swimming in the Bio Bay. Your time in the water depends on your preference but our average time is an hour. This tour is $45 dollars per person.

We offer you a daytime tour through all of Pargueras Cays, oceanfront houses and provide with a little history of them and our town in general. This tour has capacity for 10 people and is worth $10 dollars per person. We encourage you to take this tour at sunset before our Bio Bay tour for a magical experience.

We offer you transportation from Parguera's shore to a further away sandy cat depending on your preference where you can chill through the beautiful channels or kayak through the area. We have space for 6 adults available per group. Our kayaks are two seaters but could fit a small child in the middle. The price per person is $50 dollars. The time you stay on the island can be arrange and could be from 2 to 6 hours. Snacks and a small cooler, water shoes and a phone for communication are suggested.

We offer you a 2 seater kayak so you can explore La Parguera on your own. You can choose any time from 10 am to 6 pm. The cost is $25 dolars per person and we have space for 12 adults. Our kayaks can fit one small child in the middle and the cost for them is 10 dollars. We encourage you to stay near shore if it is not a guided tour and will need you to follow our instructions very carefuly to avoid any possible accident such as your kayak flipping or collision with a boat.

This tour includes a boat trip to a remote quiet place where we perform a one hour meditation session or we can arrange for your preferred length of time for the session. There is no previous experience needed for this tour. We offer mindfulness meditation, breath awareness meditation and body scan meditation. You can also choose the combination of your preference. Our intention with this tour is for you to relax and connect with your inner self and all the beautiful sceneries that will surround us. This tour is encouraged for groups with a max capacity for ten people but we can also arrange several trips if the group is bigger. This tour is worth 50 dollars per person.

Based on your previous experience and comfort snorkeling you can choose between snorkeling through shallow mangrove channels or at the reef which is deeper and encouraged for people who are comfortable in the water and want to see coral and bigger fish. We provide you with masks, snorkel and fins or you could bring your own. This tour has a max capacity of 4 people and is worth $40 dollars per person.

We bring you to the best natural pool in La Parguera located in a cay that is prepared with facilities such as bathrooms, place to change your clothes, gazebos, space to make barbecue and a beautiful dock surrounded by mangrove in which you can walk around the island. You can bring food, your own grill and beverages. Please bring or ask for trash bags to pick up your trash and help us maintain the island clean. Normally we take people out from 11 to mid day and pick you up from 5 to 6 pm. But we can also adjust to your time of preference. This tour is $15 dollars per person.

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Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays ⎮ La Parguera, Lajas

Location of Departure of Bioluminescent Bay Tours

The only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where you can jump in the water and swim

Save a spot – lajas bioluminescent bay boat tour.

Embarking on a day trip to La Parguera Nature Reserve promises to be one of the most unforgettable day trips in Puerto Rico.  At La Parguera , visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting glow of nature’s bioluminescence, indulge in snorkeling, and swim in the crystal-clear, shallow open waters surrounding the cays.  Every day ends with the breathtaking beauty of a West Coast sunset before embarking on a bioluminescent boat tour. 

Content – La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay Visiting Guide

• Tours to La Parguera Bioluminescent Lagoon
• Brightness of La Parguera
• The Experience at La Parguera

Need to Know Facts

• Itinerary Suggestions
• Best Places to Stay Nearby
• Map of L a Parguera
• Getting to La Parguera

Tours to La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

Tours from lajas - local, tours from san juan, cabo rojo & bioluminescent bay day trip - from san juan, tours from ponce, booking tours tip, reserving a bioluminescent bay tour ahead.

You will pay more per person, but you will also get more.  This tour offers a nice boat ride at sunset; you will get 30 minutes of swimming at the bioluminescent bay, and the group is small.  Floaties are provided, which is really nice for children to enjoy being in the water more comfortably.

Booking at La Parguera when you arrive

You may purchase your boat tour once you get to La Parguera.  You’ll see signs for tours, or feel free to ask; friendly locals are happy to help.  Some tour employees walk around the parking lot offering tours, but no worries, they are not bothersome or pushy.  You may go to the dock as well and buy your tickets.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, book your tickets as soon as you see the kiosks open, which typically open a few hours before dark; that way, you can get in line right away.  We recommend Johnny’s Boats (no advertisement).  If you don’t wish to return to your hotel late, get in line for the earlier boats.  You’ll be in line; they let in a specific number, and the rest must wait until the next trip.  Know that you get about 15 minutes on the water and the whole trip is about a half hour.  The tour below gives you more time on the water.

Staying in San Juan?

If you’re staying in San Juan, and don’t wish to rent a car, there are various tours with great itineraries so you can just relax and enjoy your day.  See tours listed on this guide.

Brightness of La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

We take pride in our guides offering factual and unbiased information, so here is the real bioluminescent experience at La Parguera.

You may find online videos circulating to get views and attention.  Why don’t we have any photos here?  Because it has not been possible to capture and it is really difficult.  Most of the pictures you see online are photoshopped, or were taken at Mosquito Bay in Vieques .   We can tell you from personal experience, for the past years, when we have visited with our family for recreational and investigative purposes for our travel guides, that La Parguera is not blue like the bioluminescent bay in Vieques .  The brightest we’ve ever seen during our visits is faint emerald green; most days, you must jump in to see or experience any bioluminescence; you’ll see tiny white stars on your body and in the water when you move.

La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay Experience

The bioluminescent experience.

Tours at La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay are by boat.  When you arrive at the bioluminescent bay, you will have the opportunity to go into the water and swim.  As you move, the dark water will turn from pitch black to subtle green hues on a good day to a sea of twinkling stars, lift your hands, and you’ll see them run down your arms, there are no other words to describe it but magical . 

For visitors who don’t wish to jump in the water and swim, the captain will fill a bucket with water so you can dip your hands, shake them and see the dinoflagellates light up like stars; if the captain doesn’t do it, feel free to ask.

Explore the Cays of La Parguera Nature Reserve

We encourage you to get to La Parguera by mid-afternoon to enjoy the cays.  Cruise around the nature reserve, or take it all in by swimming and snorkeling. 

Caracoles is a favorite, there’s no land so you’ll be on the water or on the boat the entire time, but the waters are so clear and warm you won’t want to get out of the water anyway.   Families with children will love Caracoles.  The waters are shallow, and it is the perfect spot to learn and do some snorkeling; baby fish love to feed on the roots of the mangrove roots.

Mata La Gata offers picnic tables overlooking the water, and a short boardwalk to admire mangrove trees.  Unlike Caracoles, an enclosed area was created to feel like a swimming pool, also keeping sea grass away.  Mata La Gata is a wonderful place to swim for families with children where they can also snorkel along the roots of the mangroves, where fish love to eat, hide and play.

Take a water taxi or book a private day charter to explore the mangrove cays.  Caracoles and Mata La Gata are the most popular cays.  If you’re staying in San Juan, there are a few tours that include the Caracoles experience with the bioluminescent bay with pick-up so you don’t have to worry about getting a car rental or planning (see below).

The Cultural Experience at La Parguera

For travelers desiring an authentic cultural experience, you’ll visit a local favorite spot for residents across the island, not a touristy spot.  La Parguera is a culinary favorite among locals every weekend, with diverse food offerings from fresh fish caught by local fishermen to traditional Puerto Rican fritters to delicious wings and All-American hamburgers and fries.  On weekends, it goes from quiet and relaxed to vibrant, with live entertainment almost every weekend at the plaza (small square), which becomes a dance floor for locals and visitors who wish to perfect their salsa moves.   If you love Karaoke, join the locals and get ready to have some fun.  Artisan stands showcase crafts, jewelry, and traditional sweet treats that grandmas still make.

A trip to La Parguera is sure to entice you to come back to Puerto Rico to explore more of the laid-back and beautiful west coast.

Pros of Lajas Bioluminescent Bay

• Fantastic attractions in Lajas and nearby so you can enjoy a great day trip.
• You can swim at this bioluminescent bay, making the experience more memorable and magical.
• Lajas Bio Bay is a more intimate experience with no crowds.
• Budget Friendly:  Tours cost less if you drive to Lajas.  You can choose from tour operators once in Lajas, costing $20 – $45 per person.  You may also book this local tour to reserve a spot on a smaller group tour with an English-speaking captain.

Cons of La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

• Brightness – The truth about La Parguera is that in comparison with Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo , it is considered dim.  If you didn’t read “The Bioluminescent Experience” please scroll back up so you have clear expectations when you visit.
• Distance from San Juan / Metro Area – You’ll be on the road for about 2.5 hours.  The drive is through the scenic highway that crosses the central mountains; as you descend from the mountains, you’ll enjoy great views of the coastline.  We think you’ll find the drive worth it if you follow one of the suggested itineraries further below.

Tours - La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

La parguera, ponce & yauco day trip tour - - from san juan, itinerary suggestions to la parguera, full day at la parguera nature reserve.

Take a water taxi or rent a little boat for the day.  Visit Caracoles, Mata La Gata and Cayo Enrique.  Have dinner at La Parguera and head to the tour at dark.  If you’re at La Parguera on a weekend, stay longer, dance and enjoy the culture. 

Cabo Rojo & La Parguera Day Trip

Los Morrillos Lighthouse , Salt Flats , Natural Bridge and Playa Sucia in nearby Cabo Rojo .  Then head to La Parguera for dinner and bioluminescent bay tour.   This tour offers a great itinerary with transportation from San Juan.

Ponce, Yauco & La Parguera

• Ponce:   Make a stop in the city of Ponce, go to the historic district, visit Museo Castillo Serralles among others; see this Ponce guide for ideas on places to visit.  Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Yauco :  The most colorful hill on the island.  Time needed: 30 – 45 minutes detour if you just drive around.
• Head to La Parguera for the rest of your day.

There’s a tour that offers this itinerary from San Juan.  See following tour. 

La Parguera, Ponce & Yauco Day Trip Tour

Best places to stay near la parguera bioluminescent bay.

• Parguera Plaza Hotel – Adults Only
• Nautilus by La Jamaca Hotels-Downtown La Parguera
• Turtle Bay Inn
• La Chale Parguera

Map - La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

A little history of la parguera & efforts to protect the bio bay.

History of Tourism & Health of La Parguera

Decades ago, the bioluminescent bay was much brighter; locals in the area like to refer to it as “Bahia Fosforescente” (Phosphorescent Bay).  Big boats with glass bottoms used to take visitors on tours without any regard for the health of the bioluminescent bay.  Due to poor protection laws, non-enforcement of the laws, poor planning, and illegal homes on the nature reserve, the bay has progressively lost its brightness.  When the bioluminescence went dark, La Parguera lost most of the local visitors across the island.  The break from many visitors helped the bay heal, increasing the dinoflagellates and brightness.

Current Efforts at La Parguera

Local groups are making great efforts through the courts to protect the mangroves, and to remove the illegal houses on the reserve.  Sadly, gas-powered boats are still being used; it is better than how they were, and local tour operators are more conscious and educated.  Since La Parguera gets the fewest visitors, being farther away from San Juan, you won’t see many boats during your tour, further helping to protect it. 

How You can Help

You can help protect the bioluminescent bay with your visit:

• Although not necessary, if you wish to wear insect repellent, please wear deet-free, all-natural.  Please wear all-natural sunscreen as well.

Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays ⎮ La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

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Top Bioluminescent Bay Tours – Vieques, Fajardo & Lajas

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Bio Bay Tour

Quick details.

• Tags Category: Snorkeling Trips
• Map Marker Departure Location: Paradise Scuba & Snorkeling Center | Road 304 KM 3.2, La Parguera

Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours

Clock Start Time: 6:00 PM

Clock Check-in Time: 5:30 PM and Departure time is 6:00 PM

Glass Included Drinks: Bottled water, soda, and beer

At the Bay, you’re able to swim for 30 minutes before you head back to shore.

Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bay Snorkeling Tours

The bioluminescent bay at La Parguera is the only bio-lagoon that allows snorkeling. You can actually put on a mask and enjoy as the dinoflagellates light up around you. Your trip begins on board with a light dinner of fresh empanadillas and soda or beer and an introduction to the natural phenomenon around Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bay. You then head out on one of our comfortable dive boats for a 20-minute trip through the mangrove canals to the actual bay.

• Please Bring your own Towels
• Kids under 5 years old must stay on board under adult supervision

Related Tours

• Most Popular!
• Tags Snorkeling Trips

Bio Bay Parguera & Sunset Snorkel

This snorkeling tour in La Parguera get you the best of both world! First, you’ll snorkel some of the best shallow reefs in Parguera. After, you’ll head out for the second part of your tour: a trip to the famous bioluminescent bay in South Puerto Rico. Includes empanadas and cold drinks.

• Tags Scuba Diving Trips

Discovery Scuba Diving Puerto Rico

This is the perfect Puerto Rico scuba diving adventure for non-certified divers.

Reef Dive La Parguera

For beginner divers who are just getting their fins wet, we offer an off-shore reef dive which has a maximum depth of 50 feet for added safety.

• Most Popular

SUNSET & BIO BAY LA PARGUERA TOUR

Quick details.

• Users Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• Tags Occupancy: Up to 6 Passengers per Boat
• Please be aware that separate bookings will likely result in different boat assignments, as boats accommodate a limited number of passengers.

Enjoy a Sunset & Swim the Bioluminescent Bay in La Parguera

Our sunset bio bay charter is a 2-hour tour. The first hour we will view the sunset as we cruise along the main bay of La Parguera. Then we will go to one of the reefs like Mata La Gata or Caracoles to enjoy the last of the sunset. As it gets dark we will go to the Bioluminescent Bay where you will be able to swim.

Where we meet:

We meet up at our dock/shop called Carmen’s Shell Shop , located inside the main plaza area of La Parguera. You can either park at the main public parking lot, or if it is a busy day there are $5 parking options. From the parking it is a 5 minute walk to the shop!

Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time, and make sure you time your arrival right!

What’s Provided:

• Refreshments (water, coca-cola, and sprite)
• Local beer (Medalla Light)
• Pool noodles (floaties)

What to Bring:

• Bathing suit
• Water Shoes (optional)
• Snorkeling Gear (optional)

RELATED TOURS & CHARTERS

• Hour Glass 1 Hour
• Tags Up to 6 Passengers per Boat

Bioluminescent Bay 1 Hour Tour

Have an unforgettable experience in La Parguera on our tour that lets you swim in  Bioluminescent Bay! All ages are welcome.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

La Parguera Private Boat Day Charter

Discover the islands, swim the Caribbean and explore La Parguera by boat with our half day private charter!

La Parguera Private Snorkeling Boat Day Charter

Discover La Parguera with a snorkeling adventure for the whole family and friends. Enjoy coral reefs or swim with fish through mangrove channels!

SUNSET SWIM AND KAYAK BIOLUMINESCENT BAY

Quick details.

• Tags Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 3 Hours

Ages 4 and over

3 and under, enjoy a sunset tour of puerto rico’s famous bioluminescent bay.

Enjoy a sunset swim at a beautiful cay before you head out to the bio bay. The water at the cays in Parguera is transparent and warm for the perfect sunset swim. Bioluminescent kayaking Puerto Rico offers the magical experience of nature’s light show, millions of tiny microscopic plankton sparkle in the water as you paddle through the bay. Join us for a sunset swim and a bioluminescent bay kayak tour in Puerto Rico, and discover one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. You’ll never forget this night of adventure and beauty.

Parguera Water Sports has developed this new service in order to keep families together while complying with physical distancing norms. This charter is managed solely by the captain. No additional crew on board.

RELATED TOURS

• Most Popular Tour!
• Tags All Ages
• Hour Glass 2 Hours | 2.5 Hours

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak & Swim Tour

Enjoy this nighttime kayak tour and get a close look at the unique bioluminescence. Learn more about the bioluminescent bay on this memorable tour!

• Great for Families!
• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Private Island Adventure Boat Tour

Enjoy a day on Cayo Enrique Island! We provide everything you need for a fun day at the beach, including kayak, and snorkeling gear.

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Enjoying La Parguera’s bio bay in Lajas municipality

Lajas is a southwestern municipality of Puerto Rico located between Cabo Rojo and Guánica, on the southern coast of the island facing the Caribbean Sea. Lajas is home to another bio bay – La Parguera bioluminescent bay (La Bahía Fosforescente).

Bioluminescent bays are uncommon due to their delicate nature and surrounding ecological issues. The phenomenon of luminescence occurs irregularly in tropical warm waters around the world. Puerto Rico, luckily, is one of a few places that has three well-preserved bio bays . The healthiest two are located in Fajardo and Vieques . La Parguera has the least (compared to the other two) number of dinoflagellate microorganisms that glow when water is agitated. Nevertheless, La Parguera with its glittering waters is still one of the biggest tourist draws in the south-west of the island. Seeing the lagoon’s water glow in a pitch-black night is a dazzling and breathtaking experience.

Upon arrival at La Parguera, you will notice numerous bio bay tour vendors. There are a couple of ways of getting into the La Parguera bio bay – using a small private boat or a large glass-bottom vessel. With a smaller boat, you will get more flexibility in terms of timing. They may even let you go for a swim in the bay. The trips start at dusk, around 7 pm. Reservations are usually not required – simply come to the dock and speak to one of the operators.

Boats depart from La Parguera pier. While getting into the bio bay, you will pass narrow canals surrounded by mangroves. If you want to fully enjoy the phenomenal experience of a tropical phosphorescent bay, it’s best to come on a moonless night . Yes, this is not the most healthiest bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, but it can be relatively bright. Once again, nature is unpredictable and there are plenty of factors that affect bio bay’s performance – anything from the moon phase to weather and tides.

Just arrive at dusk, take one of the local boats to Bahía La Parguera, and enjoy thrilling dinoflagellate watching. Bioluminescent microorganisms in the water put on a surreal glowing show, sparkling like fireflies in the blackness of the sea.

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Printed on 02 Sep 2024 from PuertoRicoDayTrips.com

A Boat Trip into La Parguera Biobay- Large or Small Boat Option

Starting in July 2023, the biobay will be closed the night before, the night of , and the night after a full moon.

There are three bioluminescent bays (bio bays) in Puerto Rico — Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in the north-east in Fajardo, and La Parguera in the south-west in Lajas. The biobay experience is pretty neat to see — the water glows when the microorganisms in it are agitated. You can take boat or kayak tours out into them to see it.

Some Background Info

We first visited La Parguera biobay about 30 years ago, and we went on this large boat. We had never seen anything like it before. They poured a bucket of water on the deck of the little boat and it sparkled. My fondest memory of that trip was all the stars you could see while out in the biobay. It was so dark as we slowly motored through the water — the sky was littered with stars. Since our first trip to La Parguera, we have been fortunate to have been to both the Vieques and Fajardo biobays a number of times — it seems nothing compares to the glow of the Vieques biobay. But the brightness and “sparkle or glow” of all bio bays are subject to health of the water, weather and the moon cycle.

A Trip into the Biobay on the large Fondo de Cristal Boat

While there are now different choices of how to see the biobay, this is our experince going out on the LARGE boat that can accommodate many people. The company, Fondo de Cristal , has one large boat that has 4 glass-bottom viewing areas. The boat has 2 levels and I bet it could hold about 150 people. The upstairs was open air (for star gazing) while the bottom level had the glass-bottom viewing. The crew had music going during the boat ride. It was a fast boat — about a 20-minute ride from the dock to the biobay. I sat next to a viewing windows and you could see some glow as the boat moved through the water.

Once we got into the bay, the captain gave a really short, bilingual explanation of the biobay. Then a crew member scooped up a bucket of water that you could put your hands into and swirl it around to see some sparkles. Then they sent some crew members into the water to agitate the dynoflagellates. They went under the boat and moved their arms and legs under the glass-bottom viewing areas. Don’t expect glowing blue lights…think sparkle or white mist in the surrounding water. We were in the bay for about 15 minutes total before heading back to the dock.

The large boat experience wasn’t my cup of tea. But there are a few possible advantages of the large boat:

• it is inexpensive
• There is a bathroom on the boat.

Some Things To Consider

This is the only biobay in PR where you can swim, but that is not an option from the large boat. So I think a smaller boat tour would be better. As soon as you get to the La Parguera area, you will get confronted by all the biobay vendors asking if you want a trip. Or you can plan ahead and make reservations on a smaller boat or kayak trip or a snorkel/biobay trip.

Always check the biobay/moon calendar to for best nights to go.

The Details

Check the Fondo de Crystal webpage for current prices. They offer both the large boat and a small private biobay boat trip.

If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.

Trips start at 7:00pm or so. Reservations are not required but suggested.

The phone number for Fondo de Cristal (used to be called Cancel Boats ) is 787-899-5891

Check the Fondo de Crystal webpage or Their facebook page for more info and to make reservation.

There are also other companies that have smaller boat biobay tours or even kayak biobay tours Johnny’s Boats 787 717-0777 Torres Boats Paradise SCUBA has a boat trip. Aleli Tours that has a 6 person boat. Hook’d On Adventure that has boat biobay tours. Parguera ecotours has a boat tour. Kayaking Pargueras has a kayak biobay tour . Parguera Watersports that has kayak biobay tours.

Driving directions: Take Road 304 to the end. At that tee, go to the left and there is a parking lot. The ticket office is right there as you enter the La Parguera pier area.

Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...

• La Parguera bio bay
• La Parguera, parking

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Discover La Parguera, Puerto Rico (Mini Guide)

When people think of Puerto Rico, the first place that comes to mind for most is San Juan. And I get it. San Juan is lit. I was fortunate enough to have visited beyond the island’s capital through a FAM trip with Discover Puerto Rico to La Parguera located in the southwest.

Back in May 2023, I visited la Isla del Encanto for the first time to go to the Women in Travel Summit (WITS). I was chosen to take part in a trip organized by the island’s tourism board after the conference. All the activities mentioned in this post were covered by Discover Puerto Rico, but my thoughts on each are my own.

La Parguera is just 2 and a half hours away from San Juan. It is the perfect destination for those looking for something off the beaten path. It’s best known for being home to one of the island’s three bio bays. This fishing village has lots to offer and allows you to avoid major crowds while still having unique adventures.

La Parguera makes for a great 2 to 3 day escape and a perfect addition to a San Juan itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links from which if you make a purchase I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running.

Watch the video version on YouTube !

Mini Guide to La Parguera, Puerto Rico

Things to do 🤿.

La Parguera has a lot of adrenaline type activities waiting for you! Here are the ones I was fortunate enough to participate in during my time there.

Caribbean Chili Boats

Have you ever heard of a chili boat ? Because I never had before my trip to this part of the island. It might be hard to fully explain it in words, so here’s a picture!

This tour is available in Old San Juan, La Parguera and el Boquerón. You can make a reservation here !

What’s included? One waterbike per person, life jacket, whistle, one bottle of water and snack at each stop.

Bioluminescent Bay

Snorkeling in a bay is pretty common, but snorkeling and swimming in a bioluminescent bay at night isn’t. Definitely a more unique experience though! Puerto Rico has 3 bio bays around the island, one of them is located in La Parguera. 

This was one of the most unique experiences I was able to partake in during this trip and one I highly recommend. It’s not very often you can swim with natural underwater lights.

The day of my visit the climate wasn’t the best to see them from above water so the only way was to go in. Depending on how dark it is outside, more or less will be visible. Please do keep this in mind as any tour cannot fully guarantee how many you’ll see when booking.

There are multiple companies who offer this tour , but I did it with Paradise Scuba and Snorkeling .

How can you visit Puerto Rico and not have a go at a surfing lesson? In Rincon, I took part in a lesson by Surfing Lessons in Puerto Rico .

This has to be one of my most favorite lessons to date and I’ve done lessons in Hawaii and Costa Rica. The reason? As I was paddling back out to try and catch another wave, a sea turtle popped its head out. It happened quickly and so unexpectedly, but it was such a nice surprise! I’ve swam with sea turtles before, but in a place where they tend to hang out. This was sheer luck.

Disclaimer: it cannot be guaranteed that you’ll see sea turtles when surfing here. If you do see a turtle, don’t try and grab it as you may scare it. 

Dancing and Live Music

La Parguera’s main plaza is surrounded by restaurants and shops. On the weekends they play live music with residents and tourists dancing together. I’m not sure how many people were there, but they were all having a great time! I joined in for a bit and got to experience a little of La Parguera local life.

Where to eat 🍴

Puerto Rico is known for its delicious food. Most people think of San Juan’s culinary scene, but should also check out these bites while in La Parguera!

El Turrumonte

If seafood is what you crave, then restaurante El Turrumonte needs to be on your list. My group and I tried a variety of dishes and none disappointed. I opted for an octopus plate which was exactly as I had hoped it would be. My mouth is currently watering as I write this. This place is located on the water which makes for a perfect lunch spot with a view.

Right in the middle of La Parguera is Isla Cueva . This is your go-to burger and beer bar when in the area. Their sampler plate lets you try a variety of small bites which I highly recommend. I opted for the shrimp tacos and would go back just for these. They have a variety of draft beers and creative cocktails. 

Brújula Restaurant

Located within the Parguera Plaza Hotel is the Brújula Restaurant and Pool Bar . They’re open daily for breakfast and brunch from 8am to 11am. They open back up for dinner from 3pm to 11pm. 

Copamarina Beach and Resort Spa

Copamarina Beach and Resort Spa is a drives away from downtown La Parguera. It really has everything you need if you’re looking for a full on escape and want to stay in only one place. Going for a meal and wandering around the property is a great alternative if staying here isn’t right for you. It is a bit on the higher end.

Where to stay 🏨

La Parguera has an array of accommodation available for different budgets and needs.

Parador Villa Parguera

The Parador Villa Parguera is a beautiful waterfront property with a pool and restaurant. All of their rooms face the water and have either a balcony or direct access onto their backyard lawn. This hotel is open to all so families, adults, etc are welcome. It’s beautiful having such a nice view to wake up to every morning.

Parguera Plaza Hotel

La Parguera Plaza Hotel is a brand new adult only hotel. It has a pool, cafe, restaurant, with a spa and microbrewery coming soon. They offer a blend of entertainment for adults including DJ performances, unique design, top-notch services, and an array of dining options. This includes their four restaurants and a coffee shop.

Packing Tips

For a 10 day visit, I only brought a personal item, a backpack. Watch my packing and unpacking video for everything I took, wore, and didn’t use!

Latin America Destinations

Make sure you’re following me on  Instagram ,  TikTok , and  YouTube  for more up to date content on where I’m at and where I’m going next. If you haven’t already,  join my email list  so you know about my adventures, general travel updates, and more before anyone else!

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One Comment

I would absolutely love the food, maybe give the dancing a go, and definitely go to see the bioluminescent bays available in Puerto Rico. It seems like there is so many wonderful things to enjoy!

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