tours to mosquito bay puerto rico

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Welcome To Mosquito Bio Bay Tours

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Vieques Bio Bay with our guided tours. Glide through the bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay by kayak or boat and witness the mesmerizing glow created by millions of microscopic organisms. This enchanting spectacle transforms the bay into a magical display of sparkling blue light. Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience by arriving on time for the safety meeting before your tour. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and connect with the wonders of nature in Vieques Bio Bay.

Discover Vieques Bio Bay Tours

At Discover Vieques Mosquito Bio Bay Tours, we are passionate about showcasing the natural wonders of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Vieques is home to one of the most spectacular bio-luminescent bays in the world – Mosquito Bay.

Our mission is to provide an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing beauty of the bio-luminescent phenomenon. With our expert guides and top-quality equipment, we ensure a safe and enlightening journey through the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay.

As stewards of the environment, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving the delicate ecosystem of the bio bay. Through education and awareness, we strive to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Vieques.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating memories that last a lifetime. Join us on a magical adventure and discover the enchanting allure of Vieques' bio bay with Mosquiyo Bio Bay Tours.

The Vieques Bio Bay tour offers a unique and captivating experience as you venture into the bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay. Witness the mesmerizing glow created by millions of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates, which emit light when disturbed. As you kayak or boat through the bay, every movement creates a trail of sparkling blue light, turning the water into a magical spectacle.

Treasure hunts, this natural phenomenon is a must-see, providing an unforgettable adventure and a deeper connection to the wonders of nature. join a guided tour to explore the vieques bio bay and immerse yourself in this enchanting experience..

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Vieques Bio Bay on our guided tours. Glide through the bio-luminescent waters and witness the magical glow created by microscopic organisms. Arrive on time for the safety meeting and join us for an unforgettable adventure in nature.

What is a bio bay tour?

A bio bay tour takes visitors on a guided kayaking adventure through bio-luminescent waters, where microorganisms emit a natural glow, creating a stunning luminescent effect in the water.

Where is the Vieques bio bay located?

The Vieques bio bay, known as Mosquito Bay, is located on the southern coast of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. It is one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.

When is the best time to take a bio bay tour?

The best time to experience the full bioluminescent effect is during moonless nights, typically around the new moon phase. However, tours are available throughout the month, weather permitting.

Are bio bay tours suitable for all ages and experience levels?Your Title Here

Yes, bio bay tours are generally suitable for all ages and experience levels. Most tour operators provide beginner-friendly kayaks and experienced guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

How long does a bio bay tour last?Your Title Here

Bio bay tours usually last around 2 to 3 hours, including kayaking time and a guided exploration of the bio bay. Tour durations may vary depending on the operator and specific tour package.

Is swimming allowed in the bio bay?

Swimming is typically not allowed in the bio bay to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure visitor safety.

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11 Best Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tours In Puerto Rico (2024)

Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays.

I’ve been living in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have been fortunate to have experienced this magical phenomenon. 

In this article, I will cover the 11 best bioluminescence tours in Puerto Rico:

1. PuertoRico.com Tours

PuertoRico.com Tours is the official partner of PuertoRico.com and offers bioluminescent kayak tours in the Fajardo Bio Bay (Laguna Grande).

It’s only an hour drive from San Juan to Fajardo, making this the most convenient location for most tourists visiting Puerto Rico.

There are two other Bio Bays in Puerto Rico, but those bays are located much further away from San Juan, making it very difficult to get there and back.

This bio kayak tour is 2-hours long, and is perfect for beginners and family.

You can book this tour here .

2. Eco Adventures Kayaks

Eco Adventures Kayaks is another bio bay kayak tour located in Fajardo’s Laguna Grande.

It is an unforgettable experience when you witness the glowing water under the starry sky as you kayak through the bay.

You will meet up with your tour guide on the beach of Las Croabas and will be called in groups to kayak through the hidden opening of the mangroves at the end of the beach.

Your tour guide will be with you for 2-hours to ensure that you enjoy the experience to the max.

3. Abe’s Biobay Tour

Abe’s Biobay Tour is located in Vieques .

This 2-hour tour takes you to Mosquito Bay.

As you paddle through the bay with a tour guide, you’ll also learn about the life of Pyrodinium Bahamense , which is the single-celled organism that allows the water to glow.

You’ll meet at Esperanza and the tour provides you with the kayak, paddle, vest, and step-by-step instructions.

This is a family-friendly tour and perfect for any age above 6 years old.

4. Jak Water Sports Bioluminescent Bay Tour

Jak Water Sports Bio Bay Tour takes you to Mosquito Bay in Vieques.

This rare and unique bioluminescent experience is an adventure you don’t want to miss.

On this 2-hour bio bay adventure, you’ll explore the amazing organisms up close in a more intimate group excursion. You’ll also learn about this unique ecosystem and how it mains a perfect life balance.

5. Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours

Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours takes you to the Laguna Grande bio bay located in Fajardo.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours LLC (@puertoricobiobaytours)

Photo Credit: @puertoricobiobaytours

They offer comfortable kayaks and friendly guides.

You will meet up at Las Croabas beach to embark on this journey.

6. Alelí Tours

Alelí Tours is located in Lajas and takes you to the La Parguera waterfront.

The trip to the bay is shorter than taking a kayak, which will only take about 30 minutes by powerboat for you to arrive at the glowing waters.

This is an intimate experience that lasts about two hours. 

7. Hook’d on Adventure Parguera 

Hook’d offers a sunset and bio bay tour in Lajas and takes you to the La Parguera bio bay.

Relax on this 2-hour intimate boat tour where you’ll have the option to swim in the bio bay once it gets dark.

You’ll be accompanied by an experienced captain that will guide you through the winding mangrove channels.

Swimming is optional, you can enjoy the glowing waters from the boat if you don’t wish to get wet.

8. Kayaking Puerto Rico

Kayaking Puerto Rico offers bio tours in the Fajardo bio bay.

You’ll be guided through the mangrove channels of the Laguna Grande bio bay.

Discover this whole new world as you kayak through the mangrove forest, protected by the fauna, to reach the glowing waters of the bay.

9. The Pirate Bio Bay Tour

The Pirate Bio Bay Tour is located in Vieques and will take you to Mosquito Bay.

This tour offers a kayak experience and you’re guided through the bio to see the glowing waters all around you.

This activity lasts for 2 hours and it’s an intimate group experience, which makes it more relaxed and personal.

10. Fondo de Cristal

Fondo de Cristal is a tour company that offers a kayak experience in La Parguera’s bio bay.

You have the option to take a boat or kayak tour. 

11. Peniel Access Eco Tour

Peniel Access Eco Tour is a multifaceted tour agency that takes you to Laguna Grande bio bay in Fajardo.

Kayak through Laguna Grande and night, and see the water glow.

This tour lasts for 2 hours.

FAQ section

Which bioluminescence tour company is the best in puerto rico.

PuertoRico.com Tours in Fajardo is the best bio bay kayak tour company in Puerto Rico.

Can you do a bioluminescent bay tour from San Juan in Puerto Rico?

There are no bio bays in San Juan, but there are tours that operate from Laguna Grande in Fajardo, which is only an hour drive from San Juan.

Final thoughts

Visiting a bio bay is a must when in Puerto Rico.

I recommend that you book your bio kayak tour with PuertoRico.com Tours .

Puerto Rico has three different bio bays. You can learn about which bio bay is best for you by reading our article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know .

I also recommend that you check out our article When Is The Best Time To See Bioluminescence In Puerto Rico to learn when to visit the bio bays.

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How to Visit Mosquito Bay: The Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

Julia April 19, 2023 Puerto Rico , United States Leave a Comment

Learn the ins and outs of visiting one of the most popular bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island.

If you’re planning a visit to Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, you’re in for a treat. It’s located on the island of Vieques, which is absolutely beautiful and mostly untouched. It’s also home to the brightest bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay, which is the main draw for tourists making the trek from the mainland to this outer lying island.

In this post, you’ll learn all about Mosquito Bay and what makes bioluminescent bays glow as well as how to visit bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, and how to get to Vieques Island from mainland Puerto Rico. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

What Makes Mosquito Bay Special

Located on the island of Vieques, just off of mainland Puerto Rico, is the most popular bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay – also known as Bahia Bioluminiscente. This amazing body of water is actually world renown as being the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.

Besides being the brightest bio bay in Puerto Rico, it’s also one of the least crowded due to its remote location on the small island of Vieques. Trust me, you’ll want to head over to Vieques to see this natural wonder with its glowing water!

What Makes Bio Bays Glow?

Believe it or not, the sparkling water is actually caused by a single-celled microorganism that glows by converting their internal chemical energy into light anytime they are disturbed. The light they display is actually considered a defense mechanism. These fascinating organisms are called dinoflagellates – or more specifically pyrodimium bahamense or affectionately known as “swirling fire”.

The reason that Mosquito Bay is the brightest bio bay in the world is because it has billions of them in the water. In fact, there’s roughly 700,000 dinoflagellates per gallon of water. This dense population is partially due to the curve of the bay’s opening and the surrounding mangroves which they call home.

Other Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico

While Mosquito Bay is the brightest of the Puerto Rico bio bays, it is just one of three. The other two prominent bays with glowing water in Puerto Rico are:

• La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay in Lajas, PR: Visit La Parguera with a boat tour from Lajas to swim in its bioluminescent water or opt for a full day trip from San Juan .
• Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo, PR: Check out this awesome bio bay kayak tour to Laguna Grande that leaves out of Fajardo or this Laguna Grande bio bay tour that leaves from San Juan.

How to See Mosquito Bay Glow

The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, is worth a visit, but it does take some planning. Let’s take a look at the best time to see the water’s bright luminescence and how to plan your trip accordingly.

Best Time to See Bioluminescent Waters in Vieques

For the best visibility of the glowing waters of a bio bay, you’ll want to try and catch it on a new moon . This is when the water will glow brightest due to how dark the night sky will be. In fact, some tours don’t even run during full moons due to the difficulty of seeing the water glow against the brightness of the night sky.

For best viewing, plan to visit during the week of the new moon – just a few days on either side will really give you a treat!

Also, remember that you’ll have to plan your visit for after dark – the darker the better. This means you’ll have to spend the night in Vieques . There are no boats or flights late enough to come to Vieques as a day trip, see the bioluminescence, and return to the mainland the same day.

Where to Stay Overnight in Vieques

Fortunately, there are plenty of awesome hotels on Vieques to accommodate your overnight stay so that you can visit Puerto Rico Mosquito Bay. This will also give you time to explore the island during the day, which means enjoying the beaches and the slightly quieter way of life it offers.

The most popular area to stay on Vieques is La Esperanza. Here are the best Vieques hotels for all budgets:

• Best budget hotels in Vieques: Isla Hermosa Guesthouse | Lazy Guesthouse | Vieques Good Vibe Guesthouse
• Best mid-range hotels in Vieques: Villa Coral Guesthouse | The Vieques Guesthouse | Esperanza Inn Guesthouse
• Best luxury hotels in Vieques: Blue Horizon Boutique Resort | Finca Victoria | El Blok

Pro Tip: Make sure to also book a gulf cart or jeep in advance to get around the island! They too can sell out due to the limited supply and popularity of Vieques Island.

Best Bioluminescent Bay Tours in Vieques

Considering how popular the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico are, there aren’t a lot of tours running. Make sure to secure your spot in advance! My recommendation is to try and book a kayaking one as you’ll be able to have fun with the water from your kayak and with your paddle.

Check out these popular bio bay tours:

• Bioluminescent Bay Vieques Kayak Tour: Enjoy transportation from the Bio Bay entrance, a guide, and clear or semi-clear bottomed kayaks as you tour Mosquito Bay and experience its bioluminescence.
• Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: Choose between an early or late evening tour of Vieques BioBay. All equipment and transportation from the meeting point in Vieques is provided, along with a knowledgeable guide who will help explain the bioluminescence.
• Vieques Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour: Relax on this boat tour of Mosquito Bay where you’ll meet in town and head via air-conditioned vehicle to a 24-foot electric catamaran.

Tips for Visiting Mosquito Bio Bay

Visiting Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays is an incredible experience, but there are a few things you need to know before you go so you can make the most of it.

• Visit during a new moon: As mentioned above, the best way to see the Mosquito Bay bioluminescence is to go when it is the darkest out. This means planning your trip over the new moon or within a few days on either side of it.
• Watch the weather : If the weather is not ideal, such as potential storms, tours to Mosquito Bay will be cancelled (and refunded). If you want the highest probability of seeing the bio bays in Puerto Rico, plan to spend more than one night in Vieques, or leave yourself the option of visiting one of the other PR bio bays from the mainland.
• Leave your electronics behind : Trying to capture the glow on your phone or camera will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. If you want to try and capture it, you’ll need to come well prepared with special equipment. My recommendation? Just enjoy being in the moment and leave your camera safely at home.
• Keep your belongings dry: If you decide to take your phone or camera equipment, put it in a waterproof dry bag . This will help you keep track of all of your belongings as well as protecting them from the water onboard your kayak or boat.
• Book a tour: While technically you could try to visit Mosquito Bay on your own, the roads are dark to reach the bay and for the best viewing you’ll want to get out on the water. For this reason, I highly recommend booking a tour. They are reasonably affordable and it’s absolutely incredible to see the water glowing in the bays!
• No swimming allowed: To help with conservation efforts, you will not be able to swim in Mosquito Bay Puerto Rico. In fact, La Parguera is the only Puerto Rican bioluminescent bay that you can swim in. Because of this, La Parguera is also the least bright of the three bio bays in Puerto Rico as swimming can disrupt the fragile ecosystem dinoflagellates live in.
• Don’t wear DEET, sun screen, or hand lotion: While Vieque’s Mosquito Bay is named that for a reason, mosquito repellant with DEET can kill the bioluminescent organisms. They are very sensitive to foreign chemicals. If you must wear it, please keep your hands out of the water!

How to Get to Vieques from San Juan

In order to visit Mosquito Bay on Vieques, you’ll have to travel from mainland Puerto Rico to Vieques Island. This can be done a number of ways, taking as little as 10 minutes or just $2 one way. So if you’re short on time or money, you can still make it to Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, you’ll just have to plan ahead.

Fly from San Juan to Vieques

One of the most convenient ways to get to Vieques from San Juan is to jump a short 25 minute flight from San Juan International Airport (SJU) or Isla Grande Airport (SIG) in San Juan to Vieques Airport (VQS).

These flights run multiple times per day and if booked in advance can run as low as $100 round trip. Check Vieques Airlink ,  Air Flamenco , Cape Air , and Seaborne Airlines in addition to your typical flight aggregators. They don’t all show up in the broad searches and you could save hundreds of dollars by flying one of these smaller specialized airlines.

Fly from Ceiba to Vieques

The fastest way to get to Vieques is to fly from Ceiba Airport (RVR) to Vieques Airport. The flight will only take about 10 minutes. Again, you’ll want to check out Check Vieques Airlink and Air Flamenco to find the best deals. Flights start around $90 roundtrip.

The downside of flying out of Ceiba is that you will have to get to Ceiba from San Juan. This means either renting a car in Puerto Rico and driving yourself the hour over to Ceiba or springing for a $100 each way taxi ride – ouch!

Take the Ferry from Ceiba to Vieques

The cheapest way to get to Vieques from Puerto Rico is to take the ferry from Ceiba to Vieques . It generally takes 30 minutes by ferry, but it can take 45 minutes if it’s a cargo ferry. There are multiple journeys per day, but tickets can be difficult to secure as they are limited and do sell out.

The best way to ensure you can take the ferry to Vieques is to book online in advance. Tickets only cost $2 each way for adults, and the online system will show you have many tickets are available on each ferry both online and at the box office.

If you can’t get a ferry ticket online, you can try the box office in Ceiba for last minute slots or a flight may be a better option. Again, the downside of the ferry is that you will have to travel from San Juan to Ceiba on your own via car rental or taxi.

Explore More of Puerto Rico

Visiting Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico is a bucket list item for travelers due to it being the brightest bio bay in the world. Make sure to add it to your Puerto Rico itinerary with an overnight trip to Vieques to accommodate the visit to Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay.

Continue planning your Puerto Rico trip with these helpful resources:

• Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Best Hotels & Areas
• 10 Top Things to Do in San Juan for the Trip of a Lifetime
• 16 Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico
• How to Get to Culebra, Puerto Rico: 4 Key Transportation Options
• 10 Best Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico
• Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico: Everything to Know Before You Go

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Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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🇵🇷  Puerto Rico Things to Do ⎮  Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays ⎮ Vieques Bioluminescent Bay – Mosquito Bay

Mosquito Bay is the most brilliant of the bioluminescent bays in the world, recognized as such by Guinness World Records in 2006 as The Brightest Bioluminescent bay in the World .

Top Rated Boat Tour – Mosquito Bay Bioluminescent Bay

Mosquito Bay, the brightest Bahia Bioluminiscente (Bioluminescent Bay) , is located on the gorgeous island of Vieques, a beach lover’s wonderland, part of the Puerto Rico archipelago.  This natural wonder was spooky, unfamiliar, and exotic to the first European explorers.  We can only imagine how bright it was centuries ago, but we can assure you that today, it still is a magical experience that no pictures or video can truly capture.  Don’t let the common name, Mosquito Bay , prevent you from experiencing this wonder of nature, although natural insect repellent is recommended, your journey will be pleasant.

Content – Mosquito Bay Visiting Guide

Brightness of mosquito bay, ways to experience mosquito bay.

• Need to Know Facts
• Tours to Mosquito Bay
• Best Places to Stay Nearby
• Map of Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

Getting to Mosquito Bay

• Itinerary Suggestions for Vieques
• Mosquito Bay on the Media

Tours to Mosquito Bay (Local)

Again, Mosquito Bay is the most brilliant of the bioluminescent bays in the world, recognized as such by Guinness World Records in 2006 as The Brightest Bioluminescent bay in the World .

The color of bioluminescence in Vieques is truly a bright blue .  Actually, we’ve seen many locations around the world using photos taken in Vieques.  The video below truly captured the real color and magic.  

Mosquito Bay has the largest concentration of dinoflagellates, and when combined with the low light pollution on the island, it is a spectacle on a Moonless / New Moon night.  Residents of Vieques and those blessed to have experienced the magical brightness of Mosquito Bay were concerned for the bioluminescent bay after Hurricane Maria.  To everyone’s surprise, it recovered quickly, and it became brighter than ever.   

In Vieques, you can experience Mosquito Bay by booking an electric pontoon boat or kayak tour.  Tours are led by passionate and educated guides who discuss the biology of bioluminescence at Mosquito Bay. 

Please Note: Kayak tours have weight limits.  

Need To know Facts

Pros of visiting vieques bioluminescent bay.

• Everything… the entire experience is wonderful… if you have the time to spend a night in Vieques .  Being in Vieques… exploring the undeveloped coastline , having dinner in Esperanza to the glow of the sunset, and ending the day at the bioluminescent day is such a special experience.
• Another benefit is that there are no crowds on tour.  If you can’t stay the night in Vieques, we highly recommend you go to the Lajas Bioluminescent Bay, fewer crowds, you are allowed to swim, great sunsets, great food and you can return to your hotel that night.

Cons of  Visiting Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

• You’ll have to stay overnight in Vieques , but we don’t see that as a negative if you have the time and budget.  We recommend you stay one or two nights, explore the beaches, and experience the magic of Mosquito Bay.  You’ll fall in love with Vieques, we certainly do every time we go.  See top-rated tours below.

Best Hotels / Small Inns to Stay Near Mosquito Bay

The following are top-rated hotels and small inns within walking distance of Esperanza, the point of departure for tours in Vieques.

• Esperanza Inn Guesthouse

Map - Mosquito Bay / Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

From esperanza, vieques.

Your adventure begins in Esperanza, located on the south side of Vieques, where most tours depart from.  If you’re staying one night, Esperanza is a good place to stay , there are a few small inns and restaurants.

Best Ways of Getting to Vieques

• By air – You may fly from San Juan Airport , Isla Grande , or Ceiba Airport .
• By ferry – You may get to Vieques by taking the ferry in Ceiba – You may drive there or take a taxi or private transfer (see transfers below).

+ See private transfers from San Juan to Ceiba Ferry & Airport

From san juan.

• Drive: It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from San Juan to Ceiba Airport / Ferry – Google Map Directions

From Fajardo

• Drive: It takes about 20 minutes to drive to Ceiba Ferry / Airport – Google Map Directions

From Rio Grande

• Drive: It takes about 45 minutes to drive to Ceiba Ferry / Airport . – Google Map Directions

Itinerary Suggestions

Vieques, one of the islands of Puerto Rico, fondly known as Isla Nena by Puerto Ricans, has a tumultuous history.   For six decades, two-thirds of the island of Vieques was under the control of the United States Navy and used for bombing practices.  In May of 2003, the Navy ceased the use of the island; although much damage was done to the land and water, ironically, it kept the island undeveloped.

Beaches – If you’re a beach lover, prepare for an unforgettable adventure.  Renting a jeep and beach hopping all day in Vieques is one of the most pleasurable and fun experiences in the Caribbean.  Each beach is different than the next; the waters are clear since no rivers are flowing into the waters.  If you only have one or two nights in Vieques, we recommend you go to the beaches on the south side inside the nature reserve, start at Playa Caracas, and go to the end, to Playa La Plata.  On the way, stop by Pata Prieta, a small beach cove with good snorkeling.  Stop to take a peak at Playa Escondida, perhaps the tiniest beach cove in the Caribbean.  You may want to spend the most time swimming and snorkeling in La Chiva.

Go snorkeling in Vieques – Bring your own snorkel gear.  The snorkeling is good in Vieques, not as good as Culebra, but very fun to do since no tours or boats are needed to access the best snorkeling spots.  La Chiva, Punta Arenas, Pata Prieta, the piers at Esperanza and Mosquito Pier are also popular spots.

Watch the Sunset – Head to Esperanza to have dinner to the glow of the sunset. 

Mosquito Bay in the Media

One of the most romantic places on earth by travel & leisure - by travel & leisure.

“Illuminated Vieques A guided tour on a motorboat isn’t the way most romantic evenings begin, but once you slip your body into Mosquito Bay, a bioluminescent lagoon off the island of Vieques, you’ll have forgotten the exhaust fumes. Millions of “stars” (actually, they’re microscopic organisms in the water) light up with a stunning blue-white glow, and scatter with every splash you make. Spielberg couldn’t ask for better special effects.”

Go With the Glow!! Is it Magic? by  National Geographic  (new window)

No, it’s not magic. With each paddle stroke, the girls stir up millions of tiny dinoflagellates (dy-no-FLAH-juh-luhts). When stirred at night, these plantlike life-forms glow beautifully. Each gallon of Mosquito Bay water holds some 750,000 dinoflagellates. Their combined light creates spectacular evening shows.

On the island of Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay’s dinoflagellates give off their bioluminescent (by-oh-loo-mih-NESS-ent) light from dusk until dawn. “In other parts of the world, bioluminescence is seasonal,” explains Sharon Grasso, a tour guide on Vieques. “But here, the water glows brightly year-round.”

Each night Grasso shows off the natural beauty of the bay. Passengers stare in awe as the tour boat leaves a glittering trail. They dip their hands in the water, leaving greenish-blue trails of their own.

Mosquito Bay’s displays are threatened, however. Bright artificial light from nearby developments can outshine the natural glow. Pollution, destruction of mangrove trees, dredging, land development, and overuse of the bay’s water can kill the fragile dinoflagellates. “We can’t let the lights go out,” says Grasso. “The magic of Mosquito Bay should live on forever.”

Living Light

August 4, 2008 / Guinness Book of World Records 2008

“The Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico is the most bioluminescent in the World.  It contains up to 160,000 microscopic dinoflagelates per liter of water.

When agitated, these microscopic organisms (Pyrodinium bahamense or swirling fire) reacts emitting a blue-green light for about a decimal of a second. There are other bioluminescent bays around the island, but the Mosquito Bio Bay is the one that shines with the most intensity, its shallow and small entrance from the sea impedes the waves from washing away the dinoflagellates; and the mangrove trees, with their decomposition process, provides abundant food for the micro-organisms.”

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Experience the Magic of Mosquito Bay…The Brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the World

Puerto Mosquito   (Mosquito Bay) is located on the southern shore of the island of Vieques, one of the islands of Puerto Rico.  This bay is often referred to as “magical”, those blessed with the opportunity to experience it always agree.  The bioluminescent bay in Vieques was officially declared the brightest in the world by Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.  Hurricane Maria caused much destruction on the island, it sadly disrupted the delicate balance of the bay, the beloved Mosquito Bay went dark.  To everyone’s surprise the bioluminescent bay not only recovered, but it is also brighter than it ever was in the past.

Don’t leave Isla de Vieques without   taking a tour   of this magnificent and magical natural wonder. It will be a magical, priceless memory to remember for a lifetime.    The bio bay is best experienced during a “New Moon” phase, so we’ve included an interactive moon phase calendar below to help you plan your trip accordingly.   In the waters of   Mosquito Bay , there are organisms named   Pyrodinium bahamense ,   Dinoflagellates   (dinos).  These “dinos” are responsible for this amazing natural phenomenon.  When the “dinos” come into contact with another organism or shaken they produce a bright burst of blue light.

Bioluminescent Bay Tours

Vieques, puerto rico, bioluminescent bay tours – updated september 2019.

Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides await to give you an unforgettable experience at the Bio Bay, you can explore it on a kayak tour or an electrically powered   boat .

• Abe’s Snorkeling & Bio Bay Tours    –  (787) 741-2134 or (939) 224-2095
• Bieque Eco Trips   – (787) 922-2701
• Black Beard Sports   – (787) 300-0155 or (787) 966-7540
• Blue Waters Caribbean Adventures – (844) 210-2922
• Din Din’s Bio Bay Tours – (787) 448-5931
• Fun Brothers   (787) 435-9372 or (787) 741-0151
• JAK Water Sports   – (787) 644-7112
• Melaya’s Tours   – (787) 222-7055
• Taino Aqua Adventures   – (787) 349-6964
• Travesias Isleñas – (787) 447-4104
• Vieques Kayaks – (787) 905-6782

What the World says of Bioluminescent Bay

"brightest bio bay in the world" by guinness world records, brightest bio bay in the world.

August 4, 2008 / Guinness Book of World Records 2008 –   Living Light

“The Mosquito Bioluminscent Bay on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico is the most bioluminescent in the World.  It contains up to 160,000 microscopic dinoflagelates per liter of water.

When agitated, these microscopic organisms (Pyrodinium bahamense or swirling fire) reacts emitting a blue-green light for about a decimal of a second. There are other bioluminescent bays around the island, but the Mosquito Bio Bay is the one that shines with the most intensity, its shallow and small entrance from the sea impedes the waves from washing away the dinoflagellates; and the mangrove trees, with their decomposition process, provides abundant food for the micro-organisms.”

One of the most 50 Most Romantic Places on Earth

One of the most 50 most romantic places on earth .

by Travel & Leisure

“Illuminated Vieques A guided tour on a motorboat isn’t the way most romantic evenings begin, but once you slip your body into Mosquito Bay, a bioluminescent lagoon off the island of Vieques, you’ll have forgotten the exhaust fumes. Millions of “stars” (actually, they’re microscopic organisms in the water) light up with a stunning blue-white glow, and scatter with every splash you make. Spielberg couldn’t ask for better special effects.”

Go With the Glow!! Is it Magic? by   National Geographic   (new window)

No, it’s not magic. With each paddle stroke, the girls stir up millions of tiny dinoflagellates (dy-no-FLAH-juh-luhts). When stirred at night, these plantlike life-forms glow beautifully. Each gallon of Mosquito Bay water holds some 750,000 dinoflagellates. Their combined light creates spectacular evening shows.

On the island of Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay’s dinoflagellates give off their bioluminescent (by-oh-loo-mih-NESS-ent) light from dusk until dawn. “In other parts of the world, bioluminescence is seasonal,” explains Sharon Grasso, a tour guide on Vieques. “But here, the water glows brightly year-round.”

Each night Grasso shows off the natural beauty of the bay. Passengers stare in awe as the tour boat leaves a glittering trail. They dip their hands in the water, leaving greenish-blue trails of their own.

Mosquito Bay’s displays are threatened, however. Bright artificial light from nearby developments can outshine the natural glow. Pollution, destruction of mangrove trees, dredging, land development, and overuse of the bay’s water can kill the fragile dinoflagellates. “We can’t let the lights go out,” says Grasso. “The magic of Mosquito Bay should live on forever.” 

Planning your Visit to the Bio Bay

What you can do to helps us preserve the bioluminescent bay.

Every one of us can do a little to ensure that our children and the next generations can enjoy this natural wonder.

• Do not swim in the bio bay.  It is against the law, responsible tour guides will not allow you to swim.  Any chemicals you apply to your skin such as bug repellent, lotions, etc. could cause harm to the delicate balance of the bio bay.
• Only book tours with licensed tour operators.  Tour guides that allow you to swim are breaking the law and not showing respect or love for the island.  If you’re on a kayak, you can touch the water to see the “starry lights” come to life against your skin.
• Please refrain from throwing any type of objects, food or trash on the water during your tour.  The smallest object, can or piece of trash can kill thousands of the precious little “dinos” that create the night show.

Interactive Moon Phase Calendar

Below you can see the current moon phases for this month. To best plan your trip to the bio bay, try to book a tour around new moon phases, when it is darkest at night, so you can maximize your bioluminescent bay experience. Click the calendar image to link the  full moon calendar  to see what the moon phases will be around your trip dates.

Bioluminescent Bay Videos

Following are a few videos to give you an idea of the phenomenon…but you have to be here to experience it, it is magic! It is truly hard to capture on a camera and to see it first hand is an experience like no other.

Puerto Rico   was blessed with 3 bioluminescent bays, the brightest is in Vieques.  Commonly known as Mosquito Bay by tourists, its formal is   Caño Hondo , commonly known as   Puerto Mosquito .  The Vieques Bio Bay is the perfect environment for these dinos to thrive and multiply, it is shallow and the mouth of the bay is small, so the bright tiny organisms are trapped and protected in the bay, making it very, very bright.  The mangroves surrounding the bay provide the perfect nutrition for the Pyrodinium bahamense.  Any changes in the delicate ecosystem can diminish the healthy balance of the bay.

The second brightest is   Laguna Grande   in   Fajardo , and the least bright is in   La Parguera in the town of Lajas   due to tourist exploitation and poor conservation efforts.  If you make it to Porta del Sol (west coast), we do encourage you to visit   La Parguera’s   Bio Bay, but instead of taking the boat trip, book a kayaking trip, they will take you to spots where boats can reach and the bioluminescence is brighter.

For limited time!!! Enjoy a $5pp discount coupon valid for our Rainforest Night Adventure Walk

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tours in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

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Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Adventure

Join us for a night kayaking tour in the Bio Bay! Enjoy the bioluminescent organisms or reflection of the full moon on our beautiful lagoon.

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Full Moon Kayak Adventure

Our Full Moon Fajardo Bio Bay Kayak Adventure is the perfect nature adventure under a full moon, and if your stay in Puerto Rico happens to fall during the full moon stage you don’t have to miss out on our Night Kayaking Tours!

Welcome to Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours

Discover the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande with the original kayak tour outfitter since 1997. At Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours, we have been bringing guests into this one-of-a-kind ecosystem and are proud to share more than 20 years of experience and knowledge with each of our guests! We offer the smallest groups in the industry, the best guide to guest ratios, high-quality equipment, annual Coast Guard safety inspections, one-of-a-kind navigation lighting system and a full two hours in water timeline that allows you to relax and see all of Laguna Grande and its glowing waters! We are truly driven to make sure that each guest not only sees the glowing waters but learns about its inner workings while never losing sight of our promise to deliver a Fun, Safe, Memorable, Experience Every Time. Come join us and discover the natural wonders of Laguna Grande with our award-winning guide team, offering day and night guided Puerto Rico Bio Bay kayaking tours!

Experience Fajardo Bio Bay with Our Knowledgeable Staff!

This group goes the extra mile to introduce guests to Laguna Grande and the bioluminescent experience, and keep you extra safe. I highly recommend this group if you're a beginner kayaker and are interested in experiencing the bio bay. I also recommend going during a New Moon.

The bay is so beautiful in the dark, and kayaking there through the mangrove channel is unforgettable. These guys are very professional, focused on safety, helpful and nice. They are very knowledgable about wildlife and about bioluminescence of the laguna. Highly recommend Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours!

As inexperienced kayakers, we felt confident getting into the water, that if anything were to go wrong, it would easily be fixed! It was a clear night, we saw so many stars, and although we visited at a time when the glow wasn't as bright as it can be, we still got to see some definite glow!

Michael and his crew were very knowledgeable, professional and organized. They taught us basic kayak skills so we could maneuver the narrow channel safely. We were informed beforehand that the bioluminescent effect may not be as vibrant as the summer months and unfortunately this was the case but the experience was still very enjoyable. We were never rushed and were encouraged to take our time and enjoy the evening.

All the guys were informative and helpful. Considerate of beginner and advanced kayakers. Highly recommend this company over the others in the area due to their organization and professionalism. Eric was our tour guide he was great and informative of the bioluminescent algae. The bay at night is beautiful and peaceful and the stars were great to gaze. Do not wear sneakers they will get wet!

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How to Visit Mosquito Bay, the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico

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Thinking about visiting the Vieques bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico?

You should — it’s well worth the trip. Vieques is a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico that is comparatively untouched and offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of San Juan, the first stop for most tourists visiting Puerto Rico.

The Vieques Bio Bay, also known as Mosquito Bay, is a bucket list destination.

There are only five bioluminescent bays around the world, with Vieques’ being the brightest and most magical.

In recent years, preservation efforts have been kicked up a notch since tourism was affecting the sensitive makeup of the water.

Today, it’s beautifully restored and visitors can do their part to make sure it stays that way.

If you’re able to fit it in to your schedule, I highly recommend a visit.

Note that seeing the BioBay in its full splendor requires an overnight trip.

You can visit it during the day, but you won’t see it light up.

This means you’ll need to stay at least one night in Vieques since ferries or planes won’t be running by the time you’re finished.

Here’s everything you need to know to visit Vieques’ bioluminescent bay.

RELATED POST: VISITING CUEVA DEL INDIO ON A DAY TRIP FROM SAN JUAN

Where to see bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico

There are actually  three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.

Can you believe it? Five in the whole world and three of those are in Puerto Rico!

If that’s not reason enough to book your next trip to the  Isla de Encanto , I don’t know what is. The two other locations are Jamaica and Vietnam.

Of the three in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the largest and most impressive.

Those who aren’t able to make their way over to Vieques, however, can also find bio bays in Fajardo (Laguna Grande) and Lajas (La Parguera).

The bioluminescent bay in Lajas is the only one that allows swimming.

If snorkeling in the glowing waters sounds appealing to you, you can head there but be aware that chemicals on your skin, from sunscreen to lotion, all affect the fragile ecosystem and composition of the water.

For those reasons, the bio bay in Lajas is the least bright of the three and may not even glow for much longer.

RELATED POST: IS PUERTO RICO SAFE?

What makes the bays glow?

The glowing phenomenon is caused by single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates.

These organisms glow whenever they are touched or disturbed in any way.

There are billions of them in the water, with the number of organisms having a directly correlation to how brightly the bay will shine.

Through photosynthesis, the dinoflagallates capture light with their chlorophyll, which has a blue-green hue.

The chlorophyll them becomes luminescent when agitated.

While you cannot see the individual organisms with the naked eye, the presence of billions of dinoflagallates in one place give the water a bright, blue-green glow.

RELATED POST: THINGS TO DO IN CULEBRA

How to get to Vieques from Puerto Rico

You can get to Vieques in one of two ways — fly or take the ferry.

I recommend flying for ease of transport. It’s a 25 minute flight on a small propeller plane out of San Juan International Airport (SJU) and if you book far enough in advance the prices are very reasonable, usually less than $50 each way.

You can also fly from San Juan’s Isla Grande Airport (SIG) for a little less.

Airlines that have flights to Vieques include JetBlue, Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines. Flights leave multiple times a day.

In the alternative, you can take a ferry from Fajardo or Ceiba.

Note, the ferry is touch and go. Locals get priority and the schedule can fluctuate, so you’d need to get there first thing in the morning and hope you maybe willl be allowed on, if it’s running at all.

The ferry itself takes about 45 minutes and costs less than $5 roundtrip. However, the port is about an hour’s drive from San Juan if you have your own vehicle and can take up to 4 hours on shared transport.

Taking a taxi to the ferry port is an option but will run you about $100 so you’re better off paying for the flight at that point and saving yourself the trouble.

RELATED POST: 12 FUN THINGS TO DO IN VIEQUES

Best bio bay tour in Vieques

I went on a glass bottom kayaking tour with Bieque Eco Trips and had a phenomenal experience.

They picked me up from a meeting point in Vieques city center and took us to the beach where we would embark on our late-night kayaking adventure.

Almost all of the tours will pick you up from the same place — the Malecon — across from the El Blok Hotel. It’s convenient to stay in the area. 

You leave when it’s pitch black as that’s when the bioluminescence is best seen.

They had glass bottom boats so we could see the organisms light up as the kayaks passed through the water.

It was like rowing through the stars.

We could also reach down into the water and touch the organisms, which lit up our hands.

Our guide gave us background about the surrounding environment, showing us the mangrove forest immediately adjacent to the water.

The highlight of our tour was when he began stood on the kayak and rocked it from side to side, causing a rippling effect of color amongst the dark waters.

RELATED POST: FINDING PINK LAKES IN CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO 

Know before you go

Did you see the wishy-washy dance at the 2:15 mark? Incredible.

You need special equipment to capture the bioluminescence. It will not show up on your iPhone.

I went with my friends Jim and May from Spanish and Go, professional videographers committed to getting footage of the scene.

They came with enough equipment to shoot their own Netflix documentary.

In the event of capsizing, Jim made sure to note that he would be going down while holding the equipment up for someone to rescue. 

Don’t worry, the odds of you going overboard are slim to none if you follow directions.

Their effort was well worth it, check out their video above! As you can see, the glow is alive and well in Mosquito Bay. This footage is from August 2017.

Some other things to note — I did not get wet in the kayak and felt safe with our guides.

It is not recommended that you attempt to visit the Bio Bay on your own. The road there is perilous, windy and thin and doesn’t have any sort of street lights to help you see.

Most importantly, you should  plan your visit during a new moon and not a full moon because the light from the moon dims out the organisms.

I’ve read reviews from people who were disappointed it didn’t shine as brightly as they’d hoped — these people didn’t plan accordingly.

Aim for 2-3 days on either side of the new moon for the best viewing. You can access a lunar calendar here if you’re unsure if the new moon will coincide with your visit.

Till next time, safe travels!

RELATED POST: BEST RESTAURANTS IN VIEQUES

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Liked this post? Pin me below:

Michelle Rice

Saturday 19th of March 2022

Add another to the list of bioluminescence - Maldives - Mudhdhoo Island - the new moon bioluminescence. Thank you for the informative article!

Sunday 6th of September 2020

This was such a helpful read — thank you for sharing! For the tour you chose, what time does the tour group meet/leave for the beach? I want to make sure I arrive to the island with enough time to catch a tour!

Jen on a Jet Plane

I recall it being around 6-7pm so I would take an afternoon flight at the latest, like 1-3pm or otherwise try for the ferry super early in the morning. So glad you found the post helpful!

Richard B Turnbow

Sunday 12th of January 2020

How did you get around on the island and did you stay the night before and the rest of the night after the tour? or only one night? How did you get from the kayak tour back to your accommodations?

You will need to stay overnight as neither ferries or planes will be departing from the island after the tour is finished, late at night. I stayed two nights but you can do it with one. I also stayed near the Malecon, which was the meeting area for the shuttle to and from the kayaking experience, included in the price of the tour. I walked to the Malecon, otherwise I used a taxi to get to and from the hotel and the airport.

Christia Candler

Friday 22nd of November 2019

I really loved that one, because it is full of fascinating facts and it is a kind of easygoing article. I spent only a few minutes studying, and due to well-structured text, so I know it totally.

Saturday 17th of August 2019

Your blog has been so helpful for me as I plan my trip to PR in September! How much did it cost you to do the BioBay tour with the company you chose? Their website doesn't list any prices?

Wednesday 21st of August 2019

It was around $50, you can call them at 787-922-2701 to confirm. Bring cash for a tip and remember to plan for the weekend with the least ambient lighting (new moon). It's a bucket list experience, you'll never forget it!

DISCOVER MOSQUITO BAY: PUERTO RICO’S BIOLUMINESCENT WONDER

Mosquito Bay, also known as Puerto Mosquito , is a natural bioluminescent bay on Puerto Rico’s magical island of Vieques. Spanning close to 160 acres, this small and uninhabited area in the Caribbean Sea is renowned for its mesmerizing display of natural light. As the sun sets, the waters sparkle with a mystical glow you must see in person.

So famous is this glow that Vieques’s Mosquito Bay has been internationally recognized. In 2006, the Guinness Book of World Records acknowledged the bio bay as the world’s brightest bioluminescence effect. Condé Nast Traveler also ranked it in first place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2020.

Besides this spectacular display of light, Mosquito Bay is well known for its shallow waters, which are great for kayaking. Continue reading to discover Puerto Rico’s hidden gem.

Read next: Speaking of waters, try out these locations for a splendid time fishing in Puerto Rico .

Uncovering the Best of the Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay

Without further ado, here’s a quick dive into what Puerto Mosquito , Puerto Rico, has to offer.

What to Know About Mosquito Bay

A type of plankton called dinoflagellates causes the bioluminescence seen in the waters. When disturbed, they produce a chemical reaction that gives off blue-green light.

Travelers flock to Puerto Rico to marvel at this glow. As a result, Mosquito Bay is one of the country’s most popular attractions.

It comes as no surprise that Mosquito Bay’s bioluminescent waters call all who are interested in seeing its magnificence. But there are a few things to know before visiting this slice of Caribbean paradise.

Why Is It Called Mosquito Bay?

Despite its name, Mosquito Bay does not get its moniker from buzzing mosquitoes.

The iconic bio bay was actually named after a ship used by the famous Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí. He owned a small vessel called “El Mosquito,” which he often hid in the bay to evade capture.

What to Expect When Visiting Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

Visiting a destination with this name is sure to elicit the question, “Does Mosquito Bay have mosquitoes?” Yes, it does. But compared to other parts of Puerto Rico, you won’t find nearly as many mosquitoes here.

This is because the island is too far from any other land mass. In addition, the surrounding waters are far too deep to sustain them. That said, you will encounter mosquitoes as your kayak passes through the mangroves.

It’s natural (and valid) to wonder if the mosquitoes are dangerous. Bites and itchiness aren’t your only concern. Mosquitoes in Puerto Rico can infect you with a disease like dengue , which is spread by their bites.

So, how can you protect yourself as a traveler in Mosquito Bay and Puerto Rico as a whole?

Follow these tips to avoid mosquito bites and stay safe:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants is the best way to prevent mosquito bites.
• If you’re going to be outside for any extended period of time, consider using an insect repellant – but make sure you use it sparingly because it could also be bad for your health and the environment.
• Place a mosquito net around your sleeping area to create a protective barrier so mosquitoes don’t bite you.
• If you do need to go out and about, ensure you cover your skin with clothing before applying repellant. Look at using an effective DEET-free mosquito repellent and reapply as needed. This is because repellents containing DEET can harm dinoflagellates, the tiny organisms that give the bay its blue-green glow. Natural alternatives include citronella, lemongrass, and lemon eucalyptus oil.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Puerto Rico’s Mosquito Bay?

To make the most of your trip to see the bioluminescence, consider visiting Mosquito Bay between December and mid-April (during the dry season).

This way, you’ll find that seeing the glowing dinoflagellates will be much easier than in the rainy season. Running from late April to November, the rain from this season makes it difficult to see the bioluminescence as it tends to cloud the water.

Also, when planning your visit, it’s essential to consider moon phases. The new or crescent moon is best. You’ll get a better view of the glowing effect with minimal light from the skies.

Another consideration is insects. Despite mosquitoes in Puerto Rico being active year-round, they’re less likely to be as prevalent in the dry season as they prefer hot, humid weather.

3 Ways to Enjoy the Mosquito Bay of Puerto Rico

Restrictions that have been placed on specific activities, like swimming, are to prevent disruption or harm to the organisms responsible for the bioluminescence. This is why most guided tours and activities in Mosquito Bay focus on kayaking and catamaran boat tours.

Paddling whilst in kayaks doesn’t disturb the waters as much as swimming does. The skin oils and chemicals from people’s bodies can disrupt Mosquito Bay’s ecosystem. Furthermore, the use of kayaks and electric-powered boats doesn’t release pollutants or harmful gasses into the air and water.

Mosquito Bay is a fragile ecosystem. So it’s crucial to follow guidelines set by tour operators to protect the bioluminescence for generations to come.

With these restrictions in place, you can experience the wonders of Puerto Mosquito without negatively impacting the environment.

That said, here are fun, unique ways you can enjoy the magic of Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

1. Enjoy Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in Mosquito Bay. Paddle through the bio bay’s enchanting waters at night. Here, you can watch the bioluminescence come alive as you glide your hands through the waters.

Tip: For an even more magical experience, opt for clear-bottom kayaks. You’ll get to see the mystical glow from a unique perspective.

2. Relax on Mosquito Beach With Crystal-Clear Water Views

Situated near the opening of the bay is Mosquito Beach. While waiting for the night to fall, spend your day unwinding and enjoying your natural surroundings. Mosquito Beach is a great spot to relax while passing time.

3. Go on a Mosquito Bay Tour via Boat

If you’re keen on seeing the bioluminescence but aren’t too fond of getting wet on a kayak, then a boat tour is your best bet.

Here, you can observe the bioluminescence all from the comfort of a dry boat ride with other guests.

FAQs on Mosquito Bay

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about Mosquito Bay.

What Is Mosquito Bay Also Known As?

Mosquito Bay is also known as Bahía Bioluminiscente .

What Is Special About Mosquito Bay?

The bay is home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent effect.

Is Mosquito Bay Worth It?

Absolutely. The bioluminescent bay is a great way to experience unique natural phenomena up close.

Ready for Mosquito Bay, The Best Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico?

Mosquito Bay, Vieques, is one of Puerto Rico’s natural paradises that promises you an illuminating adventure like no other. In addition to experiencing the breathtaking light show firsthand, there are a variety of activities to do on this island.

Keen on visiting another bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico? Island Journeys offers both El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay kayaking tours that will take you around the island, allowing you to enjoy nature’s brilliance. Your journey will leave you with fond memories you’ll carry long after the lights fade as night turns to day.

Call 787-978-8080 now and book the most inspirational vacation ever!

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VIEQUES KAYAKS BIO BAY

787-905-6782

BIO BAY TRIPS

Vieques Kayaks offers guided bio bay trips in clear bottom kayaks to Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The bio bay in Vieques is known as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!

In order to participate in our tour, an overnight stay on Vieques is required . Vieques is a separate island off of the main island of Puerto Rico. You will need to take a plane or ferry (ferry schedule can be found at www.puertoricoferry.com) from the main island of Puerto Rico to reach Vieques, and you will need to arrange separate ground transportation because you will not be able to bring a rental car on the ferry with you. If you contact us, we are happy to provide a list of rental agencies or a list of taxi and publico drivers who may be able to assist you with ground transportation. Because we only offer tours at night so that our clients can experience the glow of the bay, even if you take our earliest tour, you will not be back to our meeting point (on the south side of the island) with enough time to get on a ferry or a plane back to the main island on the same day .

Our Bio Bay trips are at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm most days of the year, except the three days each month surrounding the full moon. The trip is two hours roundtrip from the meeting point, so you’ll be with us for two hours, and on the bay for about an hour and a half, weather and conditions permitting. We meet for the trips at 277 Calle Flamboyan in Esperanza, in the lot directly across from Rainbow Realty. Esperanza is located on the south side of the island of Vieques. All trips are in clear bottom kayaks. Each kayak seats two people. We provide life jackets and paddles for each guest.

Click here to book your trip today, or call 787-905-6782. Please note that if you are trying to book a trip within 24 hours of departure, you may get an error trying to book online. Please give us a call, because we may still be able to accommodate your trip!

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Bio Bay Tours on Vieques Island on a Full Transparent Kayak

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Explore the Bio Bay in Mosquito Bay!

Officially declared the brightest bio bay by the guinness book of world records..

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Snorkel & Dive Vieques Island Tour

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Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Bio Bay Tour

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1.5-2 hour guided tour in our two person, clear bottom kayaks in Vieques’s incredible Bio-luminescent bay. Located in Vieques, a separate island from the main island. You will need to take a ferry, plan accordingly.

• Chevron down Q: Can I make a custom group reservation?

A: Live availability is reflected on the website. If you have questions about private tours or tour details, please contact the tour operator.

• Chevron down Q: How do I see when a tour is available?

A: If you click “book now” on the tour of your choice, and start the booking process you will be able to see how many spots are available on each tour. If there is limited availability, the number of spots left will appear after you select your preferred date.

• Chevron down Q: Are there boat tours available?

A: Yes boat tours are only available out of La Parguera. Click here to book your boat tour.

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A: Experiences with a Bus icon provide transportation.

More About Mosquito Bay, Vieques

Mosquito Bay was officially declared the brightest Bio Bay by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008. Situated in Vieques, a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico, this is a must see attraction on your next trip to Puerto Rico. Although Vieques is a bit off the beaten path, there are tour options available that depart from San Juan and directly from the island. On all tours you will discover the magical glow from the bioluminescence and learn more about the dinoflagellates that populate the water.

Explore the area with a local guide that will show you the way around the bay by kayak and take you to the best areas to see the glowing water. Trusted tour operators have the knowledge and know how to guarantee an incredible experience while visiting Mosquito Bay.

Explore More Bio Bays in Puerto Rico

Laguna grande, fajardo.

Easy access from San Juan

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La Parguera, Lajas

Boat rides and swimming available

How to Visit the Bioluminescent Bay in Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico

Most things that sound too good to be true usually are. When we first heard about the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, we weren’t sure what to expect. The whole concept sounded unreal. A glowing bay? What makes it glow? Is it radio active or something? Is it really as bright as it is in the pictures?

While most people who visit Puerto Rico tend to stick around San Juan, we’ve found that most opportunities for adventure happen outside of the the capital. Keep reading to find out how you can experience this magical place too.

THE BIO BAY AT MOSQUITO BAY IN VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO IS A TRULY INCREDIBLE SIGHT TO SEE.

Vieques and Mosquito Bay

Vieques, also known as “Isla Nena” (Little Girl Island) is just east of the main island of Puerto. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches, wild horses, and the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

As it turns out, Mosquito bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico is the brightest bio bay in the world. And there are three bio bays on the island, but only a five more in the whole world. We took a tour with Bieque Ecotrips to get a closer look at this natural phenomenon.

The name “Mosquito Bay” comes from the sea of bloodthirsty insects surrounding the bay. But it’s nothing that a long-sleeve shirt can’t protect you from. Resist covering yourself in bug spray so that we can protect and enjoy this place for years to come.

Once we were in the water we didn’t see much at first, but as we got a little further into the bay we saw it. A neon-blue flash of light surrounding the oars as we paddled along.

When we looked a little closer we could see thousands of tiny organisms giving off light when moved. These are dinoflagellates, and they’re so small that three of them can fit on the tip of a needle. They luminescence with movement like tiny lightening bugs in water.

It takes a special combination of factors for these organisms to thrive, and Mosquito Bay has them all: Reg mangrove trees, cool water, and a small opening to the ocean.

In fact, when the Spanish discovered this area, they thought the glowing water was the work of El diablo and tried to cut off the bay from the ocean by making the opening even smaller. But this only trapped more of these tiny creatures and made the bio bay brighter.

How to Get to Vieques

By uber and ferry.

IMPORTANT: Our trip was before hurricane Maria! All the old ferries from Fajardo now run through Ceiba .

We took an Uber from Carolina (near San Juan) to Fajardo where we awaited the ferry to Vieques. Ubers are readily available through the San Juan area, and the one-way trip cost us $50.58 before tip. You could take a taxi, but why pay more?

At the Fajardo Ferry Terminal we paid $2 each for a one way ticket to Vieques. The ride itself takes about 45-minutes. Click here for ferry schedules .

Another option for getting to Vieques is to fly there from San Juan. This might be a better option for you if you’re traveling solo. Cape Air has daily flights to Vieques and Culebra island . We met up with our friend Jen from Jen on a Jetplane in Vieques, and she opted to fly because she’s awesome at finding super cheap flights.

Vieques Transportation

From the vieques ferry terminal.

Once in Vieques you’ll see a swath of vans and van drivers waiting to transport new arrivals to their final destinations near the ferry terminal. We hopped in a van with a couple who just so happened to be visiting from my hometown in Minnesota (weird, right?). The van driver took us straight to the hotel where we all happened to be staying at as well. It’s a small world after-all.

From the Vieques Airport

Much like the at the Ferry Terminal, you can find van drivers and taxis awaiting new arrivals outside of the airport. Here you’ll find some Vieques taxi contact information if you’d like to setup your ride before your arrival.

Where to Stay

We stayed a cozy guesthouse called Villa Coral . We stayed there because our friend Jen had booked her room there already, but we were really satisfied with how helpful the staff was there and how comfortable the rooms are. Airbnb is usually our go-to when looking for accommodations, but if you want a comfy place to stay with a shared second floor balcony and chilled out rooftop, check out Villa Coral!

Bio Bays in the World

• Number of Bio Bays

Did you know there are only five bio bays in the world? And three of them are in Puerto Rico. You can find them in Laguna Grande in the north-east in Fajardo, La Parguera, and at Mosquito Bay in Vieques.

Booking a Bio Bay Tour

There are multiple tour companies that will show you the Bio Bay. We went with Bieque Eco Trips . They have clear-bottomed kayaks to give you that extra level of coolness while yours paddling your way through the brightest Bio Bay on the planet. Here’s the contact info for a number of different bio bay tour companies:

• Bieque Eco-Trips – (787) 922-2701
• Melaya’s Tours – (787) 222-7055
• Abe’s Biobay Kayak Tour – (787) 741-2134
• Taino Aqua Adventures – (787) 349-6964
• Island Adventures – (787) 741-0720 (boat tour)
• Jak Water Sports – (787) 644-7112
• Vieques Adventure Company – (787) 692-9162

Bio Bay Tours generally cost $45-60 USD per person.

When to See the Bioluminescence

In order to truly appreciate this natural phenomenon you have to see it when it’s pitch-black out. Unless you have a very special camera for nighttime photography, you can forget about capturing the bioluminescence on film. In fact, most bio bay ads you see online include some super fake photoshopped photos for this very reason. Cameras just can’t do it justice. So make sure you plan your trip for a night when there is a new moon, or at least within a day or two of a new moon to see the glow in all it’s glory. This resource here will help you do just that.

How to Photograph the Biobay

“But Jim, you just said to forget about photographing it.” Yes, I did. But I’m stubborn and went well out of my way risking thousands of dollars of camera equipment to the murky waters of the bio bay to show you what it kind of looks like. Nobody tells Jim Fricker what he can or cannot do. 😅

So, if you want to the same and try to get a photo or video of the bioluminescent bay, you’re going to need a special camera, a lot of will power, and some patience. This is not a tutorial for beginners. If you don’t understand the terms like “ISO” or “fast lens” you might want to hold off on attempting this until you have a bit more experience. Here’s the quick version of how to photograph the bio bay.

Photography

Most cameras that have manual settings can pull this off. You’ll just be limited to using a tripod on the side of the bay and hope that it’s either raining (the bay lights up like crazy when it rains according to our guide) or that you have a good zoom lens and can see people on a tour kayaking. Of course you’re going to get a ton of blur because of the long exposure you’ll need to see anything. But with some luck and patience, you can get a blurry glimpse of what the glow looks like to show your friends.

Video of the Bio Bay

Sony a7S II ILCE7SM2/B 12.2 MP E-mount Camera with Full-Frame Sensor, Black

To capture video of the bay, you’re going to need the best low-light camera you can find and afford to pull this off. And probably some decent equipment insurance since you’ll be using the camera in a kayak at night. When we went to the bio bay the best camera available for this job was the Sony A7s II .

You’re going to want to couple this the fastest lens you can afford and get ready to crank the ISO all the way up to 409600 (or possibly higher if you are reading this years after publication and the Sony A7s IV or something is out.) Will it be noisy? Yes. Will it be worth it? Maybe.

Shoot in 4k so you can do some stabilization in post and hopefully have some semi-stable footage when you export to 1080p. When kayaking, focus on your hand when it’s just touching the water, then hit record.

With any luck, you’ll have not fallen into the water with all of your camera gear, and have captured the bioluminescence. Now de-noise that footage to the best of your ability using Neat Video or something similar. And ta dah! You now hopefully have some decent footage of the bio bay. Not a very common thing to have in 2019.

Further Reading

We went on this tour with our friend Jen from Jen on a Jet Plane. Learn more about this incredible place on her blog here !

You might also be interested in:

• Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico
• Understanding Puerto Rican Spanish
• 7 Tips for Renting a Car Abroad

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Experience Mosquito Bay Biobay in a Kayak

There are only a few bio-luminescent bays left in the world, and Puerto Rico is fortunate enough to have three of them. The biobays in Puerto Rico are Laguana Grande in Fajardo , Mosquito Bay in Vieques, and La Parguera in Lajas — with Mosquito Bay being the brightest of the three.

To experience this sparkling glow, you need to get onto the bay on a boat of some sort. Currently, you can kayak, take a ride on an electric boat. No matter how you go, the biobay is a must-see when visiting Vieques.

Some Background

Bioluminescence is a flash of light caused by microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates ( Pyrodinium bahamenses , to be specific) in a body of water. Multiply each spark of light by the many hundreds of millions that are in the water around you and you will understand the effect.

When agitated, the dinoflagellates make a blue/green glow, but you can see each one sparkle if you are close to it. Each one is like a tiny, twinkling star.

Vieques is a small island about 7 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico. You need to take a boat, ferry, or plane to get to Vieques, but it is worth the extra effort for the beaches and the biobay.

The biobay is not easily accessible — there are 2 put-in spots, but each requires a 10-minute ride down a really dark and bumpy road. All of the biobay tour companies have vans or buses to take you from various meeting locations to the biobay. Understand that most of these vans are not too cushy , since they get lots of wear and tear. Just hang on, and think of the ride as part of the adventure!

Companies need to have the required permits to take guests out into the bay, and there are a few other companies that do it without the required permits. Tour companies are not permitted to allow guests to swim in the bay.

The DRNA (Department of Natural Resources) and other involved groups are evaluating how best to conserve the bay, standardize the guest education about the bay, and enforce the rules … so expect some changes in the future.

Our Kayaking Trip

We had been to this biobay a number of times in the past, using Island Adventures’ pontoon boat. But since the ban on swimming in the biobay now being enforced, we wanted to be closer to the water — so we decided to take a kayak trip. We went with Black Beard Sports , and we were happy that we did.

They picked us up in Esperanza, and we were the last pick-up location before heading to the bay. Then we got the bumpy-ride portion of the trip, and finally we got to the bay.

Once at the bay, we met our guides Che and Albert. They gave us our gear — PFD (personal flotation device) — and paddles, and explained to us how they wanted us to get into the kayaks. They also passed around Deet-free bug repellent. I didn’t notice any bugs, but the biobay is surrounded by mangroves — I guess it is called “Mosquito Bay” for a good reason. I took them up on their offer of bug spray, just to be safe.

They asked everyone in our group of 5 kayaks (their maximum number) about our kayaking experience. Since everyone on the group had kayaking experience, they didn’t give their “how-to-kayak” lesson. But, if you’re new to kayaking, they will take the time to explain kayaking to you. Next, we paired up and got into our kayaks.

The lead guide had a glo-stick, and we followed the colored light out into the middle of the biobay. During the entire trip, if you looked at your paddle, you could see it glowing/sparkling all around each stroke. The small wake caused by the kayaks was glowing, too.

The night we went there were no waves and no wind, so it was easy paddling, but I guess wind conditions could change on occasion and make it a little more difficult.

When we got to a place where the bay was extra bright, we grouped up. Here, the guides told us about the bay, what causes the sparkle/glow, and why there are only a few places like it in the world. During this, we had time to play in the water with our hands and paddles — swirling and agitating the water — to see the glow.

Then, Che took out a laser pointer and pointed out the stars and constellation … he knew lots of them! The stars in the sky were just as spectacular as the tiny ones in the water. Since it is really dark around the biobay, you could see millions of stars in the sky.

After splashing around the water and star-gazing, we slowly paddled back to where we put-in — watching our paddles glow all the way. All in all we were out on the water about 1 hour.

These companies have the required DRNA permits to take guests into Mosquito Bay (I think- it is hard to keep up with changes!)

• Black Beard Sports (kayak) 787-741-1892
• Abe’s Snorkeling (kayak)
• Bieque Eco Trips (kayak)
• Din Dins (kayak)
• Salty Spirit (kayak)
• Melaya’s Tours (clear kayak)
• Aqua Sunset Tours (clear kayak) 787- 905-6782
• JAK Water Sports (kayak) . Clear bottom kayaks.
• Taino Aqua Adventures (clear kayak)
• Fun Brothers (clear bottom kayak)

There are a few other companies and local fisherman that may take people out into the biobay, but they may not have the required DRNA permits to operate these tours.

If you are unable or don’t want to kayak, there is a new company Vieques Sea Tours that takes an electric boat out into the Vieques BioBay.

If you are on the Puerto Rico mainland and don’t want to spend the night on Vieques, you may be able to do it! Check with the companies, they will know best- if they have an early tour and there is a late enough ferry, and you have trasnportation (a taxi) prearranged, you should be able to do it. Just pray the ferry doesn’t get canceled.

The cost to kayak Mosquito Bay (for trips originating in Vieques) is usually around $60-75 per person.

When you’re planning your trip to the biobay, you need to take the brightness of the moon into account. This bay is closed the night before, the night of, and the night after a full moon. Luckily, we’ve already done the work for you, and you can simply check our biobay-moon calendar to see when the moon will be favorable for visiting the biobay.

Due to environmental effects in 2013 (both natural and some man-made), the biobay had an almost complete wash-out, but it has since recovered perfectly. When we went at the beginning of March 2014, the bay was about 60% as bright as it usually is (for that time of year).

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

• Mosquito Bay, biobay

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →

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Wai-Vie Adventure Tours & Rental

Vieques island charters & tours.

Kayak | Snorkel | SUP | Fishing | Combo Excursions

Play among the waves

Our adventures and excursions get you up close to the best areas of  Vieques Island! Our guests love our water adventures because we go above and beyond to give you intimate experiences of our beautiful island.

Bio-Bay Kayak Night Tour

When you visit Puerto Rico, a must-do experience is a trip to Mosquito Bay on the beautiful island of Vieques. Our bio-bay night tour is a one-of-a-kind nighttime kayaking experience!

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Full-Day Snorkel by Boat – Culebra

Explore the colors of Culebra, a small island off Puerto Rico that boasts amazingly clear waters, isolated beaches and perfect locations for snorkeling!

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Reel ’em in! This is one of our most popular fishing charters. Fish the spectacular waters of the Caribbean and catch bonito, dorado, yellowtail and other marine species.

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An Adventure Like No Other...

Wai-Vie is a distinctly Viequense company, born out of a need for reinvention. Bringing skills from our previous experience in the fishing and tourism industry, our vision is to guide visitors and residents alike to come to know Vieques’s beautiful natural resources.

Our name, Wai-Vie, streams from our seagoing roots. It was in playing among the waves, or “waiviando” in Viequense, that the dream for our venture was born.

We give our guests in-depth visits to our island!

The best tour guides on the entire island. They give you an adventure like no other. I love how they focus on small groups giving you a more intimate experience. they go above and beyond what you expect. we signed up for a snorkeling tour and got to experience so many extra things. when visiting Vieques choose Wai-Vie!

The tour from start until we finished was excellent, complete information was provided in the most professional and unique way. The Staff made us feel secure and safe in every way possible, all the while helping us to understand the wonders of the Bay. They shared with us the very best that Vieques has to offer!!! It was amazing and I was so humble that I got to live this once in a lifetime experience.

Raimundo and his staff are very professionals and safety is their number one priority. You also get snacks and water with your tour....very nice touch. Very knowledgeable of the history of Vieques and everything that's got to do with coral reef among other very interesting stories. I promise you wont' regret it!

Rega gave us an outstanding tour of the bio bay. He provided transportation from our home in Vieques and helped us as novice kayakers. He is clearly very passionate about the island and had a lot of wonderful information to share. Highly recommended!

We had a wonderful behind the scenes tour of the island with Rega. We are repeat visitors to Vieques and he gave us the tour we’d been hoping for - not the typical tour but one that we couldn’t do ourselves! I highly recommend!!

Rega took us on a Bio Bay tour at night by kayak that was one of the most amazingly otherworldly experiences we've ever had. He told us all about the elements creating the luminescent phenomenon and showed us details of the delicate eco-system that contribute to the glow. His passion, knowledge & reverence for Vieques & the bio bay was a refreshing change to the typical pandering tour guide one would expect.

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Wind Down and Relax in Vieques

You came to Puerto Rico to get away, so get ready to slow down and relax in Vieques. The remote island is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Wild horses roam free, and hidden beach coves will have you wondering if you’ve walked into a dream.

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Start the day in San Juan with coffee and breakfast from local vendors and fuel up for some adventure: hike or zip line through the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. When the adrenaline wears off, stop in Bayamón for a meal and then get ready for a night out on the town in San Juan.

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12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

L ocated approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami , Puerto Rico is a popular Caribbean island with American travelers. Leave your passport at home and head to year-round summer, piña coladas, and occasionally getting caught in the rain. It's all part of the charm of being in the tropics.

Puerto Rico is best know for its abundance of places to unplug, unwind, and explore the unknown. The island is filled with secluded wonders, from beach coves and clear waters to tree swings with panoramic mountain views. It's also a place to eat, drink, and be merry. A half dozen brands of local rum collectively back Puerto Rico's claim to the title " Rum Capital of the World ."

If you want to discover Puerto Rico beyond the San Juan cruise port, consider renting a car or hiring a guide to reach lesser-known destinations. Here are 12 of the best things to see and do in Puerto Rico.

1. Eat your fill of pork in Guavate

There's a pork trail in Guavate that is a meat lover's dream come true. Only 40 minutes from San Juan, the town within the mountain municipality of Cayey is most active on weekends when you'll also find live music and street vendors. There are lechoneras lined up one after another, small shops specializing in roasted pork-one of several essential Puerto Rico dishes to try.

How the lechoneras came to exist depends on who you ask : One account attributes them to the need to serve locals driving from San Juan, while another claims there used to be a penitentiary nearby, and that visiting families needed somewhere to eat; the prison had a farm that raised hogs. No matter their origin, the lechoneras in the area are a beloved part of the community, each serving their own version of pork-pair your cut of choice with arroz con gandules , a yellow rice and pigeon peas side item that is a Puerto Rican staple.

2. Experience natural waterslides at Las Paylas

Ever thrown yourself down a waterslide carved into giant boulders by the flow of a river? Las Paylas is a series of natural slides and pools located in a resident's backyard in Luquillo, about 45 minutes from San Juan. The slides are a three-minute walk from the driveway turned parking lot. Spend the morning in nature's playground, rope swing optional. Exercise caution and tuck in your elbows while going down the slides. If you work up an appetite, stop by the local kiosks for an empanada and chilled fresh coconut on your way back.

3. Marvel at pink lakes in Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is only an hour from the airport in Aguadilla for those flying into the west side of the island. The area is a draw for its natural wonders, including salt flats that look like a vast span of pink lakes in the right light. While this phenomenon is not unique to Puerto Rico (other examples from around the world include Lake Tyrrell in Australia and San Francisco Bay's salt ponds), it's a rare sight and one that's largely unobstructed and unmonitored here.

There's a small, volunteer-run information center, but the salt flats are not officially labeled or advertised as a tourist destination. There are no designated entry points or tickets for admission. You can park by the side of the main road and enter for free. You'll find the salt flats en route to La Playuela, commonly referred to as Playa Sucia , a popular white-sand beach surrounded by large cliffs on which you can hike or bike.

4. Taste savory ice cream flavors at Heladeria Lares

Creative flavors and community connection are family traditions at Heladeria Lares , a small ice cream shop nestled in the small town of Lares in the center of Puerto Rico. The recipes are created in-house and can range from sweet potato to cilantro flavored. The ice cream shop makes the perfect stop after exploring the nearby cave system at Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy.

5. Meet "Flaming June" at the Museo de Arte de Ponce

The well-known painting Flaming June portrays a sleeping woman in a vibrant saffron dress. You can see this work by by Frederic Leighton ar the Museo de Arte de Ponce . The museum opened to the public in 1959 and houses an estimated 4,500 works of art, including pieces from Puerto Rico and Latin America.

6. See Ponce's Gaudí-style architecture

Located in the southern part of Puerto Rico's main island, Ponce is full of delights for art and architecture lovers ; the Parque de Bombas is a visually striking former fire station and one of the island's most notable landmarks, while Casa Weichers-Villaronga is a neoclassical mansion that doubles as an architecture museum.

Enjoy the city's own style of architecture, called Ponce Creole, which incorporates fantastical elements-think intricate, ornamental decorations on rooftops, stately columns, and exterior crown molding. Notable buildings with this style include Casa Weichers-Villaronga, the Museo de la Música Puertoriqueña, and Casa-Font Ubides .

7. Go ziplining at Toro Verde

" The Monster " at Toro Verde is one of the longest ziplines in the world. It's hung between the trees in Orocovis, a mountain town toward the center of the island about 90 minutes from San Juan. The 1.57-mile-long line takes an adrenaline-packed two minutes to fly from one end to another, Superman-style. Other zipline options are available for those seeking moderate to mild thrills. You can make reservations online ; there is a restaurant and bar on site if you want a drink in celebration of your bravery afterwards.

8. Taste local rum at Ron del Barrilito

Puerto Rico has no shortage of rum distilleries . Opened in 2019, the Ron del Barrilito factory offers guests the option to tour the building, Hacienda Santa Ana, for $40, or attend a mixology class or partake in a premium tasting tour for $80 each. Here you'll also find Ron del Barrilito 5 Star, a collector's edition aged up to 35 years and more than $700 per bottle.

You will also spot a special "freedom barrel" on your tour, undisturbed since 1942 and reserved for consumption by the people of Bayamon in the event Puerto Rico one day declares independence.

9. Explore Old San Juan with a food tour

Those looking to experience Old San Juan in a new way should consider a food tour around the city with Spoon . The area is walkable and the tour includes history about the city's plan and design. From freshly brewed coffee to avocado stuffed with pork, you'll taste the classics while simultaneously supporting small businesses.

For an upscale dining experience, head to Marmalade Restaurant and Wine Bar , which offers international dishes like a harissa-seasoned ahi tuna tartar.

10. Try river tubing at the Tanama River

The Tanama River in the town of Utuado offers a twist on the traditional lazy river; it'll float you into a pitch-black cave. The reward at the end of this adventure, which accommodates large groups, is a free facial thanks to a large supply of river clay. The word "Tanama" is Taino for "butterfly," so expect to see many of them on your visit.

11. Kayak in a bioluminescent bay

There are three places to find bioluminescence in Puerto Rico: Fajardo, Lajas, and Vieques. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest of them all, and several companies offer evening kayak tours on glass-bottom boats. Go with Bieque Ecotrips if you want a smaller group tour; Aqua Sunset Tours is an operator to consider if you want a fully clear kayak versus just a glass bottom. Plan your visit during the new moon to see the brightest contrast possible, and make reservations ahead of time as spots fill up quickly.

12. See Taino petroglyphs at Cueva del Indio

Cueva del Indio is about 25 minutes north of Cueva Ventana. If possible, aim to see both caves on one trip. Cueva del Indio is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's so scenic it's been featured in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides . There are a number of Taino petroglyphs on site dating back nearly a thousand years. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes as the terrain is rugged and explore at your own risk.

This article originally appeared online on March 30, 2021; it was most recently updated on October 14, 2023, to include current information.