Everything You Need to Know About the Bioluminescent Bays of Puerto Rico

Each year, approximately five million people visit the Caribbean island for the astonishing mountains, waterfalls, and beaches it beholds. People around the world spend their time vacationing on this enchanting isle, and it is no wonder why.

Apart from Puerto Rico’s mesmerising sceneries and abundant natural resources, it is also home to the largest rum distillery, largest living reptile, and the leatherback sea turtle.

Now, if you are a fan of bodies of water, you have probably heard of bioluminescent bays, especially the ones located in Puerto Rico.

If you are interested in the bioluminescent bay puerto rico best time to go is when you and your family or friends finally discover everything you have to know about these bays.

Facts about bioluminescent bays

1. In the world, there are only five bioluminescent bays. You’re in luck because three of the bioluminescent bays are in Puerto Rico.
2. The different bioluminescent bays are Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island of Puerto Rico, Laguna Grande on the north side, and La Parguera on the southwestern side of Fajardo Island of Puerto Rico. Conversely, you can find Halong Bay in Vietnam and Luminous Lagoon in Jamaica.
3. The bioluminescence of bays is from a single-celled microorganism called dinoflagellates. These organisms in the water give a blue-green glow when disturbed, meaning each turn of the boat and splash of water causes the dinoflagellates to glow.
4. There are dinoflagellates all over the ocean, but it’s rare for these organisms to clump up in one place to produce a bright enough glow for people to notice.

What you should know when planning a kayaking trip

Set expectations

If you want to see the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, you would also want to take photos of the bay. Know that although the water does glow, it’s hard to capture on camera.

The lowlight of the area combined with the moving boat or kayak makes it hard to have a beautiful and bright image compared to the one seen online. The best thing to do is to enjoy your trip and see how mesmerising the blue glow of the water is in real life.

Plan your trip based on the lunar calendar

If you wish to visit the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, the best time to go is when there is no moon.

Some tours do not have trips the night before, the night of, and the night after a full moon. It’s because the ideal time to go to a bioluminescent bay is when it’s entirely dark so that you can see the water in its full glow. If possible, call the day before so you can check the bay’s brightness.

Book ahead of time

Whether you’re going to Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, or La Parguera, it’s better that you book ahead of time, especially if you are planning to go during the holidays.

Booking ahead of time is not only cheaper but will give you the option to choose the ideal time of the tour. If it’s available, book a later time at night, so you’re sure that it’s already dark when you get there.

Swimming is not allowed

Although going for a swim is not necessarily harmful to you or the water, it’s strictly prohibited by the islands. Even if you try paying extra, those in charge will not allow you, so better keep your money in your pocket.

The island authorities in Puerto Rico have restricted swimming to avoid any chemical substances like lotion and sunscreen, mixing in the water. It is also to preserve the natural ecology of the bays.

Out of all these facts, remember that you are there to bask in the beauty of the bioluminescent bay. So, enjoy your Puerto Rico trip and make the most out of it.

This is a collaborative post.