When you travel to Puerto Rico, you’ll want to explore the magic of its bioluminescent bays. Whether you’re in La Parguera or Laguna Grande, these bioluminescent beaches are some of the most breathtaking sites you’ll ever visit. And if you’re looking for an even more exciting experience, you should head to Fajardo, the island’s most vibrant resort. Here, you’ll find an abundance of water sports and an abundance of nightlife.
Bioluminescent Bay Puerto Rico
There are only five bioluminescent bays in the world, and three of them are located in Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay on Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas.
If you want to have a truly extraordinary experience, you should add visiting these bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico to your bucket list for this year. You can view the beauty of these one-of-a-kind ecosystems from a kayak. Keep reading to learn more about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
What is the Bioluminescent Bay?
The bioluminescent bay, also called a bio bay, is home to many small organisms called dinoflagellates. These organisms produce light when they are agitated, and they tend to grow in the dark.
As a result, dinoflagellates will emit a glowing blue-green light when you paddle your kayak through the calm waters during an evening tour. Not only do the dinoflagellates glow, but everything that comes into contact with the water will also become illuminated with a stunning shine.
Mosquito Bay on Vieques
Puerto Rico is a treasure trove of bioluminescent bays. You can see millions of dinoflagellates, and a variety of glowing species, in the ocean.
Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction that produces light when single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates are disturbed. These organisms react to luciferin, an enzyme, in the water, producing a bright burst of blue-green light.
Fajardo
Bioluminescent bays are beautiful natural phenomena. You can see millions of sparkling lights as you swim through fingers of water. This phenomenon is rare in nature, and you can only reach it through a guided tour.
Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays. The best of the lot is the one on the island of Vieques. It is located about seven miles off the southeast coast of the main island.
La Parguera is a bioluminescent bay that is accessible from the southwest side of the island. It is the world’s most famous bioluminescent bay. However, this area has been diminished in brightness over the years due to tourist exploitation.
La Parguera
Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays offer a one-of-a-kind attraction. These natural light shows can be found in Vieques, Lajas, and Fajardo.
If you’re interested in visiting the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, there are several tour operators offering water adventures. Kayaking tours are the best way to enjoy the glowing waters. Tour operators can also organize snorkeling trips.
Before booking a tour, make sure you understand the scientific process behind these waters. Dinoflagellates are the organisms responsible for the glow in the water. This type of plankton reacts to luciferin, an enzyme that creates energy. However, they can be damaged by insect repellent, shampoo, and human oils.
Ready To Visit the Bio Bay?
To experience the breathtaking bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, consider contacting Island Journeys for a high-quality, innovative, and socially responsible evening bio bay puerto rico tour with friendly guides.