Puerto Rico’s 3 Must-See Bioluminescent Bays
Puerto Rico is home to three stunning bioluminescent bays—Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas. Each offers a unique way to experience this natural wonder, from kayaking through mangrove-lined waters to swimming among glowing plankton. Easily accessible from top tourist hubs, these glowing bays are one-of-a-kind Puerto Rico activities you won’t want to miss.
Did you know that Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico is the brightest bio bay around the world? This recognition was awarded by Guinness World Records in 2006.
Getting to Mosquito Bay
Mosquito Bay in Vieques was recognized in 2006 by Guinness World Records as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. The bay's mesmerizing brightness is due to the large concentration of dinoflagellates, tiny organisms that light up when disturbed. Surrounded by a protected nature reserve, mangrove forests, and minimal light pollution, Mosquito Bay offers an unforgettable bioluminescent bay experience. A visit here is a must for anyone exploring Puerto Rico’s glowing waters and is one of the best things you can do in this small island. To get to Mosquito Bay, you'll first need to take a short flight or ferry to the island of Vieques. Flights take about 25 minutes and leave from Isla Grande airport in San Juan. Ferries take about 45 minutes and leave from Ceiba in eastern Puerto Rico.
How to get to Vieques and Culebra
Mosquito Bio Bay Tours
The bay is located on the south side of Vieques, not far from the main town of Esperanza, where you'll find many of the island's hotels and guesthouses. There are several local tour companies that offer guided tours of Mosquito Bay. Most tours meet in the Esperanza town center and then travel to the bay via bus or van. Oftentimes, there are multiple tour times per night – one just after sunset and one around 8 p.m.
Mosquito Bay is accessed by kayak only. Some kayaks have glass bottoms, which allow you to see the glowing water and billions of microorganisms beneath you. A tour guide will lead a small group of kayakers around the bay, pointing out features of the bay and explaining the science of bioluminescence. Most tours do not require guests to have prior kayaking experience. Visit our Vieques page to search tour providers.
Places to Stay in Vieques
An overnight stay is one of the best. ways you can make the most of your time in Vieques. This island municipality offers plenty of accommodations, with vacation rentals, guesthouses like Casa de Amistad, and bed and breakfasts like Hacienda Tamarindo.
Make the most of your glow-in-the-dark experience visiting on a moonless night.
Getting to Laguna Grande
Laguna Grande in Fajardo is Puerto Rico’s most visited bioluminescent bay due to its proximity to San Juan. It's also the only one of the three that's not technically a bay; the long and narrow canal that leads to the dazzling “glow-in-the-dark” water makes this unique water body a lagoon!
Like Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande offers an array of kayak tours, with multiple time slots available each night to ensure you get the chance to experience its magical glow. It's located on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico's mainland in the town of Fajardo. From San Juan, it's just a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute drive to Laguna Grande along PR-3. Since the tours take place at night, you'll probably want to spend the night in Fajardo. There is much to see and do in Puerto Rico's east region, so consider sticking around to explore Fajardo's beautiful beaches, take a catamaran boat charter to uninhabited Icacos Island, or spend a day exploring El Yunque National Forest.
Check out more trip ideas in Fajardo
Places to Stay in Fajardo
Fajardo is home to the iconic El Conquistador Resort, along with the quaint Fajardo Inn, and plenty of vacation rentals.
La Parguera is the only bio bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is allowed.
Getting to La Parguera
La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay in Lajas, on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, offers a unique bio bay experience unlike any other on the Island. It is the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where motorboats are allowed, making it more accessible for visitors who prefer not to kayak. It’s also the only bio bay where swimming is permitted, allowing you to dive into the glowing waters for an up-close encounter with the bioluminescent organisms. For those staying in Rincón on their trip to Puerto Rico, La Parguera is the best bio bay to visit. It's just over one hour away by car, making it an easy day trip.
The drive from San Juan is about two hours and fifteen minutes. Some tour companies provide full-day tours to La Parguera with transportation to and from San Juan, lasting about eight hours in total.
No matter where you're coming from, La Parguera is a water sports paradise that you should take the time to explore.
Discover More Underwater Adventures in La Parguera
Places to Stay in Lajas
Lajas is a great municipality to stay in while exploring the southwest region of the Island and partaking in all the aquatic activities. This smaller town offers a quaint vibe, with paradores, vacation rentals on the beach, and guesthouses.
Shaking up the dinoflagellate organisms in a bioluminescent bay will feel like playing with stars.
Essential Tips for Your Bio Bay Adventure
Dos
- Book tours on dark nights (avoid full moons)
- Call ahead to confirm visibility
- Wear quick-dry clothing
- Choose certified eco-tour operators
Don’ts
- Use bug spray or sunscreen
- Expect to swim (except at La Parguera)
- Rely on photos — the glow rarely shows up
- Bring motorboats to protected areas
Follow these tips for an unforgettable Puerto Rico bioluminescent bay adventure!
Plan Your Puerto Rico Getaway
Experience the magic of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, where glowing waters create an unforgettable sight. Visit Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, or La Parguera for a kayak tour, boat ride, or even a night swim. Plan your bio bay adventure today!
Puerto Rico’s Bio Bay FAQs
Do the bays glow year-round?
Yes — but brightness varies with moon phases and weather. New moon nights are ideal.
Can I swim in the bioluminescent bays?
Swimming is only allowed in La Parguera, the only bio bay in Puerto Rico where boats can enter. Mosquito Bay and Laguna Grande prohibit it for conservation.
When is the best time to visit?
New moon nights offer peak glow. Avoid full moons and check with your tour operator beforehand.
How much do tours cost?
The cost of a bioluminescent bay tour in Puerto Rico ranges from $48 to $76 per person, depending on the location and tour operator.
Can I visit the bays without a tour?
Yes, for Mosquito Bay and Laguna Grande. La Parguera allows boats, but kayaking tours offer a better experience.
Comment Guidelines
We value your thoughts and want to foster a respectful and engaged community. As such, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines when posting comments
- Please ensure your opinions are expressed respectfully.
- We won’t remove comments that engage in courteous debate but hate speech or any form of profanity will not be tolerated. This also applies to the inappropriate use of emojis or hashtags.
- Do not downvote or dislike a comment simply because you disagree with another person’s views.
- Self-promotion and external links are not allowed and will be removed.
- Avoid sharing private information about yourself or others. Doxing (the act of leaking personal information with harmful intent) is strictly prohibited and will result in a ban.
- Comments that are off-topic will be deleted.
Live Boricua in Paradise!
Discover endless travel inspiration from real travelers and how they #LiveBoricua. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok and share your Puerto Rico moments using #DiscoverPuertoRico!
Paradise for Your Inbox
Get travel inspiration, news, tips and more delivered monthly.
Recommended Articles
Virtual Road Trip Around Puerto Rico
Fall in love with the many wonders of the island.
Panoramic view from Finca Viernes in Utuado.
How to Plan a Sustainable Trip to Puerto Rico
Enjoy a vacation that is both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
A mesmerizing view of the Yauco mountains.
Unique Outdoor Experiences in Puerto Rico
Find diverse activities in paradise.
The Laguna del Condado in San Juan is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding to enjoy a peaceful environment.
Best Places to Go Kayaking and Paddle Boarding in Puerto Rico
Experience the Island's coastline at your pace.
Wake up and smell... the ocean!
RV Trips around Puerto Rico
Is there anything more carefree than cruising through nature?
In El Yunque, you find spectacular natural pools.
Explore Puerto Rico’s Natural Wonders
Gorgeous scenery and nature abound in Puerto Rico—there’s truly no other place like it.