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Bio-Bay in Fajardo by Kayak or Boat - A Sparkling Experience
There are three bioluminescent bays (bio-bays) in Puerto Rico. One in the SouthWest - "La Parguera", one on Vieques - "Mosquito Bay", and the one in Fajardo - "La Laguna Grande". Out of all three, Mosquito Bay is the brightest, and La Parguera is the least bright. La Laguna Grande in Fajardo is very bright, and it is convenient to do from San Juan and the main island.
What Is It?
A bio bay is a body of water that contains millions of micro-organisms, called “dinoflagellates”, that glow in the dark for a second when agitated. It is a rare, natural wonder that you can easily experience while visiting Puerto Rico. It is best seen on a dark night, try to go when it is moonless or close to it. It also is best on a warm night. But even on a less than ideal night, the bioluminescence will be visible. It is a fragile environment, that can be destroyed (as was the La Parguera bay) by excessive abuse from motor oil, sunscreen and bug repellent.
Who To Use?
There are two ways to enjoy the bio-bay in Fajardo - by kayak or motor boat. There are many kayak operators that guide tours into the bio-bay. They are all similar except for the snacks at the end and the color of their glo-sticks. They all meet at Las Croabas, which is a small bay with a public boat dock. We, and our guests, have used Kayaking Puerto Rico and Las Tortugas in the past - they seem to limit the number of people on their tour and are very responsive to inquires.
Can I Do It?
Kayaking is fun and easy. Even if you have never done it before, are out of shape, are young or older - give it a try! All the kayak operators provide a mandatory life jacket to wear and will give you a brief “lesson” on how to kayak - and away you go! If you are really bad at it (or just feel uncomfortable) - the group leader will help you out. The kayaking in the canal isn’t hard except for two places where the canal gets thin, so the current picks up. Some people do go astray and their kayak meets the mangrove bushes, but it is not that big of a problem. One can easily get back on track. One operator uses a motor boat, which is great for the elderly, people with handicaps or with small children that can’t kayak - the minimum age to kayak is 6 years old.
The Details
There are usually 2 trips per night: one right at sundown and one about 9:00pm. Each trip takes about 2.5 hours from start to finish. I like the earlier one because at that time you can still see the iguanas in the trees above you, and it is not so dark on your way through the channel, but it is dark by the time you get to the lagoon.
All the tours start off near the boat ramp, and then you kayak across the boat marina to a thin channel that leads to the lagoon. You have to go single file to avoid hitting each other and the sides of the channel. The mangrove trees make a canopy over your head, which is low in some spots. But as you get closer to the lagoon, you will notice little sparkles as you dip not heard back from you.your paddles into the water.
Once you get through the channel, it opens up to a large lagoon. By now, your paddles leave a swirl of glow behind at each stroke. Your tour guide will gather all of the kayaks on your tour together, explain the bioluminescence phenomenon, and answer questions that you might have.
After spending some time playing with the water making sparkles, the guide leads you back through the channel. You may meet up with another group, but everyone sticks to the right and it all works out. The guides are all bi-lingual, and knowledgeable about the area, the bio-bay and kayaking. They will answer your questions and may even suggest places for dinner after your workout!
Effective in April 2007, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources no longer allows swimming in the lagoon. Though some rogue operators do allow it, be advised that, if the authorities see you swimming, there can be heavy fines levied against both the swimmer and the tour operator.
We recently (July 2008) re-visited Laguna Grande in Fajardo and were happy to find that the ban on swimming has had a positive effect on the health (brightness) of the bio bay.
What To Wear?
All of the kayak operators use sit-upon ocean kayaks, which means that your butt will get wet - wear a bathing suit or shorts that you don’t mind getting wet. Also, getting in and out of the kayak requires you to walk in the water (no more than mid-calf deep), so wear water shoes or go bare foot. There is really no where to change at Las Croabas, so wear shorts that will dry quickly, or be prepared to change in your car afterward. Bring a towel or something dry, so that when you get back to shore, you can dry your bottom off.
Most kayak companies run their tours Monday through Saturday, and give the lagoon the night off on Sunday to rest. Some companies do go out on Sundays.
The public bathrooms near the boat ramp are in bad maintenance, so plan accordingly.
Even if an operator has a web site, we recommend calling. Emails often go unanswered.
Prices vary by operator, but are typically around $45 per person.
The times for tours vary by operator, but they typically start around sundown, with a second tour around 9:00pm.
Allow at least 2.5 hours for your tour. Check with your tour operator if you’re on a tight schedule.
Las Tortugas Adventures / Caribe Kayak - (787)809-0253 or (787)637-8356. On the web at kayak-pr.com
Kayaking Puerto Rico - (787)435-1665 or (787)564-5629. Also, on the web at kayakingpuertorico.com Eco Xcursion Aquatica - (787)888-2887 or (787)550-4630 Akuadventures - (787)685-9522 they have clear bottom kayaks. They go out on Sunday nights. Encantos Ecotours - (787)272-0005 AdvenTours - (787)889-0251 or (787)530-8311 Enchanted Island Eco Tours - (787)657-8714 or (787)550-4630 Yokahu Kayak Trips - (787)604-7375 or (787)863-5374 There is another option that I don’t want to recommend because he is willfully harming the environment by using a motorboat instead of electric motors. Captain Suarez Power Boat - (787)655-2739 or (787)556-8291. He goes out at 7:00pm, 9:00pm and 11:00pm. Please consider this option only as a last resort for the elderly, handicapped or people with small children, where kayaking or the trip to the Vieques BioBay is not an option. Swimming is allowed in the Vieques Bio-Bay. East Island has night excursion to Vieques that includes dinner. Contact them if you want to swim in a Bio-Bay. Los Croabas boat ramp is located at the end of Road 987 in Fajardo. Los Croabas is about a 45-minute drive from our vacation rental in Rio Grande.
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This was a really good article. Lots of good information. Appreciate it. Thanks!