puerto rico bio bay tour vieques

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Puerto Rico ⎮  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)

Kayaking tours.

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.”

Other Tours to Vieques You May Like

Puerto Rico Things to Do ⎮  Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays ⎮ Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

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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.

ISLA NENA BIO BAY BOAT TOUR, VIEQUES

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1 hour

Important Information

For tour to run there needs to be at least 4 people booked that day. For example we will run if 2 guests book at 7:30pm and 2 guests book at 8:45pm the same day.

If this minimum capacity is not met you can choose among the following options:

• We can give you a full refund
• You can rebook to the next day
• Or you can pay the difference for how many people are missing and keep your original booking.

If you have have any doubts please call before booking.

• Book ferry tickets here:  https://www.puertoricoferry.com/en/
• Danny: 787-556-9623
• Dimary: 787-318-7864
• Vieques tours and magazine:  https://viequesinsider.com/

Experience one the most unique natural phenomena in the world

Travel to the Caribbean island of Vieques, where you can experience one the most unique natural phenomena in the world and — the best glow bioluminescent microscopic organisms that glow in the dark!

One out of 5 the world.

• Transportation from and to Meeting point at Esperanza
• 1 hour Electric Boat Tour

More Information:

• $3 Maintenance Fee for Department of Natural Resources to be paid in cash.
• Before booking, verify there is available room for your reservation.
• Transportation to Vieques is either by plane or by ferry boat.
• Last ferry boat from Vieques is at 7:30pm until the next day.
• Best place to stay is at Esperanza!
• Boarding time from Ceiba to Vieques will always be 30 min before your ticket time.
• 1 hour 35 minute drive from San Juan to the ferry in Ceiba.
• Children under 12 years old need a life jacket
• No swimming allowed

RELATED ACTIVITIES

• Hour Glass 9 hours
• User 6+ years

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Travel to the Caribbean side of the island to a village called La Parguera, where you can experience one the most unique natural phenomena in the world.

Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay

Top ways to experience Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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

• (2.04 mi) Malecon House
• (2.15 mi) The Vieques Guesthouse
• (3.34 mi) Casa de Amistad
• (3.57 mi) Finca Victoria
• (2.11 mi) Casa de Kathy
• (1.88 mi) El Quenepo
• (1.90 mi) Bili
• (1.90 mi) Bananas
• (3.16 mi) Coqui Fire Cafe
• (2.02 mi) Tin Box
• (0.42 mi) JAK Water Sports
• (0.68 mi) Playa Navío
• (1.72 mi) Salty Spirit
• (1.28 mi) Balneario Sun Bay
• (1.87 mi) Nauti Mermaid Charters

The Pirate Bio Bay Tours 

787-436-6082

Vieques Puerto Rico

Locally owned and operated tour guide company.

We know Vieques better!

Allow us to introduce you to the magical sight of our bioluminescent bay in our clear kayaks, and with our knowledgable and fun tour guides 

A once in a lifetime  experience

Vieques has the brightest bio bay in the world! Our clear kayaks make your time in the bay just magical. 

We limit our tours, which makes it more open for conversation and enjoyment.

Bio Bay Kayak Tour

Experience our nighttime  Bioluminescent Bay tour in our clear kayaks, with our educational and super fun guides.

Surround yourself with the magic!

to book your chosen date and time for the Bio Bay Tour, click the link below

Snorkel tour.

Guided Snorkel Tours to the best spots in  Vieques . Imagine  the possibility of marking that

"swim with  turtles" off of your bucket list! 

for more information on our Snorkel Tours, click the link below, or contact us at 787-671-3862

[email protected]

• Most Popular!

BIOBAY BOAT TOUR IN VIEQUES

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 1 Hour
• Info Important Information:

For tours to run, there needs to be at least four people booked that day. For example, we will run if two guests book at 7:30 p.m. and two guests book at 8:45 p.m. the same day.

The minimum per time slot is 4 guests.

If you have have any doubts please call before booking.

• Book ferry tickets here:  https://www.puertoricoferry.com/en/
• Danny:  787-556-9623
• Dimary:  787-318-7864
• Vieques tours and magazine:  https://viequesinsider.com/

Experience a Biobay Boat Tour in Vieques!

The bioluminescence experience is truly an amazing phenomenon! Did you know that Vieques, Puerto Rico is one of the best place to spot bioluminescence in the ocean? Join us for an intimate, magical boat tour and experience this rare phenomenon!

• Transportation from and to meeting point at Esperanza
• One hour Electric Boat Tour

More Information:

• $3 Maintenance Fee for Department of Natural Resources to be paid in cash.
• Before booking, verify there is available room for your reservation.
• Transportation to Vieques is either by plane or by ferry boat.
• Last ferry boat from Vieques is at 7:30pm until the next day.
• Best place to stay is at Esperanza!
• Boarding time from Ceiba to Vieques will always be 30 min before your ticket time.
• One hour 35 minute drive from San Juan to the ferry in Ceiba.
• Children under 12 years old need a life jacket
• No swimming allowed
• I acknowledge that I have overnight accommodation in Vieques

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!

• Calendar Every day
• Users Ages 6+
• Hour Glass 1.5 - 2 hours
• Top Seller!

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!

• Hour Glass 7 hours

Half-Day Fishing Charter

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.

• Users Ages 10+
• Hour Glass 5 hours

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.

​ Full Transparent Kayak

Bio Bay Tours on Vieques Island on a Full Transparent Kayak

Come enjoy the World's brightest Bioluminescent Bay,in our Transparent Kayaks an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

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

• Pinterest 4490

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.

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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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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!

• La Parguera
• Moon Calendar

Uncovering Vieques and its bioluminescent bay

Puerto Rico has the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Caribbean, but the island’s most intriguing and interesting place is the bioluminescent mosquito bay, which is located along the south shores of Vieques.

When you travel to Vieques, one of the first things you should do is explore Mosquito Bay. This natural phenomenon is the most active and thriving bio bay in Puerto Rico. Bioluminescence is a natural, but spectacular undersea occurrence found in the Caribbean and around the world.

Bioluminescent Bay gets its name from the millions of small living organisms called luminescent dinoflagellates (aka Pyrodinium bahamense ) that live in the warm Caribbean waters. They produce a mysterious blue-green glow of light when disturbed. The light that comes from these organisms is brighter and more luminous than in any other bio-bay around the island. Most people would say Mosquito Bay is the most beautiful place to see bioluminescence.

Mosquito Bay has the highest concentrations of Pyrodinium bahamense. You may find flourishing concentrations of Pyrodinium in the lagoon, a little ways downwind from the entrance of the bay, surrounded by mangroves. The leaves that drop from the mangroves provide food for the Pyrodinium.

Vieques offers night tours of Mosquito Bio Bay that you can sign up for while visiting Puerto Rico. As you kayak through the water, you can see the Pyrodinium bahamense by the light they produce as they scatter around your paddles. You may even be amazed by the intensity of this light as it surrounds your kayak. This intensity lights of the Mosquito Bay and can be seen from far away.

To protect Mosquito Bio Bay and the fragile wildlife that live within it, you won’t be able to enter the water to swim or interact with the Pyrodinium bahamense. Unless you choose to go night kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay on your own, taking a tour of the bio bay may be ideal.

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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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The founder of The Cure for Curiosity, Julia is a North Carolina based, travel addict who has followed her curiosity to 90+ countries. Whether it’s crawling through the Pyramids of Egypt, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, or diving the Blue Hole in Belize, she’s always on the go, and she wants to help you travel more and travel better by sharing what she’s learned along the way, from travel tips  and packing lists to destination specific details.

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13 Best Tours & Excursions In Vieques, Puerto Rico (2024)

• Tours & Excursions

Vieques is an island located 6-miles off the east-coast of Puerto Rico’s main island.

Vieques is home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay, and is known for its pristine beaches and wild horses.

After visiting Vieques many times with a local, I can tell you that there is no shortage of exciting tours to take on your trip.

In this article, I will cover the 13 best tours and excursions in Vieques, Puerto Rico:

1. Bioluminescent bay tour

Vieques has the brightest bio bay in the world, Mosquito Bay .

You can kayak through this bay at night and experience glowing water. 

This is a once in a life time experience, and should not be missed. 

It is difficult to capture this experience with a camera as you need special long exposure settings. Even with the right settings the images captured don’t do it justice. 

Every stroke of your paddle will cause single-celled plankton called dinoflagellates to emit blue light. 

Many tours utilize glass-bottom kayaks to enhance the experience. 

Below is a video showing Mosquito Bio Bay in Vieques:

To learn more, read our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays .

2. Horseback riding tours

Horseback riding tours provide a view of Vieques like no other.

Explore the paths and trails of undisturbed tropical forests and secluded beaches that are not accessible with other forms of transportation.  

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Jurutungo Farm, Vieques (@jurutungofarm)

Photo Credit: @jurutungofarm

Enjoy a graceful ride across the sand on the backs of well-trained Paso Fino horses.

These horses are known for their naturally smooth gait. They are often adopted, well cared for, and loved by their owners. Your patronage helps support their rescue with some companies.

Tours can accommodate any experience level. Helmets are provided.

Below is a video showing horseback riding on the beach:

Visit Jurutungo Farm to book your tour.

Read our article about the famous Black Sand Beach , where most horseback riding tours take you.

3. Beach hopping tours

Vieques has 50 square miles of public beaches each with its own personality. 

Many of these beaches are a part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

Vieques beaches are usually pretty much empty even on the busiest days. 

These beaches are truly gorgeous and offer the rare opportunity to have an entire beach to yourself.

Beach hopping tours that are available to experience several unique beaches covered in everything from white sands, gold sands, magnetic black sand , and even beaches covered in sea glass.

Check out Vieques beaches in the following video:

To book your beach hopping tour, contact Vieques Concierge .

Learn more in our article 17 Best Beaches In Vieques .

4. Snorkeling tour

Vieques is home to some of the best spots to snorkel.

Swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, dolphins, and amazing coral beds.

There are several tours run by knowledgeable local staff that will guide you on a journey to dip below the surface and see the unspoiled reefs. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vieques, Puerto Rico (@saltyspiritofficial)

Video Credit: @saltyspiritofficial

Experienced guides are able to assure safety and are able to adjust tours for specific weather conditions to cultivate unforgettable interactions with the various species of marine life. 

Some companies offer snorkeling tours that offer transportation, refreshments, sanitized snorkel gear and digital photos all included in the price.

Check out a snorkeling tour in the following video:

YouTube video credit: @crystalclearvieques

You can book your private snorkeling tour with Salty Spirit .

Learn more in our article 8 Best Snorkel Spots In Vieques .

5. Scuba diving tours

Another charm of Vieques is its crystal clear warm water with temperatures that range from 74 to 80 degrees year-round.

These are perfect conditions for SCUBA diving.

Some diving sites have clear visibility down to 100 ft. Here, you can easily interact with turtles, dolphins, and manatees and enjoy the view of colorful coral. 

There are different diving spots around the island — Mosquito Pier, Cayo Afuera, and Corona Reef.  Some companies even offer night diving with UV light.

Tours offer exclusive opportunities to visit remote areas of the waters and shipwrecks to see creatures you wouldn’t find on your own.

Below is a video showing scuba diving in Vieques:

Visit Black Beard Sports to book your dive.

Check out our article 30 Best Scuba Diving Sites In Puerto Rico for more information.

6. Sailboat tours

One of the best ways to see Vieques is from the water.

Many private tour companies take pride in offering their personal touch of hospitality. 

Several tours provide complimentary beverages, a lite fare, or even home-cooked meals while onboard often prepared fresh from locally sourced food.

Knowledgeable and engaging crews offer shared stories that intimately connect you with the ecology and local history of Vieques. 

Chartered sailing offers opportunities to explore many off-grid locations for open-water snorkeling and enjoy exclusive access to marine life that has not been disturbed by large crowds. 

Whether you are a snorkeling enthusiast or simply want to enjoy a relaxing ride across Caribbean waters in the company of friends, chartering a sailboat is a satisfying way to spend the day in Vieques.

Visit Vieques Sailing to book your trip.

7. Hiking tours

60% of Vieques is covered by the Vieques Wildlife Refuge.

At 17,771 acres, it is the largest wildlife refuge in the Caribbean.

The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2000 to preserve the environment for the public to safely enjoy wildlife. 

Various hiking tours offer an opportunity to see some of the island’s migratory birds, 4 endangered plants, and 10 endangered animal species, as well as protected historical and archaeological resource sites. 

The refuge also features a view from the Puerto Ferro lighthouse ruins that offer fantastic views of Mosquito Bay, and the southern cays. 

Book a tour with Black Beard Sports .

8. Fishing tours

If you are not one to dine out, you can catch your dinner deep sea fishing.

There are many fishing tours in Vieques and if you are a fishing enthusiast, you are in for a treat.

Explore the hidden coves around Vieques and be transported to remote ocean areas where you can catch Mahi Mahi, wahoo, African pompano, and barracuda.

All equipment is provided on most tours, including coolers and licenses. You must bring your own drinks and snacks.

Below is a video of fishing in Vieques:

To book a tour, contact Vieques Sport Fishing .

9. Sugar Mill Ruins tour

A guided tour of The Sugar Mill Ruins is a sweet treat for history lovers.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Green Orchid (@gr.ee.n_orchid)

Photo Credit: @greenorchid

Passionate and knowledgeable guides point out clues to spark your imagination taking you back through the culture and history of this 19th-century sugar mill now covered in green foliage. 

Vieques had a strong sugar cane economy prior to the 1940s. It is not easy to find this landmark as there are no well-defined roads or trails and the markers are hard to notice. 

The Sugar Mill Ruins tour is a true hands-on history lesson.

Learn more about the Sugar Mill Ruins in the following video:

Get more information about this tour by contacting the Vieques Historical Trust .

10. Abandoned military bunkers 

Camouflaged to appear like rolling hills, the now abandoned area is where the military stored their ammunition during their 60-year operation in Vieques.

Located about 4 miles past Mosquito Pier along Route 200, there is an unmarked road that can prove difficult to find. This is where the bunkers are, and it is located in the same wooded area as the Sugar Mill Ruins.

Following the Peace for Vieques protests in 2003, the military shut down its bases on the island and left behind many artifacts.

Visitors can explore open abandoned bunkers, and perhaps stumble upon the illusive Bunker 412. 

At Bunker 412, you can see a collaborative art installation entitled “Reclaiming Vieques: Memory and Imagination.”

Photos taken in the 1940’s cover the doors of the bunker and depict Viequenses being evicted from their homes. 

Years after the military left, the bunkers were transformed into a disco that played salsa and bachata, attracting visitors to dance in the middle of nowhere.

This club is no longer in existence but is an interesting part of the area’s history.

Below is a video showing the bunkers:

For more information about touring, visit the Vieques Historical Trust on the boardwalk in Esperanza.

11. Food tour 

There is no shortage of yummy things to eat on Vieques . 

Esperanza has plenty of creative food trucks and eateries to try. The Malecón is perfect for enjoying lunch by the sea.

A 3-hour food tour may very well fill your belly with 4-7 culinary stops along the way. 

A food tour can create an opportunity to indulge in a variety of Puerto Rican food guided by a local, like mofongo, tostones, empanadas, and arepas. 

Try Bili, the official drink of Vieques, made with quenepas and rum. The drink is traditionally buried underground until it is ready to drink.

Nourish yourself with the catch of the day like whole lobster and scallops, conch, or yellow tail just to name a few. 

To book this tour, visit Vieques Concierge .

12. Crab Island Distillery tour

Vieques has its own distillery called Crab Island Rum Distillery. 

Crab Island is the first and only handcrafted distillery in Vieques .

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Crab Island Rum (@crabislandrum)

Photo Credit: @crabislandrum

With knowledgeable staff, you can learn about the distilling process, taste different rums like coffee or orange infusions, and even purchase rum to take home as a souvenir. 

The venue is a relaxed family farm-like atmosphere with pigs, chickens, and cute and friendly family pups roaming about. 

There is a shaded picnic table and a food truck to complement the rum drinks available.

For more information, visit the Crab Island Rum website.

13. Ceiba Tree tour

Visit the oldest Ceiba tree in the eastern region of Puerto Rico.

This enormous tree is said to be over 500 years old. 

In the religion of the Indigenous people of Puerto Rico (Taino), the Ceiba tree is the daughter of the Goddess YaYa. 

Tours visiting the Ceiba Tree are generally part of a package that includes other historical landmarks in Vieques like the fort in Isabela II and the island’s lighthouses. 

When it rains, water pools in around the various limbs and roots to quench the thirst of various local creatures like tiny crabs and Paso Fino horses roaming about. 

This iconic tree is a meeting place for various tours on the island. 

Book your tour with Vieques Concierge .

FAQ section

What is the best tour in vieques.

The Mosquito Bay Bioluminescent Bay tour is the best tour on Vieques.

Can cruise ship passengers visit Vieques? 

No. There is a boat docking area in Isabel Segunda, but you can only arrive here by public ferry or private boat.

Final thoughts

Vieques is a small tropical island located off the east-coast of Puerto Rico’s main island. 

It has so much to offer, and should not be missed.

The best tour in Vieques is the bioluminescent night kayak tour. To learn more about how you can experience this excursion, read our guide about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays .

Also, check out our article that explains how to get to Vieques from San Juan . 

Tree Alexander

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I have collected countless memories from traveling in Puerto Rico. I share my knowledge of Puerto Rico in my articles. When I’m not writing, I can be found traveling with my toy poodle and homeschooling my children.

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• Most Popular!

Biobay Tour

Quick Details

• Info Important Note: Guests must stay overnight in Vieques to see the biobay

Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Users Ages: All ages welcome!

Key Hole Recommended Experience Level: All levels

Clock Start Time:  6:00 pm AST | 7:00 pm AST | 8:00 pm AST | 9:00 pm AST

Clock Meeting time: 10 minutes prior to start time.

We meet across from Rainbow Realty (278 Calle Flamboyan, near the Green Store)

Explore the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

The biobay in Vieques is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!

Discover the beauty and science of bioluminescence as you paddle through the bay and learn about the life of Pyrodinium Bahamense, the single-celled organism responsible for this incredible glow.

We meet in Esperanza across from Rainbow Realty. Here’s a map with our meeting location for your reference:

We then drive you to the bay and provide you with kayak, paddle, vest, and instruction. After a short paddle, we give you a very informative session explaining the bioluminescent bay’s unique ecology and the science behind the bright glow.

When the night is dark, and the stars are out, it is time to see the magic! Watch falling stars and witness Vieques’ bioluminescent bay shine like an aqua blue glowing cloud in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The biobay must be seen to be believed!

• Come enjoy a kayak tour of the beautiful bioluminescent bay
• We provide kayaks, paddles, and life vests
• Total weight limit per kayak is 450 pounds
• Minimum age to participate: one

If we can’t accommodate you online, feel free to reach out to our main office. We may still be able to place you on a tour.

Important Note

In compliance with DRNA regulations, there are no tours of the biobay in Vieques the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, and the day after the full moon each month.

Please click below to help plan your biobay tour dates.

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Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tours in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

The Original Outfitter Operating for over 20 Years!

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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!

Eco-Friendly Tour Operator

Unified by the Same Passion

We are Salty Spirit

Discover the island of vieques top locations.

As the leading boat company in Vieques, we are proud and excited to share all of our knowledge with visitors that come from all over the world.

Our destinations are remote, full of life, and represent true outdoor experiences.

We offer educational and fun trips for the entire family, as we believe that getting acquainted with nature is the first step to starting to respect it with the ultimate goal of protecting it.

A team that specializes in exclusive trips

Our iconic experiences.

Our locations are chosen by the captain the day of the scheduled experience since our crew attends closely and seriously the daily weather conditions. We commit to unrivaled style, comfort and top destinations.

Boat Charters | Inshore & Offshore Fishing

Unleash your adventurous side with an unforgettable boat charter experience. You can choose from our trips where we go snorkeling and beach beach hopping or a fishing adventure.

Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting glow of Vieques' bioluminescent bay, the brightest in the world.

Why charter with us?

1. We are a company that gives back to the local community through partnerships with non profit organizations in leading island beach cleanups and environmental education for children summer camps.

2. Specialize in private charters and small Bio Bay Tour groups.

3. Local certified crew with over 20 years of experience in the ocean.

4. Our crew considers family bonding as well as providing an educational and fun adventure for everyone onboard.

5. We strive to deliver a level of service that exceeds our customers expectations.

See our blogs

World’s brightest bio bay experience, best time of the month to visit the bioluminescent bay in vieques, how to get to vieques, real customer reviews from tripadvisor.

We did 2 different snorkel trips. One from a beautiful beach with lota of turtles and one from a boat to beautiful reef. Highly recommend both trips. Anak is super! Breen

My tour guide Stephanie is phenomenal. She was knowledgeable, fun, and a pleasure to have as my guide, and she took time to make sure I was well taken care of during the whole experience. I would totally recommend this to anyone coming to Vieques and would definitely do again if I come back to this beautiful island! Anne C.

We enjoyed the bio bay tour; our guide was great. He had so much information and taught us so much more than just some very cool glowing water. Not only provided extensive knowledge about the bay but the entire area and the stars! It was a great night and have already told everyone they should check it out! Billy D

We did both the biobay tour and a boat charter with Salty Spirit on our recent trip to Vieques and both were excellent. Biobay: guides were super friendly and knowledgeable, getting to and from the bay was easy and we really appreciated that they limit the number of people per tour to 10 as opposed to a lot of other tour groups we saw heading out with busloads of people. Boat charter: was a perfect way to spend the morning. Again, the crew were great, friendly, and knowledgeable. Snorkeling was fantastic; we saw sharks, rays, lionfish in addition to an array of fish, anemone, and coral. We had such a good time, we could have stayed out on the boat all day. Dorothy

Deannie was an excellent snorkeling guide! She was very helpful as it was my wife’s first time ever snorkeling She was also very patient and very attentive while we were on the water. She was constantly pointing out interesting things in the coral, fish, the two stingrays we say as well as making sure we saw the turtles that she spotted. Absolutely would do this again! Adam C

We chartered a boat for the afternoon for a snorkel tour. As a couple, we initially couldn't rationalize spending the money to charter a boat for ourselves, so we asked the other couple staying on the same property as we were if they'd like to join us. Fortunately, they gladly accepted. Thus tour was awesome, and truly a highlight of our trip! Michelle and Juan took us to see several boat wrecks. There was so much sea life! We saw many tropical fish, a couple of nurse sharks, barracuda, sting rays, puffer fish, and a turtle. The lighting underwater in the afternoon was spectacular. We went to spots where there were no other people around except for the 4 of us. We had plenty of time in the water, and didn't feel rushed, as we often have felt on snorkel trips elsewhere. We're so glad that we decided to go with Salty Spirit for our adventure. Debbie F

CONTACT FORM

An unforgettable experience. Come and see the wonders of the Island of Vieques. 

Explore the greatness of Vieques Island with us.

We offer snorkeling tours and the unforgettable experience of visiting the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

Cancellation Policy - Once the reservation is completed, you must provide us 24 hour notice prior to your tour to cancel and receive a full refund.  If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the tour a full charge for the activity will be made.  In the event that we cancel the activity, you will receive a full refund. Same day reservations can't be cancelled, if a guest does not show up for their tour we will charge the total amount of the reservation. We don't cancel activities for rain.    Reschedules with 24 hour or less notice, has an extra charge of $30 per person. 

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13 Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay Tour in Puerto Rico

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• Mexico and Caribbean
• Puerto Rico
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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

I sat silently in my kayak, one hand swirling the water outside the boat. With each gentle swish, a miniature constellation of underwater “stars” twinkled around my fingers. In the kayak beside me, a woman spun her paddle in the water and gasped at the tiny explosion of light. Ahead of me, the comet-like streak of green in the water indicated a fish swimming near the surface. That’s the magic of Bio Bay tours.

I’d come to Isla de Vieques, off Puerto Rico’s main island on a kayaktrip in its world-famous bioluminescent bay. The experience was everything I’d hoped for — a stroke of luck, given how poorly I’d arranged my trip. Getting the most out of a bio bay tour requires a lot of advance planning, and, in the case of Vieques, more cash than you might expect.

Here’s what I wish I knew before making the trip.

13 Things I Wish Somebody Told Me Before Taking the Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay Tour in Puerto Rico

1. bioluminescence is surprisingly common.

Much like fireflies do on land, single-celled, water surface–dwelling organisms called dinoflagellates, a type of plankton, can emit light underwater. They aren’t the only marine organisms that glow. Some 1,500 species of fish are known to luminesce, as well as certain types of squid, jellyfish, worms, and crustaceans. Many use bioluminescence as lures for food or mates, or to confuse predators.

Although dinoflagellates are microscopic, they often form large colonies. The human eye doesn’t detect the bioluminescence when a water body is still. But when disturbed, such as by wind that ripples the surface or the slicing of a boat hull through the water, our eyes translate the light wavelengths into glow-in-the-dark sparkles and zigzags of green or blue-green.

2. Puerto Rico Has Three Bioluminescent Bays

The planet currently has five ecosystems where dinoflagellate concentrations are high enough to consistently cause this bioluminescent phenomenon. Puerto Rico claims three of them where Bio Bay tours are organized.

In Fajardo, along the east coast of the main island , Laguna Grande is the most trafficked of the trio. It’s not as bright as the others, but at only an hour by car from San Juan , it’s the easiest to get to. This also makes it the most touristy of the bunch.

A few of the better-known Laguna Grande tour operators include:

• Eco Adventures
• Kayaking Puerto Rico
• Yokahú Kayak Trips
• Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours

In Lajas, on the opposite corner of the main island, La Parguera is the least visited of the three bays. At about 2.5 hours from San Juan, it’s a much longer drive than Laguna Grande, but a worthwhile stop if you’re visiting the western side of Puerto Rico.

Some Bio Bay tours allow swimming in La Parguera. Because chemicals in bug repellents, sunscreens, and body lotions can kill the phytoplankton, you’ll need to shower before joining a tour that includes swimming or diving through the bio bay.

Try one of these La Parguera tour operators:

• Parguera Eco Tours
• Bio Bay Tours
• Kayaking Parguera
• Alelí Tours

The granddaddy of all bioluminescent bays, and the brightest in the world, is Mosquito Bay in Vieques. Although Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, Mosquito Bay’s dinoflagellate population has, miraculously, doubled since then. On a dark night, you’re almost guaranteed to see something spectacular.   

Tour operators on Vieques include:

• Abe’s Snorkeling
• Black Beard Sports
• Vieques Kayaks Bio Bay
• Jak Water Sports

3. Booking A Tour Can Lead To Unexpected Expenses

You can rent a car and drive to Laguna Grande or La Parguera. Mosquito Bay isn’t connected to the main island, so you’ll need to take a ferry (about $40 per person) or small plane (about $120 per person) from Ceiba, or fly directly from San Juan (about $130 per person), to get there. Depending on the time of year, ferry and flight service may or may not be available after 7 p.m. Residents of Laguna Grande are given preference on the ferry, which means you could get bumped from an especially full voyage.

In addition, many bio bay kayaking tour operators require an address where you’ll be staying on the island in order to complete booking. Since cars aren’t allowed on the ferry to Vieques, you must rent a car or line up a taxi ride once on the island.

The short story: It’s best to plan an overnight stay on the island.

Between our flights, taxi, accommodations in the least expensive Airbnb we could find, and the tour itself, my husband and I spent about $450 on this portion of our kayak trip. Allow for more costs if you plan a day trip to El Yunque National Forest – the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

We chose Abe’s Snorkeling for our excursion. The sea life kayaking experience was very good overall, although the tour operator, like an airline, oversold their 7 p.m. tour. About a dozen of us were bumped, with no notice, to the 9 p.m. slot. For our trouble, our guide offered each pairing of people a refund on one ticket.

4. Almost Anyone Can Do It

Bio bay kayaking is appropriate for most levels of ability. The water is usually calm, and paddling is done at a laid-back pace, mostly in two-person boats. Because you’re kayaking in the dark, it’s important to follow your tour guide and his instructions and stick close to your tour group. This could be tricky for travelers with vision or hearing impairments. If you’ve got grandkids in tow, ask about age restrictions.

5. Know Your Moon Cycles, And Book In Advance

You might be able to book a tour on the fly, but I wouldn’t risk it. Most fill up several months in advance, especially during the high season.

Although Puerto Rico’s bays luminesce year round, you’ll have the best experience on a dark night. Kayaking during a new moon is preferable because the glow percentage is usually higher. Using a moon phases calendar will help you chart out the best time to go.

Most operators don’t even run tours 3 days before or after a full moon. We didn’t realize this when we booked our Puerto Rican vacation. Fortunately, the final night was just beyond the full-moon window.  

The day before or the morning of your excursion, call your tour operator to check on the bay’s brightness; it should be a minimum of 30 percent. In addition to the moon, tides and water temperature affect how much color you see.

6. Ask About Clear-Bottomed Boats

Some tour companies offer clear-bottomed boats, which allow for a unique look at the bioluminescence directly underneath you. This isn’t the default option, so be sure to ask if it’s important to you.

7. Dress To Get Wet

Wear comfortable clothing, such as shorts and a T-shirt, preferably made of tech or quick-drying fabrics; some splashing is normal during any kayaking outing. Pants and shorts with zipper pockets are useful for storing a credit card, in case you want to stop at a restaurant or bar on the way back to your hotel or Airbnb (no need to take a full wallet or cash). Sturdy walking sandals, knit sneakers, or aqua shoes are all good choices for footwear.

Don’t count on being able to stash extra clothing or shoes with the tour operator; take only what you need.

8. Skip The Sunscreens And Skin Lotions

Wash your hands and feet before the trip, and don’t apply any moisturizer, serums, or lotions. You’ll be allowed to dip toes and fingers in the water, but chemicals from common skin products can kill the dinoflagellates.

9. It’s Okay To Take Your Phone

Your bio bay tour guide will tell you to leave your cell phone behind, ostensibly because its camera won’t be able to capture the glow. This may be true, or it may be an effort to reduce the sharing of images, which might, in turn, lead to a reduction in tour purchases. I regretted listening to this advice. I think I could have used my cell phone camera in manual mode and gotten sufficiently long exposures to get quality and free photos of some of the luminescence.

Bottom line: There’s no harm in taking your phone, as long as you seal it in a floating dry bag, and wear it on a lanyard around your neck. Just be aware that if you accidentally overturn your kayak, you might have trouble retrieving the phone in the dark. And don’t spend all your time taking pictures. The best part of the experience is staying in the moment and enjoying the display.

10. Be Prepared For A Wild Ride

The drive out to the bio bay is a bit like riding a roller coaster without a seat belt. Our bus driver clearly had been making this drive for years, and he knew every pothole and curve in the road — and took most of them at a robust clip. In the dark. I had to pry my fingers out of the seat upholstery after he swerved through small herds of the island’s free-roaming horses. Fortunately, he didn’t hit any.

Pro Tip: About those Viequense horses: They’re not wild, even if tourism brochures and resorts market them as such. All are owned by residents and are set free to browse the island’s grasses when not being used as transportation. Sadly, these beautiful animals are frequently killed in road accidents. If you rent a car, drive slowly and cautiously.

11. Keep Your Expectations In Check

Nature is fickle, and an evening of 100 percent glow might be followed by one of less than 30 percent. To make matters worse, all promotional images of Bio Bay tours are Photoshopped. While it is a breathtaking sight, you will not be engulfed in a happy blue halo, nor will the water light up on its own. What you’ll see is more akin to an underwater shower of glitter every time you or your tour mates dip an oar or hand into the bay.  

12. Bio Bay Tour Without Kayaks

Is there another means of transportation to get to the bay? Yes, there is now an eco-friendly way to visit Laguna Grande without having to kayak. Bio Island is a company that offers an electric motorboat tour that is both fun and safe for the environment.

They use a really quiet electric motor approved by the DRNA. A low-emission gas motor is used until the boat gets into the channel and then they switch to electric. Being a small Carolina Skiff, the boat has a very low profile, not much deeper than the kayak bottoms.

13. Bio Bay Is Virtually Impossible to Photograph

This is because the illumination is not originating from the water itself, but rather the dinoflagellates in the water. The images that you see online are captured using long exposure techniques, and don’t look anything like the real thing. 

However, the elusive nature of capturing the Bio Bay on film doesn’t mean that it is at all subtle. If you go out when the bay is particularly active you’ll never experience anything so stunningly surreal and beautiful. You should only hope that someday you’ll be lucky enough to see it again.

Is Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip Worth The Extra Trouble And Expense?

That’s a big yes. Although I can’t speak for Laguna Grande or La Parguera, kayaking Mosquito Bay was as close to magical as an outdoor experience can get. The bay is wide open and hushed, and even with other groups of kayakers out on the water, it felt like we were the only ones. Paddling was relaxed over the hour and a half we spent out on the water. Even the inexperienced kayakers had a great time.

Because I’d read up in advance and scaled my expectations, I wasn’t disappointed. The bioluminescent glow was actually more pronounced than I figured it would be, with miniature fireworks going off each time a boat pushed through the water. It wasn’t the neon blue radiance shown on tour websites, but it still felt otherworldly, like holding a galaxy of tiny stars in my palms. Aside of Puerto Rico, you can also see bioluminescent water on the Southern California coas t.

When Is the Best Time for a Kayak Trip in Bio Bay in Puerto Rico?

Generally, the best time for a kayak trip is around the new moon when there is less moonlight in the sky to interfere with the glow. Many factors affect how visible the bioluminescence is on any given night, including cloud cover which may help to block the moon and its light.

Why Is the Bio Bay Closed for Three Days Each Month During the Full Moon?

The Department of Natural Resources in Puerto Rico does not allow any tours during those days every month so that Bio Bay can get some  “rest” from human interaction.

Can I Go to See the Bio Bay in Puerto Rico on My Own?

No. Bio Bay is only open to tour companies with DRNA permits, not individuals. It is safest to go with a reputable and insured tour company with a tour guide who will explain the biology of the fragile ecosystem there for you.

Can Small Children Go On Bio Bay Tours in Puerto Rico?

Yes, tour companies take infants and young children on their Bio Bay tours. Infant and child life vests are available and the kids will be seated in a parent’s lap in the kayak. Inexperienced kayakers are advised not to kayak with kids.

What Should I Bring for My Bio Bay, Puerto Rico Tour?

You should bring a towel, natural DEET-free bug spray, and some kind of water shoes. For our day tours, you should also bring sunscreen and protective clothing like rash guards and hats if you like.

A specialist in coastal travel, the northeast U.S., and Spain, Robin is a travel journalist and the writer behind the travel blog Once More to the Shore . Her work has appeared in National Geographic , Travel + Leisure , TIME , Smithsonian , Conde Nast Traveler , AFAR , Hemispheres , and a range of other publications, both national and regional.

A New Englander by birth now living in the Hudson Valley, Robin understands the call of the sea, and the allure of rock-strewn beaches and shrouded forests. She also knows that a Maine-style lobster roll — the one true lobster roll — is best paired with a crisp hard cider, and that nothing beats a Rhode Island clam cake.

An honorary Spaniard by marriage, Robin visits Spain at least once a year, and has never met a town or tapa she didn’t like. When she’s not writing about travel, she can usually be found exploring regional lakes in her inflatable kayak, hiking the Taconics, or attempting to snap the perfect photo of the wildlife around her home.

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21 Reasons Why Puerto Rico Should Be Your Next Trip

Posted: December 27, 2023 | Last updated: December 27, 2023

The Caribbean’s hottest destination

Miles of sandy beaches, a lush forested interior, elegant upscale resorts, and an exciting blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno culture have seen Puerto Rico become one of the Caribbean’s go-to destinations. Lying 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, this unincorporated United States territory is a short hop from mainland America, but the archipelago’s incredible natural biodiversity and infectiously joyful vibe are uniquely its own.

Click or scroll through the gallery to discover 21 reasons to add Puerto Rico to your vacation wish list...

1. Step back in time in Old San Juan

Spend a couple of days wandering the blue-grey cobblestone streets, buzzing plazas, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortifications of Old San Juan: a unique Caribbean city shaped by five centuries of history. Old San Juan is the second oldest city established in the New World and from the well-preserved Spanish citadel of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, to its rows of rainbow-coloured townhouses and elegant Moorish-inspired facades, the city reveals snapshots of its past at every turn.

2. Bask on one of the world’s best beaches on Culebra

A perfect, horseshoe-shaped curve of white sand fringed by swaying coconut palms, sloping gently into a warm sea. Sound like paradise? Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra consistently ranks as one of the best in the world, and you can explore this tropical idyll on a boat cruise with Sail Getaways from Fajardo, stopping at snorkeling spots along the way. Walk along the beach to see The Tank, left behind by the US Navy.

3. Kayak on a bioluminescent bay

There are very few places around the world where natural bioluminescence lights up the ocean at night, and Puerto Rico is home to three of them: Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas and Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques; the brightest bio bay in the world.

Join a kayak tour with Taino Aqua Adventures or Kayaking Puerto Rico to experience the neon-blue aquatic displays, created by microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates, which illuminate these magical marine realms, which are particularly visible on moonless nights.

4. Relax and recharge at an upscale resort

Set on a coconut plantation between two of Puerto Rico’s stunning natural attractions, El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is the perfect base for some hiking adventures, but equally as inviting if you’re here to relax and recharge. With two miles of sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic, guests can enjoy water sports, a round of golf on the 18-hole course, and pampering in the sanctuary of the Iridium Spa.

5. Follow the call of the coquí frog

When night falls in Puerto Rico, the territory's mountains and forests ring with the mating calls of thousands of coquí tree frogs. Named after their distinctive, uplifting song, which sounds like “Co-Kee! Co-Kee!”, the amphibians inhabited the archipelago long before the indigenous Taíno people immortalized their image in petroglyphs thousands of years ago. The coquí remains a much-loved cultural symbol for Puerto Ricans today, with the little frogs’ image found on everything from pottery to postcards.

6. Catch some waves in Rincón

A laidback town in northwestern Puerto Rico, with over a dozen beaches and some of the best waves in the Caribbean, Rincón has been a surfing mecca since the late 1960s. Experienced surfers can catch a variety of big breaks around the coast, but there are also plenty of surf schools if it’s your first time on a board and you need some tips. At night, the restaurants and bars around the plaza offer plenty of fun for visitors too.

7. Try the mouthwatering mofongo

Drawing on the territory’s Spanish, African, and Taíno history, the favorite Puerto Rican dish of mofongo features a tight mound of mashed green plantains, traditionally served with meat, seafood, or vegetables. Join an adrenaline-fuelled jet ski tour of the coast, then head to Vittata Gastropub at Rompeolas Beach to replenish with a Cachita Daiquiri, made from rum blended with passion fruit, lime, and coconut foam; alongside their excellent El Mofongo Vittata (fried mashed plantain), served with an earthy porcini broth.

8. Explore the only rainforest in the US

A biodiversity hotspot, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system and is home to sparkling waterfalls and pools, more than 830 native plant species, wildlife including bats, geckos, and anole lizards, and 97 species of bird including hummingbirds and the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.

You’ll also find 13 of the 17 species of coqui frogs here, and plenty of hiking trails through the soaring tabonuco trees, bromeliads, and ferns.

9. Go on a jet ski adventure in Aguadilla

Get a different view of Puerto Rico’s legendary beaches on a jet ski tour along the coastline with Aguadilla Water Sports . The family-run business has a ‘Top Gun’ fleet of yellow Sea Doo jet skis, and fun guides leading the exploration of the northwest coast’s coves and bays. Ride solo or with a buddy on the back, and don’t forget to pair your phone with the on-board Bluetooth speakers, so you can listen to tunes along the way.

10. Catch a coffee tour in San Lorenzo

With a restaurant, café, and resident peacocks nonchalantly strutting their stuff, Hacienda Muñoz is a serene place to spend a couple of hours learning about Puerto Rico’s coffee-producing past. Surrounded by slopes covered with palms and coffee plants, the family-run hacienda is just 30 minutes from San Juan, and a tour takes visitors through the cultivation process to harvesting, sorting, and roasting, ending with a tasting of some of their award-winning specialty blends in the coffee shop.

11. Search for the endangered Puerto Rican parrot

It’s estimated around one million Puerto Rican parrots inhabited the archipelago at the beginning of the sixteenth century, but the arrival of Spanish colonists took its toll and by 1975, just 13 remained. The Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Plan has helped bring them back from the brink, and despite the devastation caused by Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017, there are now an estimated 250 of these endangered endemic parrots in the forests of Maricao, El Yunque, and Río Abajo.

12. Swim with turtles in Culebra and San Juan

The warm waters around the islands of Puerto Rico are a haven for marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and whales, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to swim with turtles on the surrounding reefs. On the island of Culebra, guides lead snorkeling tours of the Luis Peña Nature Reserve, where green turtles graze on the seagrass, while Scuba Dogs at Escambrón Marine Park offers snorkeling and diving a stone’s throw from San Juan, with a good chance of seeing turtles.

13. Explore an underground cave system

Beneath Puerto Rico’s lush mountain peaks and forests lies an equally impressive limestone labyrinth. The Río Camuy Cave Park is the third-largest underground river cavern system in the world. Over 10 miles of caverns and 220 caves have been explored and mapped, but experts believe there could be at least 800 caves waiting to be discovered. There are 18 known entrances and visitors can join tours to see stalagmites and stalactites in the 170-feet-high main cave, Clara.

14. Embrace Barbiecore at Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge

Enter a real-life Barbie Land with a visit to the candy-pink salt lakes of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Puerto Rico. The rosy hue of the pools comes from a combination of algae, salt, bacteria, and water, offering an other-worldly location for an Instagram shoot, before exploring the hiking and biking trails of the 1,800-acre refuge. Nearby, the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse sits high on rugged limestone cliffs, offering epic views of the Caribbean Sea.

15. Live the highlife at classy Condado Beach

Close to the airport, San Juan’s upscale oceanfront district has all you’ll need for a luxe stay, with elegant hotels, beachside restaurants, and big-brand boutiques, plus a long stretch of sand. VIP Adventures  offers water sports rentals, so travelers can explore the lagoon by paddleboard or kayak. Stay at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for the best views of the coastline, a buzzy cocktail bar, and infinity pool, plus a spa offering the only hammam experience in Puerto Rico.

16. Fly the longest zipline in America

With the longest zipline in America, ToroVerde Adventure Park is not for the fainthearted. The Monster is over 1.5 miles long and hits speeds of up to 95mph, as you fly horizontally above the forested mountain peaks, 1,247 feet up. Meanwhile, The Beast has you soaring like a bird along one of the world ’ s longest single-run ziplines at 4,745 feet, while the Toro Bikes cycle along a cable high in the sky, against a breathtaking backdrop of coastal views.

17. Enjoy a tropical escape in Vieques

Home to a wildlife refuge, the laidback, beautiful isle of Vieques is easily reached by tour boat or ferry from Puerto Rico’s main island. With the world’s brightest body of bioluminescent water at Mosquito Bay, a herd of Spanish Paso Fino horses roaming free, secluded sandy beaches and some of the best snorkeling spots in the territory, Vieques can also be accessed by plane from San Juan and offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury villas to guesthouses.

18. Ride a horse along the beach in Isabela

The dream of horse riding along a windswept beach is a reality in Puerto Rico. Join a two-hour tour with Tropical Trail Rides and you’ll weave through a shady almond-tree forest, before riding along the sweeping sands of Survival Beach on the northwest coast, near Isabela. Owners Craig and Michelle Barker hail from California, came to Puerto Rico for a visit and never went home. As the sun sinks over the ocean, you’ll be tempted to stay too. 

19. See ancient indigenous rock art in Arecibo

When Christopher Columbus sailed into Puerto Rico in 1493 on his second voyage to the Indies, the islands were home to the indigenous Taíno people, and some of their ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) can still be seen around the island today. One of the most famous spots to view them is the dramatic Cueva del Indio in Arecibo on the Atlantic coast, an hour west of San Juan, which has one of the highest numbers of these culturally significant artworks.

20. Enjoy an extreme adventure in San Cristóbal Canyon

The deepest canyon in the Antilles, San Cristóbal Canyon is Puerto Rico’s adventure playground, offering excellent hiking, rappelling, and swimming amidst its waterfalls, caves, and pools in the central mountains. Go Hiking Puerto Rico keeps thrill-seekers safe and pumped on rock climbing and canyoning day tours, while hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the forests, cliffs, and Usabón River rumbling through the six-mile-long ravine: a protected habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna.

21. Sail to a remote desert island

The coral reefs around Puerto Rico ’ s islands and cays offer some magical snorkeling and diving experiences, and the chance to swim with a huge diversity of tropical fish and larger marine life, including manta rays. Join a catamaran tour or take a water taxi from Fajardo to the deserted island of Cayo Icacos – the largest in a remote collection of sandy cays in La Cordillera Nature Reserve – and you’ll soon be snorkeling in some of the east coast’s clearest waters.

Now check out these incredible private islands you can actually afford to rent

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