La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan: Experience the Magic
4.5
208 Ratings
Lajas
Embark on a magical boat tour from San Juan to La Parguera, where you can witness the incredible bioluminescence in its glowing bay. Swim in the crystal-clear waters and learn about the fascinating dinoflagellates that create this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • La Parguera - La Parguera, a small fishing village in Lajas has reborn as a local and international destination.
    Because of its geographical location it offers one of the best preserved coral reef systems and mangrove forests in the Caribbean. Various restaurants and bars add to the local attractions.
    We will drive for 2:15 hrs each way (bathroom stops offered along the way), as you enjoy the panoramic and lush views of the Central area that then changes to a semi-desert landscape.
    Upon arrival downtown we will stop for appetizers.
    Watch the sunset as we head out for a 25 minute ride thru the mangrove channels.
    You will have the opportunity to swim at one of it’s cays, before we head out to the area where the bioluminescence happens.
    Your guide will explain everything you need to know about these microscopic dinoflagelates that give off heat in the form of light when disturbed.
    Once we reach the bay you will have the opportunity to swim (optional) and experience this phenomenon first hand.
What's Included
  • Complimentary local beer and water on the boat
  • Appetizers at La Parguera, including vegetarian choices (advance notice required)
  • Free pickup and drop-off in San Juan’s key areas (Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde)
  • Expert guidance by a certified guide
What's Not Included
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Gratuity
Additional Information

La Parguera, a quaint fishing hamlet in Lajas, has experienced a renaissance in recent times. Thanks to its location, it boasts one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled coral reef systems and mangrove forests. A variety of eateries and bars contribute to the local delights. We’ll journey for roughly 2.5 hours (restroom breaks provided), drinking in the verdant vistas of the Central region as they transform into a semi-arid scenery. Upon reaching our destination, we’ll pause for some light bites (additional food & beverage expenses are separate).
As we sail out for a 25-minute voyage through the mangrove canals, you’ll get to witness the sunset (depending on the season). There’s a chance to take a dip in one of its cays, after which we venture to where the spectacle of bioluminescence takes place. Your guide will elucidate about the microscopic dinoflagellates that emit light when agitated. When we arrive at the bay, you’ll get to encounter this magical light show firsthand.

  • Minimum amount of 4 participants is required in order to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after receiving instant confirmation if the minimum is not met. IN the event of this happening you will be offered an alternate date or full refund.
  • It is an approximately 2:20 hour drive from San Juan to La Parguera each way, depending on the time of day and traffic.
  • The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice.
  • Tour not suitable for persons with mobility issues, using wheelchair, walker or cane as you must climb into the boat from a narrow pier. If you get in the water, you must be able to climb a small boat ladder.
  • Children must weight 50 lbs or more in order to participate on tour, and must be notified with anticipation in order to assign a car seat.
  • Complimentary car seats or booster seats available upon request (subject to availability).
  • You are more than welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
  • Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the DAY PRIOR to your tour.
  • Total activity duration of 8 hours includes: 2:20 hr driving time each way, 2 hour tour, and stop for appetizers.
  • Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following instructions or causing disruptions the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
Location
La Parguera
Southwestern Coast
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(208 Ratings)
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Helenle410un
Mar 11, 2024
La Parguera boat tour - The entire experience of the Parguera Bioluminescent boat tour was fantastic! George was a wonderful, knowledgeable, and very caring driver and tour guide and we would highly recommend this tour to others!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage136062
Mar 10, 2024
Incredible experience!! So worth it!! - My friend had done this tour and loved it so much she wanted to do it a second time… and now I completely understand! George was our main guide/driver and Captain Luis was the boat captain. From warmly greeting the group like family, to a smooth and delicious lunch, and then leading us on two spectacular water experiences, George was incredible. At the end of the trip he shared all the incredible photos with everyone directly on the bus before the ride back so we’d have time to enjoy/relive/share them with each other and family/friends. A couple of pro-tips: - bring your swim clothes and be prepared to get wet. Get in the water!! (You’ll get wet on the boat anyways, so may as well enjoy the experience. - bring a towel, but after you dry off from the first swim, put it away so it doesn’t get soaked on the boat when traveling to second swim experience. - bring a waterproof bag (and light waterproof jacket if you get cold easily). - bring a little container of white vinegar in case of any baby jellyfish. - for mobility-impaired folk, be prepared for a little difficulty in getting in/out of boat and a bit of a walk to change at the end of the trip. It was so worth it!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natalie_m
Mar 2, 2024
Once in a lifetime experience!!! - My husband and I booked this trip for our last day of a week-long vacation. It could not have been a more perfect way to wrap up our trip! Our guide Jorge picked us up from our hotel in San Juan at the communicated time and the 2.5 hour ride in the air-conditioned van was beautiful. We did make a stop for gas and everyone had a chance to get out to stretch their legs and use the bathroom. We arrived in La Parguera and Jorge walked us into the restaurant, he had taken our orders ahead of time and they brought our food out quickly. Food was delicious and it was a full meal, not just appetizers! After eating we had a few minutes to walk around and explore, then we all got on the boat and went to a sand bay where we were able to get out and swim/explore. It was fun seeing the giant but harmless fish and getting to watch the sunset. Once it was dark, we got back on the boat and went into the bioluminescent area of the bay. It. Was. Magical. We were each given a floatie and just got to float around, look at the stars, and splash around to see the incredibly glittery-looking dinoflagellates. Pictures do not even come close to showing what it was really like, but Jorge did take pictures for us so we could leave our phones safely in the boat but still have some photos! After the tour, we walked to some bathrooms in the plaza to change back into our dry clothes for the ride home. Jorge had snacks and drinks waiting for us in the van. 15/10 experience, we both had an amazing time!! A couple of things that might be helpful to know: we both wore flip-flops and left them in the boat when we were in the water. Some had water shoes, but they weren't necessary. Definitely bring a towel because you'll want to keep warm on the boat after getting out of the water. Also, I was worried about being cold because it was February and in the 70s, but the bay water is warm!!
Review provided by Viator
T5694vhrons
Feb 15, 2024
Swim with the glowing dinoflagellates! - Awesome experience! Although the tour says swimming is optional, you want to get in the water! Words cannot describe what it is like to swim in the lagoon and every motion of your body lights up the water with glowing sparkles. In addition, the tour included a swim outing in another natural lagoon and a delicious Puerto Rican dinner in the nearby fishing village that was rocking with night life. George, our driver, was wealth of info on Puerto Rico and Captain Luis gave us plenty of time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_g
Feb 7, 2024
Swimming in the water is a sparkly, shimmering delight! - Totally unique experience! Loved being in the water creating this mystifying phenomenon myself. It was a sparkly, shimmering delight! The starry sky was a bonus. Hanging out in the water for sunset was beautiful and relaxing. George was a fun and informative tour guide who helped to maximize the experience. Book it!
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca
Feb 6, 2024
Beyond incredible! - Words cannot describe how incredible this tour was! The bioluminescent bay was magical. Swimming was amazing. The boat, captain and crew were wonderful - informative and fun. This is a must do experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
864brookes
Jan 31, 2024
Worth the money! Felt like Tinkerbell in the bioluminescence glow♥️ - This tour was awesome! George picked us up at our hotel in a comfy roomy van. There were 9 of us in the van. Gave us lots of fun facts and history of San Juan and the many different areas we drove through on the way. We stopped in a little town on the way to eat. Large portions. Had a bit of time to walk around area. Boat ride to small island was so pretty at sunset. Our Captain Luis was quiet but on point with his job-he was great!!! We got to get in the water and swim with fish…it was awesome. Water was only a few feet deep. Crystal clear. After sunset we took a 10-15 minute ride to where the bioluminescence was. The experience was incredible. The darker it got out, the better the glow. It is indescribable. Pics do not do it justice. We had plenty of time to take in the experience. The boat ride back was so pretty too. George took some incredible pics for us and shared them all. He was so fun and knowledgeable and was a bundle of fun energy!! After the tour we went to a public restroom and were able to change into dry clothes before getting in van and heading back to our resort. Overall wonderful time was had by all. Would highly recommend this tour. My only suggestion would be to bring your own snorkel equipment if you want to snorkel at the small island we stop at.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barb
Jan 30, 2024
Once in a lifetime... - I've been on another bio-luminescent tour, but it was nothing like this one! Our driver/guide was George. This young man was really awesome! During the entire trip, he went out of his way to make sure that we were comfortable and had everything needed as we traveled the 2 + hours to La Parguera. It was truly interesting seeing the mountains and the beautiful interior of PR. In La Parguera, we had a complete dinner at a local restaurant. I was expecting a "snack"! At the boat dock, we met Captain Hector, who took us first to an island sand bar where we "swam" in about 4 feet of water. George amused us by feeding the hugh, but harmless fish. I've never seen anything like these before! We also watched a beautiful sunset before returning to the boat to travel to the bio-bay. Once in the water of the bay, my arms were sparkling every time I moved! I looked like I had little stars all over me from the light of the one celled creatures! Kicking my feet made the water light up as I've never seen! We swam for over 30 minutes, which was more than enough time. Thank you, George and Captain Hector, for making this such a great time. This entire tour was the highlight of my visit to PR!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coctrell_m
Mar 7, 2024
Four hour ride - The driver was prompt and entertaining. We had a good group of cruisers that made the trip fun. The provided meal was lack luster, it would have been nice to have more flavor and spice. The four hour ride was a bit much and if I had a choice I would not select this excursion. The experience of seeing the illumination was cool but not worth the cost and four hour ride.
Review provided by Viator
Laml1663
Mar 4, 2024
All the Stars - I brought my grandmother with me and it was a lovely experience. We were picked up at our hotel and dropped off there as well. The ride had great views of the mountains and oceans. It will be a bumpy ride at times, but unfortunately, that's just due to PR's infrastructure. There were pit stops for bathroom breaks and to change into our swimwear. The restaurant's food was okay. I wasn't a fan of the pork chop, but my grandma liked the fried fish nuggets. You should have a good meal before the excursion. The sunset from the boat was breathtaking and a good spot for pictures. Make sure to bring a towel because the boat ride can be chilly especially if you choose to swim. The bioluminescent bay was amazing! We went during a half moon and the water was still so bright like stars. If you float on your back you can see all the stars in the sky It was so beautiful. I will never forget this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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