Come see, hear and feel the adventure as you explore the captivating glowing water of Laguna Grande.
Glowing Bay Adventure
The Highlights TOUR
Of your Adventure
This is the one adventure you should not miss while visiting Puerto Rico. Paddle through the mystical mangrove channels that lead to "Laguna Grande." You will feel as if you are on another planet as the water comes to life in a magnificent glowing spectacle that must be seen to be believed!
The Glowing Bay Adventure Includes:
Basic Equipment
Kayak and US Coast Guard approved life jackets.
Expert Guides
Experienced eco-interpretive guide with CPR and First Aid certification.
Basic Training Lessons
Training and safety instructions prior to the tour.
Illumination
Low-intensity night time navigation lights.
Safety
First aid and kayak towing equipment.
Skill Level: Beginner
Duration: 2 Hours
Minimum Age: 6 Years +
Glowing Bay Adventure
GalleryPHOTOS
Island Kayaking Adventurers
An Unbelievable Experience
That you will never forget!
Glowing Bay Adventure
Questions? FAQ
The answers you need
Yes, most of our guest have little or no experience. We provide all the necessary training and instruction needed to have an enjoyable and safe experience. We also paddle in double sea kayaks (which are exceptionally stable).
Are we able to swim at the lagoon?
No, we are not allowed to swim to preserve the ecosystem. Things that we use on a daily basis can have an effect on the microorganisms (hair gel, deodorant, lotions, perfume, insect repellent with DEET, etc.).
Is it safe for kids?
Yes, this is a great activity to immerse kids in nature. The minimum age to do the adventure is 6 years old.
Can I take pictures?
You can bring water cameras, however, photos of the Bioluminescence need special film and equipment. If you value your digital camera leave it in your car. Remember, this is an adventure for your memory.
Should I bring water and snacks?
We provide water and snacks (chips and granola bars) after the adventure.
Weight capacity?
450lbs between 2 people combined on each kayak.
You will get wet.
Comfortable, quick-drying clothing (swimsuits).
Water shoes or sandals that you are willing to get wet.
Change of clothing for after the tour (recommended).
Yes, reservations are required to guarantee a seat on the tour. When you book on-line or via phone, this is your reservation.
Visa or Master Card are accepted when you reserved either by phone or online. When you enter your card information, you are paying for your tour. This ensures your seat on the tour for the date you have specified. We cannot hold or reserve any spaces without payment.
Yes. In the event that you must cancel your reservation, we have a 24 hour cancellation policy for all our adventures. You have 24 hours before check in time to change the date or cancel for a full refund. All cancellations must be made by phone or email directly to Island Kayaking Adventure. Guest that are no shows or late arrivals will receive the full charge.
Groups of 10 or more guest must cancel 1 week in advance for full refund. Cancellations less than a week, no show and late arrivals will be fully charge.
Weather cancellations?
Marine activities are subject to weather conditions, if we are force to cancel the adventure due to the weather conditions guest will receive a full refund. We will contact you to inform about the cancellation. If you decide not to attend without our cancellation notice you will be charge if the adventure goes out.
We equip each kayak with low intensity lights. This will assist you following the group through the canal. All our guides are required to carry additional emergency lights.
No, swimming is not allowed at Laguna Grande and everybody is required to keep their lifejackets on at all time. In the channel area were we paddle the most is 3 to 5 feet deep.
Glowing Bay Adventure
ExperiencesREVIEWS
What our adventurers say
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Overall positive- be prepared Overall was a fine tour. Don't expect to see much as the bioluminescence is pretty weak and there's lots of light pollution around. Bring lots of bug spray and shoes that can get 100% soaked.
kejats3/18/2022 -
Highly Recommend this Experience We had a great time on the Glowing Bay Adventure by Island Kayaking Adventure. We found them on a document provided to us from our resort. Went to their website and the identification of the excursion and payment was very... read moreWe had a great time on the Glowing Bay Adventure by Island Kayaking Adventure. We found them on a document provided to us from our resort. Went to their website and the identification of the excursion and payment was very smooth. You are provided very detail instructions and a map link to get to the meet location. There were two start times at 6:45pm and 8:45pm, and we opted for the later start to have more darkness. Pay attention to the moon 🌙 lamination as light takes away from the experience you may have. I recommend experiencing this light without a lot of stuff. No need to bring phones and stuff place you risk chance you could lose it or it get wet. We started out walking to our kayaks in knee deep water and the team assists you with getting in. You must have a partner as no solo kayaks. You will get wet at least waist high. You traverse through the mangroves until you reach La Guna Grande. As we get close you could see the bioluminescense paddling the water. They use colored lights to identify the difference in groups. We received some background on how it occurs. Then, they provided tarps to cover kayaks to help make it darker to see better. Great experience!!!! read less
Johnny W6/24/2022A lot of fun but you need stamina We enjoyed our kayak to Bio Bay. It is pretty well organised but it could be said that the group was too large with some inexperienced kayakers causing confusion. The guides are good and friendly and thye bay is well... read moreWe enjoyed our kayak to Bio Bay. It is pretty well organised but it could be said that the group was too large with some inexperienced kayakers causing confusion. The guides are good and friendly and thye bay is well worth visiting. However, most of your trip is spent paddling to and from the bay along a narrow canal with over-hanging mangrove trees. Not for the faint hearted! If you trust yourself in the water, take a camera (or take a water-proof one); the guide takes a photo of you but it is not great quality. read less
cricketer204/11/2013Great for team building We had the privilege of taking 12 teenagers and young adults kayaking along with Nestor and his fabulous crew this past week. Everyone has been talking about it with awe and excitement since! There were a few who had never... read moreWe had the privilege of taking 12 teenagers and young adults kayaking along with Nestor and his fabulous crew this past week. Everyone has been talking about it with awe and excitement since! There were a few who had never kayaked before, and they were shown extra care and attention and were so proud they concurred fears and had the opportunity to experience overcoming fears with someone by their side. The bioluminescent bay was exciting to see and looked like glitter and sparks in the water. It was interesting to hear about the impact of hurricane Maria and the effects on the bioluminescent bay plankton.
For those looking for details: yes you get wet from waist down. Bring a towel and change of clothes. If you go at sunset, bring bug spray - we used bug spray and no one came away with bites. Yes, it can be tiring paddling back, but you will be proud of what you can accomplish. Nestor and his crew will take good care of you! read lessWONDERandWONDER7/21/2019 -
Island Kayaking Adventure Excellent time. Miguel was our group leader. He was straight forward and funny. Very personable. Please bring a change of clothes as you will get wet. I recommend that you give yourself some time to get to the meeting point.... read moreExcellent time. Miguel was our group leader. He was straight forward and funny. Very personable. Please bring a change of clothes as you will get wet. I recommend that you give yourself some time to get to the meeting point. Especially if your going on the weekend. The beach where you will meet was very crowded and hard to find parking. As for storing any valuables, I recommend handing them over to the tour guides; they will lock it in the van and a company representative will stay with the van. read less
Irishcav1045/19/2014Fun! What an awesome experience! Highly recommend! Kenny, Talia, and Belin were knowledgeable guides, took time to guide and teach us first time kayakers and were clearly passionate about what they do. We had a full moon but still saw some... read moreWhat an awesome experience! Highly recommend! Kenny, Talia, and Belin were knowledgeable guides, took time to guide and teach us first time kayakers and were clearly passionate about what they do. We had a full moon but still saw some bioluminescence thanks to their tricks of the trade. We had a wonderful time! read less
KellyS6/14/2022Delightful experience with hilarious guides-the great wet adventure! We traveled as two couples who wanted to see the wondrous bioluminesent organisms as seen in the movie Pi. We were thoroughly prepared by the booking agent Hanna so we knew it was going to be an adventure! ... read moreWe traveled as two couples who wanted to see the wondrous bioluminesent organisms as seen in the movie Pi. We were thoroughly prepared by the booking agent Hanna so we knew it was going to be an adventure! About 24 guests were in our group; all boats were two person kayaks. We learned the rules of kayaking as a group, were assisted into our boats, and paddled off to the mangrove forest on our way to the Lagoon of bioluminescence. Screeching pterodactyl like birds flew around us and fish jumped about in the waters, sometimes making it into your kayak! I felt as if I was in the amazon! After many curving turns, we made it into the large moonlit Lagoon hoping for a glimpse of the elusive organisms. We viewed them surrounding the boat as well as when we splashed our hands in the water. It was awesome and surreal. The guides were always joking with us or offering up information on the environment. It was a trip I'll never forget. It was full of fun, never a dull moment! read less
Karen H2/04/2017 -
Great time We had a great time and the kayaking was so much fun. Although we thought the biolumnescent bay was going to be more pronounced, it was still amazing under the tarp we were provided. Highly recommend this adventure.
215lissettem11/14/2021Biolumiescent kayak tour This is one of the coolest things I have ever done. This is an evening Bio Bay kayak tour. You kayak thru a mangrove channel and when it gets dark, you can see the bioluminescent organisms in... read moreThis is one of the coolest things I have ever done. This is an evening Bio Bay kayak tour. You kayak thru a mangrove channel and when it gets dark, you can see the bioluminescent organisms in the water. They look like diamonds in the water. Very Cool!! read less
Mary Claire C3/22/2014 -
Increíble! Vine a probar esta experiencia en Puerto Rico. Vengo desde Barcelona y fue algo nuevo y enriquecedor para mi.
Los monitores estuvieron muy pendientes de nosotros todo el rato y nos instruyeron en cada momento. El viaje hasta la laguna fue... read moreVine a probar esta experiencia en Puerto Rico. Vengo desde Barcelona y fue algo nuevo y enriquecedor para mi.
Los monitores estuvieron muy pendientes de nosotros todo el rato y nos instruyeron en cada momento. El viaje hasta la laguna fue muy divertido, y una vez allí, nos contaron acerca de la fauna y flora de la zona. Nos hicieron un truco de magia, donde vimos el agua brillar (algo que realmente nunca había visto anteriormente y fue una experiencia mágica...)
La vuelta es contra corriente y a oscuras: Se requiere un poco de fuerza en los brazos, pero los monitores siguen estando muy encima tuyo, sin dejar que te pierdas.
No es para nada peligroso y ellos te van iluminando el camino.
Volvería a repetirlo sin duda! read lessLaia S7/02/2019 -
Very cool experience The excellent tour guides Gary, Kenneth, Belin, Celix, and Talia kept us moving through the mangroves. Seeing the water glow was really cool. You can see some of it while still in the mangroves as you paddle out to the... read moreThe excellent tour guides Gary, Kenneth, Belin, Celix, and Talia kept us moving through the mangroves. Seeing the water glow was really cool. You can see some of it while still in the mangroves as you paddle out to the bay, but in the bay, they give you a tarp to block out the light pollution and you can see it better. But the kayaks can get a little tight together, so reaching down into the water can be a bit tricky, especially if you're in the front. I had to pair up with someone from another odd numbered group, so be prepared to chat if you're not with an even number of people. read less
Rachel C6/09/2022 -
Glowing Bay Tour Did the Glowing Bay Tour with this company and it was great. Picked up and returned to area very close to my hotel. The trip included water and snacks after the trip as well. Our tour guides were funny, friendly,... read moreDid the Glowing Bay Tour with this company and it was great. Picked up and returned to area very close to my hotel. The trip included water and snacks after the trip as well. Our tour guides were funny, friendly, and helpful. Now the tour itself was okay. Kayaking out to the bay was okay, but coming back in the pitch dark was difficult. The visit to the bay itself was fun. It is amazing to see how the water just lights up as your hand or paddle moves through it. I thought there would be a little more to the whole illuminating thing, but I would still do the trip if you get a chance. I would also definitely recommend Island Kayaking Adventure. read less
Sunflower22133/13/2015Had a blast! Great tour with three teenagers. Some of the reviews had given me concerns about the trip, but we had a great time and enjoyed seeing the genuine, non-manufactured, natural phenomenon. Main takeaways: 1. The bioluminescent effect (seeing a glow... read moreGreat tour with three teenagers. Some of the reviews had given me concerns about the trip, but we had a great time and enjoyed seeing the genuine, non-manufactured, natural phenomenon. Main takeaways: 1. The bioluminescent effect (seeing a glow around your paddle or hands in the water) is very cool. 2. We went with a waxing, half moon. While the effect might have been more brilliant with less moon, when we stopped in the bay, they had a solution for that--so if your chance to do the tour is at a time with moonlight, don't hesitate. 3. You'll be paddling about 90 or so total minutes at night across a shallow bay and through a winding mangrove lined channel that will have other tour groups heading the other way. There will be about 15 kayaks in a line in your group. You may bump a tree here or there--it's not a big deal. No one tipped and the water is shallow. 4. Main guide and shore staff were great. I thought asst guides could have helped folks into and out of their kayaks more--but that was a small point. 5. Wear something you don't mind getting wet and don't take cameras, wallets, etc. 6. I recommend the tour. read less
KinBeantown3/02/2015Great kayaking adventure - sparkling waters! We were staying at the El San Juan Resort & Casino and their Bio Bay packages were sold out. So we booked our trip through the group on the beach. The company was called New Horizons.Sandy our tour guide (who... read moreWe were staying at the El San Juan Resort & Casino and their Bio Bay packages were sold out. So we booked our trip through the group on the beach. The company was called New Horizons.Sandy our tour guide (who was terrific) picked us up in a Van that had only 13 people and drove us to the bay where the Island Kayaking guides were. The tour and the tour guides were just terrific. We kayaked through a canal covered by trees. It was dark and long and exciting and very amusing. Many of the people kayaking couldn't keep their kayaks straight. It was great fun. And the bioluminescent organisms were glowing through the entire tunnel as well as in the lagoon. The fish swimming in the lagoon also glowed. It was a great trip we will never forget. Don't miss this tour, it's worth every penny. read less
QueenMJC4/29/2015 -
Great tour. Informative and fun! Tour guide Diego was the best! He helped my 12yr old daughter and I and was so patient and kind. Our experience would not have been the same without him!
Bkgyal7185/25/2021Incredible! Our kayak trip on the Bio Bay was the highlight of our trip to Puerto Rico. I was a bit wary since we booked last minute and all of the other companies were booked up, but Island Kayaking Adventure... read moreOur kayak trip on the Bio Bay was the highlight of our trip to Puerto Rico. I was a bit wary since we booked last minute and all of the other companies were booked up, but Island Kayaking Adventure was fantastic. After a quick safety briefing we climbed into out two man kayaks and headed out into the water. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE GOING ON A DARK NIGHT WITH LITTLE MOONLIGHT! It was nearly pitch black, so we followed the glowstick on the kayak in front of us. The path through the mangrove trees was good for a laugh as everyone was bumping into trees and the kayaks around them. About half an hour in, the water began to glow as we paddled. By the time we emerged into the bay, the water around us was bright. You can't get out of the kayak as your body oils are bad for the ecosystem, but you're free to paddle and splash your hands. I'm not a big kayaker, but even when my arms were tired I didn't want to stop paddling because it was so beautiful! read less
Emily H3/13/2014amazing!! My wife and i did kayaking for our first time ever. They gave us a 5-minute tutorial and we were on our way. We started at the head of the group and going with the current down the canal. Our... read moreMy wife and i did kayaking for our first time ever. They gave us a 5-minute tutorial and we were on our way. We started at the head of the group and going with the current down the canal. Our guide Gaby was very aware of the surroundings and always gave us notice of obstacles or other kayakers in the area. The night was calm and it was so dark at times in the canal with the overhead branches that we could only see the lights at ends of the kayak. The bay had other kayakers but we were far from them. We came back against the current so a bit more challenging but not that difficult that beginners like us could not do. Overall an amazing experience!! read less
josemU271PG3/14/2021 -
Glowing Bay Adventure The experience advertises 2 hours but they ask you to arrive 30 minutes in advance to check in then spend another 30 giving an orientation on the use of a kayak later followed by getting on the kayaks and sending... read moreThe experience advertises 2 hours but they ask you to arrive 30 minutes in advance to check in then spend another 30 giving an orientation on the use of a kayak later followed by getting on the kayaks and sending us off. Each way is about 30ish minutes through the mangrove forest and some people don’t know how to use a kayak which makes it funny. The bio part of the tour is not rushed I would say like other reviews mentioned but it’s definitely short sweet and to the point. read less
Chris M3/31/2021Fun experience Went with my husband and two kids (16, 13) . The staff was Gary, Freddy? and someone else. I don't remember the names. It was really fun to kayak at night. It was slow at times because... read moreWent with my husband and two kids (16, 13) . The staff was Gary, Freddy? and someone else. I don't remember the names. It was really fun to kayak at night. It was slow at times because of the crowding, but we knew that from other reviews. Seeing the bioluminescence was cool. read less
Yael B1/31/2022Great experience, but highly commercialized I’ve seen a lot of highly critical reviews of the tour with relevant points, so I wanted to provide a review based on what I had seen before. The kayaking experience was lovely and my partner listed it as his... read moreI’ve seen a lot of highly critical reviews of the tour with relevant points, so I wanted to provide a review based on what I had seen before. The kayaking experience was lovely and my partner listed it as his favorite part of our time in Puerto Rico. I really enjoyed the experience, but there were some things that I wish I knew going into the experience as far as managing expectations (These comments likely hold for any of the tours in Fajardo/ Laguna Grande, I just took the Island Kayaking Adventure tour.)
(1) First and foremost, the bioluminescence is pretty weak relative to past experiences I’ve had. Is it still magical? Absolutely. That said, it’s unlikely that you’ll see animals glowing under your kayak and you have to look pretty carefully to see the glow of the water as you paddle.
(2) Perhaps a little more frustrating for me, it felt as though our time actually in laguna grande was short and rushed relative to the length of the whole experience. It’s over a km kayak through the mangroves in the dark to get to laguna grande. If nighttime kayaking is your thing (as it was for my partner and I) then it was still a really enjoyable experience. However, if you are expecting 30 minutes or more with bioluminescence you are going to be disappointed. In our tour, it even seemed based on what I overheard the tour guides were saying to one another about the timing that they cut our experience in laguna grande short for timing purposes because it took our group too long to kayak to the bay.
(3) Relatedly, the entire experience was VERY commercialized. Large groups, many tour companies, and different tour groups running into one another. It created log jams as we kayaked into the bay that weren’t helped by countless folks with zero clue how to kayak.
(4) They had bug spray (the nice Off Clean Feel Kind 😊) so don’t worry about picking up your own prior to the tour (that said, there are enterprising local shops that do sell it for an upcharge if this turns out to be incorrect for your particular tour).
I mention all of these to help manage expectations. I genuinely still enjoyed my experience, and the tour group certainly did a great job and provided nice directions on where to park/go for the tour, but if you do have the time and ability I may try going to Vieques or somewhere just a tad less touristy. read lessU1669UDnk6/17/2021 -
Great value Found this place online and was able to call and text and get a great group rate for 13 of us. We got the second shift and so it was already dark as we drove to Fajardo. Streets are tough... read moreFound this place online and was able to call and text and get a great group rate for 13 of us. We got the second shift and so it was already dark as we drove to Fajardo. Streets are tough navigating and there is little to no parking in the park area. Then you have to walk around until you find a tent that might be the one you are looking for and ask. Hopefully you have a few minutes to run your wallet back to your car after you sign the waiver and pay. Leave everything in your car. They're not in a big hurry, so really it's no big deal. They do provide bug spray, but it wasn't bad our night. Remember to also stop before you get to town to go the bathroom because there is only one in the park and you have to pay. Mike was our guide who was quite enthusiastic and willing to answer all questions and was pretty knowledgeable (ALRIGHT GUYSS!). There were supposed to be a couple other guys with us and they may have gone by us during the trip, but didn't really help us stay together, just carried the tarp and camera. We seemed to get pretty spread out so that it was hard to get any directions from the front. Trip out is easier, as you can always stay to the right. Trip back in you need to stay right until you meet with an actual boat, which apparently needs to stay on that NW side and so you have to go left ("YOUR OTHER RIGHT!" they berate you from their boat). When you get close to the lagoon, it is almost better right there, still in the river, to see the bio lights in the water. We could see pretty well our night, but we still did the tent thing out in the lagoon and got pictures taken. Try to stay still so your pic is less blurry (good luck). Nice of them to post it on Facebook so it was easy to get my copy. Overall it was a good time and we all had fun for less than $50pp. read less
KarynJG1/20/2017Fun experience! Worth it! Fun night kayak to Laguna Grande! Guides were great. Everything went smoothly. The bioluminescence was a little underwhelming but definitely glad we did it. (It’s seen better seen with a tarp over your heads but you can still see... read moreFun night kayak to Laguna Grande! Guides were great. Everything went smoothly. The bioluminescence was a little underwhelming but definitely glad we did it. (It’s seen better seen with a tarp over your heads but you can still see it a little without) The paddling through the channel in the dark to the bay was a very cool and different experience- we really enjoyed it! Kayaking up river against the current was a little tougher than I thought-wouldn’t recommend for younger children. read less
Nicole A5/26/2022Fun, beautiful Experience was great overall, loved everything about it.. only complaint i have is the other people in the group weren’t paying attention to instructions with paddling & were very rude with words. Other than that I’ll rate 5 out of... read moreExperience was great overall, loved everything about it.. only complaint i have is the other people in the group weren’t paying attention to instructions with paddling & were very rude with words. Other than that I’ll rate 5 out of 5 experience !! Will attend again in future !! read less
Angel H7/21/2022
Travel
Things To DoTO DO
In Fajardo
Fun Activities
Sea Ventures
Scuba diving excursions, classes, and snorkeling tours.
Paradise Seekers
Waterfall Slides Adventures on natural swimming pools.
Where to eat?
Las Vistas Cafe
For Breakfast or Brunch, we loved it.
El Bohio Restaurant
Is one of our favorite places to eat local and fresh seafood.
Lodging Around
Fajardo Inn
Hotel
Sueños del Mar
Vacation Rentals