Fun 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

Good unusual experience I was reading reviews and people complaining about group size. Yes, it was about 16 kayaks in one group and channel to the bay is pretty narrow but it didn't ruin our experience at all. The bay itself is pretty... read moreI was reading reviews and people complaining about group size. Yes, it was about 16 kayaks in one group and channel to the bay is pretty narrow but it didn't ruin our experience at all. The bay itself is pretty big and there is enough space for 5-6 big groups (or even more). Our guide gave us interesting info about the bay and why plankton is glowing. The night was pretty bright, moon was out. But they had а canopy to cover kayaks and we could see luminescence fine. Very unusual and cool. read less

Amazing trip kayaking through the mangrove at night My wife and I went hoping to see the bioluminescence bay. Unfortunately the moon was full so to see them we had to go under a tarp our guides provided. We could see them then but the best... read moreMy wife and I went hoping to see the bioluminescence bay. Unfortunately the moon was full so to see them we had to go under a tarp our guides provided. We could see them then but the best part was going back through the mangrove in the dark with the moon coming through the mangroves. Amazing sight! read less

You better like your partner! As with many other reviews, this one is split into two parts as well.

In regards to Island Kayaking Adventure and their guides, I was more than satisfied. They had quality equipment, gave us a decent explanation of what to... read moreAs with many other reviews, this one is split into two parts as well.

In regards to Island Kayaking Adventure and their guides, I was more than satisfied. They had quality equipment, gave us a decent explanation of what to expect/the itinerary for the night, spent time educating us about bioluminecense/mangroves, AND took pictures for us. This can be a stressful/scary experience for some and the guides did an excellent job communicating and keeping us safe through a pitch black tunnel full of roots and occasional flying fish.

As for the biolumenecense, it was average at best. I was happy to check it off my list but wasn't as amazed as I thought I would be. We were told that they had recently experienced a "mass die off" of the plankton and that it was currently in the middle stages of repopulating itself (this was in January of 2016). It's also important to be aware of the moon phase and any other light pollution risks as this can change your experience.

Lastly, PICK YOUR PARTNER WISELY! This tour group uses kayaks that seat two; one person steering and one doing the rest of the work. You are doing this in a pitch black tunnel of mangrove trees, with fish jumping in and out of your kayak, all while other groups are passing you. If you are with someone who is faint of heart or doesn't think quick on their feet, you may very well end up in the water. It's shallow enough to stand up but still not an experience I feel many would enjoy. If you're thinking of proposing to your significant other, take them on this tour first and see how they do. :p read less

Great 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 less

Amazing Tour Guide Kenny Kenny was an amazing tour guide!! He was patient, knowledgeable, and most important kind. Shout out to you Kenny, Your “Louisiana Girls”

Great Bring lots of mosquito repellent and wear old shoes. And be prepared, you will get wet from the waist down. Still, an adventure not to be missed.

Great experience! The experience on the lagoon was amazing!! What an amazing wonder of the world! The tour guides all had incredible patience with many members of the larger group we were placed with (about 24 in total - everyone is paired... read moreThe experience on the lagoon was amazing!! What an amazing wonder of the world! The tour guides all had incredible patience with many members of the larger group we were placed with (about 24 in total - everyone is paired up in the kayaks). The only drawback was that you have to walk in about 3ft deep water for 25-30 ft to get to/from the kayak so definitely wear shoes and shorts you don’t mind getting wet and bring a change of clothes in the car for the ride home. The 6:45pm tour allows you to paddle out to the lagoon in the daylight but on the way back it’s super dark (pitch black except the guides temporary flashes of light - which i understood because it helps preserve the habitat of the animals that live in the channel) so I wouldn’t take kids who would be upset by this. read less

Great. I would do it agian Staff was friendly and kind. For a big group the staff members did great job at keeping everyone together in the kayaks on the way there and back. Kenny explained everything in the beginning and end. Pedro was funny and... read moreStaff was friendly and kind. For a big group the staff members did great job at keeping everyone together in the kayaks on the way there and back. Kenny explained everything in the beginning and end. Pedro was funny and outgoing made the trip fun. He also gave us some knowledge about the land. It was a great experience seeing the glowing water. I would have liked more time to enjoy it. read less

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!

Great company with terrific guides, kayaking is fun, but bioluminescence well... This company is great - Kenny, Talia, Gary et al led us well, had all the scientific info and could answer any questions but also were alot of fun. The Kayaking is not too hard even if you are... read moreThis company is great - Kenny, Talia, Gary et al led us well, had all the scientific info and could answer any questions but also were alot of fun. The Kayaking is not too hard even if you are the parent of kids in their twenties and not in the best shape LOL. Kayaking through the mangroves was actually a highlight and I recommend the earlier trip so you can see. Also, bring bug spray. Even though we sprayed, we still got lots of bites. The kayaking was a lot of fun, seeing the bioluminesence was cool, but after a few minutes of stirring them up and thinking they are pretty cool, you are ready to return. I'm glad I saw it, but don't think I need to do it again. read less

Grandioso! Fue mi primera experiencia en kayak y fue excelente, nos encantó. El equipo fue grandioso, especialmente Diego que nos remolco en el camino y nos contestó preguntas.

La laguna y el paseo por los mangles fue increíble. Pudimos ver el... read moreFue mi primera experiencia en kayak y fue excelente, nos encantó. El equipo fue grandioso, especialmente Diego que nos remolco en el camino y nos contestó preguntas.

La laguna y el paseo por los mangles fue increíble. Pudimos ver el efecto bioluminicente, aunque entiendo que antes era más impactante. Aún así fue grandioso.

Me encantaría volver a hacer la excursión a una hora más temprana, y poder apreciar el recorrido más. read less

Great experience Talias customer service was awesome on the phone. The crew did everything they could do so you could see the illumination even when not dark.

The best kayak tour in Puerto Rico The tour guides are exceptional! I have taken this tour two other times but I thought this was by far the best one. Highly recommend this tour group specifically!

Great experience! My wife took me here for my birthday, and I had a great time! We had been kayaking before as had most of the tour group, so it was pretty smooth getting out there. There are some low branches and... read moreMy wife took me here for my birthday, and I had a great time! We had been kayaking before as had most of the tour group, so it was pretty smooth getting out there. There are some low branches and things that are in the way, but the guides knew where they were and made it really clear to us so that everyone was able to avoid them without a problem. The one thing that I did not like was using bright white flashlights to show us things. It made them easy to see, but also kept my eyes from being able to fully adjust to the dark which made navigation in the narrow places a little more challenging.Going during a new moon would be ideal, but we were able to see a lot while we were there, too. The bioluminescent bay was really cool and we were able to see it a little without the tarp, but the tarp definitely amplified the effect. read less

Great company and unique experience Everyone that helped us check in and take us on the tour was helpful and accommodating. The bioluminescence was pretty good when we went. It was a very unique experience and I’m glad we did it.

Fantastic!! Don't miss this opportunity when you are in Puerto Rico. Beautiful, and fun. Guides are knowledgeable and funny. A true lifetime memory!!!

Amazing!! WE went for this kayaking on our stay in Puerto RIco and can only highly recommend! Make sure you take dry clothes to change after kayaking as you WILL get wet!! Its good to take sandals and water shoes,... read moreWE went for this kayaking on our stay in Puerto RIco and can only highly recommend! Make sure you take dry clothes to change after kayaking as you WILL get wet!! Its good to take sandals and water shoes, water proof camera (dont risk to take your proper camera, as you probably wont be able to look after it! ), take towels and go for it! it is realy good to check the weather and moon as well, as it is really best visible when the night is really dark. Dont expect brightly shining big lake, but once you get there onto the bay and you will shake your hands or paddles in water you will see it ! And its amazing experience, after a while on water there, me and my friend moved a bit from the main group and suddenly there was only big lake, the luminescent water and us, dark around, and quiet, no moon above us, just clear sky and stars! Breathtaking moment 🙂 ON the way it was very funny as at some stages you will NOT see anything as the trees cover the space above your head and no light around ! You will only see other kayakers hitting side trees and each other and you will have a lot of fun!
DOnt worry, there is no deep water, and the leading guys are around to help.
Easy to do and hard to forget!! read less

BioBay Kayaking is a mixed bag We did night Kayaking with Island Kayaking Adventure during our recent trip to Puerto Rico. It was near full moon and there was very little expectation of actually seeing anything spectacular.

The morning of the excursion, they told us that... read moreWe did night Kayaking with Island Kayaking Adventure during our recent trip to Puerto Rico. It was near full moon and there was very little expectation of actually seeing anything spectacular.

The morning of the excursion, they told us that the luminescence levels are a little low due to weather and moon, but still decent enough, but they still give us an option to cancel for full refund, or continue as planned for an additional 15% discount in price. I took the later option, as we wanted the experience anyway.

We reached the given address around 8 PM. Everything was very well organized. We were given our instructions, and the gear. We got into our kayaks, and started rowing. Most of use were in-experienced. Initially we tried to paddle our way through the winding narrow path through the mangroves, but it was very quickly clear that we needed help. So our 4 guides tied our kayaks together in groups and each guide dragged us through the waters.

After more than half an hour of rowing, we reached the open waters. We gathered in a group, were given tarps to put on our heads, (as there was too much light) and that's when we saw the bio luminescence.

So what we saw was just a very tiny amount of bright dots in water when you shake the water vigorously. That's all. It was good, but nothing spectacular.

Our tour guides were very professional. They stayed on top of things all along. They pulled us most of the way to the open waters, and all the way back to the shore. We had fun. read less

Bio bay fajardo Hello, I took the tour yesterday, 09.02.2019 and it was incredible! Perfect experience of seeing the lagoon shining because of the dinoflagellates! in addition, the staff that accompanied us were extremely helpful, both before and during and after the tour.... read moreHello, I took the tour yesterday, 09.02.2019 and it was incredible! Perfect experience of seeing the lagoon shining because of the dinoflagellates! in addition, the staff that accompanied us were extremely helpful, both before and during and after the tour. I rented a car and went with my family, the IKA team emailed me the detailed address to get to the place of the tour. there, they gave us repellent, snack and water! I recommend. read less

Great experience! Great service, very nice and helpful guides, and a beautiful experience! Everything went as promised, and the prices was even lower than some other places that offer the exact same tour.

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

The paddle out and back might be the best part, in a good way! While the glow is the main draw, our group really enjoyed the paddle out and back in the dark. It was so cool and kinda spooky but in the best way to paddle though the mangrove-y waterway out to... read moreWhile the glow is the main draw, our group really enjoyed the paddle out and back in the dark. It was so cool and kinda spooky but in the best way to paddle though the mangrove-y waterway out to the site. Each kayak has a little glowing light on it and watching them drift over the water in front of you while you paddle was really relaxing. The staff is super cool. Really helpful and chill. Definitely enjoyed. Oh, and it was the first time in a kayak for several of us and very easy to do. read less

It's unique! Bioluminescent kayak tour! This is a lot of fun and an experience you'll never forget. Nothing else is like it. Wear insect repellent. Make reservations ahead of time if at all possible. It's educational and adventurous! Don't leave... read moreThis is a lot of fun and an experience you'll never forget. Nothing else is like it. Wear insect repellent. Make reservations ahead of time if at all possible. It's educational and adventurous! Don't leave Puerto Rico without it! read less

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

Peaceful It was really fun and I great experience. The bugs look like stars in the water. I would recommend that you try it!

Unforgettable experience We had lots of fun, the guides were all really nice and did their best to get us to see the bioluminescence bay. The full kayaking experience at dark with the stars is truly amazing, and you’ll see something very... read moreWe had lots of fun, the guides were all really nice and did their best to get us to see the bioluminescence bay. The full kayaking experience at dark with the stars is truly amazing, and you’ll see something very special that happens in very few places in the world read less

Great experience. Total worth the jitters. Kayaking in the dark took a little convincing but am glad I decided on going. Once in a lifetime adventure. Experiencing another phenomenon nature has to offer, is always incredible. We also had a clear sky... read moreTotal worth the jitters. Kayaking in the dark took a little convincing but am glad I decided on going. Once in a lifetime adventure. Experiencing another phenomenon nature has to offer, is always incredible. We also had a clear sky which made star gazing and picking out the planets a plus. The staff, Talia, Diego and Kevin, were awesome. Helping my scared grandson with encouraging words along the way. read less

Great fun for the family We loved this. All of the guides were amazing. It was beautiful. Kenny was great with my nervous nine year old 🙂

Worth the trip, but regular kayakers will be frustrated! The bio bay itself is beautiful and certainly worth the dark and somewhat spooky trip to the lagoon. We took the later night tour on a sliver moon night, so it was definitely dark. There are a large... read moreThe bio bay itself is beautiful and certainly worth the dark and somewhat spooky trip to the lagoon. We took the later night tour on a sliver moon night, so it was definitely dark. There are a large number of kayaking outfitters for this trip, and it feels crowded as you go in. The frustrating part is the fact that many had no clue how to paddle or steer in a kayak and those rookies made it very frustrating as they rushed, bumped and hollered at each other while trying to navigate through the mangroves. The large lagoon and bioluminescent waters were gorgeous but I echo that we weren't in that area long enough. I would recommend that these companies split up the newcomers from those with some kayaking experience. And everyone should note that coming out of the bay is more work than going in, so if you're not fit for paddling, you may want to reconsider! Our 11- and 14-year old daughters enjoyed this very much, and we saw younger kids doing just fine and being wowed by the glowing water. Island Kayak Adventures did a good job taking our reservation, sending directions, welcoming us, explaining the tour, and helping those in need. read less