Great trip Very nice time with entertaining and friendly guides. Guides said 85% of glow was lost with hurricane but still very cool to see with tarps.

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

Definitely Worth It The kayaking through the mangroves in the dark just following the light on the kayak in front of you was the coolest part. Gari, the main tour guide was great!! Explained everything about the lagoon and the plankton and... read moreThe kayaking through the mangroves in the dark just following the light on the kayak in front of you was the coolest part. Gari, the main tour guide was great!! Explained everything about the lagoon and the plankton and made sure we knew exactly what we were doing. The tarps to make sure we really got to experience the bioluminescent was a nice touch. But you need to have a reasonable expectation that it’s not that the bay will be lit up like a flood light underneath. All of the staff from check-in through the water and snacks at the end were focused on making it a great experience. read less

Memorable!!! Excelente experiencia, me arrepentí de seguir el consejo de no llevar mi celular ya que la unica foto que toman es al inicio. Pero fue una gran experiencia y quedará grabada en nuestra memoria y en la de mis niños.... read moreExcelente experiencia, me arrepentí de seguir el consejo de no llevar mi celular ya que la unica foto que toman es al inicio. Pero fue una gran experiencia y quedará grabada en nuestra memoria y en la de mis niños. Gracias a Diego (creo) por estar dispuesto a ayudar a mi niño que tenia problemas con su asiento. Excelente experiencia para adultos y niños! Y todos los guias muy amables y al pendiente de ti. read less

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

DARK Night Adventure The Bio-luminescent Kayaking Adventure was a lot of fun. There was work involved with two people per kayak and traveling through the pitch dark Mango groves. As long as the two of you work together as instructed it... read moreThe Bio-luminescent Kayaking Adventure was a lot of fun. There was work involved with two people per kayak and traveling through the pitch dark Mango groves. As long as the two of you work together as instructed it was not that difficult. My friend and I are 64 and 69 years old and we managed just fine. It was fun kayaking (our first time) through the darkness of the trees and challenging to follow the tiny blue light attached to the kayak in front of you. Lots of laughter and "I'm sorry" and you banged into each other and ran into the branches of the trees. When you put your hands into the water, it lights up all around your hand. In the bay, we even saw some falling stars. The guides were all extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very friendly. When we got back to base camp, we were given a light snack and bottled water. read less

Kayaking through Mangroves. Kayaking with family. Scenery. The staff was excellent. Provided water and a snack. Lots of places to eat afterwards.

Bio Bay We were staying in a hotel close to Fajardo. They recommended this company. We had a fun experience kayaking over to the bio bay. Highly organized group that moved at a speed comfortable for all guests. The kayaks are two... read moreWe were staying in a hotel close to Fajardo. They recommended this company. We had a fun experience kayaking over to the bio bay. Highly organized group that moved at a speed comfortable for all guests. The kayaks are two seaters. The paddle takes about 45 minutes each was and is NOT strenuous. Was a lot of fun.

The company supplies bug spray. I forgot to use. There were a few mosquitos - but not too bad. Would recommend using the spray. Don’t read too much into this comment - just my one error.

While we had a car, the hotel provided us with transportation. Parking at the time we arrived at the harbor may have been a challenge. If you are close, I might suggest a taxi or Uber.

Was a very fun experience and would recommend this company. read less

Really cool I'm an experienced kayaker and have seen bioluminescence before but I still really enjoyed this excursion! It was special to be able to see my daughter experience it for the first time. Guides are very good. Kept everyone organized. They... read moreI'm an experienced kayaker and have seen bioluminescence before but I still really enjoyed this excursion! It was special to be able to see my daughter experience it for the first time. Guides are very good. Kept everyone organized. They are pros. Loved kayaking through the mangrove canal to the lagoon. read less

Fun and unique outing We went when the moon was nearly full so the bioluminescence wasn’t as good as it might have been otherwise. But we enjoyed kayaking in the dark and the little flecks of luminescence we could see were fun. The tour... read moreWe went when the moon was nearly full so the bioluminescence wasn’t as good as it might have been otherwise. But we enjoyed kayaking in the dark and the little flecks of luminescence we could see were fun. The tour guides were all personable and knowledgeable and wanted us to learn and enjoy. There were a few inexperienced kayakers who made it more entertaining for those of us who had done it before. The tour guides tried hard to accommodate different skill levels and kept things as organized as possible for 30 people on 15 kayaks. We thought it was a fun adventure and the bioluminescence was a bonus! Would recommend! read less

Fun experience We booked this through our hotel, The Verdanza. It was through Castillo tours but I think they sent us out to this place. We were picked up by Hector and taken to Fajardo. It was about an... read moreWe booked this through our hotel, The Verdanza. It was through Castillo tours but I think they sent us out to this place. We were picked up by Hector and taken to Fajardo. It was about an hour drive. We arrived and paid our fees and were suited up and in line for the kayaks. It was all very organized. The guides were helpful if you needed them. I was happy that they let my family of three have a single kayak so we could all ride together. Going to the bay was challenging for the less experiences kayakers. We definitely had to watch out for others as they went all different directions. We all made it through the mangrove tunnel and into the bay safely. We were then lined up and able to stick our hands into the water. The glow is fascinating. We then were instructed it was time to head back. This part is challenging! You pretty much have to follow the glow sticks attached to the kayak in front of you. It was a little scary because it was pitch black and hard to see if you were about to run into the mangroves but isn't that part of the adventure? I am inexperienced with a kayak and I was worried about falling into the water. No one fell in at all and I definitely recommend giving this one a try. It is a memory you will never forget. They also supply you with a picture on their facebook page for free. read less

Bioluminescent kayak tour AWESOME!!!! What else is there to say.The guides where excellant. The weather was a bit windy , but once in the canal, it was peaceful. If you are scared of the dark, this may not be the... read moreAWESOME!!!! What else is there to say.The guides where excellant. The weather was a bit windy , but once in the canal, it was peaceful. If you are scared of the dark, this may not be the best attraction for you, as parts of the canal are completely covered and pitch black, which makes it perfect for seeing the plankton luminate. read less

A 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

Kayaking in Puerto Rico Kayaking at night was an adventure. I wanted to do it but if I had known about how we had to kayak at night and how hard it is; since I have never, never kayaked before I would had gone... read moreKayaking at night was an adventure. I wanted to do it but if I had known about how we had to kayak at night and how hard it is; since I have never, never kayaked before I would had gone with the motor boat ride.The group that lead the tour were always right there if we needed help, which we did need help many, many times. Although it took work to get to and from the lagoon we had a great time, we still laugh about our adventure. This family vacation was the best I have ever had our group included four adults. read less

Great 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 less

Must do this! What an incredible experience! Our guides were so wonderful and informative. They made us feel safe and capable no matter your experience kayaking.

Incredible! 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

So much fun! This is was such a fun tour! The guides (Pedro, Kenneth, Belin, Celix, and Talia) were amazing. They were funny, knowledgeable, and very helpful. Some reviews have complained about darkness or running into trees, but it’s not nearly as precarious... read moreThis is was such a fun tour! The guides (Pedro, Kenneth, Belin, Celix, and Talia) were amazing. They were funny, knowledgeable, and very helpful. Some reviews have complained about darkness or running into trees, but it’s not nearly as precarious of a situation as they make it sound. There are lights on the boats, and once you get the hang of kayaking, you shouldn’t have any issues. read less

Bio Bay Kayaking We did this tour last minute and went on the first of two daily tours. It was still daylight when we set out into the mangroves and waited for dark to arrive in the lagoon. Peaceful settings. Several guides accompany... read moreWe did this tour last minute and went on the first of two daily tours. It was still daylight when we set out into the mangroves and waited for dark to arrive in the lagoon. Peaceful settings. Several guides accompany each group. Staff was very friendly and informative.
The visual bioluminescent effect is stunning. You just want to keep putting your hands in the water to see the effect over and over again.
Paddling back was a little bit more of a challenge. It is pitch black and your paddles will inadvertently pick up sea weed and drop it on you, making you believe it is something else entirely. But not to worry, it is very safe. The guides all have flash lights and will shine a light on whatever raises a concern.
The only derogatory point I can make is not against this outfit, but rather against another provider that offers the tour on a powered boat. Having to make room for these glass bottom boats was a pain. Besides, nothing beats a hand on experience. read less

Bioluminescent night kayak Crew and leader Gary were great!!! The experience was fun for the adults and teens. Gary was patient and knowledgeable

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

Laguna grande - fantastic - guides nice and informative Family of four loved this adventure. Kids Age 7 and 9.....no problems paddling or controlling kyacks. It is a long paddling adventure so be prepared as many others have written about bio bay experiences.

After reading so many reviews... read moreFamily of four loved this adventure. Kids Age 7 and 9.....no problems paddling or controlling kyacks. It is a long paddling adventure so be prepared as many others have written about bio bay experiences.

After reading so many reviews about the bio bay kyacking then doing it myself I believe the following....
1). People who have never done anything physical in their life try to get on a kyack for what is clearly advertised as a 2 hour tour then complain because nobody told them that they would actually need to paddle. Net result - if you want to be fat and lazy choose the electric boat not a kyack.

2). People complain they only got 5 minutes in the bay but they did say that the bulk of the kyacking through the mangroves gives the same experience of biobay and in some cases better since part do mangrove channel is darker than the bay. Island adventures guides pointed this out early in the trip out to the lagoon which was great....kids started playing immediately.

3). People complain about the kyacking in the mangroves.....this has nothing to do with the guide or tour company at all. Yes you need to paddle through a mangrove channel and yes it is dark. Island adventures did a great job of explaining the situation and tel,ling everyone what to do, how to follow each other, how to avoid hitting the trees what to do if you do hit a tree etc. ....absolutely perfect. Our group was pretty good at the whole kyack thing but there were a few that obviously did not listen to the guides.....I am sure they are the types of people that complain about guides not caring.

4). Suggest you do the early trip. It lets you see the mangroves that you kyack through on the way out to the lagoon then on the return trip it is totally dark at least you know what is around you.

5). Unfortunately the bulk of the experience has to do with the group of people you are with due to the kyacking itself. If you have a group of people who can barely walk on their own two feet then you probably will not get a good experience since they won't be able to control the kyack and your guides will need to hold the whole group up waiting for the slow people.

Overall island adventures did great for my family....friendly, good English, good information about the lagoon the reason the history etc, new life jackets, and in general we had a great time. read less

Super cool experience Great assistance of the staff. We had a very fun and cool experience. My husband and I wore swimming clothes and went to the tour at 6:30pm. The place is easy to find using google maps and has a parking... read moreGreat assistance of the staff. We had a very fun and cool experience. My husband and I wore swimming clothes and went to the tour at 6:30pm. The place is easy to find using google maps and has a parking lot. We brought towels and clothes to change after kayaking. It is not super intense exercise but you get a little bit tired. We saw some parents with kids around 7 y.o. It is very unique view and you won't be able to take pictures of the bioluminescent. 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

Family adventure We booked this adventure and was my first time in this place and kayaking a ton night, we had so much fun and we learned about it too. My brother also joined us in this adventure and he loved the... read moreWe booked this adventure and was my first time in this place and kayaking a ton night, we had so much fun and we learned about it too. My brother also joined us in this adventure and he loved the movie out. The tour guides keep us safe during the process and also they give us a little history about the so rounded areas. I recommend. read less

Bio is awesome, Tourists are not We chose this company for the tour because all others were booked. I'm glad we did. They were cheaper than the other companies, and their guides were awesome. The bio-luminescence is a sight to see - very magical.

The group we... read moreWe chose this company for the tour because all others were booked. I'm glad we did. They were cheaper than the other companies, and their guides were awesome. The bio-luminescence is a sight to see - very magical.

The group we went with was around 30 people, and only a handful knew how to actually kayak. This should have been the dead giveaway, as most tourists were loud, obnoxious and very clumsy during the tour. Thankfully my wife and I did our best to stay either in the front or back of the "line" while on the tour so we didn't have to deal with the craziness.

Kayaking through a completely dark mangrove tunnel was awesome, except when other tourists either ran into you, turned on their "headlamps" and blinded you, or just flat out started screaming for no reason. But - what can you expect when you throw a bunch of tourists with no experience into a pitch black tunnel?

I recommend using this company... just know what you're getting into before you go. If you're old enough - have a drink or two before you go to relax the nerves. 🙂 read less

BioBay Kayaking in Fajardo Second time we've done this tour. They are very good & well organized, despite the bit of chaos that these days goes on in Las Croabas with different companies offering the tours. Just find their Kayak truck and their tent,... read moreSecond time we've done this tour. They are very good & well organized, despite the bit of chaos that these days goes on in Las Croabas with different companies offering the tours. Just find their Kayak truck and their tent, check in, get with your tour group and get ready for an amazing experience! They are bilingual, explain safety rules, what & how to expect the tour to go down. Simple enough for beginner kayakers and it is mandatory to wear a life jacket, which they provide. Stick to your group & follow your leader kinda deal, as there are other tours on the water coming and going at the same time. Most tours now have blinking kayak lights and your tour group lights will be same color. Pick a dark night, no moon preferably, for better experience. The bio luminescence can be seen way before you make it out to the lagoon while you are paddling through the mangroves. Watch your head!! And of course other kayakers. Stay to the right. It's not deep around the mangroves, but I wouldn't want to fall in the water in the dark. Once out in the lagoon, they brief you on these organisms. Pretty cool lil boogers!!!. Our first time around 10 years ago, they would let you jump in the water while out in the lagoon (there it's deep) and you could swim and glow while doing so. Super cool stuff. Although that in itself was once in a lifetime, now they are trying to protect the organisms from body products, chemicals, etc, so you can not do so. Regardless, totally worth it to go out and experience. Bring water shoes, and yes, at least your butt will get wet in the kayak, so maybe a change of clothes. They have started taking your pictures for sale after the tour and will also post from your tour, featuring YOU, on their facebook page. You may bring your camera, preferably waterproof, but chances are you will not capture any of the "glow". It's camera shy!! Food and bars are within walking distance from where they launch for before of after tour. Some local vendors are out there as well. Leave valuables in your car, out of sight, and lock your vehicle. Friday & Saturdays can get pretty crazy busy with traffic and parking. Parking is free. read less

Well worth it! Very friendly staff that shared a lot of knowledge about the area. Was a great experience and would definitely recommend!

Bio Bay The guides were excellent - organized, informative, and jovial. Kenny and a few other guides were more than kind and waited for nearly 30 minutes after the tour ended until our transportation arrived. Some novice kayakers had trouble managing... read moreThe guides were excellent - organized, informative, and jovial. Kenny and a few other guides were more than kind and waited for nearly 30 minutes after the tour ended until our transportation arrived. Some novice kayakers had trouble managing their boats in the dark, but it was not disruptive to the group. The bay ecosystem has suffered from the effects of Hurricane Maria. The bioluminescence was not as spectacular as we expected, but it was still amazing. On a moonless night, we could see every star in the sky. Truly a memorable experience. 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