Pleasantly surprised I'm not a water fan but enjoyed seeing this. The tour guides were helpful and patient. If you are going to take this tour it would be helpful if at least one person in the boat has some kayaking experience... read moreI'm not a water fan but enjoyed seeing this. The tour guides were helpful and patient. If you are going to take this tour it would be helpful if at least one person in the boat has some kayaking experience to sit in the back. It will be very dark, the canal is small, fish occasionally jump into the boat, it may rain, you will run into trees and there are many kayaks (15-20) in the group, some with people who are clueless and panicking, or think they are in the Olympics. I enjoyed the kayak adventure and the tour guides. The only thing that kept this from being rated higher was the others in our group. A smaller group divided among tour guides would have been more my style. read less

Kayaking at night in wonderland Wow. Something I didn’t think I could do. Yes the older mom with a little extra weight. But My daughter was the power getting us to the big open space. With my brother in next kayak. Our tour guys were... read moreWow. Something I didn’t think I could do. Yes the older mom with a little extra weight. But My daughter was the power getting us to the big open space. With my brother in next kayak. Our tour guys were wonderful in the dark giving heads up to stay one side and when to change sides with branches hanging into water. The blinking lights made it easy to keep eye on our tour guy in front and other guide would come up from back and give us support. Felt very safe! Our guy was very strong and really helped us at end when getting tired. We are from eastern shore of MD & VA. Water was clear. We will return. Thanks read less

Great 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.

You have to learn to communicate well with your kayak partner and was a great team building experience for us.

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

Cool experience, but very commercial feel. Unfortunately we happened to go on a full moon night, so tricky to see the effect. We had a very large group of 10 - 12 kayaks and it was a little stressful to line up all the kayaks twice.... read moreUnfortunately we happened to go on a full moon night, so tricky to see the effect. We had a very large group of 10 - 12 kayaks and it was a little stressful to line up all the kayaks twice. The kayak behind us kept hitting us, and the other group was very loud with talking. It was a little crowded with all the other groups as well. If you are not a group of 2, you will be separated from your other party and may not see them for the trip. That being said, the kayak ride out there through the mangroves was so cool. You could here all the sounds of the forest, and the trees make a canopy over you. Once we were out there the 4 grouped kayaks put a tarp over our heads (? Covid safe) so we could see the effects. Although the lead seemed nice and friendly, definitely an excursion feel to the whole trip. I don’t think you can see it any other way, so worth it to see the phytoplankton natural wonder. All the other groups seemed to follow the same path, so issues not unique to this company. Overall, it was a B experience, and I would do it again. read less

Very Interesting Kayak Trip at Night! We headed out to Las Croabas to meet up with Island Kayaking Adventures about 8:30 pm. We were told it would be a good night for this bio-bay kayak trip because the moon was new and not bright at all... read moreWe headed out to Las Croabas to meet up with Island Kayaking Adventures about 8:30 pm. We were told it would be a good night for this bio-bay kayak trip because the moon was new and not bright at all (you don't want a full or bright moon). After a quick talk from our guides, we were in our tandem kayaks (2 man) and out on the water. The group of us headed for a narrow channel of water covered by mangrove trees. It's quite dark out and in the channel it's pretty much complete darkness. My husband and I are experienced kayakers and good communicators with each other so we found it easier to work together, kayaking in the channel. Many in our group are not and this made it tricky when they don't stay in line or crash into you. You need to have a little patience and you finally make it into the bay where the water does illuminate with small micro organisms. Very cool! The guides take pictures of you, which is a nice keepsake ( go to their Facebook page and down load your pic). You then head back into the dark channel and back to shore. My husband and I loved it. The prices are great too. Take the adventure. read less

Awesome! Awesome adventure. It was fun.
Easy paddle and just enough distance/time to enjoy biobay.
The guides were very knowledgeable in answering our questions.
Do not pass this unique experience.

an enlightening experience Very cool experience! Great, knowledgeable guides for the excursion and an overall fun experience. The moon was a little too full to see the bioluminescence by itself, but there were tarps that we put over our boats to help see.

An adventure like none other This was a great activity in Puerto Rico. We went out around 6:30pm and I recommend this time over the later time as there is still daylight when you head out in the kayaks through the mangroves. The... read moreThis was a great activity in Puerto Rico. We went out around 6:30pm and I recommend this time over the later time as there is still daylight when you head out in the kayaks through the mangroves. The guides provided an excellent, thorough instruction on how to kayak and the evenings plan, but it was very helpful to get the feel for the kayak and mangrove before you are in the pitch black of night. Be sure to bring your patience as several other kayakers in the group seemed to forget the instruction on how to stop their kayaks - so much so that it felt like bumper kayaks at times. Once through the mangroves and into the lagoon, the guides provided a tarp to put over the kayaks so you could see the bioluminescence better when you waved your hands through the water. This was really helpful, because as even though it was a dark night with minimal moonlight, the bioluminescence is not as bright as the pictures online (they are photoshopped) and making it extra dark made a huge difference in seeing the glow. Even with the bioluminescence not being as bright as it is online it was still really exciting to see what looked like little blue fireflies in the water. The guides took pictures of each kayak before heading back, and posted them on Facebook for free. Kayaking through the mangroves in the dark is a great adventure on its own that I definitely recommend, so the bioluminescence is just the magical cherry on the cake at that point. They provided bug spray and a small snack afterwards. Both were nice touches (and definitely use the bug spray!) read less

Magical paddle Magical! Rode with the 8:30 tour and guides were terrific—funny, helpful, informative. Enjoyed a relaxing paddle through the mangroves by the light of the moon and the pure magic of the bioluminescent plankton in the bay. Highly recommend!

Awesome but ad is misleading One of the most interesting things I have ever experienced. Not for the out of shape or those afraid of the dark because there are times when you can barely see you own hand in front of you. The only... read moreOne of the most interesting things I have ever experienced. Not for the out of shape or those afraid of the dark because there are times when you can barely see you own hand in front of you. The only thing was that on all the flyers I was seeing it shows people swimming in the glowing water but they didn't let us do that read less

Frustrating Experience but Bio Bay was Worth Seeing Above all else - take the EARLIER tour!!

The bio bay is amazing. It's as if it could be something out of a movie. The sun was setting as we went into the mangrove channel, which is very narrow, and... read moreAbove all else - take the EARLIER tour!!

The bio bay is amazing. It's as if it could be something out of a movie. The sun was setting as we went into the mangrove channel, which is very narrow, and that was hard enough. It was frustrating because there are many people that have never kayaked before and therefore get in the way, hold people up, paddle in the wrong direction, cause chaos as they argue and disagree with each other, etc. It was completely dark on the way back. This was significantly harder not only because there was no light and it was hard to see, but because there were tours trying to go into the channel as we were coming out.

The bio bay was worth seeing, however, I would not do this again. read less

Excellent trip to see the bioluminescence After reading various reviews we approached this will a little skepticism. As there were 5 of us I rented a car to drive here rather than rely on the minibus, and this gave us opportunity to look around Las Croabas... read moreAfter reading various reviews we approached this will a little skepticism. As there were 5 of us I rented a car to drive here rather than rely on the minibus, and this gave us opportunity to look around Las Croabas Park and get a really good meal too.

There are several kayak companies working here but they coordinated very well. We hardly noticed the other 2 or 3 groups going out on the same trip as us.

The kayaking is gentle and the guides were great in keeping us aligned. It was really cool kayaking through the mangrove canal and then into the bay.
We had some moonlight so had to use the tarpaulin to get the full effects, but it was a really great experience.

Obviously, you will get wet in a kayak, so bring a towel and a change of clothes. The public changing facilities are very limited and get wet quickly, so be warned.
The trick is to set your expectations accordingly. This is an outdoor adventure and you have to "go with the flow" to some extent.

The guys also provide water and snacks and really don't bother to take a camera as you should just experience the trip through your eyes and not through a cellphone trying to take pictures that simply won't work.

So glad we made the effort to enjoy this. read less

Great experience We had a great experience with island kayaking. The guides were great and very knowledgeable. The experience was fantastic. we booked late and they were able to accommodate us perfectly. I would recommend island kayaking.

Amazing choices This was an amazing experience it was beautiful at night time and a fun time kayaking i love it and will be coming back if i go to puerto rico again gary helped us a lot thank youu

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

Excelente Experiencia De las mejores experiencias que he tenido en Puerto Rico. El equipo de trabajo muy amable y te explican aspectos científicos referentes a los organismos bioluminiscentes. Los recomiendo al 100%.

Bioluminecense adventure My husband and I enjoyed this. The guides were knowledgeable and were great about explaining what to expect for the evening. The company does use kayaks that seat two so make sure you are paired with someone you like. Going... read moreMy husband and I enjoyed this. The guides were knowledgeable and were great about explaining what to expect for the evening. The company does use kayaks that seat two so make sure you are paired with someone you like. Going through the mangroves at night in the pitch dark was very interesting and the guides did a great job of keeping us together. The biolumenecense was beautiful but not as spectacular as I thought it would be. The return to shore was made a bit more challenging due to a complete downpour. I am glad we did it but probably would not go again. As an earlier reviewer said make sure to pick your kayak partner well - will definitely impact the quality of your experience. read less

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

Excelente! Todo excelente! Mucha paciencia y pasión por lo que hacen. Me encantó la experiencia. 100% recomendado. Un tour en Español y Inglés, todo muy organizado.

Amamos Passeio imperdivel para quem visita Puerto Rico. Muito lindo e mágico.
O passeio é muito bem organizado e o guia explica tudo sobre esse espetaculo da natureza.

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.

Inspired Today we went to this tour in where Gary, Daniel, Diego and Nestor were the guides. They show us how to kayaking, constellations , satellites and bioluminescent bay. They took us pictures and gave some snacks. Puerto Rico is... read moreToday we went to this tour in where Gary, Daniel, Diego and Nestor were the guides. They show us how to kayaking, constellations , satellites and bioluminescent bay. They took us pictures and gave some snacks. Puerto Rico is beautiful in the bay too. We recommend Island kayaking for everyone. read less

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

Asombroso !! Experiencia súper, 100% recomendado, los guías son muy expertos y se ve que tienen conocimiento de lo que hacen y dicen, definitivamente volvería otra vez

Cool experience but with too many people. Tour guides were awesome but there were so many people it was a lot of hurry up and wait. With the different skill levels of paddlers it got really annoying. Add to that the 3 other companies with tours out... read moreTour guides were awesome but there were so many people it was a lot of hurry up and wait. With the different skill levels of paddlers it got really annoying. Add to that the 3 other companies with tours out at the same time and it was truly a cluster. read less

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

Excepcional, excelente , única ❤ Una experiencia excepcional y única fui con mi niños y se lo disfrutaron al máximo. El canal fue súper divertido kayakiando y lo máximo ver los microorganismos bioluminiscentes con todo y la luna llena, luego te permiten kayakiar un rato.... read moreUna experiencia excepcional y única fui con mi niños y se lo disfrutaron al máximo. El canal fue súper divertido kayakiando y lo máximo ver los microorganismos bioluminiscentes con todo y la luna llena, luego te permiten kayakiar un rato. El guía Nestor y Daniel muy atentos y orientando en todo momento. RECOMENDADO 100 % read less

Excellent!!! Beautiful experience! Tour guides were amazing! Kenny guided and helped in every possible way! Very organized team work and beautiful nature !!

Great experience! Awesome experience from start to finish! The guides (Kenny, Talia, Pedro and two others whose names I don’t recall) were great and the bio-bay was fun and fascinating. Even if the bay hadn’t been great, just the night kayak trip... read moreAwesome experience from start to finish! The guides (Kenny, Talia, Pedro and two others whose names I don’t recall) were great and the bio-bay was fun and fascinating. Even if the bay hadn’t been great, just the night kayak trip would have been worth it. More specific info on locating the departure point would be helpful, but the experience itself was excellent! Highly recommend! read less

Glowing Bay Family Adventure Great staff. All of them were very attentive. The experience of going to the bay and looking to the nature was amazing. Also it was a great exercise for all of us. We will do it again.