Reviews

Kayaking en Bio bay Son puntuales un gran servicio y atención. El recorrido es maravilloso. Tienen el cuidado de hacer sentir atendido a todos por igual. El equipo de trabajo es muy bueno y los Kayaks están en muy buen estado. Ofrecen meriendas y... read moreSon puntuales un gran servicio y atención. El recorrido es maravilloso. Tienen el cuidado de hacer sentir atendido a todos por igual. El equipo de trabajo es muy bueno y los Kayaks están en muy buen estado. Ofrecen meriendas y agua al terminar el recorrido. 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

Awesome! Great experience. Friendly and helpful staff. Very knowledgeable and fun. Had a great time. Definitely recommend.

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

Super Experiencia Disfrutamos desde el principio hasta el final, el personal es super atento y una experiencia para repetir sin duda alguna.

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 staff and a fun kayak The staff made it easy and fun, and Kenny provided all kinds of great advice on where to eat and what to do while visiting the island. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to see so much of the bioluminescence,... read moreThe staff made it easy and fun, and Kenny provided all kinds of great advice on where to eat and what to do while visiting the island. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to see so much of the bioluminescence, you’ll still have a great kayak trip through the mangroves. We would do this again. read less

Great experience!! We took the Bio bay trip with Island Kayaking Adventure. Excellent tour guides! Great experience kayaking through the mangroves with arguing couples because one of them is not rowing in the right direction. Quite funny! ... read moreWe took the Bio bay trip with Island Kayaking Adventure. Excellent tour guides! Great experience kayaking through the mangroves with arguing couples because one of them is not rowing in the right direction. Quite funny! Guides put a tarp so we could see more. We took the earlier tour which was great since you get to start with daylight and enjoy the view.
Make sure you put on bug spray. Overall we had a wonderful time although the bioluminescence has not been a 100% lately. read less

amazing!! 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

Pretty Cool This experience was good. Didn’t see much light in the water. But kayaking down the canal was pretty cool. I highly recommend long sleeve and pants….. and BUG SPRAY!! My whole group got a lot of bug bits!

Cool experience Cool experience, I really enjoyed the experience with my family. If you come to Puerto Rico you should do it.

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.

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

very worth it! the tour guides were super friendly and funny, and made you feel very safe on the trip. the experience was amazing! highly recommend bug spray though! the tour was very organized and affordable. but keep in mind you are kayaking... read morethe tour guides were super friendly and funny, and made you feel very safe on the trip. the experience was amazing! highly recommend bug spray though! the tour was very organized and affordable. but keep in mind you are kayaking through mangroves in the dark; but the guides make it very easy to get done! read less

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

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

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

I think it was technically in Fajardo, PR. Put you in a kayak, paddle through the mangrove canal, see the bioluminescent water, paddle back. I've swam in the bio water in Jamaica. I don't recommend Jamaica over Puerto Rico, but do this trip if you have interest in... read morePut you in a kayak, paddle through the mangrove canal, see the bioluminescent water, paddle back. I've swam in the bio water in Jamaica. I don't recommend Jamaica over Puerto Rico, but do this trip if you have interest in rare naturally occurring environments and nature. Don't expect fireworks under the water, and don't give the business a bad review because you don't appreciate nature silly humans. Science is awesome! read less

Absolutely Amazing This was my husband and I's first time to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon, we planned on going on this kayak adventure a month before we went. We were amazed and it was such a great experience. I would highly... read moreThis was my husband and I's first time to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon, we planned on going on this kayak adventure a month before we went. We were amazed and it was such a great experience. I would highly recommend it to anybody. This was our first time kayaking as well, and it was quite easy. The tour guides and the drivers were extremely nice. I would even do this again. read less

Unique Experience Our life jackets securely on, we waded into the water to get into our two person kayak. The guide held the kayak for us.

Hint: wear water shoes and swim suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet. Use mosquito... read moreOur life jackets securely on, we waded into the water to get into our two person kayak. The guide held the kayak for us.

Hint: wear water shoes and swim suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet. Use mosquito spray.

As the group of about twenty (two person kayaks) got together in the bay, our guide gave us instructions about the path and lights again. Same instructions he gave on land. He gave a quick practice for how to stop, back up, and call what he yells back to others. He told us to watch for outgoing traffic in the narrow mangrove canal that would take us to the open biosphere bay.

We all lined up. Immediately, some had difficulty and we by-passed them. Into the canal we paddled. It grew darker as we progressed. Commands were called. Some were passed back, others we found out about when we sensed or saw the red light of the kayak in front of us stop. We never actually hit.

Finally after about 45 minutes, we were in the open bay. There we regrouped and waited for our guide's instruction.

It was kind of dark in the bay but not as dark as the canal had been. We had seen some glow worms while in the canal. Now, the guide told us we would create our darkness by using a tarp. A tarp was shared over the kayaks as we drew our hands in the waters to see the sparkles--beautiful.

When all had a turn and our second free photo was taken, we lined up again to re-enter the canal.

As we entered, we could barely see. It was pitch black now. And, there was incoming traffic--lots of traffic--including a motorized tour boat. Keeping to the right was essential. It was challenging as we were going against the tide into the large bay where we entered. It felt quite spooky--a little scary--but exciting. At least we knew the length of the canal now.

Upon exiting the canal, our kayak began to rock a bit but we maintained control. The large bay had been calm when we had entered. Now, the bay was choppy and flowing briskly.

We paddled as fast as we could in the darkness across anchor lines to the boat slip--our exit point. We felt exhausted but pleased to have experienced this unique adventure. read less

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.

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

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

Had 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

great tour! We called at the last minute the day of (Mar14th) and were lucky because there was a cancellation for the first tour - we grabbed the last two spots! And were so glad we did. Miguel was our... read moreWe called at the last minute the day of (Mar14th) and were lucky because there was a cancellation for the first tour - we grabbed the last two spots! And were so glad we did. Miguel was our guide - great job explaining how to kayak and explanation when we were in the bay.

Fun time - just stay relaxed because there will inevitably be people who are horrible kayakers! There were two girls in our group who couldn't get the hang of it - they were having a blast and laughing, but were all over the place. The rest of just laughed along with them. read less

It's not Disney - it's reality! I recommend the earlier tour as well, but don't be discouraged if only later is open. Guide was very open about the kayaking being "in slow motion." Not a rigorous trip at all, and many completely inexperienced paddlers.... read moreI recommend the earlier tour as well, but don't be discouraged if only later is open. Guide was very open about the kayaking being "in slow motion." Not a rigorous trip at all, and many completely inexperienced paddlers.

I went with my 2 children, 11 and 13. My son had fractured his clavicle only 3 weeks before and was going to be no help rowing. Not a problem for me to do his share, we've done this since he was able to swim, but guide took him in his kayak and made whole trip even better for daughter and I, as well as him.

Don't be expecting "Disney" this is reality. You'll want to have a look at the surroundings on the way into the channel - amazing in themselves. But once the sun sets and the water becomes alive with other-worldly glow, you'll be glad you came. In addition to stirring the water with your hand, try putting the paddle deep into the water and moving it back and forth with your partner doing the opposite - eerie! And move away from other boats and splash as far as you can - even better than fireworks on the fourth. These are things you can't do as easily or at all on the motor boat tours. Definitely pay attention to the moon calendar.

We also went swimming in Parguera bay. I am glad we did that one first - much dimmer, largely because they do allow swimming and are not as strict with environmental protections. Still an experience worth having, and much less expensive.

Don't expect to be able to take pictures of your experience, so leave the camera behind. You will be soaked from the waist down after your trip so your camera, phone or other valuables will suffer, too. Even a waterproof camera will not be useful on this trip. The luminescence isn't bright enough for any but the most extremely light sensitive cameras which are beyond what any usual tourist would have. Besides, the guides do take your picture in the kayaks and post online for you to download later. 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

Great Adventure Package! A van picked us up from the hotel and drove us to Fajardo. We were supposed to start at 8pm but the previous batch was delayed. We did not start until about 9:30pm. It was better anyway since it was... read moreA van picked us up from the hotel and drove us to Fajardo. We were supposed to start at 8pm but the previous batch was delayed. We did not start until about 9:30pm. It was better anyway since it was really dark.

While waiting, we had the best chicken and and fresh fish skewers. We ordered more for to-go!

The kayaking tour was a bit chaotic since it was really dark and hard to hear instructions. But it was really fun. There are also other concurrent tours and navigating through narrow routes was quite challenging! But again, i had so much fun!

If crowd is not your scene, find a more private package. 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