Reviews

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

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.

Overall the kayaking experience was great. The illuminations were not great, but the science behind them was great. Guides were super friendly and made the experience fun. Thanks to Daniel & Abel. Abel was very helpful and guided my two granddaughters and me through the tour.

Biolumiescent kayak tour This is one of the coolest things I have ever done. This is an evening Bio Bay kayak tour. You kayak thru a mangrove channel and when it gets dark, you can see the bioluminescent organisms in... read moreThis is one of the coolest things I have ever done. This is an evening Bio Bay kayak tour. You kayak thru a mangrove channel and when it gets dark, you can see the bioluminescent organisms in the water. They look like diamonds in the water. Very Cool!! read less

Fun experience! We are a team of 5. And all of us enjoyed it. I read some reviews noting about bug bites, so I wore long jeans and running shoes. I was soaked wet after 15 minutes into the trip had started.... read moreWe are a team of 5. And all of us enjoyed it. I read some reviews noting about bug bites, so I wore long jeans and running shoes. I was soaked wet after 15 minutes into the trip had started. Many people wear swimming suits and no shoes1 Smart!
There was small snack and bottles water provided after the trip. Very considerate! I appreciate it! read less

Something you have to do in PR We had a pleasurable experience with this company. There are multiple companies doing the same thing at the same time so it can be overwhelming at times. Our group had 4 guides with 15 kayaks. We went at 6pm, but... read moreWe had a pleasurable experience with this company. There are multiple companies doing the same thing at the same time so it can be overwhelming at times. Our group had 4 guides with 15 kayaks. We went at 6pm, but the best time to go is the 8pm option because the darker the better.
Warning: this isn't a relaxing experience! You have to actively paddle your kayak (it's a double seater) for a solid 45 minutes (one way) in an extremely narrow canal in darkness. Each company's kayak has a colored light at the tail end so you can identify where your groups is. And with so many companies going at the same time, it gets chaotic, especially since you can't see anything. I was disappointed to see that there is a company with boats that go up and down the canal with the kayaks- very dangerous! Once we reached the lagoon, we all floated together holding on to each other's kayaks until it was dark enough to see the lights in the water.
The lights cannot be caught on camera, perhaps video. One of our group members lost his go pro so try not to bring anything! In order for the lights to show, you have to wiggle your hands/foot/paddle in the water. The way back would have been cool if we weren't stuck behind a boat with it's back light on, meaning the lights in the water couldn't be seen. This is something you had to do in Puerto Rico because I'm pretty sure its unique to this island, but I wasn't too impressed.
At the end of the tour, they have snacks and water. They take two pictures, which they post online for free.
You will get very wet so bring a change of clothes. The women's restroom only has 2 stalls (never any toilet paper) so be prepared for a long line. read less

Excellent experience! My husband and I used this company to go on a tour of the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. We were picked up at our hotel and were driven about 45 minutes to the bay. The driver was very... read moreMy husband and I used this company to go on a tour of the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. We were picked up at our hotel and were driven about 45 minutes to the bay. The driver was very knowledgeable and shared bit of Puerto Rican history with us during the ride. We had 5 kayak guides with us during the trip. At first, I was no a huge fan of kayaking in the pitch dark (through the mangroves) only following the little blue light on the boat ahead of me, but I got used to it. Once we got out to the bay, the guides spread a tarp over our kayaks so it was easier to see the bioluminescent glow. Through out the excursion, our guides were constantly informing us of obstacles in the path and when another tour group was coming in our direction. Yes, we all knocked into each other a few times, but it was not too bad and no one was moving fast. I recommend this company for the tour, but make sure you make reservations in advance to secure your slot! 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

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!

Excellent trip! Great activity for family or friends! Pedro is a super guide! Une expérience à ne pas rater si vous allez à Puerto Rico! C’est une activité magique et inoubliable! Pedro est un super guide et toute l’équipe est très bien... read moreGreat activity for family or friends! Pedro is a super guide! Une expérience à ne pas rater si vous allez à Puerto Rico! C’est une activité magique et inoubliable! Pedro est un super guide et toute l’équipe est très bien formée pour vous faire sentir à l’aise et les explications sont super! Je recommande fortement! 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

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

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 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

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

Amazing night tour We had a great time with Island Kayaking Adventure on our visit to Luquillo. The night tour was amazing, the guides were very informative and the whole experience was great!

¡Excelente experiencia! Me encantó la experiencia. Todo muy organizado y el equipo está muy bien preparado. Me sentí segura y en familia en todo momento. Se nota que el equipo da la milla extra y que están siempre bien... read moreMe encantó la experiencia. Todo muy organizado y el equipo está muy bien preparado. Me sentí segura y en familia en todo momento. Se nota que el equipo da la milla extra y que están siempre bien atentos a todos los participantes. read less

Bio bay was incredible Very busy location but all companies are there for the bio bay tours. The kayaking was not easy, but well worth getting to the bay to see it

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

Fun and unforgettable The entire crew, Kenneth, Talía, celix, Pedro and the others were fun, cordial and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the bioluminescence experience

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

Great fun!!! We heard about the Bio Bay kayaking tours and decided to try it. I did not plan ahead and found Island Kayaking through the resort concierge. The first few places I called were booked up but Island... read moreWe heard about the Bio Bay kayaking tours and decided to try it. I did not plan ahead and found Island Kayaking through the resort concierge. The first few places I called were booked up but Island Kayaking still had a few openings the week we were there. Called up, booked it and they confirmed everything by text and included explicit directions on how to get there (you will need them...it is not easy to find). Once we arrived, we were checked in quickly by the friendly staff. They recommended that we not take anything with us like phones, cameras, etc...and they would hold our stuff for us (I was a bit weary but it worked out fine). They were right to recommend that we not bring anything because we got soaked.

The guides were great and led us out. We were a group of 15 two person kayaks and they take you across a bay and through dark and curvy channels that look like they are out of Jurassic Park. It is pitch dark other than some moonlight which makes it really fun. You kayak for about 30 minutes or so until you reach another bay, the Bio Bay. They gather you in a group and give you a brief overview and then let you explore around for about 20 minutes. We had a full moon night which is not the best night to do it apparently but you could still see the water light up just when you put your oar in the water. Then they lead you back the way you came. The Bio Bay is really fun and interesting but the big surprise was just the nighttime kayaking through the dark channels. All of our kids loved it!! And the kayaking is very easy and not tiring at all even though you are paddling for over an hour.

When you return to shore, they greet you with water and snacks. They take pictures which they post free of charge on Facebook two days later.

Highly recommend the Bio Bay tour and highly recommend Island Kayaking. About $50 per person. 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

Island Kayaking Adventure Trustable company, experience was excellent, I had fun, a lot of workout, use mosquito repellent ( they have, just in case you don't), they take you a picture when you get to the bio bay and you can get it... read moreTrustable company, experience was excellent, I had fun, a lot of workout, use mosquito repellent ( they have, just in case you don't), they take you a picture when you get to the bio bay and you can get it through their fb page. It takes 1 hour and a half to complete. 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

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

So much fun Great adventure! Great staff! The team of three were super nice and knowledgeable. Will do it again.

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!

Gran tour! Empresa muy recomendable, nos dieron un gran tour con mucha información, siempre predispuestos a ayudar y muy amables!
Muy recomendable!!!!

Once in a Lifetime Experience Had a wonderful experience at Island Kayak. We have been to PR many times but heard about this Bio Bay experience. This is something I would not do again but highly recommend people do it once for the... read moreHad a wonderful experience at Island Kayak. We have been to PR many times but heard about this Bio Bay experience. This is something I would not do again but highly recommend people do it once for the experience. The staff were wonderful and ensure everyone is safe. read less