Reviews

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

Natural wonder This is one of those things you never forget. Truly amazing experience. There are 5 or 6 operators that do these tours and they all seem to have same equipment, same prices and same schedule. Island Kayaking Adventure is one... read moreThis is one of those things you never forget. Truly amazing experience. There are 5 or 6 operators that do these tours and they all seem to have same equipment, same prices and same schedule. Island Kayaking Adventure is one of them, I guess as good as any. Everything was well organized, on time, guides were informative, friendly and very helpful. My wife and second kid were having troubles paddling their kayak so one of the guides hooked them up to his boat and pretty much dragged them in and out all the way, which was great help. I strongly recommend the first tour so at least you have some light on your way in and don't have to bump into other boats that go in opposite direction. Return can be spooky for small kids because by then you would be paddling in almost complete darkness and bumping into trees branches and other boats. But considering how amazing this glowing water is - it's totally worth the money and effort. 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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

So cool! Myself and my kids (18 & 21) really enjoyed this adventure! Well organized and Gary and his crew did a great job keeping everyone together. The bay was mesmerising!

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

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

Overall positive- be prepared Overall was a fine tour. Don't expect to see much as the bioluminescence is pretty weak and there's lots of light pollution around. Bring lots of bug spray and shoes that can get 100% soaked.

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

Great experience! The Biobay at Fajardo was a great experience even though it is not the brightest bioluminescence experience in PR. The staff were extremely helpful and attentive. As soon as we arrived (Uber from San Juan) the owner made a great... read moreThe Biobay at Fajardo was a great experience even though it is not the brightest bioluminescence experience in PR. The staff were extremely helpful and attentive. As soon as we arrived (Uber from San Juan) the owner made a great effort to help us secure transport back to San Juan for after the tour, with a local taxi driver (it is hard to get Ubers out of Fajardo) even though it was not part of the tour's offering. They provided bug spray (highly recommend using it or coming prepared).
The kayak tour itself was great, however I would recommend having some prior experience with kayaking (we were in a double kayak, and my friend had no prior experience so it was a struggle). One of the guides, Danny, was especially kind and helpful in hooking his kayak onto ours to tow us because we kept getting stuck in the mangroves and sand banks. The bioluminescence was very cool, but having visited other sites in past trips, I would recommend planning ahead and visiting one of the brighter and farther out bioluminescence sites in PR if you can. read less

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

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.

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.

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

Glowing Bay Adventure This was such a fun excursion for our family. The guides were so patient and helpful. Definitely recommend!

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

Really cool evening Island Kayaking Adventure was fantastic. Professional, prompt, good equipment, nice and helpful and knowledgeable guides. I only wish we had a little more time on the lagoon - maybe an extra 15 to 20 minutes.

FYI, you're going with a... read moreIsland Kayaking Adventure was fantastic. Professional, prompt, good equipment, nice and helpful and knowledgeable guides. I only wish we had a little more time on the lagoon - maybe an extra 15 to 20 minutes.

FYI, you're going with a big group (generally strangers). Some people are terrible kayakers. If you are a good kayaker, you're going to have to be okay just chilling and not getting frustrated.

The bioluminescence is very cool. It's not like those dolled up pics you see of a glowing blue lagoon - expect sparkling stars in the water.

Another FYI - restaurants close at 9pm, so make sure you hustle on the back-end so you can get dinner. Or just eat before. read less

Great kayaking adventure - sparkling waters! We were staying at the El San Juan Resort & Casino and their Bio Bay packages were sold out. So we booked our trip through the group on the beach. The company was called New Horizons.Sandy our tour guide (who... read moreWe were staying at the El San Juan Resort & Casino and their Bio Bay packages were sold out. So we booked our trip through the group on the beach. The company was called New Horizons.Sandy our tour guide (who was terrific) picked us up in a Van that had only 13 people and drove us to the bay where the Island Kayaking guides were. The tour and the tour guides were just terrific. We kayaked through a canal covered by trees. It was dark and long and exciting and very amusing. Many of the people kayaking couldn't keep their kayaks straight. It was great fun. And the bioluminescent organisms were glowing through the entire tunnel as well as in the lagoon. The fish swimming in the lagoon also glowed. It was a great trip we will never forget. Don't miss this tour, it's worth every penny. read less

Highlight of our trip! I've never kayaked before, and was nervous from reading some reviews. It was SO EASY! Took absolutely no strength at all. The water was so calm and smooth, we just coasted along. The pitch dark mangrove was so... read moreI've never kayaked before, and was nervous from reading some reviews. It was SO EASY! Took absolutely no strength at all. The water was so calm and smooth, we just coasted along. The pitch dark mangrove was so peaceful, and you follow each other single file, I told my husband I felt like we were on a Disney ride! Then before you know it, it opens up to a huge lagoon where every stroke of your oar, or swish of your hand in the water lights up beautiful blue glow! Magical! I enjoyed the explanation our guide gave about these bioluminescent plankton. Such a cool experience. Then back to the launch, where there are several open air bars and restaurants. Our driver gave us some time to get food and cocktails before taking us back to our resort. Our guides Gary, Manny, Giovanni, and Christian (the best! Christian was the best! 😉 were all so much fun! Loved them all! 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

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

Outstanding experience Outstanding experience. All 5 of the guides were very attentive and very funny. Seeing the bioluminescence in the lake was a very fun time. I definitely recommend this company because of their guides.

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

Great 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