Reviews

Worth the trip, but regular kayakers will be frustrated! The bio bay itself is beautiful and certainly worth the dark and somewhat spooky trip to the lagoon. We took the later night tour on a sliver moon night, so it was definitely dark. There are a large... read moreThe bio bay itself is beautiful and certainly worth the dark and somewhat spooky trip to the lagoon. We took the later night tour on a sliver moon night, so it was definitely dark. There are a large number of kayaking outfitters for this trip, and it feels crowded as you go in. The frustrating part is the fact that many had no clue how to paddle or steer in a kayak and those rookies made it very frustrating as they rushed, bumped and hollered at each other while trying to navigate through the mangroves. The large lagoon and bioluminescent waters were gorgeous but I echo that we weren't in that area long enough. I would recommend that these companies split up the newcomers from those with some kayaking experience. And everyone should note that coming out of the bay is more work than going in, so if you're not fit for paddling, you may want to reconsider! Our 11- and 14-year old daughters enjoyed this very much, and we saw younger kids doing just fine and being wowed by the glowing water. Island Kayak Adventures did a good job taking our reservation, sending directions, welcoming us, explaining the tour, and helping those in need. 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

MAGICAL EXPERIENCE! Excellent job done by the tour guys👏👏👏
They took care of us and on the top of everythi g, they were helping others left behind by other companies. They adviced us not to go too fast or too slow. I saw... read moreExcellent job done by the tour guys👏👏👏
They took care of us and on the top of everythi g, they were helping others left behind by other companies. They adviced us not to go too fast or too slow. I saw several accidents of other Kayak colapsing, crashing and people in the water. There were not like a traffic regulation lol. We made it and we went to the lake the other companies were mostly gone. So we enjoyed the clear night, learn about the stars and history! About the area and our tour guy had all the answers my son was impressed with the green laser light. He loved the experience too and the cover to make it dark and be able to see the bioluminiscencia was very smart! We hope that everybody take care of this magical place!😊🙏❤ 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

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

Pretty neat experience The photos may seem magnificent and blue, but those photos are photoshopped. Anyway it was a peaceful journey through the lucious mangroves that encompass the path. I recommend to go early in the night because it is a timely trip.... read moreThe photos may seem magnificent and blue, but those photos are photoshopped. Anyway it was a peaceful journey through the lucious mangroves that encompass the path. I recommend to go early in the night because it is a timely trip. Please go, it’s very enjoyable! 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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¡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

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

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

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

Bio Bay Night Kayak Adventure Very awesome! Rates up there as one of the best things I have ever done in my life! Do the night tour where you see the bay light up as the water glows when you touch it! Water is shallow... read moreVery awesome! Rates up there as one of the best things I have ever done in my life! Do the night tour where you see the bay light up as the water glows when you touch it! Water is shallow so even if you have a fear of water, it is only a couple of feet deep. 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

Increíble! Vine a probar esta experiencia en Puerto Rico. Vengo desde Barcelona y fue algo nuevo y enriquecedor para mi.

Los monitores estuvieron muy pendientes de nosotros todo el rato y nos instruyeron en cada momento. El viaje hasta la laguna fue... read moreVine a probar esta experiencia en Puerto Rico. Vengo desde Barcelona y fue algo nuevo y enriquecedor para mi.

Los monitores estuvieron muy pendientes de nosotros todo el rato y nos instruyeron en cada momento. El viaje hasta la laguna fue muy divertido, y una vez allí, nos contaron acerca de la fauna y flora de la zona. Nos hicieron un truco de magia, donde vimos el agua brillar (algo que realmente nunca había visto anteriormente y fue una experiencia mágica...)

La vuelta es contra corriente y a oscuras: Se requiere un poco de fuerza en los brazos, pero los monitores siguen estando muy encima tuyo, sin dejar que te pierdas.

No es para nada peligroso y ellos te van iluminando el camino.

Volvería a repetirlo sin duda! 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

Bio-bay Tour 45$ p.P.
Tolles Erlebnis, magische effekte, aaaaaber:
Wir haben uns für diesen Preis und die angesetzte Zeit mehr erhofft. Das paddeln war Spaß und hat die Spannung aufgebaut ubd mit Sicherheit auch die Belohnung attraktiver gemacht, dennoch sind 10 Minuten Verweildauer im... read more45$ p.P.
Tolles Erlebnis, magische effekte, aaaaaber:
Wir haben uns für diesen Preis und die angesetzte Zeit mehr erhofft. Das paddeln war Spaß und hat die Spannung aufgebaut ubd mit Sicherheit auch die Belohnung attraktiver gemacht, dennoch sind 10 Minuten Verweildauer im Zentrum der bay mmn. Zu wenig. Daher nur 4/5 punkten.

Ansonsten absolut lohnendes naturhighlight. read less

Really nice trip This was a very well run operation. They gave us custom driving directions from our hotel and the woman that checked us in was very nice and offered to lock up our wallets, etc. so we didn't have to leave... read moreThis was a very well run operation. They gave us custom driving directions from our hotel and the woman that checked us in was very nice and offered to lock up our wallets, etc. so we didn't have to leave them in the car. Our guides were also very nice and informative (I think our lead guide was Miguel, my apologies if I am wrong). There was a young woman in our group who had some trouble kayaking and they gave her extra attention and ended up connecting her kayak to one of the guides to help her out. Since you shouldn't bring a non-waterproof camera, they even take your picture and then post it on their Facebook page so you can download it for free. Once you get to the lagoon, they pull out a big tarp to put over all the kayaks to make it extra dark so you can see the glow better (it's really more like sparkles in the water). Overall, it was a great experience and I'd recommend them. Just don't believe the pictures on their website and brochures. I highly doubt the glow is ever that intense. 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

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

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