Reviews

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

Island Kayaking Adventure - Bioluminescent Bay Paddling through the mangroves, splashing sparkling bioluminescent water on my wife, and the star filled night sky!

Fun, beautiful Experience was great overall, loved everything about it.. only complaint i have is the other people in the group weren’t paying attention to instructions with paddling & were very rude with words. Other than that I’ll rate 5 out of... read moreExperience was great overall, loved everything about it.. only complaint i have is the other people in the group weren’t paying attention to instructions with paddling & were very rude with words. Other than that I’ll rate 5 out of 5 experience !! Will attend again in future !! 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

Great Bring lots of mosquito repellent and wear old shoes. And be prepared, you will get wet from the waist down. Still, an adventure not to be missed.

If you go to Puerto Rico, you can't miss this experience I went to bio bay and was an excellent experience, we have a lit of fun on the kayak the tour guys was so patient with all the people, explain every detail of how to use the paddles in the... read moreI went to bio bay and was an excellent experience, we have a lit of fun on the kayak the tour guys was so patient with all the people, explain every detail of how to use the paddles in the kayak, the water is awesome you can see how glow when you shake your hand inside, don't miss it very recommendable. read less

Great company We booked the bioluminescent tour and the morning of the tour I was contacted to let me know it was not as bright as usual which could be do to a lot of uncontrollable factors and I could do the... read moreWe booked the bioluminescent tour and the morning of the tour I was contacted to let me know it was not as bright as usual which could be do to a lot of uncontrollable factors and I could do the tour anyway for a discount or cancel for a full refund. We opted for a refund. They were super friendly and the refund was issued right away. We were disappointed that we didn’t get to see it but we so appreciate them letting us know and giving us the option. read less

Great fun for the family We loved this. All of the guides were amazing. It was beautiful. Kenny was great with my nervous nine year old 🙂

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

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

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

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

Nice trip ! Gary Kenney and Celix were very professional and made the experience memorable despite a heckler. Be advised you will see the glowing effect but it’s not as bright as many highly filtered pictures. They were very accommodating when we couldn’t... read moreGary Kenney and Celix were very professional and made the experience memorable despite a heckler. Be advised you will see the glowing effect but it’s not as bright as many highly filtered pictures. They were very accommodating when we couldn’t make our previous reservation and switched it with ease. 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

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

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 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

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.

Great experience, but highly commercialized I’ve seen a lot of highly critical reviews of the tour with relevant points, so I wanted to provide a review based on what I had seen before. The kayaking experience was lovely and my partner listed it as his... read moreI’ve seen a lot of highly critical reviews of the tour with relevant points, so I wanted to provide a review based on what I had seen before. The kayaking experience was lovely and my partner listed it as his favorite part of our time in Puerto Rico. I really enjoyed the experience, but there were some things that I wish I knew going into the experience as far as managing expectations (These comments likely hold for any of the tours in Fajardo/ Laguna Grande, I just took the Island Kayaking Adventure tour.)

(1) First and foremost, the bioluminescence is pretty weak relative to past experiences I’ve had. Is it still magical? Absolutely. That said, it’s unlikely that you’ll see animals glowing under your kayak and you have to look pretty carefully to see the glow of the water as you paddle.

(2) Perhaps a little more frustrating for me, it felt as though our time actually in laguna grande was short and rushed relative to the length of the whole experience. It’s over a km kayak through the mangroves in the dark to get to laguna grande. If nighttime kayaking is your thing (as it was for my partner and I) then it was still a really enjoyable experience. However, if you are expecting 30 minutes or more with bioluminescence you are going to be disappointed. In our tour, it even seemed based on what I overheard the tour guides were saying to one another about the timing that they cut our experience in laguna grande short for timing purposes because it took our group too long to kayak to the bay.

(3) Relatedly, the entire experience was VERY commercialized. Large groups, many tour companies, and different tour groups running into one another. It created log jams as we kayaked into the bay that weren’t helped by countless folks with zero clue how to kayak.

(4) They had bug spray (the nice Off Clean Feel Kind 😊) so don’t worry about picking up your own prior to the tour (that said, there are enterprising local shops that do sell it for an upcharge if this turns out to be incorrect for your particular tour).

I mention all of these to help manage expectations. I genuinely still enjoyed my experience, and the tour group certainly did a great job and provided nice directions on where to park/go for the tour, but if you do have the time and ability I may try going to Vieques or somewhere just a tad less touristy. read less

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

Unique experience Very unique experience to kayak in the ocean at night through a mangrove forest into a protected lagoon
the scenery, though dark, is worth it
it is a mild work-out but not too strenuous.
More time at the lagoon veiwing the bioluminescence would... read moreVery unique experience to kayak in the ocean at night through a mangrove forest into a protected lagoon
the scenery, though dark, is worth it
it is a mild work-out but not too strenuous.
More time at the lagoon veiwing the bioluminescence would have been appreciated
Overall, worth it, for its uniqueness.
Kids loved it as well. read less

Great experience! Great service, very nice and helpful guides, and a beautiful experience! Everything went as promised, and the prices was even lower than some other places that offer the exact same tour.

Fun experience Went with my husband and two kids (16, 13) . The staff was Gary, Freddy? and someone else. I don't remember the names. It was really fun to kayak at night. It was slow at times because... read moreWent with my husband and two kids (16, 13) . The staff was Gary, Freddy? and someone else. I don't remember the names. It was really fun to kayak at night. It was slow at times because of the crowding, but we knew that from other reviews. Seeing the bioluminescence was cool. 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.

Fun experience! Worth it! Fun night kayak to Laguna Grande! Guides were great. Everything went smoothly. The bioluminescence was a little underwhelming but definitely glad we did it. (It’s seen better seen with a tarp over your heads but you can still see... read moreFun night kayak to Laguna Grande! Guides were great. Everything went smoothly. The bioluminescence was a little underwhelming but definitely glad we did it. (It’s seen better seen with a tarp over your heads but you can still see it a little without) The paddling through the channel in the dark to the bay was a very cool and different experience- we really enjoyed it! Kayaking up river against the current was a little tougher than I thought-wouldn’t recommend for younger children. read less

amazing experience The night kayaking tour on the Laguna Grande is just amazing!
I travel a lot and this was one of the most special things I`ve done. The Island Kayaking Adventure company was very professional and all the staff was great. Special... read moreThe night kayaking tour on the Laguna Grande is just amazing!
I travel a lot and this was one of the most special things I`ve done. The Island Kayaking Adventure company was very professional and all the staff was great. Special thanks to our guide Miguel who made all the difference. He was very nice, knowledgeable and patient with the people who weren`t very experienced with kayaking. read less

Very cool experience My family and I went on the bio bay kayaking trip with Island Kayaking a couple of days ago. It was a very fun experience. The bio-luminescence is not that easy to see (pics online look much brighter),... read moreMy family and I went on the bio bay kayaking trip with Island Kayaking a couple of days ago. It was a very fun experience. The bio-luminescence is not that easy to see (pics online look much brighter), but the experience as a whole was great. We took the 6:30 pm tour which was nice because we could see the canal on our way to the bay. The staff was friendly, there was plenty of parking and the experience is worth it. 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

Great time in Puerto Rico Had an awesome time. The guides all five were excellent. The bioluminescence was fun to observe. Thanks for a great time guys.

Great team building We had the privilege of taking 12 teenagers and young adults kayaking along with Nestor and his fabulous crew this past week. Everyone has been talking about it with awe and excitement since! There were a few who had never... read moreWe had the privilege of taking 12 teenagers and young adults kayaking along with Nestor and his fabulous crew this past week. Everyone has been talking about it with awe and excitement since! There were a few who had never kayaked before, and they were shown extra care and attention and were so proud they concurred fears and had the opportunity to experience overcoming fears with someone by their side. The bioluminescent bay was exciting to see and looked like glitter and sparks in the water. It was interesting to hear about the impact of hurricane Maria and the effects on the bioluminescent bay plankton.

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

For those looking for details: yes you get wet from waist down. Bring a towel and change of clothes. If you go at sunset, bring bug spray - we used bug spray and no one came away with bites. Yes, it can be tiring paddling back, but you will be proud of what you can accomplish. Nestor and his crew will take good care of you! read less