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La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan

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San Juan, Caribbean
La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan
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La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan
First stop - visit a natural cay
Swim at the bio bay
Watch the sunset from the West side of PR
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From $225.00

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon8 hours  (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 1 more
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Swim in the bioluminescent bay at La Parguera during this 8-hour tour from San Juan. Learn about this natural phenomenon through your guide's informative commentary during a short boat trip through the mangrove forests on the way to the bay. You will have the opportunity to swim in the water after dark, surrounded by tiny, harmless dinoflagellates that light up with the disturbance of the water. Round-trip transportation from selected areas in San Juan is included.
  • 8-hour small-group tour to the La Parguera bioluminescent bay from San Juan
  • La Parguera is the only bioluminescent bay where you are allowed to swim
  • Learn about dinoflagellates, the tiny, harmless creatures that cause this natural phenomenon
  • Pickup and drop-off from most San Juan hotels included
  • Appetizers from a local restaurant included
  • Suitable for the entire family
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From $225.00

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Complimentary pickup and drop-off in selected areas of San Juan (Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde locations and touristic zones)
Certified Guide
Appetizers at La Parguera (vegetarian option available, please notify)
Bottles of water and local beer at the boat
Additional food and drinks
Gratuity
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2:30 PM
Complimentary pick up in designated areas of San Juan: Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, Miramar,Ocean Park and Calle Loiza. Exact pick up time will be provided the day prior to the tour.
Begin your evening excursion with pickup at your San Juan hotel. Board a tour vehicle with your small group of fellow adventurers and travel to La Parguera, a small fishing village in southwestern Puerto Rico. The bioluminescent bay located there is the only one in Puerto Rico that allows swimming and snorkeling. 

Arrive in La Parguera and listen to a short introduction to the natural phenomenon by your local guide. After the sun sets, board a boat for the 25-minute ride through the mangrove swamps to the bioluminescent bay. Once you reach the bay, you will have the opportunity to swim. Your swimming disturbs the glowing dinoflagellates, microscopic creatures that give off a glowing light, creating an otherworldly effect. Spend 30 to 45 minutes marveling at this strange, lovely light show before heading back to the tour center. 

Board your transportation back to San Juan for hotel drop-off. 
Itinerary
Stop At:  
La Parguera
La Parguera, a small fishing village in Lajas has reborn as a local and international destination. Because of its geographical location it offers one of the best preserved coral reef systems and mangrove forests in the Caribbean. Various restaurants and bars add to the local attractions. We will drive for about 2 hrs (bathroom stops offered along the way), as you enjoy the panoramic and lush views of the Central area that then changes to a semi-desert landscape. Upon arrival downtown we will stop for appetizers. Watch the sunset as we head out for a 25 minute ride thru the mangrove channels. You will have the opportunity to swim at one of it's cays, before we head out to the area where the bioluminescence happens. Your guide will explain everything you need to know about these microscopic dinoflagelates that give off heat in the form of light when disturbed. Once we reach the bay you will have the opportunity to swim (optional) and experience this phenomenon first hand.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • May be operated by a multilingual guide
  • Minimum numbers apply. Cancellation after confirmation is possible if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. If this occurs you can choose between an alternative tour date or full refund.
  • It is an approximately 2:20 hour drive from San Juan to La Parguera each way, depending on the time of day and traffic.
  • Complimentary car seats or booster seats available upon request (subject to availability).
  • If planning to swim: follow preservation instructions, wear bathing suit, bring a towel and a change of clothes. Rash guard is also recommended as we may encounter jellyfish.
  • Total activity duration of 8 hours include driving time and stop for appetizers.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Children must weight 50 lbs or more in order to participate on tour, and must be notified with anticipation in order to assign a car seat.
  • Minimum amount of participants is required in order to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after receiving instant confirmation if the minimum is not met. IN the event of this happening you will be offered an alternate date or full refund.
  • You are more than welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following instructions or causing disruptions the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Bespoke Lifestyle Management
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Its impossible to capture it with mobile phones or regular lenses, so don't bother trying to take a picture and just enjoy the experience." See review
  • "Bring wet wipes if you need to "wash off" the salt water (honestly we didn't care, we sat on our towels during the drive back and showered after)." See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
124 Reviews
5 stars
95
4 stars
11
3 stars
6
2 stars
3
1 star
9

Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 124 reviews
star-5
Excellent Excursion
Karen_C
, Jun 2022
La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan This was an 8 hour excursion that included a 2.5 hour ride each way to a small fishing town where we had a delicious dinner in the midst of an outdoor day party. Then we took a boat ride to a spot where we joined dozens of other boats that were anchored in 4-5 ft deep water. Music was playing from every boat and people partying and dancing on the boats and in the water. So we jumped in too! I've never experienced anything like it. Finally as it got dark we moved on to the bioluminescent bay and several jumped in to disturb the waters so we could see the sparkles. We also got an astronomical show using the skyview app on our cell phones. Julian and Hector were fantastic and the excursion was a highlight of our vacation! Well worth the money.
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star-5
Like swimming in glitter
Brandi_C
, May 2022
Had some reservations about going with 2 toddlers, as it's a long drive each way. In the end, it was fine. There was no bathroom stops, that was difficult, as I thought my bladder might rupture for the last hour. When we arrived, I really wanted to spend a minute exploring the little area, but that didn't happen either... BUT... The experience was so amazing, it was all completely worth it. It was like swimming in moving glitter. It is hard to explain, but a MUST SEE at least once in this lifetime. Definitely go when there is no moon, it made it so much brighter. Hector, the captain, is funny, and has a plethora of knowledge. I say... GO!
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star-5
Worth every penny and the long drive from San Juan!
Brittany_R
, Apr 2022
Although the ride was a long one from San Juan, it was absolutely worth it. We had good food when we arrived and then headed out on the boat. We watched the sunset from in the water on a rather raucous sandbar (there were about a dozen boats there doing the same and playing music) before heading to the bay. Puerto Rico has 3 out of the 5 bays in the world with enough dinoflagellates to be classified as a bioluminescent bay and this is the only one in Puerto Rico in which you can swim. The experience was absolutely magnificent - a true once in a lifetime experience! I was glad to have read in another review that the bioluminescence didn’t look like the picture shown in the ad for the tour so I knew what to expect - it is like green glowing glitter in the water. That description does not adequately capture the experience…it really is extraordinary. I wish I had thought to bring a pair of goggles to look at the bioluminescence more clearly underwater, but that is all. This was a great excursion with a teenager.
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star-1
They never showed up to...
Deanna_G
, Mar 2022
They never showed up to pick us up, and then blamed me for booking it “last minute” —but had no issue with taking my money and sending confirmation. Then I looked at all the other reviews and no-shows seem to be the norm for this tour. Stay away from this one!
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star-1
Unfortunately this tour...
Chelsea_Z
, Mar 2022
Unfortunately this tour cancelled and it shifted (completely ruined) our trip because we could not book anything else as everything is all booked. Very stressful consequence
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Enjoyed it
Susana_O
, Mar 2022
Guides were great. Boat ride to bioluminescence was about 15-20 min on boat. It’s not super bright like you see in pictures but the experience itself is cool.
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star-1
What excursion?!!?
Brad_S
, Mar 2022
After booking a hotel specifically for this excursion at an added $400 expense. I received a call 6pm from them the night before cancelling my trip!! They have flooded my email with their garbage of amazing excisions and managed to send me a review not even knowing YOU CANCELLED ME—-NEWSFLASH, no word yet about my REFUND OF $480+ dollars!! I want my money back and for you to remove me from your mailing list.
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star-5
Amazing!
Honor_M
, Feb 2022
Five stars! Friendly tour guide. The whole evening was run smoothly and professionally. This is an amazing one of a kind experience. The extra stop off to swim through the mangrove was wonderful bonus!
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star-5
Highly recommend
Brittany_S
, Feb 2022
One of a kind experience seeing the bioluminescence. Truly remarkable. Comfortable ride to and from San Juan.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
We are glad you gave yourselves the opportunity to explore an attraction farther from the Metropolitan area and enjoyed it all! This is truly a unique and memorable experience.
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star-5
Recommend “must do” when in Puerto Rico!
Sanjay_S
, Dec 2021
Felix, our tour guide was outstanding. Also Hector, our boat driver was great. They helped us experience the wonderful phenomenon very patiently and with great passion.
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star-5
Great experience
Mario_D
, Dec 2021
This was an amazing experience!!! The crew and the captain at el Mareaito LLC were amazing and very helpful. Also our host Jeysen was excellent
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Great way to see much of puerto rico
Steven_M
, Dec 2021
We enjoyed the trip avoid as much moonlight as possible. We were at half crescent and it was probably too much. The staff were great. Great drive through the countryside. Loved the small community plaza was so cool. It is a good 2.5 hour drive but through much of the island so you see lots of different areas.
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star-5
Great experience!
Alaina_B
, Dec 2021
We had a great time and felt very safe. Our guide even took extra care to make sure we all got back to our hotels and condos safely since we got back to the city late in the evening.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-1
Not worth it!
Reuben_M
, Nov 2021
Wasn't worth the money or the 2 hour drive. Really we saw nothing! I feel like it was false advertising and I considered asking for a refund. Im still considering it.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Unique, wonderful experience
Terri_G
, Nov 2021
A fantastic, unique experience. A long drive from San Juan but so worth it. Something you can only experience here.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
AMAZING!!!
Heide_P
, Nov 2021
Bioluminescence is like running your hands through the stars or stirring them up with your legs. We both LOVED it!!! Bucket list for sure!
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star-5
Amazing experience!
FrancesM
, Nov 2021
Can’t say enough good things about our driver Harold! He was a great tour guide and made the long trip from San Juan so much fun. Hector was our boat captain and also did a great job explaining everything. Seeing the bay light up with twinkling stars was a one of a kind experience! You get tacos for dinner and they are delicious but bring snacks because it’s a long ride there and back!
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star-5
Great Fun
Samantha_R
, Oct 2021
Julian our tour guide and driver were amazingly fun . Hotel pick up was right on time in a very comfortable Mercedes Van with coolers filled with beers and waters that are offered the second you get into van . Our guides arranged a good dinner that we ate after our swim in the Caribbean Sea and bio bay. Captain Hector, was very informative, nice boat also stocked with plenty of beer, soda and waters. The glowing water in the bay were so beautiful!!! It looked like sparklers on the water… BRING GOGGLES IT ENHANCES YOUR Experience 100%!!!! I highly recommend this tour and Please don’t forget to tip your guides they totally deserve it!! Can’t wait to do it again!!!
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star-5
Fireflies in the ocean
Rosa_G
, Oct 2021
The tour guides where so much fun. The experience was fun, adventurous . Julian and Harold turned the bus into a karaoke machine.
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star-4
Picture is misleading,...
Kelley_R
, Oct 2021
Picture is misleading, but still an awesome time! Looked like little fireflies in the water. So cool!
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