Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience the enchanting magic of bioluminescence in Bocas del Toro with our unforgettable Bioluminescence Tour. As night falls, the ocean comes alive with a mesmerizing blue glow, created by millions of bioluminescent particles. Paddle or swim through the warm Caribbean waters, surrounded by this angelic light, while gazing up at the starry sky above.

This rare phenomenon, produced by marine plankton known as dinoflagellates, illuminates the waves and shoreline, creating a breathtaking display that will stay with you forever. Our expert guides will lead you to the best spots around Bocas del Toro, ensuring you witness this natural wonder in a safe and awe-inspiring environment.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this magical experience—book your Bioluminescence Tour today!

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Snorkeling gear (Mask & Snorkel)

Local bi-lingual (English/Spanish) expert guide

Life vests

Gratuities

What To Expect

Bioluminescence is a chemical process through which marine vertebrates and invertebrates, fungi, and fireflies produce and generate light. This relatively rare worldwide phenomenon occurs in the Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro, where it illuminates the ocean, the waves, and the shoreline with a blue glow at night. The light or glow is created by marine plankton - scientifically known as dinoflagellate - which activates a blue glow when it senses movement in the water. Join us on our fun Bioluminescence Tour and let our expert guides take you to the best spots around Bocas del Toro where you can witness this amazing phenomenon in a safe environment.

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Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro

Reviews

4.33

9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A MUST if you are in Bocas del Toro
Aaron M,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was such a beautiful experience, driving past the bioluminescent Plankton in the boat was beautiful and the guide explained the different types of plankton and under what conditions they glow. Snorkelling in the water was a bit scary at first due to it being completely dark but after you dive down, you dont want to get out of the water. Under the Surface there are so much more planktons than you can see from the boat and it was actually like swimming in the night sky. If youre thinking about doing this tour, do it. There arent many places where you can do this. However note that you likely wont be able to take pictures of it, due to the planktons not shining bright enough for most phone cameras to catch it. It looks incredible in person tho
Jump In and Play
Arlene D,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guides both did a great job. Explained how to activate the different kinds of light. Need a really good camera to catch the lights though. I really encourage everyone to jump into the water to play with the luminescence.
Great tour - viator scams you
Alexandra B,
May 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
The tour itself was wonderful! I’d suggest booking directly with the company rather than through Viator as viator charges DOUBLE the price!!!
Once in a lifetime chance to swim in the night sky!
Elizabeth M,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
You really can't imagine what this is like until you see it. It's like swimming in the night sky. Do not miss your chance to have this opportunity. I want to give a special thank you to our guide, Amir. He was warm, knowledgeable, and spoke in both English and Spanish so we could all get the most out of learning about the bioluminescence of Bocas del Toro. I appreciate all that he did for us.
Magical Experience
Lauren I,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Getting onto a boat in the dark with my 8 and 9 year old had me second-guessing my judgment, but it was worth the risk. This tour was our second with Amir who speaks fluent English and Spanish. Having done the island hopping tour with him, I knew that he was a good guide and was more comfortable bopping around in the dark. He taught us about the different types of biolumenescent plankton and stimulus that makes them illuminate. Everyone on the boat was awed. Swimming with the plankton was a once in a lifetime experience and fun to enjoy with a group of people as excited about it as we were. Being anchored in the dark with several other groups with plankton illuminating and the stars in the sky is not something you will forget. Be aware that the pictures don't do the tour justice. If this tour is on your list for Bocas, make sure that you book your trip when the moon is not bright. The tour is not operated when the moon is bright because the plankton are not as visible.
Must see!
Pamela H,
Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a great evening to our first day in Bocos. Amir was our guide and he was friendly, funny and answered all our questions. The Bioluminescence was a pleasant surprise and we enjoyed jumping in the water for a snorkel. Highly recommended.
Swim in stars
Tyara R,
Feb 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had the best time. It felt like you were swimming in stars! Our tour guide was great he spoke English and Spanish.
A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Madison P,
Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a once in a lifetime experience, and you must go! The tour guides Amir and Shadow were excellent with explaining the types of plankton, and making us feel comfortable!
Shady tour guide and pickup spot
Max T,
Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
Meetup point was away from the tourist area, dark, dingy, no lighting at the dock (safety issue). The guide/captain did not greet us and did not speak English. He (guide) also made an inappropriate sexual comment to my wife.