Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

2 hours

Mobile ticket

The Sittee River is the gateway to one of nature’s breathtaking phenomena – bioluminescent or “burning wata” as the Belizeans call it. This night tour is seasonal. Conditions have to be just perfect in the Anderson Lagoon and it usually occurs in the driest months like February - April. Head out on the 5 minute boat ride to Anderson Lagoon on the Sittee River. The night sky is UNBELIEVABLE. Thick with stars all the way down to the tree line.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

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

Professional guide

Landing and facility fees

Local taxes

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off is an additional 7.50 USD per person round trip, Can be paid to driver

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Hopkins

Head out on the 5 minute boat ride to Anderson Lagoon on the Sittee River. The night sky is UNBELIEVABLE. Thick with stars all the way down to the tree line. Go through a tiny cut to get to the lagoon and you will be surrounded by the giant mangroves and then shoot out into the lagoon. It’s pitch black, the guide’s flashlight beam cutting across the lagoon is the only light and then he turns it off. The boat picks up speed and the wake glows. A blue light. As the boat pick up more speed, the tiny algae, which settle in the lagoon during the dry season, get agitated and glow. It’s absolutely unbelievable. Our guide will stop the boat and you just stare into the water. Schools of fish or any marine life swimming through the lagoon create a phosphorescent trail which can look like a glowing cloud in the water. Hundreds of jelly fish pulsating in the water. They feed on the algae – it’s all along their edges and inside them. Just moving your hand around in the water is miraculous.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise

Pickup included

Reviews

4.81

43 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Highlight of Hopkins trip
reineberga1990,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our trip was so memorable. The crew Dirk, Medz, Jay, and coordinator Josie were so thorough with all the details from pick up and drop off from the resort, beautiful charcuterie board with beverages and vast knowledge of the landscape. The team were extremely friendly, making us feel very comfortable. We picked a variety of fresh mangoes and had a blast learning about the varieties that are offered in Hopkins. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.
An unforgettable evening tour...don't miss!
55karlaf,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Medz was our tour guide and Dirk was the driver and assistant tour guide. They clearly loved what they do! Their passion and knowledge was easily observed in their explanations and teaching throughout the evening. We got to see birds and a crocodile (a baby) before arriving at the bioluminescent lagoon which was an incredible experience. You can choose to get in the water or stay on the boat as you take in the incredible color of the lagoon at night!
Truly magical
brandonfH9409XY,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The first portion of the cruise was interesting with spotting various wildlife (green herons, fish bats and a crocodile) while the second part in the lagoon experiencing bioluminescence was absolutely amazing. There was plenty of time to learn about and interact with the bioluminescence, including "writing" on the water with a provided stick - it was like something out of a fairy tale. The guide (Dirk) and captain (Medz) were fantastic and really added to the experience. For those wanting to bring back photos or video -- the glow from the bioluminescence is perceived well in person and will leave a lasting memory, but it can be very tricky to capture with a phone or action camera. The smaller sensor sizes just don't capture enough light, so a regular snapshot or video will be all black. The guide provided tips for both Apple and Android devices on how to capture a long exposure image which made bringing back some memories possible (and he shared his own photos as well). Bringing a device with a larger sensor and a large aperture (e.g. a full camera with a good lens) could likely produce better results.
Absolute must do excursion!!!
jeromet902,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the highlights of our trip! This was much cooler than I thought it was going to be. The algae really does light up! You can see fish swimming in it, the waves rolling and you can go swimming! Also saw a lot of bats and some crocodiles!
Boat ride
monica b,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing boat ride in the bioluminescence lagoon. Best I’ve experienced. The tour guide Theodore was great. We had a great time. Make sure to bring your swimsuit though!
Bring bug spray. The bugs...
Mary N,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Bring bug spray. The bugs get really bad around dusk. You have the option to swim, we didn't. If you do want to swim, bring a towel. Our guides were nice, but I didn't really feel that they put much into the tour.
Impulse buy- No buyers remorse!!!!
Scmamatuna,
Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Guide Theo and captain Jeff led our 2 hours on the Sittee river and Anderson lagoon. Both were greatly knowledgeable about the plant and animal life along the river- sharing both facts and stories of this area ( Theo was a young entrepreneur with the fruits of a specific type of palm tree- selling the fruits for profit and making wine 😂). Two far off croc sightings, raccoons, fish eating bats, and some beautiful birds. The bio-lagoon was amazing, and the star gazing fabulous. Plan to swim, I regret not planning for this. Highly recommend!
Great tour
645johny,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Just a great experience! Theo and Medz were fantastic. Incredibly engaging the whole time from the ride along the river looking at wildlife, including some small crocodiles, to Anderson Lagoon. The colors were cool, but so was the night sky...zillions of stars. Be prepared to swim....it was very cool. Also, for the best experience, choose a night with the least amount of moonlight. Josie was extremely efficient in setting it up from the website in advance.
Beautiful evening!
Explorer03717593561,
Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a beautiful evening in the lagoon with Theo. He was an excellent guide, knowledgeable and fun! We spotted a few crocodiles and some other wildlife. Had a great time and would go again.
Wonderful experience
V1766LVjeans,
Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything we did was perfect, on time and didn't disappoint. Dirk was our driver for almost everything and he was outstanding! An infectious laugh we all enjoyed and you could tell he loved his job. Thank you so much for making our trip memorable! 10⭐️