Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise
Overview
Available languages
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
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.
Options
Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise
Pickup included
Reviews
42 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Boat ride
monica b,
Mar 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing 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
- Viator
3.00Bring 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.
Relaxing and beautiful cruise
Christopher S,
May 29, 2024
- Viator
5.00The journey itself along the river was relaxing and serene. When we got to the lagoon it was larger than I expected and the bioluminescent plankton was a sight to be seen. Just the journey alone on the boat was nice - saw birds, iguanas and crocodiles. Others on the boat went swimming in the lagoon (no crocs there) - we observed from the boat which in my opinion didn’t lessen the experience. This is a family owned business based in Hopkins and it was good to be able to support them. The trip is seasonal as the plankton won’t be present during rainy season so if you happen to time it right I would recommend it.
A great two hours
Brandon S,
May 27, 2024
- Viator
5.00Medz and Jeffry were unbelievable guides. My wife and I had never experienced anything like this. A great two hours, worth every penny,
Like northern lights but in the water!!
Claire D,
May 5, 2024
- Viator
5.00Getting to see the wake from the boat glow blue was amazing!! The guides were hilarious and knowledgeable. They kept us laughing the whole time. It was so cool to see fish darting around glowing blue, touching the water and making it turn blue, and a couple people jumped in and swam! Be sure to wear your swimsuit so you have that option! We wished we had known that
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Operated by Get to Know Belize Adventures