Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

1 hour

Mobile ticket

There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescence can be seen year round. And luckily for travelers to the Nicoya Peninsula there is one such place here. Bioluminescence is a light created by living organisms through a chemical reaction, biological light.

In the gulf it is the algae that create this magical effect. Upon being disturbed, the algae give off a burst of light. Since there are millions of them it looks like sparkles in the water. The wavelengths are in the blue to green area and depending on the amount of algae it will appear as bluish or greenish sparkles.

One of the best ways to see this phenomenon is to get a look from above, and kayaking is a great way to see it well. The algae will stick to your paddle, your hand or floating debris glowing for many seconds if you encounter a strong patch. When you kayak over shallow areas, fish will be scared up and it looks like fireworks under water as they take off, leaving a trail of “fairy dust” in their wake.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Age limit: minimum 10 years old

Not recommended for travelers with fear or water

Not recommended for travelers that are afraid of the dark

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Bathroom

Snacks

Insurance

Coffee and/or Tea

Kayaks, paddles and life jackets

What To Expect

This incredible tour is peaceful and breathtaking, all at the same time. The kayak launch area is just a short distance from the Paquera ferry landing, and the calm gulf water is very accessible by kayak. At sunset, we gather under the palm trees overlooking the bio-bay for a welcome with complimentary refreshments. Our experienced guide, Luis gives a briefing of the tour. He will equip everyone with suitable life jackets and lead the way to the launch area for the kayaks. He is careful to help entering the kayaks and giving instructions to those that do not have kayaking experience. Everyone gets to do the full hour of the tour in their own kayak or a tandem kayak. You stop along the way, where Luis will explain more about the magical sparkling water and the marine life in the bay. The darker the night, the better the experience will be. Upon the return to the Bahia Rica beach, we have fresh water and towels available, and bathroom facilities if needed.

Options

Bioluminescent kayak tour

Reviews

4.90

205 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

192

Not to miss!
Lawrence K,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A must do! Very bumpy road to get to the location, photos hard to capture the magic so leave cameras behind; immerse yourself in the magic by getting into the water! Our guide was very passionate !
Amazing!!
Connie B,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Such an incredible experience! The bioluminescence was so much brighter than we thought it would be. Our guide was also great and very knowledgeable. Don’t miss this if you are in the area.
Incredible experience
Gina B,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Because of the low season we were traveling alone with Juan. My husband and I were in a double kayak. We were lucky with the weather, it was dry. It was incredible to see the bioluminescence. A unique experience!
Do This Above All Else
Daniel S,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour is incredible. Do not miss it. If you have to walk from Timbuktu it will still be worth it. Staff and experience could not be better.
Not easy to...
Samson F,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Not quite easy to find, but a great nature experience. Especially by kayak you are very close to it
Out of this world!!
Simone v,
Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
You are greeted by the most lovely people! They inform you of all you will experience and beyond. Drinks and snacks provided before hand. The experience itself was a once in a lifetime experience. I chose to swim and I couldn’t keep my hands still and eyes away, the bioluminescence is other worldly. Highly recommend going with the kayak experience!!
Juan was a very...
pamela a,
Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Juan was a very knowledgeable and invested guide! We loved his insight. He obviously loved the area. Such a wonderful experience.
Wow!!!!!
Christina S,
Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What an incredible experience!! The guide was experienced and attentive to our concerns a s needs along the way! We got ti experience the beauty and energy God has for us on this planet and it was mind blowing !
Best to go on a moonless...
DonnaMarie F,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Best to go on a moonless night. A wonderful experience with an informative guide who was passionate about what they are doing.
Magical Experience with phenomenal guide
adelesP1967TQ,
Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an absolutely magical experience! Our guide, Luis, was fantastic—his English was perfect, and he was so genuinely enthusiastic about sharing this incredible Costa Rican wonder with us. His passion really made the tour unforgettable. Every one of us loved it, from our 10-year-old to the adults in our group. It was a perfect experience from start to finish. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate—book this tour with Bahia Rica Adventures!