La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
La Parguera, a small fishing village in Lajas has reborn in recent years. Due to 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 2.5 hrs (bathroom stops offered), as you enjoy the lush views of the Central area that then changes to a semi-desert landscape. Upon arrival we will stop for appetizers (additional f&b costs not included).
Watch the sunset (depending on the time of the year) 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 experience this phenomenon first hand.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum amount of 4 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.
It is an approximately 2:20 hour drive from San Juan to La Parguera each way, depending on the time of day and traffic.
The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice.
Tour not suitable for persons with mobility issues, using wheelchair, walker or cane as you must climb into the boat from a narrow pier. If you get in the water, you must be able to climb a small boat ladder.
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.
Complimentary car seats or booster seats available upon request (subject to availability).
You are more than welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the DAY PRIOR to your tour.
Total activity duration of 8 hours includes: 2:20 hr driving time each way, 2 hour tour, and stop for appetizers.
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.
What To Expect
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 2:15 hrs each way (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.
Options
La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottles of water and local beer at the boat
Appetizers at La Parguera (vegetarian option available, please notify)
Complimentary pickup and drop-off in selected areas of San Juan (Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde locations and touristic zones)
Certified Guide
Additional food and drinks
Gratuity
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
347 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!!
Victoria M,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Felix was the best guide. He had a great energy from beginning to end. I wasn’t excited for the long trip to and from, but this was honestly such a unique experience so it was worth the entire day trip. It was so fun to swim in the water with the tarpons and then you go off further into the water and enjoy a glow in the dark night swim. Amazing all around.
Wow!
Raul S,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best experiences in the world! I didn't know that it existed in Puerto Rico. I will come back to bring my whole family.
Do not think twice, just do it. It is so worth every coin spent.
Tiffany J,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Felix, the driver was wonderful, treated us like family. Took care of us during the drive. The experience was seamless, and epic. If you ever get the chance to do this, don’t think twice. This is one of the best experiences of my life, and the tour provided clear instructions on where you would be picked up, the van was clearly marked, so I knew how to look for. The crew on the boat did a great job providing drinks and information about the lagoon where the bioluminescence takes place. And we saw exactly what we wanted to see. And it’s not even describable, you have to do it for yourself. Epic experience!!
Say Si Si Si to this activity!
Kristin M,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of the absolute best parts of our very first ever trip to Puerto Rico! Our guide, Felix, was so warm and welcoming. He was so funny and informative and the drive from San Juan to Lajas (where the bioluminescent bay is) was very scenic as we go through the mountains! The van we were transported in was very comfortable and we had an intimate size group of just 6 people which was awesome compared to most tours where it can be overcrowded. Felix was kind enough to point out Salinas and Ponce as we drove when I let him know that’s where my family came from. The meal we were provided was very tasty and not heavy so it was perfect to eat just before swimming. I had the garlic shrimp with fried plantains and my friend had the grouper bites with rice and beans. There was plenty of time after eating to explore the tiny town where there were several vendor stands and souvenir shops. Going to the sandbar on the boat and swimming with the tarpon fish in crystal clear water at sunset was a beautiful experience. They fed the fish right by us at the boat so we could see them and pet them. Then we headed to the bio bay while vibing to Bad Bunny. There were plenty of sodas, beers and waters provided in a cooler for us. The bio bay had warmer water than the sandbar and is 15 feet deep so they provide floatie noodles. We went like 2 days after the new moon so there was good visibility although it was cloudy and rained a bit on and off. We didn’t mind, we’re already wet from swimming either way. The bio bay glowing effect is hard to capture but Felix did take some photos for me which was so sweet and very appreciated. It looks blue in photos but in reality it’s like these white glittery sparkles like stars. You can make magical trails of stars in the water like you’re Tinkerbell when you move your arms and legs. I saw the starry water glitter on my hair and drip down my arm which was extremely cool looking. If you really kick your feet a lot and open your fingers and make like angel wings in the water with your arms you can make a bigger effect of lots of starry glowing bubbles and waves. We had plenty of time in the water and then headed back to the boat where we were taken back to get changed into dry clothes. There was not much bathroom space for this so bring something simple to change into. Also it can get chilly once you’re wet and the sun has gone down so bring a jacket for afterward. For the drive home Felix was kind enough to take us directly to our Airbnb instead of the original meet up point. It was a long day — we left for Lajas at 2:45pm and we got home around 11pm but it was very much worth it! A real bucket list experience. Cannot recommend this company enough!
Not to be missed
Laura L,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and not to be missed. Our guide Felix, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. The stop to swim with the Tarpons was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend this tour.
Bucket list
Haven D,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Felix was a great guide! Captain Ryan a great captain! The sunset swim at the sandbar was fun and the bioluminescent swim was absolutely amazing! Bucket list item checked off.
A magical experience!
Eleanor D,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day with Felix and Ryan - driving from San Juan across the island to La Parguera for dinner and some salsa dancing in the square, before heading out on the boat to the sandbar to watch the sun go down and then on to Bioluminescence Bay for the main attraction, and it did not disappoint! The water is bathtub warm, and the bioluminescence was magical - tiny diamond-like stars appearing when you moved your arms and legs in the water. With a dark sky and just the stars above and the glowing in the water, we didn't want to leave. A truly magical experience that is well worth the time (around 8-10 hrs all in). Felix (Mr “Family”) and Ryan were amazing hosts. 12/10 would do again in a heartbeat.
Bad.
CRISTINA R,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Bad and very costly because you don't see anything they promise, it's many hours on the road, not at all I don't recommend it
It was relaxing and...
Patricia A,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was relaxing and amazing! You will enjoy dinner and shopping in La Parguera You will have two opportunities to get into the water. You will swim amongst some large fish and then experience the glow of the bay. My husband and I are in our late seventies and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the group we were with. It was fun!
Beautiful
Amelie L,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super beautiful sunset Bioluminescent water is beautiful but difficult to take iphone picture captures it not well
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