| Puerto Mosquito has bioluminescence year-round. To such a famous tour, well known to many, and recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, you probably would appreciate knowing when the best time to experience such beauty from nature would be. Especially if you are traveling from overseas. Show
The Bio Bay is closed during full moonThe Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (The Department of Natural Resources), DRNA, has restricted tour companies to operate during the night before full moon, the night of, and the night after full moon since these three nights are when the moon is at its brightest. The reasoning behind their decision is to let the micro-organisms in the water responsible for the bioluminescence have a rest from human contact for at least three days of each month since our visibility of the glow in the water is less than usual. When there is a full moon, what we notice is an intense reflection of the moon on the surface of the water, while the water glows back at you when it's agitated, making the viewing of the bioluminescence to our sight barely noticeable.
 Understanding the moonThe visibility of the moon is different to us every day. It all has to do with the angle at which we are able to see it. The angle of sunlight changes, making our view of the moon seem different. The moon has phases because it has spheres and it orbits the earth, so the angle on which we see it changes. Therefore, the shape or phase of the moon depends on where it is on its orbit around earth. A month from now, you will see the same phase again as it goes from the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter waning crescent, and it goes all over again. The best night to experience Puerto MosquitoThe full moon is arguably the most gratifying object in the sky, but in this case, you would want to schedule your trip around the moon. One thing to keep in mind is that the intensity of the bioluminescence that we experience at the bio bay is not something humans can control. Understanding the moon phases, knowing how environmental factors and elements have played a role in the past causing both positive and/or negative outcomes, we are now able to understand and better predict how the viewing experience during the night time tour at the bay will be. This being said, understanding the moon phases is very important because the phases happen every month over and over again. The new moon is the first lunar phase. It is when the sun and the moon have the same ecliptic longitude. The lunar disk is not visible to us, therefore we cannot notice the moon in the sky causing the new moon to be the darkest night of the month, which would make this the best night to experience the bioluminescence in Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay). Adding on, if you had already planned your vacation and didn't consider the moon phases, don’t worry, your trip is not ruined. After all, Puerto Mosquito is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world! Even when the moon is in the sky, we are able to still appreciate bioluminescence. Following the full moon, we will notice the moon rising an hour after each night. In some cases, it is best to schedule your tour for the first time slot, before the moon rises. If you are unsure, ask a booking representative and they will be happy to help you schedule your trip for the best time. Bioluminescence is a rare phenomenon around the world. Luckily, Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays you can visit in a short trip from the United States. I’m a local that has experienced this captivating phenomenon and I can tell you that it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico and a one-lifetime experience you can’t miss. Here is everything you need to know to visit the Puerto Rico bioluminescent bays. Table of Contents
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you! 3 Best Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto RicoMosquito Bioluminescent BayMosquito Bay water is the brightest in the world 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Nearby Hotels on Booking or Browse Tours to Mosquito Bay Mosquito bio bay is one of the three bio bays in Puerto Rico, and it holds the Guinness Record for the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Mosquito Bay’s dinoflagellates reach up to 70,000 per gallon of water. But, Mosquito Bay is harder to visit than other bioluminescent bays, as traveling from San Juan to Vieques means leaving the main island of Puerto Rico. Almost every night, a kayak tour enters the bay to appreciate the natural glow. It’s said both Puerto Mosquito and Mosquito bay got their names from the ship “El Mosquito” which belonged to the famous Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí. How to Get ThereTo get from Puerto Rico to Mosquito Bay, travelers have multiple options: ✈️ Airplane – The first and simplest way to get to Mosquito Bay is to fly from San Juan airport to Vieques and take a bio bay tour from La Esperanza, where most tours meet. 🚗 Driving – Another option to get to Mosquito Bay includes renting a car at San Juan Airport, driving up to the Ceiba ferry terminal, and taking the ferry to Vieques. 🚕 Taxi/Shuttle – Travelers that don’t want to rent a car can opt for renting a taxi/shuttle from San Juan to the Ceiba terminal, and from there take the ferry to Vieques. 🚌 Tour – Some bio bay tour operators offer transportation once you arrive at the ferry terminal. If you stay in Vieques, you can also choose to rent a car to explore all the great things to do in Vieques. ToursMany tour operators offer bioluminescent bay tours in Vieques. Here are some of the most popular bio bay tours in Vieques: 👉 Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques 👉 Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island 👉 Overnight Bio bay Kayak Activity on Vieques Island Where to Stay NearbyThe best area to stay in Vieques nearby Mosquito Bay is La Esperanza. This area is centrally located and it’s home to bars, restaurants, and beaches. Here are some of the best hotels you can find in the area:
Pros and ConsAlthough Mosquito Bay is the most popular bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, here are some things you should consider before visiting: Pros:
Cons:
La Parguera Bioluminescent BayVisit the only Puerto Rican bio bay you can swim in 📍 Google Maps | La Parguera Lajas | 👉 Browse Nearby Hotels on Booking or Browse Tours to La Parguera La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay is located on the southern shore of Puerto Rico in the city of Lajas. La Parguera refers to a small fishing village in Lajas, popular not only for hosting a bio bay on its coasts but for having great seafood. Out of the three Puerto Rico’s bio bays, the Lajas bioluminescent bay is the only bio bay you can swim in. Visitors can also appreciate the Puerto Rico glowing water via boat tours, which is more simple for visiting with kids. Depending on the boat tour, you can either watch from the boat or jump in the water. This bay is more like a blue green glow than bright blue, and the best time to visit is on a new moon night. How to Get ThereThere are three main ways to get to Lajas: 🚗 Driving – The simplest way to get to La Parguera is by renting a car and driving from San Juan. This method also provides flexibility and allows passengers to make as many stops as they want on the way to Lajas. ✈️ Airplane + Driving – Travelers coming from the United States can choose to arrive directly at Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, which is an hour away from the bio bay. You can also choose to take a plane from SJU to Mayagüez with Cape Air. After reaching either city, travelers can rent a car to reach La Parguera. 🚕 Taxi/Shuttle – It’s possible to take a taxi/shuttle from San Juan to Lajas, but the route is both time-consuming and expensive, with rates over $150. ToursBesides a boat tour, kayaking tours are also a popular way to explore the stunning blue-white glow of La Parguera Bio Bay. Check out some of the tours you can take at La Parguera: 👉 Sunset and Bio Bay La Parguera 👉 Swim at La Parguera Bio Bay Boat and Hot Springs Tour from San Juan 👉 La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan Where to Stay NearbyLa Parguera is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico, and it’s something every Puerto Rico tourist should do. Here are some of the best hotels you can stay in or nearby La Parguera:
Pros and ConsBefore choosing La Parguera bio bay over the other bio bays in Puerto Rico, travelers should consider all the pros and cons of this trip. Here are some of them: Pros:
Cons:
Laguna GrandeExperience a bioluminescent bay close to San Juan’s airport 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Nearby Hotels on Booking or Browse Tours to Laguna Grande Laguna Grande bio bay is on the east coast of Puerto Rico and it’s one of the main attractions in Fajardo. This bioluminescent bay, hidden inside Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, is the easiest to visit for travelers staying in San Juan. Laguna Grande’s experience is charming in its own way, as you have to kayak through mangrove channels before reaching the bioluminescent lagoon. Even if the most common tour to this lagoon is by kayak, BioIsland operates an electrical boat in the bay. Although it’s the easiest to visit, this lagoon’s ecosystem is still recovering after Hurricane Maria. How to Get ThereThere are multiple ways to get from San Juan to Fajardo: 🚗 Driving – Renting a car is the most convenient way for flexibility. Although the ride from San Juan is short, having your own car will allow you to make stops at El Yunque and Luquillo on your way to Fajardo. 🚕 Taxi/Shuttle – As Fajardo is a touristy destination, you’ll find plenty of taxis and shuttles between San Juan and Fajardo. 🚌 Public Transportation – Travelers can catch a “guagua pública” in the “terminal de carros públicos” of Rio Piedras, in San Juan. For this option, you should know basic Spanish, as you’ll need to ask for directions. ToursYou can find multiple Laguna Grande’s bio bay tours. Most tour operators in Laguna Grande offer pick-up in specific hotels in San Juan. Here are some of the top tours: 👉 Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Puerto Rico 👉 Glowing Bay Adventure 👉 Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo Where to Stay NearbyEven if Fajardo is relatively close to San Juan, this city has so much to offer that it’s best to stay a night or two in it. Some of the best hotels to stay in and nearby Fajardo are:
Pros and ConsBefore visiting Laguna Grande in Fajardo, here are some pros and cons you should evaluate: Pros:
Cons:
Tips For Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto RicoTip #1 – Visit on a Moonless NightPlan your visit to the bio bays in Puerto Rico on a night with a new moon phase. If you can’t visit during the new moon, try to avoid the full moon phase unless it’s cloudy. The combination of natural and bright artificial light makes it almost impossible to appreciate the blue green light in the bay. Tip #2 – If You Can, Choose Mosquito Bio BayIf your Puerto Rico itinerary allows it, choose Mosquito Bay for your visit. Mosquito Bay water holds a high concentration of dinoflagellates, which makes it the brightest bio bay in the world according to the Guinness World Records book. The shallow and small entrance of the bay and the mangrove trees in Puerto Mosquito keep these microscopic organisms trapped inside the bay, leaving greenish blue trails every time you move the water. Tip #3 – Pick the Best Method for YouWhile the most common way to visit the bio bays is by kayaking, it’s also possible to visit on a tour boat. Para La Naturaleza also offers a walking guided tour through Laguna Grande, Fajardo. Pick the method that is the most comfortable for you. Tip #4 – Wear Deet- Free Bug SprayDue to the high concentration of mangrove trees in the bays, there is a high population of mosquitoes that can easily ruin your bio bay experience, so make sure you apply DEET-free repellent before your visit. If you’re visiting la Parguera and are swimming in the water, consult with your tour operator about which chemicals you shouldn’t use during your visit. Tip #5 – Bring an Extra Set of ClothesEven if you’re not swimming in the water, water will enter your own kayak as a result of paddling. Bring a microfiber towel and clothes to change after you’re done with your bioluminescent bay tour. FAQs about Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto RicoWhere are the 3 bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico?Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays are located in the cities of Lajas, Fajardo, and Vieques. La Parguera in Lajas is the only one you can swim at when visiting. Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the easiest to reach from San Juan. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest bio bay in the world. Where is the best bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico?The best bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is located in Vieques. Known as Mosquito Bay, Vieques’ bioluminescent bay is not only the brightest in Puerto Rico but also the brightest in the world. Where can you see bioluminescence in Puerto Rico?Travelers can find bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico in the cities of Fajardo, Lajas and Vieques. Both Fajardo and Lajas are in mainland Puerto Rico and Vieques is one of the municipality islands. *** Now you know how to visit the bio bays to experience this natural wonder. Continue exploring and discover Puerto Rico with my guide to the top places to visit in Puerto Rico! Which bio bay is best in Puerto Rico?The best bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is located in Vieques. Known as Mosquito Bay, Vieques' bioluminescent bay is not only the brightest in Puerto Rico but also the brightest in the world.
What month is best to watch bioluminescent water?May through November is the best time to see bioluminescence dinoflagellates in Florida. In the early days of summer, they begin to show and by the peak of summer, these creatures sparkle bright whenever stirred with your hand or paddle. The shining plankton is especially stunning in July and August.
What time of year is best for bioluminescence?Summer months are usually the best time of the year to watch the glowing plankton. For best experience, you should consider going anytime between mid-May and early-October.
Is the bioluminescence still happening 2022?We actually see bioluminescence all year long. In summer time, we see bioluminescence produced by dinoflagellate organisms. In winter, we see bioluminescence produced by comb jellies. Both provide a glowing affect that lights up the water!
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Best time to see bio bay in puerto rico
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