You are doing research for your next vacation to Puerto Rico.
To your delight and peace of mind, you don’t need a passport when you travel from the US mainland; they use the US Dollar, and your cell phone plan will work on the Island of Enchantment.
You will feel safe because the Federal Constitution, Laws, and Protection apply to the Islands of Puerto Rico.
Another thing that keeps popping up in your research is bioluminescent tours, and you ask yourself: “is that worth my time and money?”
The answer is YES!
I have been booking tours all over the Island for friends, family, and clients from the US Mainland for years.
El Yunque Tropical Rainforest and Bioluminescent Bay tours are the top three most sought-after Puerto Rico activities.
In this article, I will share five reasons to visit a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico for your next family vacation.
But first things first.
What is a bioluminescent bay?
Bioluminescence is “the production and emission of light by a living organism.”
You are familiar with some types of bioluminescence: fireflies, glow-worms, and many jellyfish are bioluminescent organisms.
A bioluminescent bay is a rare phenomenon because it requires several conditions for light emission.
First bio-luminescence requires a high concentration of teeny-tiny single-cell plankton known as dinoflagellates.
When something gently agitates those dinoflagellates, they emit luciferin (don’t let the name bother you). This enzyme creates a bright glow when it combines with oxygen (oxidizes).
The above mentioned chemical reaction makes the micro-organisms appear to sparkle underwater.
You will also need the water to be warm, shallow, near red mangroves, and semi-enclosed from the open sea, so dinoflagellates can congregate and thrive for the bio luminescent phenomenon to be present.
Only a few bays in the world have the ideal bio luminescence conditions; Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays.
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit a Bioluminescent Bay In Puerto Rico For Your Next Family Vacation
1. You have the opportunity to experience a rare natural phenomenon.
As I wrote earlier, there are not many bioluminescent bays in the world, and when you come to Puerto Rico, you will have three to choose from.
You can go to Laguna Grande in Fajardo (an hour’s drive from San Juan),
La Parguera in Lajas (remember that this bio bay is two hours from San Juan) and Mosquito Bay in Vieques.
Vieques is a small island east of Puerto Rico; you must book a place to stay if you want to experience Mosquito Bay, the brightest bio bay in the world.
When you touch the water, it will glow neon blue, and the water dripping from your finger will form tiny “clusters of stars.”
2. You will get an adrenaline rush
Bio Bay tours start at sunset, meaning you will kayak in the dark.
Tour operators will provide you with a flashlight, whistles, and safety equipment, including a life vest. However, adventuring into the ocean is an adrenaline rush.
You don’t have to be a kayak expert because the waters in the bay are always calm.
But you must maneuver around the mangroves and stay close to the other kayaks on tour.
3. You will get a killer workout and a “sick pump, or take a leap of faith.”
The Laguna Grande in Fajardo and the Mosquito Bay in Vieques tours are on a kayak.
Each tour lasts about two hours, meaning you will paddle and keep your balance for a long time.
You will exercise your core muscles, and when you return after the trip, your arms will feel like The Hulk’s.
If you go to La Parguera, they will allow you to get in the water and activate the bioluminescence while swimming.
But to experience bioluminescence, you must jump in a pitch-black ocean.
4. You will see your loved ones in a different light
Literally, you will see your loved ones in a different light.
If you get the La Parguera tour, you and your companions can get wrapped in the bioluminescence effect when you jump in the water.
The Kayak tours allow you to see your family, friends, or companions under the starry Puerto Rican night sky with the bioluminescence phenomenon underneath the sky.
5. You will Create memories that will last a lifetime
Puerto Rico’s night sky, the ocean breeze, the kayaking, the marine life (you will see fish swimming and activating the bio luminescence as they pass by you), the “oohs” and “aahs” of your significant other, friends, or family members, along with bioluminescence phenomenon itself will create fond memories that will stay with your for years to come.
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If planning a vacation in Puerto Rico, consider visiting a bio luminescence bay.
It is a rare natural phenomenon that you will enjoy. The trip is safe, challenging, fun, and worth your money and time.
For more information about bio bays, please visit Puertorico.com; they have excellent articles.