Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay)

Puerto Mosquito, Vieques, Puerto Rico

The Basics

Any contact with the water—by the boat, a paddle, or a part of the body—makes the water glow bright neon blue and green. Jump in for a neon-lit swim, cruise over the water in a pontoon boat, or board a kayak to paddle through the bay. Nighttime kayak tours typically allow you to learn about the biology of dinoflagellates and their interaction with the Vieques ecosystem.

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Recent reviews from experiences in Vieques

Great experience

Mayur_G, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Lifetime memory with great view. Its safe to do even after signing the waiver if safety is a concern

Terrific experience

Tom_S, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Our tour guides, Jan and Carlitos, were wonderful. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Our family had a terrific experience paddling around the bay and marveling at the glowing water. We would recommend it!

Bio Bay 2 thumbs up

Susan_R, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Carlitos and Chris were fantastic guides! The Bio Bay definitely lived up to the hype. Try to go when there is no moon.

Must See

Ariana_W, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Just loved this experience. It is a do not miss. Carlitos was great and very knowledgeable. Only one suggestion is since you can't take photos with most cameras. I wish they would have someone take a beautiful photo that they could send to visitors so we may have a memory of the bio that we can share. If you do do that please send me one by text or email.

Magical

Cierra_L, Apr 2023

Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island

It wasn't bright enough to get pictures but it was gorgeous. Our kayak guide new Spanish and English and went back between both. The stars were gorgeous and the kayaking your was magical.

Bucket list item

Christopher_C, Apr 2023

Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island

Excellent experience! The guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The entire process was smooth and well managed. The bio bay itself was spectacular and well worth the cost.

Amazing

Kerin_G, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

The water and the stars! The nice weather. It was a perfect evening and it was so cool to see the water light up when you touched it!

Great tour, great guides

Russell_T, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Really fun trip. The bay was beautiful even with the moon mostly full, since it was below the horizon. The guides were knowledgeable and even did some stargazing with us, pointing out all the visible constellations.

Go on this tour!! You won't regret it!!

Kara_C, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Carlito is the best tour guide ever! He went above and beyond to find the highest concentration of bioluminescent organisms for us to view. Life changing experience

Crazy cool adventure

Josephine_B, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Our tour was so cool! We absolutely loved our guide, Luis. We found a great spot to drift in the middle of the bay and sat there playing with the water and learning everything we could about the dinoflagellates that cause the glow. Our guide was knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the bay and its conservation. Couldn’t recommend it enough

Very unique amazing experience

Tammy_M, May 2023

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Rocket and Carlito made the trip enjoyable, calm and safe. The bio bay isn’t like the filter enhanced pics on the internet but it is amazing to see the water shine and sparkle with bioluminescent light! I would definitely do this trip again if I get the chance to go to Vieques again.

Fantastic!

Margarita_C, Mar 2023

Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island

The ride to the cayak location, the tour guide taking us out and the beautiful ride to see the bioluminescent beauty

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Things to Know Before You Go

Nighttime tours require a stay overnight on Vieques Island; the tour company can typically provide recommendations for hotels or guest houses.
Be sure to apply bug repellent, as Mosquito Bay lives up to its name.
Mosquito Bay is the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is permitted.

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How to Get There

Mosquito Bay is located on the southern shore of Vieques, which can be reached by ferry from Fajardo on the main island of Puerto Rico. Reaching the bay is an adventure in itself that requires a 10-minute drive down a very bumpy and rutted 4WD track. Tours typically provide transportation to the bay from the town of Esperanza on Vieques Island.

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When to Get There

The dinoflagellates in Bioluminescent Bay are active year-round but are best seen during the new moon, when the sky is darkest and the water glows brighter by comparison. Tours typically do not operate the day before, during, and after the full moon, when the organisms are difficult to see.

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Must-See Vieques Attractions

Isla Vieques was under the control of the US Navy for 60 years and thus remains largely undeveloped. The small island is home to unspoiled rain forest dotted with pristine beaches and archaeological sites including the Hombre de Puerto Ferro, where skeletal remains up to 4,000 years old were discovered. Along with the famous bio bay, Vieques is host to some excellent snorkeling, especially at Blue Beach (Bahía de la Chiva).

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Sun Bay Beach

Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay)

The Basics

Recent reviews from experiences in Vieques

Things to Know Before You Go

How to Get There

When to Get There

Must-See Vieques Attractions

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