Reviews

Highlight of our trip! I've never kayaked before, and was nervous from reading some reviews. It was SO EASY! Took absolutely no strength at all. The water was so calm and smooth, we just coasted along. The pitch dark mangrove was so... read moreI've never kayaked before, and was nervous from reading some reviews. It was SO EASY! Took absolutely no strength at all. The water was so calm and smooth, we just coasted along. The pitch dark mangrove was so peaceful, and you follow each other single file, I told my husband I felt like we were on a Disney ride! Then before you know it, it opens up to a huge lagoon where every stroke of your oar, or swish of your hand in the water lights up beautiful blue glow! Magical! I enjoyed the explanation our guide gave about these bioluminescent plankton. Such a cool experience. Then back to the launch, where there are several open air bars and restaurants. Our driver gave us some time to get food and cocktails before taking us back to our resort. Our guides Gary, Manny, Giovanni, and Christian (the best! Christian was the best! 😉 were all so much fun! Loved them all! read less

Amazing trip kayaking through the mangrove at night My wife and I went hoping to see the bioluminescence bay. Unfortunately the moon was full so to see them we had to go under a tarp our guides provided. We could see them then but the best... read moreMy wife and I went hoping to see the bioluminescence bay. Unfortunately the moon was full so to see them we had to go under a tarp our guides provided. We could see them then but the best part was going back through the mangrove in the dark with the moon coming through the mangroves. Amazing sight! read less

Fun experience! We are a team of 5. And all of us enjoyed it. I read some reviews noting about bug bites, so I wore long jeans and running shoes. I was soaked wet after 15 minutes into the trip had started.... read moreWe are a team of 5. And all of us enjoyed it. I read some reviews noting about bug bites, so I wore long jeans and running shoes. I was soaked wet after 15 minutes into the trip had started. Many people wear swimming suits and no shoes1 Smart!
There was small snack and bottles water provided after the trip. Very considerate! I appreciate it! read less

Super Experiencia Disfrutamos desde el principio hasta el final, el personal es super atento y una experiencia para repetir sin duda alguna.

DARK Night Adventure The Bio-luminescent Kayaking Adventure was a lot of fun. There was work involved with two people per kayak and traveling through the pitch dark Mango groves. As long as the two of you work together as instructed it... read moreThe Bio-luminescent Kayaking Adventure was a lot of fun. There was work involved with two people per kayak and traveling through the pitch dark Mango groves. As long as the two of you work together as instructed it was not that difficult. My friend and I are 64 and 69 years old and we managed just fine. It was fun kayaking (our first time) through the darkness of the trees and challenging to follow the tiny blue light attached to the kayak in front of you. Lots of laughter and "I'm sorry" and you banged into each other and ran into the branches of the trees. When you put your hands into the water, it lights up all around your hand. In the bay, we even saw some falling stars. The guides were all extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very friendly. When we got back to base camp, we were given a light snack and bottled water. read less

You better like your partner! As with many other reviews, this one is split into two parts as well.

In regards to Island Kayaking Adventure and their guides, I was more than satisfied. They had quality equipment, gave us a decent explanation of what to... read moreAs with many other reviews, this one is split into two parts as well.

In regards to Island Kayaking Adventure and their guides, I was more than satisfied. They had quality equipment, gave us a decent explanation of what to expect/the itinerary for the night, spent time educating us about bioluminecense/mangroves, AND took pictures for us. This can be a stressful/scary experience for some and the guides did an excellent job communicating and keeping us safe through a pitch black tunnel full of roots and occasional flying fish.

As for the biolumenecense, it was average at best. I was happy to check it off my list but wasn't as amazed as I thought I would be. We were told that they had recently experienced a "mass die off" of the plankton and that it was currently in the middle stages of repopulating itself (this was in January of 2016). It's also important to be aware of the moon phase and any other light pollution risks as this can change your experience.

Lastly, PICK YOUR PARTNER WISELY! This tour group uses kayaks that seat two; one person steering and one doing the rest of the work. You are doing this in a pitch black tunnel of mangrove trees, with fish jumping in and out of your kayak, all while other groups are passing you. If you are with someone who is faint of heart or doesn't think quick on their feet, you may very well end up in the water. It's shallow enough to stand up but still not an experience I feel many would enjoy. If you're thinking of proposing to your significant other, take them on this tour first and see how they do. :p read less

Bucket List item With a limited number of bio luminescent bays in the world this is a bucket list activity. The staff and equipment were excellent. It is very dark and you really need to know how to kayak at least a... read moreWith a limited number of bio luminescent bays in the world this is a bucket list activity. The staff and equipment were excellent. It is very dark and you really need to know how to kayak at least a "little". I felt sorry for the guides who had to deal with novices who slowed the whole group down. My only complaint is that the whole mangrove and bay is TOO crowded because local authorities have licensed too many tour groups. You have to stay on your toes to stat with your guide and group and not get confused by other kayaks in the channel with our tour groups doing the same thing. Kayaking at night in the mangroves and bay is cool but it is crowded. read less

Really nice trip This was a very well run operation. They gave us custom driving directions from our hotel and the woman that checked us in was very nice and offered to lock up our wallets, etc. so we didn't have to leave... read moreThis was a very well run operation. They gave us custom driving directions from our hotel and the woman that checked us in was very nice and offered to lock up our wallets, etc. so we didn't have to leave them in the car. Our guides were also very nice and informative (I think our lead guide was Miguel, my apologies if I am wrong). There was a young woman in our group who had some trouble kayaking and they gave her extra attention and ended up connecting her kayak to one of the guides to help her out. Since you shouldn't bring a non-waterproof camera, they even take your picture and then post it on their Facebook page so you can download it for free. Once you get to the lagoon, they pull out a big tarp to put over all the kayaks to make it extra dark so you can see the glow better (it's really more like sparkles in the water). Overall, it was a great experience and I'd recommend them. Just don't believe the pictures on their website and brochures. I highly doubt the glow is ever that intense. read less

Beautiful The trip was beautiful. We were lucky to have little moonlight. Even the experience of rowing through the passages to the bio bay was cool. I wish there would have been time in the bio bay to play around but... read moreThe trip was beautiful. We were lucky to have little moonlight. Even the experience of rowing through the passages to the bio bay was cool. I wish there would have been time in the bio bay to play around but it goes pretty quickly then you are back kayaking in the complete dark. It was worth it. read less

Amamos Passeio imperdivel para quem visita Puerto Rico. Muito lindo e mágico.
O passeio é muito bem organizado e o guia explica tudo sobre esse espetaculo da natureza.

Great EXcursions This is a family owned and operated company. They run on island time and we loved every minute of it. We were never rushed or had to cut something short. If we started late we were able... read moreThis is a family owned and operated company. They run on island time and we loved every minute of it. We were never rushed or had to cut something short. If we started late we were able to stay late. The snacks they served between snorkeling the reef and snorkeling with the turtles was homemade and very tasty. We took kayaks out to a reef at Tamarindo Bay and our guides told us about the reef and fish and pointed out interesting animals we might otherwise have missed. They also took pictures of everyone and everything, which they let us download for free. Then we kayaked back to the beach and ate a snack of sandwhiches,drinks , and chips. We then snorkeled out to the turtle side of the bay and saw many turtles eating ,breathing and just being turtles. It is thier nesting season, so you can volunteer to help these animals out if you have time. They train you on what to do. This is an awesome company. read less

Bio bay fajardo Hello, I took the tour yesterday, 09.02.2019 and it was incredible! Perfect experience of seeing the lagoon shining because of the dinoflagellates! in addition, the staff that accompanied us were extremely helpful, both before and during and after the tour.... read moreHello, I took the tour yesterday, 09.02.2019 and it was incredible! Perfect experience of seeing the lagoon shining because of the dinoflagellates! in addition, the staff that accompanied us were extremely helpful, both before and during and after the tour. I rented a car and went with my family, the IKA team emailed me the detailed address to get to the place of the tour. there, they gave us repellent, snack and water! I recommend. read less

Informative, family oriented and just simply a very cool adventure. Cool experience at Fajardo. Las Cabezas de San Juan is a beautiful place and they (Island Kayaking) helped us experienced it further. The guides instructed us and our little girl on the safety and procedures of the tour as well... read moreCool experience at Fajardo. Las Cabezas de San Juan is a beautiful place and they (Island Kayaking) helped us experienced it further. The guides instructed us and our little girl on the safety and procedures of the tour as well as how to better use de kayak and oars – pretty important for the 7-year-old with us. Once the tour started there were four guides with the group (about 16 persons in the group) and they were always close by making sure nobody got stuck in the mangroves ?? ??‍♂️. Once we arrived at the Laguna Grande we could roam the area close by. Then they gathered everybody as the night finally came around to explain how bioluminescence works and to experience it first hand. It was amazing and beautiful!.

We stayed there for about 30 minutes and started to head, which was an adventure in itself. Traveling the channels of mangroves at night it is funny and cool. There are light in the kayaks and the guides have lights on them too but it's pretty dark nevertheless so it was an engaging experience to hear the animals at night, see the starry sky and just be surrounded by nature – and some "light" crashing onto other kayakers.

Soon after that, came the end of the adventure, everybody happy, our girl was very excited about what she learned and experienced. I fully recommend this trip to anyone living in Puerto Rico or visiting. It's a must! read less

Pretty neat experience The photos may seem magnificent and blue, but those photos are photoshopped. Anyway it was a peaceful journey through the lucious mangroves that encompass the path. I recommend to go early in the night because it is a timely trip.... read moreThe photos may seem magnificent and blue, but those photos are photoshopped. Anyway it was a peaceful journey through the lucious mangroves that encompass the path. I recommend to go early in the night because it is a timely trip. Please go, it’s very enjoyable! read less

Family adventure We booked this adventure and was my first time in this place and kayaking a ton night, we had so much fun and we learned about it too. My brother also joined us in this adventure and he loved the... read moreWe booked this adventure and was my first time in this place and kayaking a ton night, we had so much fun and we learned about it too. My brother also joined us in this adventure and he loved the movie out. The tour guides keep us safe during the process and also they give us a little history about the so rounded areas. I recommend. read less

Fun nighttime adventure! Staff did a good job getting all the kayaker through the mangrove tunnel in the pitch black, even with inexperienced kayakers. My wife and two daughters and I had a great time - we went on the later 800... read moreStaff did a good job getting all the kayaker through the mangrove tunnel in the pitch black, even with inexperienced kayakers. My wife and two daughters and I had a great time - we went on the later 800 pm tour, and I'd recommend the earlier 530 tour for inexperienced kayakers or small kids, who can get scared I. The dark. The adventure of kayaking through the mile long mangrove tunnel was as much fun as the bio bay itself, which was pretty cool, but not super spectacular, at least on the night we went. All said though, we had a great time and Island Kayaking Adventures did a very good job and had nice friendly guides. read less

Gran tour! Empresa muy recomendable, nos dieron un gran tour con mucha información, siempre predispuestos a ayudar y muy amables!
Muy recomendable!!!!

Bio Bay We were staying in a hotel close to Fajardo. They recommended this company. We had a fun experience kayaking over to the bio bay. Highly organized group that moved at a speed comfortable for all guests. The kayaks are two... read moreWe were staying in a hotel close to Fajardo. They recommended this company. We had a fun experience kayaking over to the bio bay. Highly organized group that moved at a speed comfortable for all guests. The kayaks are two seaters. The paddle takes about 45 minutes each was and is NOT strenuous. Was a lot of fun.

The company supplies bug spray. I forgot to use. There were a few mosquitos - but not too bad. Would recommend using the spray. Don’t read too much into this comment - just my one error.

While we had a car, the hotel provided us with transportation. Parking at the time we arrived at the harbor may have been a challenge. If you are close, I might suggest a taxi or Uber.

Was a very fun experience and would recommend this company. read less

¡Excelente experiencia! Me encantó la experiencia. Todo muy organizado y el equipo está muy bien preparado. Me sentí segura y en familia en todo momento. Se nota que el equipo da la milla extra y que están siempre bien... read moreMe encantó la experiencia. Todo muy organizado y el equipo está muy bien preparado. Me sentí segura y en familia en todo momento. Se nota que el equipo da la milla extra y que están siempre bien atentos a todos los participantes. read less

First time kayaking We weren't sure about kayaking for the first time -- in the dark--among mangrove trees. We were cautioned that the bio bay was going through a transition and would only sparkle and not glow. We wanted to... read moreWe weren't sure about kayaking for the first time -- in the dark--among mangrove trees. We were cautioned that the bio bay was going through a transition and would only sparkle and not glow. We wanted to experience it anyway - we always enjoy making a wide variety of memories when we travel.
We were given kayaking instructions and safety rules before we left. The guides helped us in and out of the kayak and were patient with us when we got to zig-zagging from inexperience.
We were wet from the waist down and had dressed for it. I still don't even know how I got splashed in the face a couple times. I was glad to see the lights of the shoreline on our return trip.
There were probably 12 kayaks in our group and everyone was kind and had a good time. read less

Excellent experience! My husband and I used this company to go on a tour of the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. We were picked up at our hotel and were driven about 45 minutes to the bay. The driver was very... read moreMy husband and I used this company to go on a tour of the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. We were picked up at our hotel and were driven about 45 minutes to the bay. The driver was very knowledgeable and shared bit of Puerto Rican history with us during the ride. We had 5 kayak guides with us during the trip. At first, I was no a huge fan of kayaking in the pitch dark (through the mangroves) only following the little blue light on the boat ahead of me, but I got used to it. Once we got out to the bay, the guides spread a tarp over our kayaks so it was easier to see the bioluminescent glow. Through out the excursion, our guides were constantly informing us of obstacles in the path and when another tour group was coming in our direction. Yes, we all knocked into each other a few times, but it was not too bad and no one was moving fast. I recommend this company for the tour, but make sure you make reservations in advance to secure your slot! read less

Increíble! Vine a probar esta experiencia en Puerto Rico. Vengo desde Barcelona y fue algo nuevo y enriquecedor para mi.

Los monitores estuvieron muy pendientes de nosotros todo el rato y nos instruyeron en cada momento. El viaje hasta la laguna fue... read moreVine a probar esta experiencia en Puerto Rico. Vengo desde Barcelona y fue algo nuevo y enriquecedor para mi.

Los monitores estuvieron muy pendientes de nosotros todo el rato y nos instruyeron en cada momento. El viaje hasta la laguna fue muy divertido, y una vez allí, nos contaron acerca de la fauna y flora de la zona. Nos hicieron un truco de magia, donde vimos el agua brillar (algo que realmente nunca había visto anteriormente y fue una experiencia mágica...)

La vuelta es contra corriente y a oscuras: Se requiere un poco de fuerza en los brazos, pero los monitores siguen estando muy encima tuyo, sin dejar que te pierdas.

No es para nada peligroso y ellos te van iluminando el camino.

Volvería a repetirlo sin duda! read less

Kayaking en Bio bay Son puntuales un gran servicio y atención. El recorrido es maravilloso. Tienen el cuidado de hacer sentir atendido a todos por igual. El equipo de trabajo es muy bueno y los Kayaks están en muy buen estado. Ofrecen meriendas y... read moreSon puntuales un gran servicio y atención. El recorrido es maravilloso. Tienen el cuidado de hacer sentir atendido a todos por igual. El equipo de trabajo es muy bueno y los Kayaks están en muy buen estado. Ofrecen meriendas y agua al terminar el recorrido. read less

Bioluminecense adventure My husband and I enjoyed this. The guides were knowledgeable and were great about explaining what to expect for the evening. The company does use kayaks that seat two so make sure you are paired with someone you like. Going... read moreMy husband and I enjoyed this. The guides were knowledgeable and were great about explaining what to expect for the evening. The company does use kayaks that seat two so make sure you are paired with someone you like. Going through the mangroves at night in the pitch dark was very interesting and the guides did a great job of keeping us together. The biolumenecense was beautiful but not as spectacular as I thought it would be. The return to shore was made a bit more challenging due to a complete downpour. I am glad we did it but probably would not go again. As an earlier reviewer said make sure to pick your kayak partner well - will definitely impact the quality of your experience. read less

So cool! Myself and my kids (18 & 21) really enjoyed this adventure! Well organized and Gary and his crew did a great job keeping everyone together. The bay was mesmerising!