Reviews

An adventure Our family (two kids7 and 8)enjoyed this adventure very much.

We started off at about 615 in the dark. Once we reached the mangrove canal it was pitch dark. It was easy to paddle right into the tree branches as... read moreOur family (two kids7 and 8)enjoyed this adventure very much.

We started off at about 615 in the dark. Once we reached the mangrove canal it was pitch dark. It was easy to paddle right into the tree branches as you can not see anything unless the hide flashes his light.

Once we got to the lagoon we were told to put a tarp over our heads to see the glow of the organism. We could not have stayed for more than 15 minutes. It would have been nice if they did not rush us back. The tour company has another late night tour which they have to get back for.

The glow is not like what I had imagined. It was more along sparks from static electricity. Other reviewers wrote that it was amazing. I did not feel it was very spectacular but it might just be the night we were there.

What was spectacular was the experience of kayaking at night through the mangrove canals.

I wouldn't say the guides were informative or went out of their way to make you feel comfortable. They were just their to lead the way.

Overall enjoyable. read less

Unique and Unforgettable Our guides Diego, Daniel, Kenny, and Thalia were great. We went two days after a new moon, so we could definitely see the bioluminescence even without the tarp, but being under the tarp made it even brighter, of course. I... read moreOur guides Diego, Daniel, Kenny, and Thalia were great. We went two days after a new moon, so we could definitely see the bioluminescence even without the tarp, but being under the tarp made it even brighter, of course. I know that the majority of people go there for the bioluminescence, but the nighttime kayak through the mangroves was a unique experience as well. Highly recommend! They give you mosquito repellent, but just in case, bring some; mangroves as full of mosquitoes. Since you have to walk in the water to get to and from the kayak, I recommend bringing a change of clothes to change after the tour. They have showers and bathrooms available that were very useful to prepare for the hourlong trip back to San Juan. read less

Awesome! Awesome adventure. It was fun.
Easy paddle and just enough distance/time to enjoy biobay.
The guides were very knowledgeable in answering our questions.
Do not pass this unique experience.

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!

Fabulous Experience!! We booked a tour with Island Kayaking Adventure. It was smooth checking in, very organized and on point. They even had plenty of bug spray for us to use and they store your stuff for free. They were on... read moreWe booked a tour with Island Kayaking Adventure. It was smooth checking in, very organized and on point. They even had plenty of bug spray for us to use and they store your stuff for free. They were on time, funny, very knowledgeable and safe. We never felt pressured to keep up and they were always nearby to help if we got stuck, which my son and I often did. Lol At the end of the trip they had snacks and we had full use of the facilities bathrooms and showers. This was mine and my sons first experience and we had soo much fun!! I was very thankful for the guides Daniel and Diego! My son and I kept getting stuck in the sand and the trees and they were great about towing us along and then encouraging us to try again on our own! They always stayed nearby and were helpful in telling us which way to paddle. The hardest part for me was remembering that if I wanted to go right, I needed to paddle left and vise versa. They Gave us plenty of time to enjoy the bioluminescent organisms in the water!! I had never seen the water glow like that! We would definitely do this again with them and would recommend them to everybody. read less

Very Interesting Kayak Trip at Night! We headed out to Las Croabas to meet up with Island Kayaking Adventures about 8:30 pm. We were told it would be a good night for this bio-bay kayak trip because the moon was new and not bright at all... read moreWe headed out to Las Croabas to meet up with Island Kayaking Adventures about 8:30 pm. We were told it would be a good night for this bio-bay kayak trip because the moon was new and not bright at all (you don't want a full or bright moon). After a quick talk from our guides, we were in our tandem kayaks (2 man) and out on the water. The group of us headed for a narrow channel of water covered by mangrove trees. It's quite dark out and in the channel it's pretty much complete darkness. My husband and I are experienced kayakers and good communicators with each other so we found it easier to work together, kayaking in the channel. Many in our group are not and this made it tricky when they don't stay in line or crash into you. You need to have a little patience and you finally make it into the bay where the water does illuminate with small micro organisms. Very cool! The guides take pictures of you, which is a nice keepsake ( go to their Facebook page and down load your pic). You then head back into the dark channel and back to shore. My husband and I loved it. The prices are great too. Take the adventure. read less

It's unique! Bioluminescent kayak tour! This is a lot of fun and an experience you'll never forget. Nothing else is like it. Wear insect repellent. Make reservations ahead of time if at all possible. It's educational and adventurous! Don't leave... read moreThis is a lot of fun and an experience you'll never forget. Nothing else is like it. Wear insect repellent. Make reservations ahead of time if at all possible. It's educational and adventurous! Don't leave Puerto Rico without it! read less

Great experience, but highly commercialized I’ve seen a lot of highly critical reviews of the tour with relevant points, so I wanted to provide a review based on what I had seen before. The kayaking experience was lovely and my partner listed it as his... read moreI’ve seen a lot of highly critical reviews of the tour with relevant points, so I wanted to provide a review based on what I had seen before. The kayaking experience was lovely and my partner listed it as his favorite part of our time in Puerto Rico. I really enjoyed the experience, but there were some things that I wish I knew going into the experience as far as managing expectations (These comments likely hold for any of the tours in Fajardo/ Laguna Grande, I just took the Island Kayaking Adventure tour.)

(1) First and foremost, the bioluminescence is pretty weak relative to past experiences I’ve had. Is it still magical? Absolutely. That said, it’s unlikely that you’ll see animals glowing under your kayak and you have to look pretty carefully to see the glow of the water as you paddle.

(2) Perhaps a little more frustrating for me, it felt as though our time actually in laguna grande was short and rushed relative to the length of the whole experience. It’s over a km kayak through the mangroves in the dark to get to laguna grande. If nighttime kayaking is your thing (as it was for my partner and I) then it was still a really enjoyable experience. However, if you are expecting 30 minutes or more with bioluminescence you are going to be disappointed. In our tour, it even seemed based on what I overheard the tour guides were saying to one another about the timing that they cut our experience in laguna grande short for timing purposes because it took our group too long to kayak to the bay.

(3) Relatedly, the entire experience was VERY commercialized. Large groups, many tour companies, and different tour groups running into one another. It created log jams as we kayaked into the bay that weren’t helped by countless folks with zero clue how to kayak.

(4) They had bug spray (the nice Off Clean Feel Kind 😊) so don’t worry about picking up your own prior to the tour (that said, there are enterprising local shops that do sell it for an upcharge if this turns out to be incorrect for your particular tour).

I mention all of these to help manage expectations. I genuinely still enjoyed my experience, and the tour group certainly did a great job and provided nice directions on where to park/go for the tour, but if you do have the time and ability I may try going to Vieques or somewhere just a tad less touristy. read less

Frustrating Experience but Bio Bay was Worth Seeing Above all else - take the EARLIER tour!!

The bio bay is amazing. It's as if it could be something out of a movie. The sun was setting as we went into the mangrove channel, which is very narrow, and... read moreAbove all else - take the EARLIER tour!!

The bio bay is amazing. It's as if it could be something out of a movie. The sun was setting as we went into the mangrove channel, which is very narrow, and that was hard enough. It was frustrating because there are many people that have never kayaked before and therefore get in the way, hold people up, paddle in the wrong direction, cause chaos as they argue and disagree with each other, etc. It was completely dark on the way back. This was significantly harder not only because there was no light and it was hard to see, but because there were tours trying to go into the channel as we were coming out.

The bio bay was worth seeing, however, I would not do this again. read less

Amazing experience! Must do! We are so glad we chose island kayaking adventure over the others!! The staff are very courteous, the kayaking guides are excellent! First time kayaking but was super easy. It is not long or strenuous either. As compared to other... read moreWe are so glad we chose island kayaking adventure over the others!! The staff are very courteous, the kayaking guides are excellent! First time kayaking but was super easy. It is not long or strenuous either. As compared to other tour groups at the bay, the tour wasn’t crowded at all. Ended up being like a private excursion!! The guide spotted many giant iguanas in the mangrove forest, explained the bioluminescent creatures and let us explore!! Was beautiful! They also give you bug spray at the beginning and had plenty of sanitizer, soap and water to clean up after. Also had snacks and water at the end of the tour. Would highly recommend!! This is only tour company that accommodates 3 people (2 adults and a child). My 7 year old had a blast! read less

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

Great experience! My wife took me here for my birthday, and I had a great time! We had been kayaking before as had most of the tour group, so it was pretty smooth getting out there. There are some low branches and... read moreMy wife took me here for my birthday, and I had a great time! We had been kayaking before as had most of the tour group, so it was pretty smooth getting out there. There are some low branches and things that are in the way, but the guides knew where they were and made it really clear to us so that everyone was able to avoid them without a problem. The one thing that I did not like was using bright white flashlights to show us things. It made them easy to see, but also kept my eyes from being able to fully adjust to the dark which made navigation in the narrow places a little more challenging.Going during a new moon would be ideal, but we were able to see a lot while we were there, too. The bioluminescent bay was really cool and we were able to see it a little without the tarp, but the tarp definitely amplified the effect. read less

Great tour. Informative and fun! Tour guide Diego was the best! He helped my 12yr old daughter and I and was so patient and kind. Our experience would not have been the same without him!

Minnesota Outstanding service. As we were running late, there called me and provided detailed directions on how to get there. On land and in the water we were led by Kenny and the rest of the professional crew. They asked... read moreOutstanding service. As we were running late, there called me and provided detailed directions on how to get there. On land and in the water we were led by Kenny and the rest of the professional crew. They asked that we be respectful of this unique place they call their office. A quiet paddling experience through the mangroves culminating in an education in the “lights” below and way above the water. We also had fun along the way making for a great experience. 28 March 2022, 6:45PM. “Minnesota” read less

Awesome time loved it Amazing fun and had funny host helping us for the trip . They all were amazing made the vibes great definitely don’t regret one bit 🙌🏼We had Kenny and his crew forgot all the names but highly recommended

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

Great Adventure Package! A van picked us up from the hotel and drove us to Fajardo. We were supposed to start at 8pm but the previous batch was delayed. We did not start until about 9:30pm. It was better anyway since it was... read moreA van picked us up from the hotel and drove us to Fajardo. We were supposed to start at 8pm but the previous batch was delayed. We did not start until about 9:30pm. It was better anyway since it was really dark.

While waiting, we had the best chicken and and fresh fish skewers. We ordered more for to-go!

The kayaking tour was a bit chaotic since it was really dark and hard to hear instructions. But it was really fun. There are also other concurrent tours and navigating through narrow routes was quite challenging! But again, i had so much fun!

If crowd is not your scene, find a more private package. read less

The paddle out and back might be the best part, in a good way! While the glow is the main draw, our group really enjoyed the paddle out and back in the dark. It was so cool and kinda spooky but in the best way to paddle though the mangrove-y waterway out to... read moreWhile the glow is the main draw, our group really enjoyed the paddle out and back in the dark. It was so cool and kinda spooky but in the best way to paddle though the mangrove-y waterway out to the site. Each kayak has a little glowing light on it and watching them drift over the water in front of you while you paddle was really relaxing. The staff is super cool. Really helpful and chill. Definitely enjoyed. Oh, and it was the first time in a kayak for several of us and very easy to do. 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

Grandioso! Fue mi primera experiencia en kayak y fue excelente, nos encantó. El equipo fue grandioso, especialmente Diego que nos remolco en el camino y nos contestó preguntas.

La laguna y el paseo por los mangles fue increíble. Pudimos ver el... read moreFue mi primera experiencia en kayak y fue excelente, nos encantó. El equipo fue grandioso, especialmente Diego que nos remolco en el camino y nos contestó preguntas.

La laguna y el paseo por los mangles fue increíble. Pudimos ver el efecto bioluminicente, aunque entiendo que antes era más impactante. Aún así fue grandioso.

Me encantaría volver a hacer la excursión a una hora más temprana, y poder apreciar el recorrido más. read less

Great company and unique experience Everyone that helped us check in and take us on the tour was helpful and accommodating. The bioluminescence was pretty good when we went. It was a very unique experience and I’m glad we did it.

Great for team building We had the privilege of taking 12 teenagers and young adults kayaking along with Nestor and his fabulous crew this past week. Everyone has been talking about it with awe and excitement since! There were a few who had never... read moreWe had the privilege of taking 12 teenagers and young adults kayaking along with Nestor and his fabulous crew this past week. Everyone has been talking about it with awe and excitement since! There were a few who had never kayaked before, and they were shown extra care and attention and were so proud they concurred fears and had the opportunity to experience overcoming fears with someone by their side. The bioluminescent bay was exciting to see and looked like glitter and sparks in the water. It was interesting to hear about the impact of hurricane Maria and the effects on the bioluminescent bay plankton.

For those looking for details: yes you get wet from waist down. Bring a towel and change of clothes. If you go at sunset, bring bug spray - we used bug spray and no one came away with bites. Yes, it can be tiring paddling back, but you will be proud of what you can accomplish. Nestor and his crew will take good care of you! read less

Glowing Bay Adventure The experience advertises 2 hours but they ask you to arrive 30 minutes in advance to check in then spend another 30 giving an orientation on the use of a kayak later followed by getting on the kayaks and sending... read moreThe experience advertises 2 hours but they ask you to arrive 30 minutes in advance to check in then spend another 30 giving an orientation on the use of a kayak later followed by getting on the kayaks and sending us off. Each way is about 30ish minutes through the mangrove forest and some people don’t know how to use a kayak which makes it funny. The bio part of the tour is not rushed I would say like other reviews mentioned but it’s definitely short sweet and to the point. read less

Very professional! We had been very excited to go on the glowing bay adventure excursion and then had a problem and couldn't get there. Island kayaking adventures treated us very fairly and professionally. We will definitely book with them the next time... read moreWe had been very excited to go on the glowing bay adventure excursion and then had a problem and couldn't get there. Island kayaking adventures treated us very fairly and professionally. We will definitely book with them the next time we are in Puerto Rico! read less

Bio Bay Kayaking We did this tour last minute and went on the first of two daily tours. It was still daylight when we set out into the mangroves and waited for dark to arrive in the lagoon. Peaceful settings. Several guides accompany... read moreWe did this tour last minute and went on the first of two daily tours. It was still daylight when we set out into the mangroves and waited for dark to arrive in the lagoon. Peaceful settings. Several guides accompany each group. Staff was very friendly and informative.
The visual bioluminescent effect is stunning. You just want to keep putting your hands in the water to see the effect over and over again.
Paddling back was a little bit more of a challenge. It is pitch black and your paddles will inadvertently pick up sea weed and drop it on you, making you believe it is something else entirely. But not to worry, it is very safe. The guides all have flash lights and will shine a light on whatever raises a concern.
The only derogatory point I can make is not against this outfit, but rather against another provider that offers the tour on a powered boat. Having to make room for these glass bottom boats was a pain. Besides, nothing beats a hand on experience. read less

Unique Experience Our life jackets securely on, we waded into the water to get into our two person kayak. The guide held the kayak for us.

Hint: wear water shoes and swim suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet. Use mosquito... read moreOur life jackets securely on, we waded into the water to get into our two person kayak. The guide held the kayak for us.

Hint: wear water shoes and swim suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet. Use mosquito spray.

As the group of about twenty (two person kayaks) got together in the bay, our guide gave us instructions about the path and lights again. Same instructions he gave on land. He gave a quick practice for how to stop, back up, and call what he yells back to others. He told us to watch for outgoing traffic in the narrow mangrove canal that would take us to the open biosphere bay.

We all lined up. Immediately, some had difficulty and we by-passed them. Into the canal we paddled. It grew darker as we progressed. Commands were called. Some were passed back, others we found out about when we sensed or saw the red light of the kayak in front of us stop. We never actually hit.

Finally after about 45 minutes, we were in the open bay. There we regrouped and waited for our guide's instruction.

It was kind of dark in the bay but not as dark as the canal had been. We had seen some glow worms while in the canal. Now, the guide told us we would create our darkness by using a tarp. A tarp was shared over the kayaks as we drew our hands in the waters to see the sparkles--beautiful.

When all had a turn and our second free photo was taken, we lined up again to re-enter the canal.

As we entered, we could barely see. It was pitch black now. And, there was incoming traffic--lots of traffic--including a motorized tour boat. Keeping to the right was essential. It was challenging as we were going against the tide into the large bay where we entered. It felt quite spooky--a little scary--but exciting. At least we knew the length of the canal now.

Upon exiting the canal, our kayak began to rock a bit but we maintained control. The large bay had been calm when we had entered. Now, the bay was choppy and flowing briskly.

We paddled as fast as we could in the darkness across anchor lines to the boat slip--our exit point. We felt exhausted but pleased to have experienced this unique adventure. 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

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

Super cool experience Great assistance of the staff. We had a very fun and cool experience. My husband and I wore swimming clothes and went to the tour at 6:30pm. The place is easy to find using google maps and has a parking... read moreGreat assistance of the staff. We had a very fun and cool experience. My husband and I wore swimming clothes and went to the tour at 6:30pm. The place is easy to find using google maps and has a parking lot. We brought towels and clothes to change after kayaking. It is not super intense exercise but you get a little bit tired. We saw some parents with kids around 7 y.o. It is very unique view and you won't be able to take pictures of the bioluminescent. read less

Good unusual experience I was reading reviews and people complaining about group size. Yes, it was about 16 kayaks in one group and channel to the bay is pretty narrow but it didn't ruin our experience at all. The bay itself is pretty... read moreI was reading reviews and people complaining about group size. Yes, it was about 16 kayaks in one group and channel to the bay is pretty narrow but it didn't ruin our experience at all. The bay itself is pretty big and there is enough space for 5-6 big groups (or even more). Our guide gave us interesting info about the bay and why plankton is glowing. The night was pretty bright, moon was out. But they had а canopy to cover kayaks and we could see luminescence fine. Very unusual and cool. read less