Reviews

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

amazing experience The night kayaking tour on the Laguna Grande is just amazing!
I travel a lot and this was one of the most special things I`ve done. The Island Kayaking Adventure company was very professional and all the staff was great. Special... read moreThe night kayaking tour on the Laguna Grande is just amazing!
I travel a lot and this was one of the most special things I`ve done. The Island Kayaking Adventure company was very professional and all the staff was great. Special thanks to our guide Miguel who made all the difference. He was very nice, knowledgeable and patient with the people who weren`t very experienced with kayaking. 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

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

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.

¡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

Worth the trip, but regular kayakers will be frustrated! The bio bay itself is beautiful and certainly worth the dark and somewhat spooky trip to the lagoon. We took the later night tour on a sliver moon night, so it was definitely dark. There are a large... read moreThe bio bay itself is beautiful and certainly worth the dark and somewhat spooky trip to the lagoon. We took the later night tour on a sliver moon night, so it was definitely dark. There are a large number of kayaking outfitters for this trip, and it feels crowded as you go in. The frustrating part is the fact that many had no clue how to paddle or steer in a kayak and those rookies made it very frustrating as they rushed, bumped and hollered at each other while trying to navigate through the mangroves. The large lagoon and bioluminescent waters were gorgeous but I echo that we weren't in that area long enough. I would recommend that these companies split up the newcomers from those with some kayaking experience. And everyone should note that coming out of the bay is more work than going in, so if you're not fit for paddling, you may want to reconsider! Our 11- and 14-year old daughters enjoyed this very much, and we saw younger kids doing just fine and being wowed by the glowing water. Island Kayak Adventures did a good job taking our reservation, sending directions, welcoming us, explaining the tour, and helping those in need. read less

Well worth it! Very friendly staff that shared a lot of knowledge about the area. Was a great experience and would definitely recommend!

Amazing experience The guides were clear and always on top of everything. The Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay tour lasted a long time but I only wished we had stayed in the bay more since we had very little time to play around in it.

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!

Bio bay was incredible Very busy location but all companies are there for the bio bay tours. The kayaking was not easy, but well worth getting to the bay to see it

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

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

Great Experience They let us do kayaking next day. Great staff, patiently guided us to lagoon.
Wish they could have taken few more pics, but still thanks to them.

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

Kayaking in Puerto Rico Kayaking at night was an adventure. I wanted to do it but if I had known about how we had to kayak at night and how hard it is; since I have never, never kayaked before I would had gone... read moreKayaking at night was an adventure. I wanted to do it but if I had known about how we had to kayak at night and how hard it is; since I have never, never kayaked before I would had gone with the motor boat ride.The group that lead the tour were always right there if we needed help, which we did need help many, many times. Although it took work to get to and from the lagoon we had a great time, we still laugh about our adventure. This family vacation was the best I have ever had our group included four adults. read less

Fun experience We booked this through our hotel, The Verdanza. It was through Castillo tours but I think they sent us out to this place. We were picked up by Hector and taken to Fajardo. It was about an... read moreWe booked this through our hotel, The Verdanza. It was through Castillo tours but I think they sent us out to this place. We were picked up by Hector and taken to Fajardo. It was about an hour drive. We arrived and paid our fees and were suited up and in line for the kayaks. It was all very organized. The guides were helpful if you needed them. I was happy that they let my family of three have a single kayak so we could all ride together. Going to the bay was challenging for the less experiences kayakers. We definitely had to watch out for others as they went all different directions. We all made it through the mangrove tunnel and into the bay safely. We were then lined up and able to stick our hands into the water. The glow is fascinating. We then were instructed it was time to head back. This part is challenging! You pretty much have to follow the glow sticks attached to the kayak in front of you. It was a little scary because it was pitch black and hard to see if you were about to run into the mangroves but isn't that part of the adventure? I am inexperienced with a kayak and I was worried about falling into the water. No one fell in at all and I definitely recommend giving this one a try. It is a memory you will never forget. They also supply you with a picture on their facebook page for free. 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

BioBay Kayaking in Fajardo Second time we've done this tour. They are very good & well organized, despite the bit of chaos that these days goes on in Las Croabas with different companies offering the tours. Just find their Kayak truck and their tent,... read moreSecond time we've done this tour. They are very good & well organized, despite the bit of chaos that these days goes on in Las Croabas with different companies offering the tours. Just find their Kayak truck and their tent, check in, get with your tour group and get ready for an amazing experience! They are bilingual, explain safety rules, what & how to expect the tour to go down. Simple enough for beginner kayakers and it is mandatory to wear a life jacket, which they provide. Stick to your group & follow your leader kinda deal, as there are other tours on the water coming and going at the same time. Most tours now have blinking kayak lights and your tour group lights will be same color. Pick a dark night, no moon preferably, for better experience. The bio luminescence can be seen way before you make it out to the lagoon while you are paddling through the mangroves. Watch your head!! And of course other kayakers. Stay to the right. It's not deep around the mangroves, but I wouldn't want to fall in the water in the dark. Once out in the lagoon, they brief you on these organisms. Pretty cool lil boogers!!!. Our first time around 10 years ago, they would let you jump in the water while out in the lagoon (there it's deep) and you could swim and glow while doing so. Super cool stuff. Although that in itself was once in a lifetime, now they are trying to protect the organisms from body products, chemicals, etc, so you can not do so. Regardless, totally worth it to go out and experience. Bring water shoes, and yes, at least your butt will get wet in the kayak, so maybe a change of clothes. They have started taking your pictures for sale after the tour and will also post from your tour, featuring YOU, on their facebook page. You may bring your camera, preferably waterproof, but chances are you will not capture any of the "glow". It's camera shy!! Food and bars are within walking distance from where they launch for before of after tour. Some local vendors are out there as well. Leave valuables in your car, out of sight, and lock your vehicle. Friday & Saturdays can get pretty crazy busy with traffic and parking. Parking is free. read less

Pleasantly surprised I'm not a water fan but enjoyed seeing this. The tour guides were helpful and patient. If you are going to take this tour it would be helpful if at least one person in the boat has some kayaking experience... read moreI'm not a water fan but enjoyed seeing this. The tour guides were helpful and patient. If you are going to take this tour it would be helpful if at least one person in the boat has some kayaking experience to sit in the back. It will be very dark, the canal is small, fish occasionally jump into the boat, it may rain, you will run into trees and there are many kayaks (15-20) in the group, some with people who are clueless and panicking, or think they are in the Olympics. I enjoyed the kayak adventure and the tour guides. The only thing that kept this from being rated higher was the others in our group. A smaller group divided among tour guides would have been more my style. read less

Delightful experience with hilarious guides-the great wet adventure! We traveled as two couples who wanted to see the wondrous bioluminesent organisms as seen in the movie Pi. We were thoroughly prepared by the booking agent Hanna so we knew it was going to be an adventure! ... read moreWe traveled as two couples who wanted to see the wondrous bioluminesent organisms as seen in the movie Pi. We were thoroughly prepared by the booking agent Hanna so we knew it was going to be an adventure! About 24 guests were in our group; all boats were two person kayaks. We learned the rules of kayaking as a group, were assisted into our boats, and paddled off to the mangrove forest on our way to the Lagoon of bioluminescence. Screeching pterodactyl like birds flew around us and fish jumped about in the waters, sometimes making it into your kayak! I felt as if I was in the amazon! After many curving turns, we made it into the large moonlit Lagoon hoping for a glimpse of the elusive organisms. We viewed them surrounding the boat as well as when we splashed our hands in the water. It was awesome and surreal. The guides were always joking with us or offering up information on the environment. It was a trip I'll never forget. It was full of fun, never a dull moment! 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

Island Kayaking Adventure Excellent time. Miguel was our group leader. He was straight forward and funny. Very personable. Please bring a change of clothes as you will get wet. I recommend that you give yourself some time to get to the meeting point.... read moreExcellent time. Miguel was our group leader. He was straight forward and funny. Very personable. Please bring a change of clothes as you will get wet. I recommend that you give yourself some time to get to the meeting point. Especially if your going on the weekend. The beach where you will meet was very crowded and hard to find parking. As for storing any valuables, I recommend handing them over to the tour guides; they will lock it in the van and a company representative will stay with the van. read less

Excelente Experiencia De las mejores experiencias que he tenido en Puerto Rico. El equipo de trabajo muy amable y te explican aspectos científicos referentes a los organismos bioluminiscentes. Los recomiendo al 100%.

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

Bioluminescent kayak tour AWESOME!!!! What else is there to say.The guides where excellant. The weather was a bit windy , but once in the canal, it was peaceful. If you are scared of the dark, this may not be the... read moreAWESOME!!!! What else is there to say.The guides where excellant. The weather was a bit windy , but once in the canal, it was peaceful. If you are scared of the dark, this may not be the best attraction for you, as parts of the canal are completely covered and pitch black, which makes it perfect for seeing the plankton luminate. read less

Something you have to do in PR We had a pleasurable experience with this company. There are multiple companies doing the same thing at the same time so it can be overwhelming at times. Our group had 4 guides with 15 kayaks. We went at 6pm, but... read moreWe had a pleasurable experience with this company. There are multiple companies doing the same thing at the same time so it can be overwhelming at times. Our group had 4 guides with 15 kayaks. We went at 6pm, but the best time to go is the 8pm option because the darker the better.
Warning: this isn't a relaxing experience! You have to actively paddle your kayak (it's a double seater) for a solid 45 minutes (one way) in an extremely narrow canal in darkness. Each company's kayak has a colored light at the tail end so you can identify where your groups is. And with so many companies going at the same time, it gets chaotic, especially since you can't see anything. I was disappointed to see that there is a company with boats that go up and down the canal with the kayaks- very dangerous! Once we reached the lagoon, we all floated together holding on to each other's kayaks until it was dark enough to see the lights in the water.
The lights cannot be caught on camera, perhaps video. One of our group members lost his go pro so try not to bring anything! In order for the lights to show, you have to wiggle your hands/foot/paddle in the water. The way back would have been cool if we weren't stuck behind a boat with it's back light on, meaning the lights in the water couldn't be seen. This is something you had to do in Puerto Rico because I'm pretty sure its unique to this island, but I wasn't too impressed.
At the end of the tour, they have snacks and water. They take two pictures, which they post online for free.
You will get very wet so bring a change of clothes. The women's restroom only has 2 stalls (never any toilet paper) so be prepared for a long line. read less

Fun time! Very interesting and unique! Half the fun of kayaking with 20 other boats is watching the couples fight as they try to keep their boats straight in the small canal. That being said, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it.... read moreHalf the fun of kayaking with 20 other boats is watching the couples fight as they try to keep their boats straight in the small canal. That being said, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it. Be sure to book directly with the company to save money. We saw signs on the beaches through a tour company for the same tour we took for $30 more than we paid. If you need a bite to eat beforehand, there is a guy who grills chicken and has rice and beans for $6 a plate right next to the booth where you check in. It was the best food we ate all trip. The pina coladas were excellent too ($4). read less

Kayaking Adventure My husband and I had a great time on this kayaking adventure. Even though it was a full moon so we had to go under a tarp to see the bio luminescent organisms, it was well worth our time and... read moreMy husband and I had a great time on this kayaking adventure. Even though it was a full moon so we had to go under a tarp to see the bio luminescent organisms, it was well worth our time and money! The tour guides were great and friendly! Kayaking through the mangroves to the lagoon was an amazing and beautiful experience. On our way back through the mangroves we were able to see a bit of the bio luminescence with the stroke of our paddle. I would recommend this to all levels of kayaking experience! read less

Fantastic!! Don't miss this opportunity when you are in Puerto Rico. Beautiful, and fun. Guides are knowledgeable and funny. A true lifetime memory!!!