Night Kayak the Bio Bay of Fajardo — Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Tour from San Juan
Paddle into Laguna Grande after dark and watch your strokes ignite the water beneath you. This transport-included night kayaking tour from San Juan pairs guided natural history with the rare thrill of bioluminescence.
The Experience
Before You Go
Choose a new-moon night
Bioluminescence is brightest when the moon is out of the way—book around new moon or early nightfall for best visibility.
Dress for wetness and bugs
Wear quick-drying synthetic clothes or a swimsuit and bring insect repellent—expect to get wet from the waist down and mosquitoes at shore stops.
Protect your camera
Use a waterproof bag or case for phones and cameras; loose items can get wet or lost in sit-on-top kayaks.
Confirm pickup 24 hours ahead
Pickup times vary; contact the operator a day prior to confirm your exact pickup location and time to avoid delays.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the reserve’s boardwalk before the tour for a dryland view of mangrove roots and coastal reef ecology
- •Arrive early in Fajardo to visit the small local seafood kiosks near the marina for fresh frituras before launch
Wildlife
- •Dinoflagellates (bioluminescent plankton)
- •Great egret and mangrove crabs among the roots
Conservation Note
Light pollution and runoff degrade bioluminescence—operators limit artificial light, and guests are asked not to use sunscreen or soaps before launch to protect water quality.
Las Cabezas de San Juan protects cultural and natural resources including a historic coastal lighthouse and centuries of fishing and navigation heritage.
Photographer's Notes
- • Inside a narrow mangrove channel where paddle strokes create concentrated glow
- • From the launch point on shore to capture silhouettes and the first flashes
- • Tucked low in your kayak, pointing the camera at the paddle splash for long-exposure streaks
What to Bring
Waterproof phone case or dry bagEssential
Protects electronics and valuables from splashes and potential submersion.
Headlamp with red filterEssential
Hands-free light for gearing up and walking to launch without ruining night vision or disturbing others.
Insect repellentEssential
Keeps mosquitoes at bay when waiting on shore or during launch and landing.
Quick-dry clothing and towelEssential
Lightweight synthetic layers dry faster after waist-level splashes and make the ride home more comfortable.
Common Questions
Do I need to know how to kayak before the tour?
No—an introductory paddling lesson is included, but you must be comfortable in the water and able to follow basic instructions.
How old do children need to be to join?
Minimum age is six; children must be able to swim and share a two-person sit-on-top kayak with an adult.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
Yes, but only in a waterproof case or dry bag; avoid flash photography which disturbs the bioluminescence and other guests.
What affects the brightness of the bioluminescence?
Moon phase, tide, recent rainfall and boat/light pollution all influence glow intensity—new moon and calm, clear nights are best.
Is transportation included from San Juan?
Yes—round-trip transportation from San Juan-area hotels is included; confirm your pickup location at least 24 hours before the tour.
Will the tour run in the rain?
Tours operate in light rain, but will be canceled for severe weather, U.S. Coast Guard warnings, or unsafe conditions; check cancellation policy for refunds.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to paddle for two hours and enter/exit a sit-on-top kayak; basic swimming ability required.
Ready to Explore Fajardo?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now