Mosquito (Bioluminescent) Bay Kayaking Adventure

Mosquito Bay in Vieques is famous for its bioluminescence due to the high concentration of dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms that emit a bright, glowing light when disturbed. This natural phenomenon occurs because the dinoflagellates produce light as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. Mosquito Bay stands out as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, thanks to its ideal combination of conditions: warm, nutrient-rich waters, minimal pollution, and limited boat traffic. The bay's unique ecosystem and the large number of dinoflagellates create a mesmerizing glow when you disturb the water, making it one of the most awe-inspiring natural sights on Earth.

Yes, you must stay overnight in Vieques if you plan to see our bioluminescent bay. Vieques is an island separate from the main island of Puerto Rico and you must take a ferry or an airplane to get here.

There is no transportation off of Vieques Island in the evening after bio bay tours.

DRNA (the Department of Natural Resources in Puerto Rico) regulates Mosquito Bay/Bahía Mosquito and does not allow any tour companies to do tours during the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, or the day after the full moon every month. Their reasoning is to give the bio bay a “rest” from human interaction each month during a time when the bioluminescence will often be less visible.

Mosquito Bay (Bahía Mosquito), the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, experienced a darkening of its bioluminescence a few years ago for a period of several months. It’s normal for the bio bay to go through short periods of darkening periodically and it is not predictable but also not common. The secretary of DRNA cited weather conditions to be responsible for the sudden and prolonged darkening at that time. The bioluminescence has returned to its full glory and we have not experienced prolonged darkening again since then.

Raindrops will often illuminate and dance on the water. Abe jokes that he does a rain dance to make it rain because it’s so beautiful in the bio bay when it does! If we determine that weather conditions are extreme or dangerous we will cancel your tour and refund your money.

DRNA (Department of Natural Resources) regulates the bio bay and no longer allows swimming in Bahía Mosquito in order to minimize human contamination from products like mosquito repellent containing DEET and sunscreens which kill the microorganisms that cause the bio bay to glow. Swimming in Bahía Mosquito is strictly prohibited.

DEET (found in major insect repellents like OFF and CUTTER) kills the microorganisms that make the bio bay glow. We are committed to protecting our beautiful natural resources and do not allow guests to use these products during our tours. You can purchase natural DEET-FREE repellents which are very effective against mosquitos.

Mosquito Bay is only open to tour companies with DRNA permits, not individuals, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. midnight. As DRNA regulation prohibits swimming in Mosquito Bay/Bahía Mosquito, individuals wanting to see the bio bay on their own would also have to have a non-motorized vessel to see the bio bay and would need to navigate in dark conditions. It is safest to go with a reputable and insured tour company with a DRNA permit with guides who can safely navigate the bio bay and explain the biology of the fragile ecosystem there for you.

You will be sitting in a kayak with your legs straight or slightly bent in front of you for at least one hour during a bio bay tour. If you believe this will be a difficult position for you to be in, you may want to consider not doing a bio bay tour by kayak.

Yes. We can take infants and young children on our bio bay tours. We have infant and child life vests available. Small children and infants will be seated in a parent’s lap in the kayak.

No, pets are not allowed on any of our tours.

It is very difficult to capture the bioluminescence on film without very specialized professional equipment. We don’t recommend bringing cameras that are not waterproof or are very valuable as someone may splash water on your camera or you may drop it into the bio bay. Since the photos of the bio bay don’t usually turn out, we recommend just coming and enjoying your experience. You will always have memories of the glow!

This is a beginner friendly kayaking spot! The lagoon and mangrove tunnels are very calm and a great place to try kayaking for the first time.

If you are looking for more information on beginner kayaking, check out TripOutside’s blog post on Kayaking for Beginners!

The bioluminescent intensity depends on weather conditions such as rain, tide, moon phase, sunlight and many other natural factors out of our control. Ideally, the best time to visit is around the new moon and during the dry months, December to March with a midsummer dry season June to July.

Check out our blog describing bioluminescence more in depth at Bioluminescence Kayaking!