Laguna Grande is a bioluminescent bay in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
It is one of only a few bioluminescent bays in the world that glows year-round.
I’ve been to Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay and seen the bioluminescence; it’s definitely a must-do activity when visiting Puerto Rico.
In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about Laguna Grande Bio Bay:
– What is bioluminescence?
– What is Laguna Grande (Fajardo) Bioluminescent Bay?
– Where is Laguna Grande Bio Bay located?
– How to get to Laguna Grande from San Juan
– Can you swim in Laguna Grande Bio Bay?
– Which is better: kayaking or a boat tour?
– Can you go to Laguna Grande without a tour?
Bioluminescence is the term used to describe organisms that give off light.
Fireflies and jellyfish are common examples of bioluminescence. It’s common in other sea creatures like squids, fungi and arthropods too.
Bioluminescence is usually blue or greenish. But, some organisms also produce red lights.
Water itself is not bioluminescent. The bioluminescence in water occurs due to a very high concentration of bioluminescent plankton called “Dinoflagellates“. These plankton emit light when the water is moved, giving the appearance of glowing water.
Below is a video showing bioluminescence:
Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay is a bio bay located near the city of Fajardo, on the east coast of Puerto Rico’s main island.
It’s part of the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, and it’s open to visitors all year.
Bioluminescence is a unique phenomenon that attracts tourists from all over the world. There are only a few places globally that have bio bays.
You can read our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays to learn about the three bio bays that are in Puerto Rico.
You can also read our article to learn when the best time is to see the bioluminescence in Puerto Rico.
Below is a video that shows Laguna Grande Bio Bay:
Laguna Grande bio bay is located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
It’s inside the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve and it’s surrounded by a red mangrove forest.
It’s an hour away from San Juan, and 55 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Laguna Grande Bio Bay:
There are multiple ways to get to Laguna Grande from San Juan.
The transport option that you choose will depend on your budget and what you’re looking for.
The easiest way to visit Laguna Grande is by renting a car and driving there.
You can book shuttle service through SJU Shuttle Services and ECS Transportation Group.
You can also use local services like Jayride and Go Puerto Rico Shuttle. Uber is also an option.
The most common way to get from San Juan to Fajardo is by renting a car.
Visitors can’t swim in Laguna Grande, as it is forbidden by the Department of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico.
Instead, you can dip your hands and kayak paddles in the bay to see the glowing effect.
Travelers that want to visit Laguna Grande Bio Bay have two options to do so: kayak or boat tour.
Kayaking is the most common option for visiting the bay. If you’re into water sports, this is the best way to visit Laguna Grande.
You will get to kayak for about 30 minutes through the water channels of a red mangrove forest before reaching the bay.
Once in the bay, you’ll get to see the lagoon glow every time you paddle. You’ll also be closer to the water, so you can agitate it with your hand in to see the bioluminescence.
Boat tours are another way to visit Laguna Grande Bio Bay. This is a good option if you’re traveling with people that are older or can’t do intense physical activity.
The downside to the boat tour is that you’re a bit farther from the water, and you might not be able to reach it if you want to touch it.
You can’t visit Laguna Grande Bio Bay without a tour.
To visit Laguna Grande, you must do a tour with a licensed operator.
The lagoon is not accessible from the main road nor can you see it from the shore in Kayak Village (where most tours depart from).
Laguna bio bay in Fajardo is worth visiting in Puerto Rico. It’s a short ride from San Juan and it offers both kayaking and boat tours to see the bioluminescence.
Laguna Grande is a fun activity to do with kids. Everyone will enjoy kayaking through the mangrove channels and seeing the water glow in the bay.
If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, Laguna Grande Bio Bay is worth your time!
Laguna Grande is the easiest bio bay to visit if you’re staying in San Juan.
I recommend that you book your bio kayak tour with PuertoRico.com Tours as they operate tours in Laguna Grande.
You can read our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays to learn more about the three bio bays that are in Puerto Rico. Laguna Grande is not the only bio bay in Puerto Rico.
You can also read our other article to learn when the best time is to see the bioluminescence in Puerto Rico.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’m an avid traveler and freelance writer from Puerto Rico. I love the outdoors, coffee, hiking, and letters. When I’m not inside typing letters on my laptop, I’m out exploring the hidden treasures that Puerto Rico has to offer!
