Vieques is an island in Puerto Rico that is home to a bio bay.
This bio bay is called “Mosquito Bay“, and you can experience it by taking a night kayak tour.
I lived in Vieques for 4 years, and I’ve seen the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay many times.
In this article, I will cover the 8 best bioluminescence tours in Mosquito Bay:
Exploring Mosquito Bay in Vieques on a glass-bottom kayak tour is an unforgettable experience.
This tour combines the excitement of kayaking with the experience of viewing the bioluminescent organisms in the water below while you paddle through the bioluminescent waters.
With a glass bottom kayak, you can see the bioluminescence more clearly without disturbing the organisms.
View this post on Instagram
Get ready to be surprised when you are surrounded by the magical glow of the bioluminescent water.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Mosquito Bay’s bio bay in a unique and eco-friendly way.
Experienced guides will provide information about the organisms that create the bioluminescence and will ensure your safety throughout the tour, and give you a backstory about the constellations above.
Check out the video of glass bottom kayaking below:
A glass-bottom kayak tour of Mosquito Bay is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Vieques, you can book with Taino Aqua Adventures.
You will want to understand the logistics of reaching Vieques from the main island of Puerto Rico, so check out our article How To Get To Vieques From San Juan for all the details.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience to paddle through the water with a group of other people and see all the glowing organisms lighting up the bay.
And don’t worry, it will be dark but you’re in good hands with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the area.
You’ll get the chance to learn about the science behind bioluminescence and how important it is to the ecosystem.
The mangroves that surround the bay are one of the reasons why this is the brightest bio bay in the world; the roots of the mangroves protect the organisms, creating a nursery for them that keeps them safe from predators.
Learn more about Mosquito Bay in the video below:
Taking a nighttime kayak tour is one of the most amazing things you can do on Vieques, and you can book with Black Beard Sports.
If you are looking for more ideas, check out our article covering the 30 Best Things To Do On Vieques.
If you prefer not to kayak through the bio bay at night, this tour is ideal for you.
You’ll be taken on an electric boat that will cruise around the brightest spots of the bay, giving you a comfortable view of the bioluminescence.
You can leave your phone and other important items worry-free as this tour ensures they will stay dry.
Please be aware that this tour requires a minimum of four people, including your group, to be booked for it to take place.
Book this tour by contacting Borikua Tours and if you want to experience Vieques and other surrounding islands by catamaran, check out our guide to the 10 Best Catamaran Tours In Puerto Rico.
Island Adventures is a small eco-tour company that offers an educational experience to its guests about the bio bay.
View this post on Instagram
Despite being a common misunderstanding, the primary factor that affects the visibility of bioluminescence is not the moon phase. Instead, it is the moon rise and set times that play the most important role in determining the visibility of the glow.
While many people believe that the phase of the moon is the crucial factor, this is not usually the case.
Understanding this distinction can be crucial for those planning to witness bioluminescence, as it enables them to time their visit more accurately and increase their chances of seeing the stunning natural phenomenon in all its glory.
Read all about it in our article discussing When Is The Best Time To See The Bio Bay?
You can learn more about booking with Island Adventures Bio Bay Tour on their Facebook page.
Vieques is well known for having beautiful, secluded beaches.
If you asked me, I would tell you that beach hopping, snorkeling, and bio bay are the top things to do on the island.
Wai Vie Bio Bay Tours offers different tour options where you can visit beaches during the day and explore the bio bay at night.
Check out options on Wai Vie or dive in to our guide to the 17 Best Beaches On Vieques, including the famous Black Sand Beach.
Melaya’s Tours recommends bringing a bathing suit, towel and water shoes and sandals that can get wet.
View this post on Instagram
These kayak tours are suitable for individuals under 250 lbs.
This tour meets on the boardwalk in Esperanza, providing an easy to access option if you are staying on the south side of the island.
Check out Malayas Tours, and to make sure you get the most out of your stay on Vieques, read our guide on Where To Stay In Vieques – 12 Best Places And Areas.
Fun Brothers have been on Vieques since the early 2000’s.
In addition to their bio bay tours, they also offer scooter rentals if you are looking to take an excursion around the island.
Vieques is well known for having tons of free roaming horses, which could make for a great adventure as well.
Book a bio bay tour with Fun Brothers or learn more about the different tour options outside of the bay (like horseback riding!) in our article featuring the 13 Best Tours In Vieques.
You can rest assured knowing that all tour operators from Bieque Eco Trips have gone through safety training procedures before they take you into the water at night on your kayak to witness the beauty of the bio bay.
Before your trip to the bay, your guide will explain to you exactly what you need to do to remain safe while your tour is underway.
Vieques is known for being a very safe place to visit and so is the bio bay.
Book your tour with Bieke Eco Trips or for more detailed information, check out our article Is Vieques Safe For Tourists?
Yes. The government regulates the tour companies that operate in the bay to help conserve this natural phenomenon. There is no access to the bay without a guided tour. From San Juan, you will need to drive about one and a half hours to Ceiba, where you can take a ferry to Vieques. Once you arrive on Vieques, you will take a public bus or taxi to the town of Esperanza, which is where most of the bio bay tour companies meet with their guests for the tour.Do you need a tour for Mosquito Bay?
How do you get to Mosquito Bay?
Mosquito Bay is a unique experience, but it’s very hard to get to.
I recommend that you go to Laguna Grande Bio Bay in Fajardo instead, since it’s located only an hour from San Juan.
If you want to learn more about Puerto Rico’s Bio Bays, then check out my article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know.
Additionally, if you want to learn when the best time is to visit a bio bay in Puerto Rico, then check out my other article When Is The Best Time To See Bioluminescence In Puerto Rico.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. After living in Puerto Rico for seven years, I opened a guesthouse in Rincón and welcomed over 400 guests to the island from around the world. When I’m not writing about travel or spending time with my dog, I’m working towards becoming a pilot with dreams of flying around the islands.
About the author
