bioluminescent bay parguera tours

6 Best Bioluminescence Tours In La Parguera Bio Bay, Puerto Rico (2024)

• Bioluminescent Bays
• La Parguera Bio Bay

Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays.

La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay is the only one you are allowed to swim in.

I first visited this bio bay when I was a child, and I have taken these tours at least a dozen times since. 

Below are the 6 best tours in La Parguera:

1. Glass bottom catamaran tour

As the name says, this is a catamaran with a glass bottom.

On this tour, you don’t get to swim in the bioluminescent bay.

When you arrive at the bioluminescent bay, the captain briefly explains the bio bay. Then, t hey collect a bucket of water, and you can agitate the water with your hands to activate the bioluminescent organisms.

After that, they send some crew members to swim under the catamaran. As the crew members agitate their arms and legs, you can see how the water starts to illuminate through the glass bottom.

This tour is excellent and inexpensive, perfect for the elderly and younger family members. 

You can book this tour with the Fondo de Cristal Tour .

2. Bio bay swimming tour

La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay is the only bio bay in Puerto Rico where you are allowed to swim.

Some tours allow you to get in the water and activate the bioluminescence yourself by moving in the water.

The tour operator will take you on a boat to La Parguera’s Bioluminescent Bay.

You will get a brief explanation of what makes the water glow, and then you will swim in the bio bay, spending about an hour in the water.

This tour is physically demanding, but if you can swim, I highly recommend it.

To book a swimming tour in the bay, visit Parguera Eco Tours.

3. Snorkeling and bioluminescent bay tour

They call this tour the best of both worlds.

At 4:00 PM, they take you to snorkel some of the best shallow reefs in Parguera. A PADI professional will accompany you on the trip to ensure your safety.

At 6:00, they will serve you Puerto Rican empanadas and your choice of soda or local beer.  After you have eaten, they will take you on a boat to the bioluminescent bay.

At the bio bay , they will provide you with a mask and a snorkel.

This tour lasts half an hour and allows you to experience bioluminescence with an underwater view.

You can book this tour with Paradise Scuba Snorkeling PR .

4. Nightime bio bay kayak tour

If you like kayaking, this is the tour for you.

On this tour, they take you to the bioluminescent area on one of the company’s vessels, towing the kayaks with their boat. 

The tour operators will provide you with a life vest, a glow stick, and a sound device.

You will be allowed to go in the water and swim in the bioluminescent bay . These tours take two hours from start to finish.

Large families or groups should call in advance for scheduling purposes.

To book this tour, go to the Parguera Water Sports website.

5. Private bioluminescence tour

Do you want to experience La Parguera’s bio bay more intimately?

In that case, this tour is the right one for you.

This tour has a six-passenger maximum. The tour operator will take you to bio bay in a 19-foot boat. You are allowed to swim so you can experience it firsthand.

Tours use a skiff which is a shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with a sharp bow and square stern.

The US Coast Guard regulates all marine vessels, and they have the following regulations: 

The maximum weight the boat can carry is 1,400 pounds. The ladder to get in and out of the boat might not hold more than 250 lbs.

For more information about booking this more intimate tour, contact Alelí Tours .

6. La Parguera bio bay tour from San Juan

Do you want to go to the bio bay from San Juan but don’t want to drive 5 hours round trip?

Then a tour from San Juan to La Parguera is suitable for you.

These tours take care of everything. They will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to La Parguera . Once you arrive, you will get appetizers. 

You will then board a private boat that will take you to see the floating homes and the mangrove keys at La Parguera.

After sunset, they will take you to the bio bay.

You will get bottles of water and local beers on the boat. On the bioluminescent bay, you will be allowed to swim, and as you agitate the water, it will start to glow.

After you have experienced the bio bay, they will take you back to your hotel in San Juan.

For more information, check out Bespoke Lifestyle Management .

FAQ section

Do you need to take a tour to visit la parguera bio bay.

You need to book a tour to Visit La Parguera Bio Bay. A licensed tour will guarantee your safety and enjoyment of the bio bay.

Where can you buy tickets for La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay?

It is better to book the Bio Bay tour in advance. You can buy tickets from the tour operators on their websites. This article provides you with the links. 

Final thoughts

La Parguera is not the best bio bay in Puerto Rico.

To learn about Puerto Rico’s other bio bays, check out our article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know .

Carlos Cubero

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. I’m passionate about Puerto Rican history and culture. I live on the west coast of Puerto Rico, and host an Airbnb for tourists. I also coordinate tours and concierge services for tourists. I authored “Eat Like A Local, Puerto Rico”, and have contributed to blogs and magazines with articles about discovering and enjoying what Puerto Rico has to offer.

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Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays ⎮ La Parguera, Lajas

Location of Departure of Bioluminescent Bay Tours

The only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where you can jump in the water and swim

Save a spot – lajas bioluminescent bay boat tour.

Embarking on a day trip to La Parguera Nature Reserve promises to be one of the most unforgettable day trips in Puerto Rico.  At La Parguera , visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting glow of nature’s bioluminescence, indulge in snorkeling, and swim in the crystal-clear, shallow open waters surrounding the cays.  Every day ends with the breathtaking beauty of a West Coast sunset before embarking on a bioluminescent boat tour. 

Content – La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay Visiting Guide

• Tours to La Parguera Bioluminescent Lagoon
• Brightness of La Parguera
• The Experience at La Parguera

Need to Know Facts

• Itinerary Suggestions
• Best Places to Stay Nearby
• Map of L a Parguera
• Getting to La Parguera

Tours to La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

Tours from lajas - local, tours from san juan, cabo rojo & bioluminescent bay day trip - from san juan, la parguera, ponce & yauco day trip tour - - from san juan, tours from ponce, booking tours tip, reserving a bioluminescent bay tour ahead.

You will pay more per person, but you will also get more.  This tour offers a nice boat ride at sunset; you will get 30 minutes of swimming at the bioluminescent bay, and the group is small.  Floaties are provided, which is really nice for children to enjoy being in the water more comfortably.

Booking at La Parguera when you arrive

You may purchase your boat tour once you get to La Parguera.  You’ll see signs for tours, or feel free to ask; friendly locals are happy to help.  Some tour employees walk around the parking lot offering tours, but no worries, they are not bothersome or pushy.  You may go to the dock as well and buy your tickets.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, book your tickets as soon as you see the kiosks open, which typically open a few hours before dark; that way, you can get in line right away.  We recommend Johnny’s Boats (no advertisement).  If you don’t wish to return to your hotel late, get in line for the earlier boats.  You’ll be in line; they let in a specific number, and the rest must wait until the next trip.  Know that you get about 15 minutes on the water and the whole trip is about a half hour.  The tour below gives you more time on the water.

Staying in San Juan?

If you’re staying in San Juan, and don’t wish to rent a car, there are various tours with great itineraries so you can just relax and enjoy your day.  See tours listed on this guide.

Brightness of La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

We take pride in our guides offering factual and unbiased information, so here is the real bioluminescent experience at La Parguera.

You may find online videos circulating to get views and attention.  Why don’t we have any photos here?  Because it has not been possible to capture and it is really difficult.  Most of the pictures you see online are photoshopped, or were taken at Mosquito Bay in Vieques .   We can tell you from personal experience, for the past years, when we have visited with our family for recreational and investigative purposes for our travel guides, that La Parguera is not blue like the bioluminescent bay in Vieques .  The brightest we’ve ever seen during our visits is faint emerald green; most days, you must jump in to see or experience any bioluminescence; you’ll see tiny white stars on your body and in the water when you move.

La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay Experience

The bioluminescent experience.

Tours at La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay are by boat.  When you arrive at the bioluminescent bay, you will have the opportunity to go into the water and swim.  As you move, the dark water will turn from pitch black to subtle green hues on a good day to a sea of twinkling stars, lift your hands, and you’ll see them run down your arms, there are no other words to describe it but magical . 

For visitors who don’t wish to jump in the water and swim, the captain will fill a bucket with water so you can dip your hands, shake them and see the dinoflagellates light up like stars; if the captain doesn’t do it, feel free to ask.

Explore the Cays of La Parguera Nature Reserve

We encourage you to get to La Parguera by mid-afternoon to enjoy the cays.  Cruise around the nature reserve, or take it all in by swimming and snorkeling. 

Caracoles is a favorite, there’s no land so you’ll be on the water or on the boat the entire time, but the waters are so clear and warm you won’t want to get out of the water anyway.   Families with children will love Caracoles.  The waters are shallow, and it is the perfect spot to learn and do some snorkeling; baby fish love to feed on the roots of the mangrove roots.

Mata La Gata offers picnic tables overlooking the water, and a short boardwalk to admire mangrove trees.  Unlike Caracoles, an enclosed area was created to feel like a swimming pool, also keeping sea grass away.  Mata La Gata is a wonderful place to swim for families with children where they can also snorkel along the roots of the mangroves, where fish love to eat, hide and play.

Take a water taxi or book a private day charter to explore the mangrove cays.  Caracoles and Mata La Gata are the most popular cays.  If you’re staying in San Juan, there are a few tours that include the Caracoles experience with the bioluminescent bay with pick-up so you don’t have to worry about getting a car rental or planning (see below).

The Cultural Experience at La Parguera

For travelers desiring an authentic cultural experience, you’ll visit a local favorite spot for residents across the island, not a touristy spot.  La Parguera is a culinary favorite among locals every weekend, with diverse food offerings from fresh fish caught by local fishermen to traditional Puerto Rican fritters to delicious wings and All-American hamburgers and fries.  On weekends, it goes from quiet and relaxed to vibrant, with live entertainment almost every weekend at the plaza (small square), which becomes a dance floor for locals and visitors who wish to perfect their salsa moves.   If you love Karaoke, join the locals and get ready to have some fun.  Artisan stands showcase crafts, jewelry, and traditional sweet treats that grandmas still make.

A trip to La Parguera is sure to entice you to come back to Puerto Rico to explore more of the laid-back and beautiful west coast.

Pros of Lajas Bioluminescent Bay

• Fantastic attractions in Lajas and nearby so you can enjoy a great day trip.
• You can swim at this bioluminescent bay, making the experience more memorable and magical.
• Lajas Bio Bay is a more intimate experience with no crowds.
• Budget Friendly:  Tours cost less if you drive to Lajas.  You can choose from tour operators once in Lajas, costing $20 – $45 per person.  You may also book this local tour to reserve a spot on a smaller group tour with an English-speaking captain.

Cons of La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

• Brightness – The truth about La Parguera is that in comparison with Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo , it is considered dim.  If you didn’t read “The Bioluminescent Experience” please scroll back up so you have clear expectations when you visit.
• Distance from San Juan / Metro Area – You’ll be on the road for about 2.5 hours.  The drive is through the scenic highway that crosses the central mountains; as you descend from the mountains, you’ll enjoy great views of the coastline.  We think you’ll find the drive worth it if you follow one of the suggested itineraries further below.

Tours - La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

Itinerary suggestions to la parguera, full day at la parguera nature reserve.

Take a water taxi or rent a little boat for the day.  Visit Caracoles, Mata La Gata and Cayo Enrique.  Have dinner at La Parguera and head to the tour at dark.  If you’re at La Parguera on a weekend, stay longer, dance and enjoy the culture. 

Cabo Rojo & La Parguera Day Trip

Los Morrillos Lighthouse , Salt Flats , Natural Bridge and Playa Sucia in nearby Cabo Rojo .  Then head to La Parguera for dinner and bioluminescent bay tour.   This tour offers a great itinerary with transportation from San Juan.

Ponce, Yauco & La Parguera

• Ponce:   Make a stop in the city of Ponce, go to the historic district, visit Museo Castillo Serralles among others; see this Ponce guide for ideas on places to visit.  Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Yauco :  The most colorful hill on the island.  Time needed: 30 – 45 minutes detour if you just drive around.
• Head to La Parguera for the rest of your day.

There’s a tour that offers this itinerary from San Juan.  See following tour. 

La Parguera, Ponce & Yauco Day Trip Tour

Best places to stay near la parguera bioluminescent bay.

• Parguera Plaza Hotel – Adults Only
• Nautilus by La Jamaca Hotels-Downtown La Parguera
• Turtle Bay Inn
• La Chale Parguera

Map - La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

A little history of la parguera & efforts to protect the bio bay.

History of Tourism & Health of La Parguera

Decades ago, the bioluminescent bay was much brighter; locals in the area like to refer to it as “Bahia Fosforescente” (Phosphorescent Bay).  Big boats with glass bottoms used to take visitors on tours without any regard for the health of the bioluminescent bay.  Due to poor protection laws, non-enforcement of the laws, poor planning, and illegal homes on the nature reserve, the bay has progressively lost its brightness.  When the bioluminescence went dark, La Parguera lost most of the local visitors across the island.  The break from many visitors helped the bay heal, increasing the dinoflagellates and brightness.

Current Efforts at La Parguera

Local groups are making great efforts through the courts to protect the mangroves, and to remove the illegal houses on the reserve.  Sadly, gas-powered boats are still being used; it is better than how they were, and local tour operators are more conscious and educated.  Since La Parguera gets the fewest visitors, being farther away from San Juan, you won’t see many boats during your tour, further helping to protect it. 

How You can Help

You can help protect the bioluminescent bay with your visit:

• Although not necessary, if you wish to wear insect repellent, please wear deet-free, all-natural.  Please wear all-natural sunscreen as well.

Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays ⎮ La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

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Top Bioluminescent Bay Tours – Vieques, Fajardo & Lajas

Bioluminescent Bay Tours

The original glassbottom experience! Sail to the bioluminescent bay in La Parguera in the original glassbottom catamaran.

The tour starts by heading out 20 minutes to the original bioluminescent bay on one of our safe and spacious catamarans, on the way you can see some of the beautiful beach houses along the coast while also being able to do some stargazing on clear nights. Once you have arrived at the bay there will be a brief explanation of what causes the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, afterwards you will get to see the dinoflagellates light up around the boat and under the boat through the many glass bottom viewing areas. The tour takes a total of around 45- 50 minutes.

You can only find this experience in the original Bioluminescent Bay of La Parguera. So book the perfect adventure and bring your friends to enjoy a unique experience!

• Trip Type Trip
• Activities No Activities
• Group Size No size limit - No size limit
• Reviews 0 Reviews
• Trip Duration N/A

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Top ways to experience La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay and nearby attractions

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Bio Bay Tour

Quick Details

• Tags Category: Snorkeling Trips
• Map Marker Departure Location: Paradise Scuba & Snorkeling Center | Road 304 KM 3.2, La Parguera

Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours

Clock Start Time: 6:00 PM

Clock Check-in Time: 5:30 PM and Departure time is 6:00 PM

Glass Included Drinks: Bottled water, soda, and beer

At the Bay, you’re able to swim for 30 minutes before you head back to shore.

Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bay Snorkeling Tours

The bioluminescent bay at La Parguera is the only bio-lagoon that allows snorkeling. You can actually put on a mask and enjoy as the dinoflagellates light up around you. Your trip begins on board with a light dinner of fresh empanadillas and soda or beer and an introduction to the natural phenomenon around Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bay. You then head out on one of our comfortable dive boats for a 20-minute trip through the mangrove canals to the actual bay.

• Please Bring your own Towels
• Kids under 5 years old must stay on board under adult supervision

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Bio Bay Parguera & Sunset Snorkel

This snorkeling tour in La Parguera get you the best of both world! First, you’ll snorkel some of the best shallow reefs in Parguera. After, you’ll head out for the second part of your tour: a trip to the famous bioluminescent bay in South Puerto Rico. Includes empanadas and cold drinks.

• Tags Scuba Diving Trips

Discovery Scuba Diving Puerto Rico

This is the perfect Puerto Rico scuba diving adventure for non-certified divers.

Reef Dive La Parguera

For beginner divers who are just getting their fins wet, we offer an off-shore reef dive which has a maximum depth of 50 feet for added safety.

We have trained personnel to provide you with the best recreational and/or educational experience you can have in Parguera.

We offer a variety of tours in which we intend to show you the best spots of La Parguera Natural Reserve and our Bioluminiscent Bay.

Please , feel free to let us know if you require any further information or have any questions about our tours, hours of operation, prices or services.

Copyright © 2023 Parguera Eco Tours & Bio Bay • Parguera Lajas, Puerto Rico • 787-709-2384 Powered and Designed by: www.jfartistagrafico.com

La Parguera Bio Bay Boat Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 8 hours

See Bioluminescence on a La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay Tour

Discover la Parguera, a small fisherman village that has become very popular during the past years, located on the South West part of Puerto Rico.

Enjoy the lush mountain views, the Southern coastal area and appreciate the change of topography as we drive to Lajas.

Once we arrive will stop for an appetizer at one of the local restaurants.

We will then head out on the boat and cruise for about 20 minutes while passing by floating homes and enjoying the views. Initial stop is to visit a cay. Here you will have the opportunity to swim on its pristine waters and watch the sunset (during summer months).

Once dark we will move to another area where you will be able to experience the bioluminescence first hand. Our bilingual guides will explain the fragile ecology of the plants and animals of the bay, give interpretive star lectures, and then park the boat in an area of high bioluminescent concentration, giving visitors the chance to view the millions of glowing creatures. We are going to have time to swim in the BioBay.

Please note:

• The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice.
• Minimum of 4 participants is required in order to operate. There is a probability of cancellation 24-48 hours prior if the minimum is not met.
• All tours leave from San Juan. To account for transportation, guests should allow up to 8.5 hours for the entire experience (2.5 hr driving each way, 1 hour for appetizers, 2 hours tour)

Safety Requirements and Limitations:

• Children must weight 50 lbs or more in order to participate on tour, and must be notified with anticipation in order to assign a car seat. Car seats are complimentary and subject to availability.
• Tour not suitable for persons with mobility issues, using wheelchair, walker or cane as you must climb into the boat from a narrow pier. If you get in the water, you must be able to climb a small boat ladder.

What Is Not Included?

• Gratuity  for your tour guide is not included, but greatly appreciated. * Additional food and beverage costs

Meeting Location:

• Complimentary transportation provided from selected San Juan areas or most convenient meeting point based on your location.
• Exact pickup time will be provided the day prior to the tour.

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SUNSET SWIM AND KAYAK BIOLUMINESCENT BAY

Quick Details

• Tags Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 3 Hours

Enjoy a Sunset Tour of Puerto Rico’s Famous Bioluminescent Bay!

Enjoy a sunset swim at a beautiful cay before you head out to the bio bay. The water at the cays in Parguera is transparent and warm for the perfect sunset swim. Bioluminescent kayaking Puerto Rico offers the magical experience of nature’s light show, millions of tiny microscopic plankton sparkle in the water as you paddle through the bay. Join us for a sunset swim and a bioluminescent bay kayak tour in Puerto Rico, and discover one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. You’ll never forget this night of adventure and beauty.

Parguera Water Sports has developed this new service in order to keep families together while complying with physical distancing norms. This charter is managed solely by the captain. No additional crew on board.

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Enjoy a day on Cayo Enrique Island! We provide everything you need for a fun day at the beach, including kayak, and snorkeling gear.

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• Bio Bay Tour

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Description

Bioluminescent bay tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience in Puerto Rico. The island has three such bays, with the one closest to Rincon being off the coast of La Parguera, plus a secret lagoon in Cabo Rojo on the west coast. Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the most convenient bay to visit if you’re staying in San Juan. These bays are home to tiny micro-organisms called Dinoflagellates that produce a chemical spark of light when disturbed in the water. The luminescent effect creates stunning green and white sparkles that are visible only at night. Rest assured, this natural phenomenon is not radioactive. Book a bioluminescent bay tour for a one-of-a-kind experience.  Recommended booking in advance!

Kayak Bio Bay Tour La Parguera

• Tour Time: evening and night tours
• Tour Duration: 2 hours
• Tour Cost: $67 per person; 3 and under, $25

Transportation is not included in tour cost. 100% non-refundable if cancelled within 7 days. If tour is cancelled due to inclement weather, full refund will be given. All taxes and fees not included. Rates subject to change at any time.

• Tour Time: 6:30pm
• Tour Duration: 2.5-3 hours
• Tour Cost: $99 per person, ages 6+

Fajardo Kayak Bio Bay Tour

*Please note: No swimming is allowed in the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay.*

• Tour Cost: $59 per person

Cabo Rojo Paddleboard Bio Bay Tour

• Tour Time: 5pm
• Tour Duration: 3 hours
• Tour Cost: $100 per person

Culebra Power Boat and Bio Bay Tour

• Tour Time: 8am
• Tour Duration: 10+ hours
• Tour Cost: $175 per person, ages 6+

Hot Spring and Bio Bay La Parguera

• Tour Time: 2pm (1-5pm depending on pickup area)
• Tour Duration: 9 hours
• Tour Cost: $225 per person, ages 6+

TRANSPORTATION  NOT INCLUDED

Food & beverage included on specific tours, equipment/gear  included, guide gratuity not included, minimum persons required varies based on tour type, cancellation policy  7 days, applicable taxes & fees applicaple.

Hook'd on Adventure

Bio bay tours & boat charters in la parguera, puerto rico, explore la parguera * swim bio bay * snorkel reefs.

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Discover the islands, swim the Caribbean and explore La Parguera by boat with our half day private charter!

La Parguera Private Snorkeling Boat Day Charter

Discover La Parguera with a snorkeling adventure for the whole family and friends. Enjoy coral reefs or swim with fish through mangrove channels!

• Hour Glass 6 Hours

Private Boat & Bio Bay Charter

Explore La Parguera by day and swim the Bio Bay at night with our island hopping tour that lets you enjoy stunning views of the islands.

Private Evening Swim and Bio Bay Charter

This 4-hour adventure is the perfect balance to show you the true wonders of La Parguera! Snorkel its cays or enjoy its sandbars and get to swim in magical bioluminescent waters.

La Parguera Private Boat Day Charter: Premium Experience

Discover the islands, swim the Caribbean and explore La Parguera by boat with our half day premium private charter!

La Parguera Morning Boat Cruise

Rise and shine! There’s no better way to start your day than with our morning cruise of the islands of La Parguera! Begin your day with an unparalleled marine experience and have plenty of time left for afternoon activities, such as hiking verdant trails or browsing local artisanal markets.

ABOUT HOOK'D ON ADVENTURE

We specialize in small group tours and private boat charters in La Parguera, located in the southwestern corner of Puerto Rico. We love seeing our customers have fun and enjoying the relaxing Caribbean Sea at La Parguera, Puerto Rico. We also specialize in bio bay tours of Puerto Rico, where you can enjoy the last of the sunset and swim in the glowing  bioluminescent water. Our captains and boats are certified by the US Coast Guard, we excel in the safety of our clients and our crew. Join us and get Hook’d on Adventure!

SEE WHY GUESTS ARE HOOK'D ON OUR TOURS

Amazing family experience! Great way to spend our last evening in Puerto Rico. Our children (8, 15, 17) all enjoyed this sunset boat ride and bio bay swim experience. The service and expertise shared by the captain was excellent!

My daughter and I did the Sunset Bio-bay tour 2 nights before the new moon and it was nothing short of AMAZING! Swimming in the dark was surreal! Like swimming with glitter or little sparklers all around you. And the stars, just gorgeous.

Absolutely amazing tour with breathtaking views. Nicole was a great tour guide that provided us with a lot of knowledge about the bio bay and made sure we saw everything we possibly could. I would recommend everyone do this tour on their trip it is a must!

If you’re looking for a nice peaceful ride out in the water this is the place. Very professional. Nicole was the best hands down. She was always available when I had a question. Thank you so much Nicole. My whole family loved you!! We will be back in the near future.

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Our Signature Eco-Boat Tour: During our private adventure boat tour, travelers tour around different cays as they experience the coastal mangrove flora and fauna. On occasions, we may greet large iguanas

Las Casetas

La Parguera is the only place on the island where you can find “Las Casetas.” Las Casetas are small wooden houses on stilts in the water on the coast of

Bird Watching

La Parguera is home to many aquatic and song birds and is a great place for bird watching. You can find many species of birds, including several that are endemic

Travel Guide

Attractions and excursions.

There is plenty to see and do in La Parguera

La Parguera has a small selection of upscale, mid-range, and

There are several restaurants in and around the town of

Useful Information

La Parguera is a very small town and so if

Below is a list of all holidays recognized in Puerto

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Better business bureau, about la parguera.

La Parguera is a small picturesque fishing village located in the southwestern town of Lajas, Puerto Rico. La Parguera is one of Puerto Rico’s top nature tourist attractions,

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Reefs of La Parguera

May 15, 2024 JPEG

Surfers may know the beaches in Puerto Rico’s north and northwest for their big swells and enticing breaks . But the vibe is different around the corner, along the island’s southwest coast. This spot tends to stay more protected from waves generated by trade winds and North Atlantic storms. Here, on a relatively broad, shallow shelf, the coral reefs at La Parguera are some of the most robust in Puerto Rico.

A group of fringing and patch reefs runs parallel to the shore. Mangrove trees, which appear dark green, line the coast and dot some of the coral islands. Seagrass beds extend offshore from the mangroves and on the lee side of linear reefs. Signs of these tropical marine ecosystems are visible in this image, acquired by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 on May 15, 2024.

The area is protected within the La Parguera Natural Reserve, established in 1970 as the second marine protected area in Puerto Rico. The sheltered, shallow water supports reefs made of a mix of soft corals , such as sea fans, and stony ones, such as mustard hill corals . The varied habitat attracts a diverse assemblage of fish—along with snorkelers and divers.

A small bay a few kilometers east of the town of La Parguera looks unremarkable during the day but is a rare and spectacular sight at night. Its waters glow blue due to the presence of a type of phytoplankton called dinoflagellates . These tiny bioluminescent organisms, supplied with nutrients from the surrounding mangroves, glow when the water is agitated because of a chemical reaction.

Bioluminescence is common in the open ocean—it occurs in many creatures —but it is rare in near-shore environments. The dinoflagellates need an area of water protected from sudden swings in temperature, salinity, or turbidity. The sheltered spot in La Parguera is one of three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico and one of only five in the world.

Like many coastal areas around the world, La Parguera faces multiple environmental threats. When the water is too warm, for example, corals become susceptible to bleaching . This occurs when stressed corals expel the colorful algae that live inside them, and this can leave a reef at risk of starvation, disease, and even death. Significant bleaching events have harmed La Parguera’s reefs in the past, including a notable one in 2005 , when the U.S. lost half of its coral reefs in the Caribbean. In addition, the rise in coastal development and deforestation have contributed to degraded water quality from increased sediment and nutrient input to the water. Major hurricanes, such as Maria in 2017, can also damage reefs and disturb the delicate chemistry of the bioluminescent bay.

La Parguera and nearby Culebra are field sites of NASA’s OCEANOS program, which brings oceanography and marine field research opportunities to graduating high school seniors and first-generation undergraduate students in Puerto Rico. OCEANOS, which stands for Ocean Community Engagement and Awareness using NASA Earth Observations and Science for Hispanic/Latino Students, is a month-long summer internship program that trains participants in remote sensing image analysis and field techniques in ocean science. In addition to studying coral reef ecology and conservation, students build their own bio-optic field instruments, sample plankton, perform shore ecology studies, and replant coral reefs.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey . Photograph by Priscila Vargas-Babilonia/USGS. Story by Lindsey Doermann .

View this area in EO Explorer

In Puerto Rico, corals, seagrass, and mangroves paint a colorful Caribbean scene by day, while the waters of a rare bioluminescent bay glow blue at night.

Image of the Day for June 1, 2024

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References & Resources

• Ballantine, D.L., et al. (2008) Biology and Ecology of Puerto Rican Coral Reefs . In: Riegl, B.M., Dodge, R.E. (eds) Coral Reefs of the USA. Springer, Dordrecht.
• The Guardian (2023, October 9) Parties, jetskis, second homes: how tourism threatens one of the world’s only bioluminescent bays . Accessed May 31, 2024.
• NASA OCEANOS . Accessed May 31, 2024.
• NASA Earth Observatory (2023, October 16) Stressful Summer for Coral Reefs . Accessed May 31, 2024.
• Pittman, S.J., et al. (2010). Coral reef ecosystems of Reserva Natural La Parguera (Puerto Rico): Spatial and temporal patterns in fish and benthic communities (2001-2007) . NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 107.
• Rivera Maldonado, N.M. (2021, November 11) Bio Lights Losing Brightness . Accessed May 31, 2024.

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Data acquired May 15, 2024 JPEG

Reefs of La Parguera

In Puerto Rico, corals, seagrass, and mangroves paint a colorful Caribbean scene by day, while the waters of a rare bioluminescent bay glow blue at night.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey . Photograph by Priscila Vargas-Babilonia/USGS. Story by Lindsey Doermann .

Published June 1, 2024 Data acquired May 15, 2024