Puerto Rico is an archipelago blessed with all kinds of natural beauty. Valleys, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and bays — you name it, this gorgeous island has it. Most people who visit Puerto Rico are nature lovers who want to spend their vacation outdoors, enjoying the sun, exploring the wilderness and observing unique natural phenomena.
One of these unique natural phenomena that you can observe in Puerto Rico is the bioluminescence in the bays of the island. If you are scratching your head wondering what a bioluminescent bay is, don’t worry! This article will explain it all.
What is a bioluminescent bay?
A bioluminescent bay is an inlet in the sea where the water glows. It is a beautiful natural phenomenon and one of the reasons why so many people come to Puerto Rico to spend their vacation.
But how does it happen? Well — actually, it’s quite simple. These waters are home to millions of microorganisms called dinoflagellates, which have the ability to glow in the dark. When they produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis, they emit light. This bluish-green light gives the water in these bays a magical glow that older generations attributed to magic or moonlight.
Puerto Rico is quite a hotspot when it comes to bioluminescent bays, as three of the world’s luminous bays are in Puerto Rico. Since these are very rare, having three of them in one place is quite an achievement.
The best time of the year to visit the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico are
Mosquito Bay, La Parguera and Laguna Grande are the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. But when is the best time of year to visit them? Let’s find out.
Since heavy rains affect the glow of the dinoflagellates, the best time to visit the bays is during the dry season. The dry season in Puerto Rico begins in December and lasts until mid-April.
While you can see the dinoflagellates glow all year round, there is a good chance that heavy rains in the summer will dim or completely extinguish the glow in these magical coves. So if you don’t want to take any chances, stick to the dry season when visiting Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
Why you should keep an eye on the lunar calendar
If this seems strange to you, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. The visibility of the surreal blue-green glow of dinoflagellates in the bay depends on the phases of the moon.
The best time of the month to see the luminous bioluminescence in the bays of Puerto Rico is new moon. The new moon provides little light of its own, so the glow of the microorganisms is easily visible to the naked eye. On nights with a lot of light, such as a full moon, it is almost impossible to see their glow.
Tours in the high season
In the dry season, the bays are filled with tourists and locals alike, and tour operators have their hands full trying to visit the archipelago’s famous bioluminescent bays. So if you want to make sure you get a tour to these luminescent waters, you should book in advance to secure your spot. Otherwise, most tour operators might turn you away if you try to book at the last minute.
So what are some great Land Tours Puerto Rico to explore Puerto Rico’s luminous bays?
Kayaking in the bioluminescent bay.
Would you like to visit the bioluminescent bays of Laguna Grande in Fajardo? This Land Tours Hawaii is the best option for you! It is a 2-hour kayaking adventure that will become one of the best memories of your vacation in Puerto Rico. The great thing about this tour is that you can participate in it even if you have never kayaked before, because you can learn everything during the tour.
Moreover, the tour is also suitable for wheelchair users and is a good option for people with special needs who want to see the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico.
Bioluminescent kayaking at night.
The mangrove channels are rich in dinoflagellates because the mangroves provide some nutrients important for the growth of dinoflagellates. While kayaking through the mangrove channels, you are sure to witness some impressive bioluminescence and have the time of your life.
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