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​ Full Transparent Kayak

Bio Bay Tours on Vieques Island on a Full Transparent Kayak

Come enjoy the World's brightest Bioluminescent Bay,in our Transparent Kayaks an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

8 Best Bioluminescent Kayak Tours In Mosquito Bay, Vieques (2024)

• Mosquito Bay
• Bioluminescence Tours

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:

1. Glass bottom kayak tour

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                       A post shared by Dayna Davidson Collins (@daynalovesart)

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.

2. Group kayaking tour

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 .

3. Borikua Tours

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 .

4. Island Adventures Bio Bay Tour

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                       A post shared by Vieques – Ready When You Are (@discovervieques)

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.

5. Wai Vie Bio Bay Tours

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.

6. Melaya’s Tours

Melaya’s Tours recommends bringing a bathing suit, towel and water shoes and sandals that can get wet.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by AVIAN COFFEE (@aviancoffee)

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 .

7. Fun Brothers

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 .

8. Bieque Eco Trips

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 ?

FAQ section:

Do you need a tour for mosquito bay.

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.

How do you get to Mosquito Bay?

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.

Final thoughts

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 .

Brittany Ashford

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.

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Taino Aqua Adventures

Review Highlights

“ The experience of bioluminescence is something else in such a kayak, like watching stars under the boat. ” in 13 reviews

“ The clear bottom boats, great price ($50 per person cash), awesome tour guide ( Carlitos ) and the ease of transaction. ” in 10 reviews

“ Kevin gave us a great overview and then we had a nice Q&A session out on the kayaks about the phenomenon. ” in 16 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

Serving Vieques Area

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About the business.

Business owner information

Alejandro R.

Business Owner

Come join us in Vieques Puerto Rico the island you have always dreamed about... we offer Bio Bay Trips on full CLEAR transparent kayaks and Snorkeling Trips in our beautiful crystal clear waters were you get to see the amazing beauty and colors of our corals. With dozens of undeveloped, virgin beaches, Vieques is a major vacation destination for Puerto Ricans, Americans, and international travelers. Whether you are newlyweds, backpackers, or just on an adventure with family or friends, Vieques is sure to provide an unforgettable vacation that will have you coming back for more. Like drifting through the Milky Way, the Bioluminescence bay will shine as bright as a bed of diamonds while you make your way through what should be known as the eight natural wonder of the world. …

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
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Overall rating

106 reviews

We had a great time on our trip to the Bio Bay! It was partly cloudy, and the view of the dinoflagellates was amazing! After a short bus ride, we arrived at the bay, and headed out in completely clear kayaks. Since the kayaks were entirely clear, we had an unbeatable view of the dinoflagellates below, and all around us. Traveling along the bay in a clear kayak made it look like we were traveling at warp speed among the stars. Our guide, Kevin was funny, informative, and added a lot to an unforgettable experience. Our group asked a lot of questions, and he was able to answer everything from Taino history, to ecology, to astronomy. I would recommend Taino Aqua Adventures to anyone spending any amount of time in Vieques!

We had a blast seeing the bioluminescent bay with Taino adventures. Our group was just the right size, 7 boats with 14 people, where we could hear our tour guide. Ezekiel was knowledge and funny (gotta follow the Barbie light!) and let us have time to explore the bay on our own. We were given clear instructions on when and where to meet, and the bay was only ~15 minutes shuttle ride from the meet up location. Be aware: the mud surrounding the bay is very smelly so don't wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. However, Taino provided water to wash your feet off with at the end so bringing a towel is helpful but not entirely needed.

My husband and I had such a fun, magical time on this tour with Taino Aqua Adventures. Of all the companies to choose from, I went with them because the heritage seems so much invested in Puerto Rico and the indigenous community... and I'm so glad I made this choice! Our guides were all folks who grew up in Vieques, and knew the history of the island of the bay well. It was an amazing experience to see the bioluminsence in their clear kayaks (which were well maintained, so they ACTUALLY were see-through, not foggy) while learning about how this magical space came to be.

Before you book this tour with them, make sure yourself that go to check the reviews with 1-2 stars that make lots of sense for you to understand their service. I went to bio bay tour on 15th April 2024 with this company, I would say I am far away from satisfaction. Long story short, their service does not show a fair and considerate decision making process. Because of this, I didn't see what other people see from my same group on that night. I won't recommend Taino if you go alone or doesn't speak Spanish, cost that 70 USD is not worthy, just go with a normal kayak, not the transparent one, you would see the same and get an even better experience, because the most important thing is the company's culture, attitude for clients and the SERVICE!

Amazing adventure! We'd highly recommend this to anyone. One caveat, though. There are about 10 minutes of VERY rough driving to get to and from the bay. This is done on a bus and if you have any type of neck/back problems, this could be a problem. Other than that, this was so so cool.

What an incredible experience! Our guide was very fun yet also very educational. They made sure we were given any assistance needed in and out of the boat. The biobay is truly a magical experience! Highly recommend

This was a really cool experience. Very little light pollution so you get a great view of the stars above. The bioluminescent bay sparkles below. After the tour guide talked about the bay and the stars they allowed some time to kayak a little ways off on our own to take it all in by ourselves. It was pretty great.

The bioluminescent bay tour at night is a "must-do" activity on the island of Vieques. The Taino Aqua Adventures tours use a glass-bottom kayak, which is essential to appreciate the dinoflagellates (marine plankton) which give off a bluish-green light at night when agitated in Mosquito Bay. The effect is mesmerizing (almost like seeing a thousand fireflies in the water). I think early residents used to call this a "ghost bay" because when you place your oars or hands in the water while moving at high speed, you'll see an eerie bluish-green glow. If you arrive within 5 days of a new moon (when there's only a tiny crescent shape), the viewing is better. We took the 9pm tour which starts in downtown Esperanza near the El Blok hotel entrance (just across the street). It's a large group (perhaps 20 people) who get assigned to kayaks (2 per person). After a 15-20 minute ride (in which the last 5 minutes are extremely bumpy on a dirt road), you'll arrive at the edge of Mosquito Bay with the soil emitting a sulfuric smell. You then remove your shoes and bags (and place them in a container). The reason for going barefoot is that you'll walk through a very muddy section before entering the kayak. Shoes will get ruined if you bring them. On the kayak tour itself, you'll be amazed by the water - but also will have a chance to enjoy the stars and constellations which your guide will point out. I was not super impressed with our guide - he seemed to be "going through the motions" based on a memorized script, but our bus driver was fun and hilarious (great sense of humor!). Be sure to fill out your waiver form before arriving. If you have young children, make sure they are securely seated and still during the last 5 minutes of the bus ride (which is VERY bumpy).

We have traveled to more than 25 countries and this bioluminescent bay was among the top experiences for me. Truly magical. The guides were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend them and the clear kayaks are a must for this experience.

Very well organized tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and had a great sense of humor. We had a wonderful experience.

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Taino Aqua Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Virgin Kayak Tours

Tour The Bioluminescent Bay in ease and comfort, in a state of the art Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayak!  Virgin Kayak is a full paddlesports center located in Salt River Bay National Park, at The Salt River Marina. We offer Kayak and SUP rentals, as well as Bioluminescent Bay kayak tours, Sunset & Moonlight kayak tours, Salt River Bay National Park daytime historical kayak tours, and even SUP tours! Our tours of Salt River Bay focus on ecology, Pre-Columbian history, and the Bioluminescence, and you will definitely see our passion shine through on every tour. We strive to pass on an awareness for the preservation of St Croix’s natural and historical resources through kayaking and water sports. Book your tour online now!

Location: North Shore Phone: (340) 514-0062

With the award winning Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks, it's like going for a walk, on top of the sea. The Hobie kayak's innovative, state of the art design, allows for everyone to easily cruise the waters of St Croix. Hobie Mirage kayaks are foot pedaled, giving you a hands free experience, and the ability to cut through the wind and currents with ease, making your tour relaxing and effortless. A hand operated rudder control, and recumbent high back seats make this the ultimate ride.

Minimum age: 6 years old  |  Maximum Weight/person: 260 lbs per person

Bioluminescent Bay Tour

St Croix Bioluminescent Bay kayak tours are relaxing, peaceful and low key. St Croix kayaking takes you to one of only ten super glow biobays left in the world. Found in tropical mangrove estuaries, biobays are disappearing from over-development and light pollution. St Croix kayak tours make it easy to cross the bay for everyone, even in the strongest winds, because of our innovative Hobie Mirage kayaks. St Croix kayaking meets at our shop just prior to sunset. Once it gets dark, we kayak across the to Biobay, where you'll witness the magical underwater lights, like gold dust or lightening bugs. These tiny single celled organisms, called Dino-flagellates, sparkle in the water when agitated. Check our website for the best Biobay Tour Dates.

Salt River Bay Daytime Eco Tour

This daytime tour brings you through all areas of Salt River Bay. You'll learn about the ecology of the Mangrove Estuary, the Tainos and Kalinagos, migratory birds, the encounter with Columbus, the earthen fort, and the Taino Ball Court. We'll pedal the whole bay, while learning the vast history of the area. It makes for a fun yet relaxing day.

Nighttime Sunset & Moonlight Tour

It's time to relax and enjoy the nature of St. Croix at night. Calm and serene is what you'll feel out on this kayak tour. When the moonlight gets too bright for bioluminescent kayaking, we still enjoy the peaceful wonder of nature. On our Sunset and Moonlight kayak tour, we'll catch the end of the sunset casting beautiful colors over Salt River Bay. We’ll watch for cattle egrets, pelicans, and herons coming home for the night. We'll kayak out to the reef to see the sunset and maybe spot a green turtle coming up for air. Once the stars begin to shine, you'll learn about the night sky and the constellations. We kayak over to the St. Croix bioluminescent bay, and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of these tiny, magical creatures. Enjoy a relaxing ride across the bay back to the shop being guided by the moonlight. Truly a peaceful evening. Meeting times vary depending on sunset.

Book your tour online today!

• Half day and Full Day rentals available
• Maps and information about Salt River provided
• Rented equipment must remain within Salt River
• Advanced reservations required
• All equipment must be returned by 5pm
• Customer will be charged for any damaged or lost equipment

​Minimum age: 8 years old  |  Maximum Weight/person: 250 lbs

Whether you take a half day tour of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, an evening Bioluminescent Bay tour, or a Nighttime/Monnlight tour, we think you'll love it! We are a small, family owned and operated kayak outfitter, showing visitors and locals the beauty of St Croix since 1998. Over the years, we have worked closely with the National Park Service, The Department of Parks and Natural Resources, St Croix Environmental Association, The Kalinago Tribe, The St Croix Archeological Society, and local historians to give you the best tour we can give.

Owners: Patti and John Thompson II

CHECK BACK SOON TO LEARN ABOUT THE THOMPSONS

​Managers: Alison Sobeck and John Thompson III (JT)

​CHECK BACK SOON TO LEARN ABOUT ALISON AND JT

​Guides: Jon Bowman, Greg Herald

CHECK BACK SOON TO LEARN ABOUT OUR AMAZING GUIDES​

Founders: Bryan and Jill Updyke

Bryan moved down to St Croix in 1990, just after Hurricane Hugo: a category 5 hurricane; the worst recorded in St Croix history. He purchased a wrecked house and over the following year, put it back together again. It wasn't until 1995, when Jill went on a post graduate vacation to St. Croix, that the two met. Bryan likes to say "I was waiting with my tail wagging!" They were married in the garden at their house, and later welcomed their daughter Bryanna to the family.

In 1997, they read a news article on The Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, and opened the first Hobie Kayak Dealership in the Virgin Islands. Over the years they founded: The St. Croix Kayak Club; The Caribbean Indigenous Arts and Crafts Museum; commissioned The Cra Cra, a Kalinago dug out canoe; opened AYAY ART; built and founded Cane Bay Campground; became advocates for Salt River Bay National Park by removing abandoned vehicles and trash, and erecting signs; taught Pre-Columbian history and art to local schoolchildren; found the fabled Maroon Cave; and held pottery seminars in the Taino tradition.

In August of 2015, they moved their location to Salt River Marina, where they have incorporated much of Bryan's art. There is a display of original Taino Indian artifacts, as well as Bryan's Pit Fired Ceramics, handmade headdresses, paintings, and wood totems. There are several Kalinago dug out canoes on display. They also acquired a collection of original Taino artifacts, that they dream of someday housing in a permanent exhibition. They have an interest and passion in sharing their love and knowledge of Pre-Columbian art, history and lifestyles.

• Tours last approximately 2-2.5 hours, unless otherwise noted
• Please DO NOT put any bug spray on your arms or hands
• Minimum age of 6 years old
• Maximum weight of 260 lbs per person
• Life jackets will be provided
• Lockers are available for your personal belongings

What to Bring

• Clothes/shoes that can get wet. We do have a limited number of water shoes available or you may go barefoot!
• For daytime tours, please wear sunblock, a hat, and/or other sun protection and bring a light snack
• Cash to tip your guide(s)
• Your sense of adventure!

Our Location

We are located in Salt River Marina, in Salt River Bay National Park on the North Shore of St. Croix

Read More about Virgin Kayak Tours

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Virgin Kayak : Paddlesports in Salt River

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Bioluminescent Bays of St. Croix

St. Croix is home to not one, but TWO of the Caribbean’s rare bioluminescent bays!  Both Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve and Altona Lagoon offer visitors a chance to witness nature’s “living lights” at night. For those of you not familiar with this concept, a bioluminescent bay (or bio bay) is a…

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As time marches on, some well established St. Croix businesses, many that have been around for decades, are changing hands. Don’t worry, that’s not a bad thing! With new owners taking over, you get to keep many of the things you love about the original business while also seeing some updates and improvements. On that…

Location: North Shore Phone: (340) 514-0062 Visit Website Kayak Tours SUP Tours Rentals & Sales About Us Details & Restrictions Kayak Tours Our Kayaks With the award winning Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks, it’s like going for a walk, on top of the sea. The Hobie kayak’s innovative, state of the art design, allows for everyone…

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Sea Thru Kayaks VI

An unforgettable experience. Come and see the wonders of the Island of Vieques. 

Explore the greatness of Vieques Island with us.

We offer snorkeling tours and the unforgettable experience of visiting the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

Cancellation Policy - Once the reservation is completed, you must provide us 24 hour notice prior to your tour to cancel and receive a full refund.  If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the tour a full charge for the activity will be made.  In the event that we cancel the activity, you will receive a full refund. Same day reservations can't be cancelled, if a guest does not show up for their tour we will charge the total amount of the reservation. We don't cancel activities for rain.    Reschedules with 24 hour or less notice, has an extra charge of $30 per person. 

Half-Day Nature Culture Excursion, Tropical Taino Garden Tour

• Park entrance
• Pickup and Drop-Off
• Drinks with the lunch NOT included
• If you are arriving on cruise ship, we will send you the exact meeting point at the port to your contact number.
• Amber Cove Cruise Port, Maimón, 57000, Dominican Republic
• Taíno Bay Cruise Port, Shore Excursions, Av. Antigua Via Férrea Muelle Turístico entre Av. Penetración Portuaria y, Calle Duarte, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Amber Cove Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Taino Bay Puerto Plata Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Puerto Plata Province Stop: 4 hours See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• brianhQ310WT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Give this “ Adventure a missfor improvement Friendly staff. But no instruction. Machines old, not well maintained,some broke down repeatedly. First stop at the gift shop,not sugar cane field as on brochure,was a run down gift shack. A plastic chair collapsed with a woman injured,laying on the floor,no assistance from the untrained staff was forthcoming. ( Or first aid kit. ) The second stop was on a beach, with a run down shack offering food, beer. Behind with the jungle was literally a rubbish dump,filled with garbage. Value for money,not really. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• MannyCandace 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Extraordinary Was amazing this is my second time going and it is a great experience everything was perfect the excursion and the people. Would recommend for anybody. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• michaellX2384VM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good Time Trip was fun…great crew…good food and drinks…Michael Jackson dancer was excellent…friendly people and great swimming/snorkeling Read more Written April 7, 2024
• puntagordapaul 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Communication and customer service. Great communication from Nathalie from the time you book your trip. I had the opposite experience with another tour operator in the area. Sadly the day we were going to depart , there was intermittent rain and the chop on the water was a bit rough. I figured I was going to lose my money, but I decided to cancel our booking as I did not think my family would enjoy the trip under those conditions. I emailed them to let them know and much to my surprise they said they understood and would refund my money. I will defenitly rebook with them next time I’m in Sousa. Thanks again for the great customer service!!!! So sad never got to go Read more Written March 23, 2024
• kensleyv2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best day ever We had the best time on our catamaran charter! We especially loved Franklin - he was so nice and fun. The food was 10/10, especially the wings, and the beer and rum punch were great too! Couldn't have been better. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• Stephanie B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highlight of our trip!!! This excursion was so much fun! It truly was the highlight of our trip! Edwin Tours picked us up at 9am right on time and took us over to UTV/Buggy place. Everyone was so professional and there was always someone that spoke English. Do not miss this excursion!!! Edwin Tours made our trip so relaxing and fun Read more Written March 13, 2024
• Jonathan S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do if you like offroading Had a great time here, these guys were calm and patient and very focused on customer service. They were a lot of fun and the route we took was a lot of fun. I would do it again Read more Written March 1, 2024
• Global538375 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience - must book if you're in Puerto Plata! This excursion was amazing! The small island was pretty crowded but I couldn't fault people for wanting to visit, the water was so clear and there were so many fish to see underwater! The pick-up was on-time, the ride to the beach was smooth and the speedboat trip to the island was great! Our guide, Matias, was very knowledgeable about the island and made sure we had a great time. Snorkel gear was provided to us and we even received some bread to entice the fish! The island was about 1 KM by 2 KM - we were told that closer to summer, the island gets bigger. We passed the Mangroves and it was really cool to see oysters and crabs. I recommend this excursion to anyone staying in Puerto Plata! You won't regret it :) Read more Written February 28, 2024
• Lisa_Torres 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Too much driving Negatives - much too much driving! We were picked up at Cabarete, the drive was FOUR HOURS to the speedboat via small van, then large bus because of so many pick ups en route. Misleading when we were told it would be two hours there and back. The sand bar is lovely but many boats and people, so not at all as pictured. This was a 13 hour excursion (p/u 7am, drop off at 7:30pm !!) because of all the driving, with just 2 hours in the water at the sandbar. Positives - our multilingual guide on the bus was excellent, so knowledgeable! The boat was fun (but bumpy), and the snorkeling is good, plenty of things to see! I’d only recommend if you are staying close to Cayo Arena - not from east of Puerto Plata because of the distance. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• 636lorik 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles This experience was good but still a little ruff around the edges. This was a good excursion but, still has a few hiccups with transportation. You have to walk quite a ways to get to the transportation but, it is walkable. The boat that we went out in was very small so if you get seasick on small boats this is not for you. We went to some great snorkeling spots and saw lots of fish. I felt confident in the crew and felt safe. We spent an hour on the beach after snorkeling and you can snorkel from the beach. Read more Written February 6, 2024
• tracylmcw 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Meh! Experience was just OK, not quite as advertised. In the buggy for less then 1.5 hours, a good part of which was on busy roads. Parked at the beach, didn't actually get to drive on it. They charge 5$ US per beer, gouged, and we were asked to buy a beer for one of the tour crew! 2nd stop was at a "river" in a small neighbourhood , not scenic at all! The highlights were seeing some of the countryside and local neighbourhoods. Overall not impressive unfortunately! Read more Written February 6, 2024
• susanpE2594EI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful time Fun trip. Speed boat was a lot of fun and the snorkeling was amazing. Everyone should experience this excursion while in puerto plata Read more Written February 6, 2024
• P3129GPronw 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed Getting from the beach to the catamaran was very challenging. Only one small motorboat was available. It took 4 trips to get everyone on from the beach to the catamaran. Also after excursion was finished sitting in the bus waiting to go back to resort took almost an hour. They were waiting for one person to show up to return. Still waiting on bus. Lunch and drinks were great. Read more Written February 4, 2024
• Ashonti W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles FUNNNNN Sooooo much fun!! They really took their time with us and made sure we enjoyed every minute of our excursion!! Also sooo many cute men for my single ladies 😉 Read more Written January 30, 2024
• SimpleDelights 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Expensive lunch... The falls are much smaller than pictured. Details of the excursion were poor and a number of people panicked when they were handed lifejackets because they did not want to be in the water. (It was optional, but not communicated) The lunch buffet was great. The demo of coffee and cocoa was a scam. We were told the cocoa was processed without sugar but still tasted sweet. We bought several containers only to find out once we were home that it was not what we sampled. We took this excursion through NCL. Read more Written January 30, 2024

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Half-Day Nature Culture Excursion, Tropical Taino Garden Tour provided by Eric Tours International

12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

L ocated approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami , Puerto Rico is a popular Caribbean island with American travelers. Leave your passport at home and head to year-round summer, piña coladas, and occasionally getting caught in the rain. It's all part of the charm of being in the tropics.

Puerto Rico is best know for its abundance of places to unplug, unwind, and explore the unknown. The island is filled with secluded wonders, from beach coves and clear waters to tree swings with panoramic mountain views. It's also a place to eat, drink, and be merry. A half dozen brands of local rum collectively back Puerto Rico's claim to the title " Rum Capital of the World ."

If you want to discover Puerto Rico beyond the San Juan cruise port, consider renting a car or hiring a guide to reach lesser-known destinations. Here are 12 of the best things to see and do in Puerto Rico.

1. Eat your fill of pork in Guavate

There's a pork trail in Guavate that is a meat lover's dream come true. Only 40 minutes from San Juan, the town within the mountain municipality of Cayey is most active on weekends when you'll also find live music and street vendors. There are lechoneras lined up one after another, small shops specializing in roasted pork-one of several essential Puerto Rico dishes to try.

How the lechoneras came to exist depends on who you ask : One account attributes them to the need to serve locals driving from San Juan, while another claims there used to be a penitentiary nearby, and that visiting families needed somewhere to eat; the prison had a farm that raised hogs. No matter their origin, the lechoneras in the area are a beloved part of the community, each serving their own version of pork-pair your cut of choice with arroz con gandules , a yellow rice and pigeon peas side item that is a Puerto Rican staple.

2. Experience natural waterslides at Las Paylas

Ever thrown yourself down a waterslide carved into giant boulders by the flow of a river? Las Paylas is a series of natural slides and pools located in a resident's backyard in Luquillo, about 45 minutes from San Juan. The slides are a three-minute walk from the driveway turned parking lot. Spend the morning in nature's playground, rope swing optional. Exercise caution and tuck in your elbows while going down the slides. If you work up an appetite, stop by the local kiosks for an empanada and chilled fresh coconut on your way back.

3. Marvel at pink lakes in Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is only an hour from the airport in Aguadilla for those flying into the west side of the island. The area is a draw for its natural wonders, including salt flats that look like a vast span of pink lakes in the right light. While this phenomenon is not unique to Puerto Rico (other examples from around the world include Lake Tyrrell in Australia and San Francisco Bay's salt ponds), it's a rare sight and one that's largely unobstructed and unmonitored here.

There's a small, volunteer-run information center, but the salt flats are not officially labeled or advertised as a tourist destination. There are no designated entry points or tickets for admission. You can park by the side of the main road and enter for free. You'll find the salt flats en route to La Playuela, commonly referred to as Playa Sucia , a popular white-sand beach surrounded by large cliffs on which you can hike or bike.

4. Taste savory ice cream flavors at Heladeria Lares

Creative flavors and community connection are family traditions at Heladeria Lares , a small ice cream shop nestled in the small town of Lares in the center of Puerto Rico. The recipes are created in-house and can range from sweet potato to cilantro flavored. The ice cream shop makes the perfect stop after exploring the nearby cave system at Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy.

5. Meet "Flaming June" at the Museo de Arte de Ponce

The well-known painting Flaming June portrays a sleeping woman in a vibrant saffron dress. You can see this work by by Frederic Leighton ar the Museo de Arte de Ponce . The museum opened to the public in 1959 and houses an estimated 4,500 works of art, including pieces from Puerto Rico and Latin America.

6. See Ponce's Gaudí-style architecture

Located in the southern part of Puerto Rico's main island, Ponce is full of delights for art and architecture lovers ; the Parque de Bombas is a visually striking former fire station and one of the island's most notable landmarks, while Casa Weichers-Villaronga is a neoclassical mansion that doubles as an architecture museum.

Enjoy the city's own style of architecture, called Ponce Creole, which incorporates fantastical elements-think intricate, ornamental decorations on rooftops, stately columns, and exterior crown molding. Notable buildings with this style include Casa Weichers-Villaronga, the Museo de la Música Puertoriqueña, and Casa-Font Ubides .

7. Go ziplining at Toro Verde

" The Monster " at Toro Verde is one of the longest ziplines in the world. It's hung between the trees in Orocovis, a mountain town toward the center of the island about 90 minutes from San Juan. The 1.57-mile-long line takes an adrenaline-packed two minutes to fly from one end to another, Superman-style. Other zipline options are available for those seeking moderate to mild thrills. You can make reservations online ; there is a restaurant and bar on site if you want a drink in celebration of your bravery afterwards.

8. Taste local rum at Ron del Barrilito

Puerto Rico has no shortage of rum distilleries . Opened in 2019, the Ron del Barrilito factory offers guests the option to tour the building, Hacienda Santa Ana, for $40, or attend a mixology class or partake in a premium tasting tour for $80 each. Here you'll also find Ron del Barrilito 5 Star, a collector's edition aged up to 35 years and more than $700 per bottle.

You will also spot a special "freedom barrel" on your tour, undisturbed since 1942 and reserved for consumption by the people of Bayamon in the event Puerto Rico one day declares independence.

9. Explore Old San Juan with a food tour

Those looking to experience Old San Juan in a new way should consider a food tour around the city with Spoon . The area is walkable and the tour includes history about the city's plan and design. From freshly brewed coffee to avocado stuffed with pork, you'll taste the classics while simultaneously supporting small businesses.

For an upscale dining experience, head to Marmalade Restaurant and Wine Bar , which offers international dishes like a harissa-seasoned ahi tuna tartar.

10. Try river tubing at the Tanama River

The Tanama River in the town of Utuado offers a twist on the traditional lazy river; it'll float you into a pitch-black cave. The reward at the end of this adventure, which accommodates large groups, is a free facial thanks to a large supply of river clay. The word "Tanama" is Taino for "butterfly," so expect to see many of them on your visit.

11. Kayak in a bioluminescent bay

There are three places to find bioluminescence in Puerto Rico: Fajardo, Lajas, and Vieques. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest of them all, and several companies offer evening kayak tours on glass-bottom boats. Go with Bieque Ecotrips if you want a smaller group tour; Aqua Sunset Tours is an operator to consider if you want a fully clear kayak versus just a glass bottom. Plan your visit during the new moon to see the brightest contrast possible, and make reservations ahead of time as spots fill up quickly.

12. See Taino petroglyphs at Cueva del Indio

Cueva del Indio is about 25 minutes north of Cueva Ventana. If possible, aim to see both caves on one trip. Cueva del Indio is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's so scenic it's been featured in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides . There are a number of Taino petroglyphs on site dating back nearly a thousand years. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes as the terrain is rugged and explore at your own risk.

This article originally appeared online on March 30, 2021; it was most recently updated on October 14, 2023, to include current information.

Amenities at Resort

Barbeque Grill:

There are BBQ grills located around the property. Throw some hot dogs or burgers or even that fish you caught.

The most beautiful beach on Grand Bahama Island. Take a morning walk to watch the sunrise or evening walk to watch the sunset. We have beach chairs and shade.

Come and join us for Bingo on our beautiful covered patio by the beach.

Boardgames:

Have some family fun with board games: Chess, Scrabble, Backgammon, and more.

Located between the Marlin and Coral buildings.

Ferry And Schedule:

The Ferry leaves from Flamingo Bay Hotel (across the street), to Port Lucaya only Monday through Wednesday, every hour on the hour, from 11am to 7pm and returns from Port Lucaya to Flamingo Bay Hotel daily every ten minutes past the hour, from 11:10am until 7:10pm.

Schedule subject to change, please check Front Desk.

Throw out a line off the beach or off the rocks, see if you can catch your dinner!

Fitness Center/Gym:

Our gym is located upstairs in the Welcome Center, equipped with treadmills, free weights and multi exercise station.

Get your snacks, drinks, souvenirs, toiletries, and much more at the Gift Shop located in the Flamingo Bay Hotel lobby across the street from the Resort. Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

Grocery Run:

For your convenience, this service is available for a small fee (free for members) on the following days: Fridays, Sundays and Mondays at 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm. Sign up at the Front Desk. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Grotto Bar:

Swim up to the bar for your Bahama Mama drink at the Grotto Bar.

Relax in our hammocks around the pool.

We also have a hotel across the street from the Resort, if you need to stay for a couple nights, discounted rates for members. Click here for more information

Ice Machine:

Located on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors next to the elevators.

Come and relax in our hot tub surrounded by the beautiful 20,000 sq. ft pool.

Token-operated washers and dryers are available for guest use. The machines are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. You may purchase tokens from the Front Desk.

Our marina is equipped with 25 boat slips with full amenities and can dock up to 100 feet. For rates and reservations, contact [email protected] .

Olympic size pool lanes:

Enjoy our pool and see how many laps you can do with our Olympic size pool lanes.

Parking is free of charge to all guests. Parking is located behind Marlin and Coral buildings.

Pool Games:

Join our Activities Director, for games and fun activities in the pool.

Welcome to the best place on the island with our 20,000 sq. ft. swimming pool beautifully landscaped to offer lots of shade. There is a fantastic 100 ft. water slide and a kiddie section with shallow water and fountains. Relax in the big Jacuzzi. The facility also has Olympic-size lanes and private caves for everyone’s exploration. Swim up to the bar for your Bahama Mama drink or float in an inner tube in the pool’s “lazy river” or relax on of the three sun beds located in the pool.

Restaurant & Bar:

Start or end your day with a meal at Taino by the Sea and take in the breathtaking ocean views. Open Daily.

Shuffleboard:

Located beach side; equipment available at Activities Center located between the Ocean and Coral buildings.

Relax with your tropical drink on one of our sunbeds.

Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in tranquility at our hotel spa. To explore our packages and book your escape, click here .

The tennis court is located at the front of the Resort. For equipment, please contact our Activities Center, located between the Ocean and Coral buildings.

TV Channels:

Check out our current listing of TV Channels Here

Volleyball:

Watersports:

Watersports and Tours independently owned and operated by Lucaya Watersports Limited. Waverunners, Glassbottom boat tours, Snorkeling, Paddle boards, Kayaks, Banana Boat, Sunset Cruise, Deep sea fishing and so much more. All tours are weather permitting. There is a watersports booth located on the beach and in the Welcome Center. For further information, please check out www.lucayawatersports.com

Waterfalls & Caves:

Check out our waterfalls and caves in our beautiful pool.

Waterslide:

Everyone loves the water slide. Give it a try, we bet you will do it again!

Welcome Party:

Come and meet other guests. Enjoy finger foods such as chicken wings, fish fingers, meatballs. All you can drink Taino Splash drinks. Music played by our DJ.

We offer our guests free WIFI at our hot spots (Pool area, Pool bar, Restaurant, Main Lobby, Beach Pavilion, Marina and Hotel lobby). Check the Front desk for code. Wifi Map