The bioluminescence was low but we had a fabulous time! Kayaking through the mangrove forest was beautiful and the stars at night were so pretty. Guides were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun! We thoroughly enjoyed it!
First of all I would say given the conditions the experience was great! Before booking I had seen that the bioluminescence is not very bright during the month of October, so I had realistic expectations. Our instructors Emily and Joe were great! They were very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was together. We could not see a lot of the bioluminescence, but our instructors gave us a tarp to go under where we could see the bioluminescence better. In addition to this, they also pointed out wildlife on the trip. Overall a very cool experience to kayak through the Puerto Rican channel at night, even if the bioluminescence wasn’t at its peak. Also be aware there is no flash photography, so it’s not really a photo opp and more of an experience.
A group of eight of us who attended a conference locally decided to go kayaking to see the luminescent lagoon. Everything went great and the team taking care of us was caring and cooperative with regard to pickup location, taking care of our belongings during the kayaking etc. Our guides were knowledgeable and funny and kept us safe and entertained, and our whole group (ages 22-64) had an enchanting experience.
I enjoyed all the tour, the tour guides were nice and funny. The view was amazing full moon. Listening the coquis song.I wish it had lasted longer.
The crew was wonderful! We had a great time, they made us laugh and put us at ease. Shout out to Emily and Hymie! The only reason I am leaving 4 instead of 5 stars is because we didn't see any bioluminescence. Not the fault of the wonderful crew, of course...but in the name of honesty, that part was a bust. Still a fun family activity...the kayaking in the dark. 😊
Tour was very smooth but the tour company did not inform us that they have not seen the Bioluminecent in last 4 months! We understand it is a natural phenomena and weather condition can affect your sighting, but I felt that the tour operator should have informed us. The whole experience of Kayaking at night was really nice and the tour guides where very helpful in guiding everything.
We had a good time tour the bioluminescent Bay in La Paguera with Johnny and Gina's boat tours. The boat ride out to the bay in the dark was enjoyable, and swimming with the plankton and seeing them light up was thrilling. I got stung by a jellyfish but our tour guide had vinegar handy which made it feel better and heal quickly. It was definitely a first and new experience! Highly recommend the tour if you are in the area.
Unique experience. Emily and the crew were awesome. The rain, kayaking in the dark with glowing splashes is so memorable.
Loved how friendly and funny the staff are! Would def recommend to friends and family. They made you feel safe and they are very helpful.
This was a lovely experience. The pick up near our hotel in San Juan, although 30 mins late, was a key factor in our choice of this vendor. Once at the embarkation point about an hour away, we had a pretty good orientation, but it would have been helpful to know about the large fish that jump frequently in the shallow channel. The guides at the back of the line really don't need to yell out turns, since every Kayak follows the one ahead, and we were asked to be silent during the trip. Cupping the bioluminescent water in our hands and shaking it was pretty cool.
Our bus driver, Rupert was very good, funny, and informative about interesting highlights en route to Fajardo. The kayak guides were great, knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. The kayak tour through the stunning mangrove canal, then into the bay filled with brilliant stars overhead and glowing microorganisms in the water was MIND BLOWING - WE LOVED IT!!!
Great experience - friendly guides and beautiful scenery. Kayaking through the mangroves at dusk was magnificent! We used a tarp to see the bioluminescence - an incredible phenomenon!
The bioluminescent night kayaking was very well organized. Transportation to the location from San Juan was friendly, safe, and very convenient. Would recommend!
It was well coordinated throughout. The bioluminescence was amazing! Company was easy to work with and communicated well. Everything just as advertised. Our driver, Raphael, went above and beyond to accommodate us!
Wonderful experience. Be prepared for inexperienced kayakers. Several crashes but it was very fun and no one got angry.
Loved kayaking at dusk so we could see the mangrove channel we were heading into. Kayaking out on the open bay after dark was great!
Bio bay is beautiful! Tour guides were great! Loved they provided transport! BUT, I was solo so forced to kayak with another solo person. I am a kayaker, she was not. I should have been allowed to kayak alone. I spent the whole time trying to keep us from tipping, getting water thrown in my face, getting my paddle hit, trying to stay out of the trees, trying not to run into other kayaks, etc. The other girl should have been put with a guide. I loved the bio bay but my experience overall was ruined and was a waste of $100.
Great kayak tour at dusk! The bioluminescent was underwhelming but the setting was incredible and the guides were really fun. High recommend this experience. There were beginners, kids with disabilities, and worried kayakers. The guides did an amazing job catering to all…. Even an experienced paddler such as myself.
I know no one can guarantee how good the bioluminescence will be , but right at the end ( last 20 min) when it should have been the best , 2 boats were right behind our group WITH THEIR LIGHTS ON, and totally diminished our viewing . It was very frustrating and the boats should not be allowed behind these tours . Again, I understand it’s not the guides fault, but this ruined our experience. We were very disappointed and contemplated asking for refunds. This should beca warning as a possibility.
I had lots of fun on this tour! The guides were funny and helpful, and really made it a fantastic experience! Definitely recommend!
The unique experience of visiting a bioluminescent bay was worthwhile. Good communication on pick-up from San Juan. Our tour director seemed very rushed in her commentary once we reached the bay, speaking very fast in accented English and not projecting to be heard. It was tight trying to put a hand in to activate the sparkle without it being crushed with kayaks tied together. Jumping fish on the way back were surprising but fun and more sparkles were seen than in the bay.
The bioluminescence quality of the bay is highly exaggerated. Nobody mentioned that to see the bioluminescence you had to put your head under a tarp and splash your hand to see a little glow. The bay was too crowded with other guided tours.
Was a fun trip and the guides were great. It was a little too bright for a good viewing but they provided tarps so it worked out .
Our guide was Emely. She was tremendous. Excellent tour through the mangroves at sundown, then out to Laguna Grande as the night was darkening. The bioluminescence was amazing. We got very lucky. Hurricane Fiona had an interesting effect on the plankton glow. It was a bright teal! Emely said it was the best it had been in a long time since the hurricane. She gave us a lot of background & was very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend. We got a personal two as we were the only ones on the tour with her.
Had an amazing time kayaking with Peniel Bio Bay tours! It was a beautiful night and the staff was so friendly. Our captains Ashley, Rafael, and Samuel❤️🔥 were dope. Definitely book this experience!
Our guide, Papito, lead us on an amazing tour through the mangrove-lined canal to Laguna Grande. Along the 1.5mi paddle to the lagoon, he provided interesting facts about its ecosystem. All of the effort for our journey was quickly rewarded when we witnessed the waters glow around us as we swirled our hands in the bay. This was a uniquely amazing experience!
This is an amazing breathtaking experience. The staff was so kind and helpful and made you feel at ease right away. I had never kayaked before and felt at ease instantly as they helped guide and instruct us as we needed help. The views were beautiful even at night and the bioluminescence was so beautiful. I would recommend 100%
Amazing experience and great guides. If you have even a little kayaking experience you will be fine. It doesn’t say on the ticket you need to call (only on the main page) so an FYI for international travellers the call can be costly which is annoying so I think they need to evolve even a little and allow those of us travelling internationally to simply send a message on the Viator app. Other than this it was a great trip and magical
Ashley was an amazing guide...so fun and informative! AJ was very helpful too. We really enjoy our tour of the bay and would definitely do it again. Even though we went when it was a full moon, Ashley and AJ provided a tarp for us to sit under so we could see the plankton. Paddling back was a workout that current was pretty strong in places. Overall, it was a great experience!
Not as advertised, it is said that its for everyone kayaking at all experience but it is not at all. FALSE ADVERTISEMENT. In fact, its quite dangerous with the lack of guidance and very dark with many turns and mangrove roots everywhere
Raphael was very friendly and polite from the time he picked us up. The excursion was great as expected!
Quelle belle expérience ! Plusieurs opérateurs proposent le même tour, mais je suis ravie d'avoir acheté le mien auprès de Peniel Eco Tours : l'équipe était dynamique, drôle, tout en restant professionnelle, en prenant le temps en amont d'expliquer les règles de sécurité et en apprenant aux débutants (comme moi) comment "manoeuvrer" en kayak. Pendant le tour, les guides étaient répartis dans le groupe, donc nous avions toujours quelqu'un proche de nous si besoin. Après le parcours pour arriver au lac, on nous a donné des explications sur la bioluminescence, puis nous avons eu un temps libre. Le "brillant" dépend du calendrier lunaire, je conseillerai donc de se renseigner à l'avance sur les phases de la lune pour profiter pleinement de cette expérience unique. Pour le reste, je recommande l'équipe Peniel les yeux fermés !
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