The Bioluminescent Bay at La Parguera in Puerto Rico

The Bioluminescent Bay at La Parguera in Puerto Rico

One of the most amazing natural phenomena in our world’s oceans is the presence of what is known as bioluminescence. Caused by small micro-organisms, known as Dinoflagellates, the water glows blue, green or white when disturbed. The result is a supernatural experience, a one-of-a-kind treat for the visitor.

Although bioluminescence in and of itself is not incredibly rare, the affect is often transient, coming and going at certain times of year or times of the night in areas which cannot be pinpointed. Some fish or small ocean organisms such as squid emit a type of luminescence. Often, sailors report seeing bioluminescence in the wake of a boat or the peak of an ocean wave at night.

The world has seven, known, year-round bioluminescent bays, three of which are located in Puerto Rico. These three, amazing bioluminescent bays are located across the island in Fajardo, Vieques and La Parguera. Each of these bays has a high concentration of dinoflagellates in a unique marine environment which allows for viewing year-round.

The bioluminescent bay at La Parguera is located on the Southwest corner of the island of Puerto Rico. The bay at La Parguera is the closest bioluminescent bay to the West Coast cities of Aguadilla, Rincon, Mayaguez and Ponce. La Parguera is a small, quaint fishing village surrounded with calm waters and buffered from the ocean with a bay created by mangrove islands. Easily accessed from the major tourist destination of Rincon, a visit to La Parguera is a great day trip for guests looking to explore more of the West Coast of Puerto Rico.

Tours of the bioluminescent bay depart from the marina in La Parguera. The bay is approximately a 20 minute boat ride from the main marina. Many tour operators offer a snorkeling experience which is unique to many bioluminescent bays. Snorkel underwater at night to experience the glowing organisms for a truly unforgettable experience.

Puerto Rico is known as the jewel of the Caribbean travel experience and with three bioluminescent bays, as well as hundreds of miles of white sand beaches, warm ocean waters and blue skies with ideal weather, it is little wonder why. Puerto Rico is located just East of the islands of Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and is reachable via many international flight. Visitors from the United States do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, as the island is a US territory. Peak tourist season on the island is from mid-December through April.