Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Summary

This incredible tour is peaceful and breathtaking, all at the same time. The kayak launch area is just a short distance from the Paquera ferry landing, and the calm gulf water is very accessible by kayak. At sunset, we gather under the palm trees overlooking the bio-bay for a welcome with complimentary refreshments. Our experienced guide, Luis gives a briefing of the tour. He will equip everyone with suitable life jackets and lead the way to the launch area for the kayaks. He is careful to help entering the kayaks and giving instructions to those that do not have kayaking experience. Everyone gets to do the full hour of the tour in their own kayak or a tandem kayak. You stop along the way, where Luis will explain more about the magical sparkling water and the marine life in the bay. The darker the night, the better the experience will be. Upon the return to the Bahia Rica beach, we have fresh water and towels available, and bathroom facilities if needed.

Tour info

Duration
1 hour
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescence can be seen year round. And luckily for travelers to the Nicoya Peninsula there is one such place here. Bioluminescence is a light created by living organisms through a chemical reaction, biological light. In the gulf it is the algae that create this magical effect. Upon being disturbed, the algae give off a burst of light. Since there are millions of them it looks like sparkles in the water. The wavelengths are in the blue to green area and depending on the amount of algae it will appear as bluish or greenish sparkles. One of the best ways to see this phenomenon is to get a look from above, and kayaking is a great way to see it well. The algae will stick to your paddle, your hand or floating debris glowing for many seconds if you encounter a strong patch. When you kayak over shallow areas, fish will be scared up and it looks like fireworks under water as they take off, leaving a trail of “fairy dust” in their wake.

What’s included?

  • Kayaks, paddles and life jackets

  • Coffee and/or Tea

  • Snacks

  • Bathroom

  • Insurance

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 1h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Bahia Rica Adventures

About operator:

A variety of exiting places are easy accessible by boat from Bahia Rica. The gulf of Nicoya is known for its spectacular weather, beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs, calm water and islands full of wildlife. Our boat trips will take you to many special places where you can encounter lots of different animals like monkeys, lizards, iguanas, birds, turtles, butterflies, dolphins and a number of different fishes. Bahia Rica also offer a complete sport fishing package after fish like Pacific Sailfish, Roosterfish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Cubera Snapper, Wahoo, Pacific Jack and Marlin of different species.You can experience Costa Rica’s exotic west coast from a kayak with Bahia Rica. Paddle in calm bays with fascinating island where you can go ashore on untouched virgin beaches. Or you can try the Stand Up Paddle Boards on the calm water in the Gulf of Nicoya.

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