Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy: standard

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

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

Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Age limit: minimum 10 years old
Not recommended for travelers with fear or water
Not recommended for travelers that are afraid of the dark
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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers