Although it’s a one-time season, summer is that moment you are supposed to enjoy as much as possible. Your bucket list is a chance to put all the activities you love or have always admired doing in one place.
And if there is still emptiness, then bioluminescent kayaking can make up for it all.
The activity is fun and connects people while also being beneficial to someone’s health. Kayaking in the bioluminescent waters is a different and fun experience for your family or romantic vacation. The water around you glows and sparkles in every stroke of your paddle, as flying blue comets.
Even though it is not very common, bioluminescence is a very unique phenomenon. It can only be found in certain water bodies.
There are several important things to think about when you book a tour, so you don’t end up being disappointed.
Facts You Must Know About Bioluminescent Kayaking
Iwhere Can I Have A Bioluminescent Tour?
Which part of the world do you want to visit? There are several places in the world where you can enjoy the glowing water, including the ocean and rivers.
A few of these locations where you can find bioluminescent creatures include Mudhdhoo island [Puerto Rico], Gippsland Lakes [Australia], Luminous Island [Jamaica], Mission Bay, and Torrey Pines Beach [San Diego].
Where Can You See Bioluminescence In Florida?
There are many reasons to visit Florida, which some people refer to as the Sunshine State. Some of the most popular attractions include Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks.
Most people like the sandy beaches and the amazing bioluminescence along the Indian River Lagoon.
The lagoon system is the source of other large, glowing waters such as Banana River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.
Is It True There’s Still Bioluminescence In January?
The glowing effect is caused by algae and organisms living in the water. As such, it’s usually there throughout the year. The warmer months of the year are usually the best for seeing bioluminescent plankton, which often comes in blooms.
In colder months, the jellyfish don’t glow as brightly because they are cold. Unfortunately, these marine species usually have to eat their own offspring’s flowers in order to make it through the winter. This left only a few jellies to light up the water.
I Would Like To Bring My Kids To See As Well. Can The Water Be Glowing At 6 pm?
Bioluminescent displays are most visible in the dark, after sunset. The visibility is clear because phytoplankton are giving off a blue-green light.
It becomes difficult to enjoy the magic glow at around 6 pm because the beaches are still bright from the setting sun. Even though the water is murky, you can still go kayaking and have a chance to see ocean animals like the roseate spoonbill and bottlenose dolphin.
Do I Need An Extra Kayak Or We Can Ride With My Two Kids (6 & 7 years old) Together?
The answer to that question depends on the tour you have booked or the equipment you have rented. The market offers a variety of kayaks with different designs and capacities. There are many single models you can choose from if you want to travel alone.
Despite this, most tour companies still prefer to use tandem kayaks, as they can comfortably seat two adults or one adult and two small children.
Can I Wear Jeans While Kayaking?
Of course, you can, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Canoeing is an outdoor activity that requires you to be physically comfortable and safe. The clothing you need for a kayaking tour includes a wetsuit or drysuit and a personal flotation device.
You can wear paddling booties and gloves to keep you warm, and a hat or beanie to keep your head warm.
Is It True I Can Swim In The Bioluminescent Bay In Puerto Rico?
Absolutely! You just have to make sure you have your flotation device and you know how to strike the water. The advantage is that you can swim in the sea without harming the luminous organisms with the chemicals from sunscreen and swimsuits.
So, even if the La Parguera bay allows swimming, it is unethical if you truly want your grandchildren to enjoy the experience.
Do I Have To Book A Tour To Have The Benefit Of The Bioluminescent Bay?
No, it’s not a must you hire a tour. The beaches are public, so you can drive yourself there. Although it may be tempting to go outside, it is not a good idea as you do not know what might happen.
The best time to see the biodiverse bay is during the night when it is dark. At the time, it was very easy to lose your car if you were not familiar with the environment.
Are There Any Clear Bottom Kayak Tours For A Person Who Weighs 275 Pounds?
As we just mentioned, there is a wide variety of kayaks you can use for your bioluminescent tour. They come in different capacities and designs. The glass bottom models can help you see the underwater ecosystem up close, adding extra pleasure to your experience.
Even though these kayaks weigh less, they can only hold up to 420lbs. Still, you have to talk to the provider first if you weigh more than 250lbs due to some safety guidelines.
Any Possible Dangers That I Should Be Aware Of?
Every time you go kayaking on the beach, you will miss the bioluminescent kayaking because it is such a charming activity. If you’re afraid of the dark or waves crashing on the shore, there’s no real danger.
Though it’s not the safest option, swimming or going solo are still possible. Some waves might knock you off your feet and into the water.
Luminous organisms light up after they are physically disturbed. They do this most often in response to an attack. The toxins released from these creatures can negatively affect your skin or body.
With That, Is It Advisable To Go This Bioluminescent Tour If You Cannot Swim?
You can go kayaking, but it is recommended that you use a reputable tour company and that you wear your personal floatation device. The tour company provides good guides who are always available to help you.
The floatation device is a safety precaution to ensure you don’t drown in the event of capsizing.
Is It A Must I Kayak To The Bioluminescent Bay Or One Can Get A Boat?
Kayaking can help improve your health by building muscle strength through paddling. However, those with physical disabilities or pregnant moms can also have the magical moment by renting a small boat.
The experience of being on a cruise ship will not be as exciting as when paddling, but you will still enjoy it because there will be a guide. Perhaps you will be surprised to find that you are able to rescue one or two kayakers who have become tired or lost in the waters.
What Is The Best Way To See The Bioluminescence?
I would highly recommend kayak tours to anyone interested in seeing bioluminescence in Costa Rica. Here’s why:
- Bahia Rica offers accommodations right on site, which we will talk about more in-depth below. This meant we could experience the tour and then sleep right on site.
- The owners Thomas and Vigdis offer their Costa Rica kayak tour for families with young children- but only in very small groups. The focus on safety was huge, so I felt most comfortable taking my 4 and 6-year-olds with me.
- They are the original tour company to have discovered that the bioluminescent bay is a permanent phenomenon in Costa Rica. Bahia Rica has a very low ecological footprint and they hire local Costa Ricans to guide the tours. I wanted to give them our money.
The brightest bioluminescence occurs when kayaks are used because the fish and other marine life aren’t scared away by the kayaks’ noise. It’s much more intimate to be able to reach out and touch the water to make it glow, rather than just looking at it from a boat.
What To Expect On The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour At Bahia Rica
The Bahia Rica night kayak tour to see the bio bay in Costa Rica was amazing and we loved it. They do a great job! We are given a quick explanation of how bioluminescence works at the beginning of the evening.
