Grand Cayman: Bioluminescent Bay Night Swim & Starfish Point

Summary

Evening boat ride to Starfish Point then glowing bio bay swim

You’ll cruise from Grand Cayman as sunset colors fade, stop at Starfish Point to spot red cushion starfish in shallow water, then swim or float in glowing bioluminescent bay waters under dark skies. Includes snorkeling gear and life vest—just bring your own snacks or drinks for the boat ride home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how the light looked on the water as we left the Cayman Island Yacht Club—sort of gold and blue, all mixed up, with a breeze that kept blowing my hair into my mouth. There were maybe a dozen of us, passing around sandwiches and drinks (someone had brought ginger beer, which felt right). Our guide, Andre, pointed out a pelican gliding low over the waves and told us to keep an eye out for stingrays near Starfish Point. I was half listening, half just watching the sky change colors.

At Starfish Point, we climbed off into knee-deep water. The sand felt cool underfoot—softer than I expected—and you could see these red cushion starfish everywhere if you looked carefully enough. A little girl squealed when she spotted one right by her toes. Andre showed us how to gently pick one up (always underwater), but honestly, I was more focused on the way everything smelled faintly salty and sweet at once. Someone tried to say “starfish” in Spanish and got it wrong; everyone laughed.

After that we drifted toward the bioluminescent bay. It was darker than I thought it’d be—no city lights out there, just quiet voices and the sound of water against the hull. When Andre said it was time to jump in, I hesitated (I’m not really a night swimmer), but curiosity won out. The first sweep of my hand through the water lit up with tiny sparks—like shaking up a snow globe but underwater. It’s hard to explain how weirdly magical it feels unless you’ve done it yourself. Some people stayed on the boat and just watched, but floating there with my snorkel mask on, seeing those blue-green swirls all around me—I still think about that moment sometimes.

The ride back was quieter. Someone pointed out Orion overhead; another person claimed they saw a shooting star (I missed it). We got back to the dock a little after 8:30pm, salt still drying on my skin and everyone sort of smiling at nothing in particular. Not sure what I expected from a bioluminescent bay tour in Grand Cayman—but yeah, this stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bioluminescent Bay and Starfish Point

• Depart Cayman Island Yacht Club
• Enjoy Cayman sunset en route
• Visit Starfish Point, observe starfish
• Swim or snorkel in bio bay
• View bioluminescence from boat
• Star-gazing on return trip
• Return to dock by evening

Top questions

What time does the bioluminescent bay tour depart?

The tour leaves at 5:30 PM during winter months and 6:30 PM in summer from Cayman Island Yacht Club Slip B43.

Is swimming required on this Grand Cayman bioluminescent bay tour?

No—you can swim or snorkel in the bay with provided gear or stay on the boat and watch.

Are food or drinks included?

No food or drinks are provided but you can bring your own snacks or beverages; coolers and ice water are available onboard.

How long do you spend in Bio Bay?

You spend about 30–45 minutes in Bioluminescent Bay itself.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours depart from Cayman Island Yacht Club Slip B43.

Can children join this Grand Cayman bio bay tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants/small kids can use a stroller onboard.

Do I need to call ahead before my tour?

Yes—it’s recommended to call and confirm your booking at least 24 hours before departure.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring your bathing suit, towel, snacks or drinks if you want them; snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of snorkeling masks and life vests for swimming in Bio Bay’s glowing waters; ice water plus coolers onboard so you can bring your own snacks or drinks; guidance from local crew throughout both stops before returning to dock after dark.