Kayaking at sunset in Gulf of Nicoya: Bioluminescence

Watch the water light up as you paddle into it

Kayak on the calm Gulf of Nicoya near Paquera at sunset in a double kayak with a guide, paddling about 800 meters past the ferry and nearby islands before reaching the bioluminescent zone where the water glows with each stroke. The experience runs roughly two hours from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm, and includes all equipment, life jackets and a guide who speaks English or Spanish. Children from age one are welcome, though infants sit on an adult's lap.

The experience

The Gulf of Nicoya near Paquera stays calm enough for kayaking even if you've never paddled before. You'll launch around 5:45 pm in a double kayak with a guide, and the first stretch takes you 800 meters across water that mirrors the sunset. As you paddle, the guide points out the ferry traffic and the silhouettes of Isla Chiquita and Isla Jesucitas rising from the bay. The pace is easy. This is about watching the light change and feeling the paddle work, not speed.

Once the sun drops, the guide steers toward the bioluminescent zone, where dinoflagellates in the water light up when disturbed. Every paddle stroke leaves a glowing trail. You can dip your hand in and watch the water sparkle in your palm, or scoop some into the kayak to see it pulse. The guide explains what you're seeing as it happens. By 7:30 pm you're back on shore.

What’s included

• Double kayak, paddles, life jackets and waterproof bag.
• guide in English or Spanish throughout the paddle and the bioluminescent zone.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bioluminescence Kayak tour Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The paddle itself is gentle (calm water and a slow pace), but the timing is fixed: you launch at 5:45 pm to catch the sunset, then the bioluminescence once dark falls, so plan your afternoon around an evening departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is bioluminescence and why does it glow in the Gulf of Nicoya?

Bioluminescence here comes from dinoflagellates, tiny organisms that produce light when the water around them moves. The Gulf of Nicoya's calm bay waters and the right conditions create one of the highest concentrations of these organisms in the area, so the glow is visible and bright enough to touch and handle.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle a double kayak?

No. The water is very calm, the pace is slow, and you're in a stable double kayak with a guide who handles navigation. The guide manages the route while you paddle and take in the sunset and the bioluminescence.

Can my infant or toddler come on this kayak?

Yes, children from age one are welcome. Infants sit on an adult's lap in the kayak, and life jackets are provided for everyone.

What time does this start and how long does it take?

The kayaking runs from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm, roughly two hours total. The timing catches the sunset first, then the bioluminescence once it's dark enough to see.

What's included in the price?

The double kayak, paddles, life jackets, waterproof bag and guide are all included. The guide speaks English or Spanish.

How do I get to the launch point?

Public transportation options are available nearby the Gulf of Nicoya launch at Paquera. The operator can advise on the best route from your accommodation.