Kayaking Paquera bioluminescence: Glowing plankton at night

Paddle into glowing water and watch the plankton light up around your hands

Kayak through Paquera Bay in a small group, starting before sunset and continuing after dark to see bioluminescent plankton glow in the water. The tour includes kayak, life jacket, paddle, fresh fruit and bottled water. A live guide speaks English or Spanish. Children are welcome from age 10. Bioluminescence visibility depends on moon phase and tides, so the week before and during full moon offers reduced visibility.

The experience

What makes this kayak work different is the timing: you start paddling before the sun sets, so you get the mountain views as the sky turns orange and red, then stay on the water as darkness falls and the bioluminescence kicks in. For about an hour after nightfall, the plankton in Paquera Bay glows when you move through it: splash your paddle or run your hand through the water and watch the light trail behind. You'll paddle past Isla Jesucita and Isla Chiquita, and the guide will take you to one of the small beaches where you can swim if you want to.

Bioluminescence happens year-round in Paquera Bay, which is rare. Most places either lose it seasonally or need perfect conditions. That said, moonlight affects how bright the glow appears, and tides and water currents matter too. The week leading up to a full moon and the full moon evening itself bring reduced visibility, so plan around that if you're timing the trip. The kayak, life jacket and paddle are provided. You get fresh fruit and bottled water during the outing. Small groups mean the guide can pay attention to what you need.

What’s included

• Kayak, life jacket and paddle.
• fresh fruit and bottled water.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• small-group paddling through Paquera Bay with stops at Isla Jesucita and Isla Chiquita.
• beach access for swimming if you choose.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10 · max 4 per booking

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by El Gecko Tours

Is this one for you?The kayak runs in small groups, not private, so you'll paddle with other travelers. If you prefer solo or family-only paddling, a private option would suit you better. The two-hour span starts before sunset and runs into darkness, so you need to be comfortable on the water at night and in a kayak for that length of time.

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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 (10 to 17 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

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's the bioluminescence actually like when you see it in the water?

The plankton glows when disturbed, so paddling through it creates a trail of light, and splashing with your paddle or moving your hands through the water lights up the glow. Fish also light up their paths as they move through the water, visible for about an hour after dark.

Can I swim during the kayak, or is it just paddling the whole time?

You paddle through the bay and past the islands, then the guide brings you to one of the small beaches where you can get in the water and swim if you want to.

When exactly does this kayak start and end?

The kayak starts before sunset so you see the sky change color as you paddle, then continues after dark for the bioluminescence. The whole outing is about two hours.

Does the moon phase really make a difference to what I'll see?

Yes. Moonlight reduces how bright the bioluminescence appears, so the week before a full moon and the full moon evening itself bring noticeably dimmer visibility. Other phases and darker nights show the glow much more clearly.

What's included, and what do I need to bring?

The kayak, life jacket, paddle, fresh fruit and bottled water are all included. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a towel if you plan to swim.