Montego Bay Bioluminescent Night Swim Tour

Watch Your Body Glow as You Move Through Phosphorescent Water

A private bioluminescent night tour from Montego Bay takes you by boat to water that glows when disturbed, caused by phosphorus minerals and micro-organisms. You swim in the shallow bay, about 3 to 4 feet deep, and your swimsuit and skin illuminate as you move. The tour runs 45 minutes to an hour at sunset, with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and a cold Red Stripe beer included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bioluminescent boat tour at night

• Board boat at sundown
• Enjoy 45-minute magical boat ride
• Observe glowing water caused by microorganisms
• Optional swim to see glowing body and swimsuit

The experience

The boat leaves at sunset for a 45-minute to an hour ride across Montego Bay. This water is one of only four bioluminescent bays in the world, and this one glows the brightest because of the local climate and the phosphorus minerals in it. When fresh water from the Martha Brae river meets the salt ocean, the conditions that make the glow possible form. The micro-organisms in the water emit light when they're disturbed, so the moment you move, the water around you illuminates.

If you choose to swim, the water is only about 3 to 4 feet deep, and life jackets are available. Once you get out, your swimsuit and body will glow as you move around on the boat. The effect is strongest in the dark, so the timing at sunset is when you see it most clearly. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a private guide who speaks English, and the tour is customizable. You can stop for food at Scotchies on the way if you want to eat at your own cost.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• admission to the bioluminescent bay.
• bottled water.
• an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• and a cold Jamaican Red Stripe beer.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Thriller Paradise Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're traveling as a small group or family and want the flexibility to customize your evening. You can add a food stop at Scotchies if you want, and the tour adjusts to your pace in the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Infant (1 to 5 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.

How deep is the bioluminescent water, and do I need to know how to swim?

The water is only about 3 to 4 feet deep, so you don't need to be a strong swimmer. Life jackets are available for anyone who wants one.

What causes the water to glow, and will I see it clearly?

Phosphorus minerals and micro-organisms in the water emit light when disturbed. The glow is brightest when the water is moved, so you'll see it most clearly as you swim and move around.

When does the tour depart, and how long does it last?

The tour departs at sunset and lasts 45 minutes to an hour, depending on conditions and how long you spend in the water.

Is this tour private, or will I be with other groups?

This is a private customizable trip, so you travel with your own group and guide.