Puerto Rico: Bio Bay Swim & Rum Tasting Day Trip from San Juan

Swim in glowing waters taste rum from the barrel and watch stars over la parguera

You’ll sip barrel-aged Don Q rum in Ponce, eat fresh tacos by the sea, then swim in Puerto Rico’s only bio bay where it’s allowed, La Parguera, with stars overhead and glowing water all around you. Includes hotel pickup, local guide, boat ride, dinner, and time to wander a lively village before your swim under Caribbean skies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bio Bay tour with rum and dinner

• Pickup from San Juan
• Drive through Central Mountains
• Dinner at Isla Cueva Restaurant
• Walk around La Parguera village
• Boat ride to Bio Bay under stars
• Swim in the Bio Bay
• Drop-off in San Juan

The experience

The first thing I remember is the smell of sugarcane in the old barrel room at El Castillo Seralles. Our guide, Luis, handed me a glass of Don Q rum straight from the cask: warmer than I expected, almost spicy. He told us about his grandfather working here decades ago, which made me look at those wooden beams differently. I’m not usually a rum person but that first sip was… well, it stuck with me.

The drive from San Juan to La Parguera took a while (maybe three hours?), but we got to see the mountains roll by and Luis pointed out these tiny roadside fruit stands. We stopped for dinner at Isla Cueva Restaurant. I went for fish tacos (the tortillas were soft and salty from the sea air). There was this moment when everyone just kind of fell quiet, eating and watching the sky shift colors over the water. Someone’s phone played salsa low in the background. It felt like we’d left our regular lives somewhere far behind.

After dinner we wandered around La Parguera village (lots of laughter spilling out of little bars), and then climbed onto a boat as dusk turned everything blue-grey. The captain joked about “glow-in-the-dark swimming” and handed out life vests. When we reached the sandbar, he cut the engine and there was just this gentle slap of water against fiberglass. You could see stars above but then you move your hand through the water and it lights up below too. I didn’t expect it to feel so alive. Swimming in that bioluminescent bay felt surreal. Even now if I close my eyes I can still picture those sparks trailing off my fingers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from San Juan, a guided visit with rum tasting at El Castillo Seralles in Ponce, dinner with three soft tacos (fish, chicken or veggie) per person at Isla Cueva Restaurant, time to explore La Parguera village before heading out on a boat ride to swim in the bioluminescent bay, with all safety gear provided by your certified local guide and captain before returning late evening.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 14:00

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Borikua Tours

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 long is the bio bay tour from San Juan?

The tour lasts about 10 hours including travel time between San Juan and La Parguera.

Can you swim in La Parguera Bio Bay?

Yes, swimming is permitted in La Parguera Bio Bay: the only bio bay in Puerto Rico where it’s allowed.

Is dinner included on this day trip?

Yes, dinner is included at Isla Cueva Restaurant with options like fish, chicken or veggie tacos (three per person).

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in San Juan.

What does the rum tasting involve?

You’ll sample Don Q rum straight from the barrel at El Castillo Seralles in Ponce.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is limited to 15 guests for a more intimate experience.

Are life vests provided for swimming?

Yes, life vests and floating noodles are provided for safety during your swim.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or who require walkers.