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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

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.