Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

We came very close to canceling when we read a bad review and got a disclaimer last minute absolving them of any injury occurred on the trip. Luckily, our waiter at bananas assured us it was worth it and was totally safe. We met our energetic, friendly and knowledgeable guide Lulu and took a short ride (10 mins) in a van with several others on a severly bumpy road. I thought it added to the experience, but could see older people having an issue with it. You have to walk through a foot deep of foul smelling mud but it's only 10-15 feet til you hit the water. The experience of the bay is like no other. My son thought the sparkles from the clear bottomed kayak was reflection of the stars. We did the bay in cabo rojo and it didn't come close to this. My wife and kids were so happy they did the trip. We stayed in puerto rico for 9 days and traveled all over the island and to culebra too. This was the best thing. Lulu told us that when it rains, its an even crazier experience so we'll make sure we try to do that next time. Do not listen to the complainers. It's WORTH IT!

We had great time. Our guide Arnaldo was very friendly and knowledgeable, he kept us informed and entertained during the trip. The weather was good, no moon and no rain. We saw shooting stars and most amazingly the bioluminescence of a lifetime experience. We did have to step into mud to get to the kayak, we had plenty of warning reading other people’s reviews and by our guide. It wasn’t too bad but be warned.

Dear Viator: I think that it is important that Viator and people considering this experience clearly know about some of the undisclosed safety risks, beyond the disclaimer each partisans is required to sign. In review, the experience included being met by a guide at a parking lot, being driven to the kayak launching point, being secured in a kayak, following the guide and partner in the lead kayak to parts of the bioluminescent bay at night. 1) the transport van had a fractured windshield and the road to the kayak launch place was an unpaved treacherous road with lots of pot holes and perilous contours. Just the right bump at the right angle, in my opinion, would cause the fractures to shatter, sending shards of glass every which way. Further, the van was very old and worn, with no working seat belts for the participants. 2) Once the van arrived at the kayak launching point, participants had to walk BARE FOOT across dark semi-paved surfaces and then through very deep mud which smelled foul (“muck”), to reach the kayaks. Comment: It took a very long time for me to remove sticky muck from under my toenails and even with my legs being hosed down I still had muck stuck to my upper calves (I am a 5’8” tall man). For all I know, that muck contained bacteria, parasites (i.e. worms, etc.) that will harm me in the times ahead. I do not fault the personnel who took us on the adventure, but I do fault the lack of disclosure at the high level and having to walk barefoot across uncertain pavement (with very minimal flashlight support) in the dark and through one foot+ deep muck. I am a repeat Viator customer, having enjoyed some of your tours in France, Spain and Italy. Thanks for your attention to this and for any consideration you might deem for me, but most important, please be sure that appropriate persons review the “nuts and bolls” of what this adventure entails, especially regarding the safety of the travelers and staff. In closing, the experience of visiting this bay decades ago was so wonderful that the memory is the main reason I am visiting Vieques this week and, as such, I am a bit shaken up. Jack Malick

Arnaldo was an exceptional guide! During the ride to the launch site, he shared fascinating insights about the island's natural ecosystem. Before we got into the water, he took time to point out numerous star constellations, which was a wonderful touch. Once we were in our kayaks, he explained the science behind bioluminescence in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. We had plenty of time to paddle around and explore—we even saw fish glowing as they swam by! Despite it being almost a full moon, the experience was still spectacular since the moon hadn't risen yet for our 7pm tour. The bioluminescence was clearly visible and absolutely magical. I highly recommend this tour! Arnaldo's knowledge and enthusiasm made it unforgettable.

Amazing experience The guides were so knowledgeable and friendly. The glow of the water was so bright.