Simply the Most Magical Experience

Officially the Brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the World
Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico

Please don't leave Isla de Vieques without taking a tour of this magnificent and magical natural wonder, it will be a memory to remember for a lifetime.

In the waters of Mosquito Bay there are organisms named Pyrodinium bahamense, Dinoflagellates (dinos). These "dinos" are responsible for this amazing natural phenomenon. When the "dinos" come into contact with another organism or shaken they produce a bright burst of blue light.

Mosquito Bay is the perfect environment for this "dinos". The Bay is small and shallow and the mouth of the bay is small, so the bright tiny organisms are trapped and protected in the bay, making it very, very bright.

The mangroves surrounding the bay provide the perfect nutrition for the Pyrodinium bahamense. Any changes in the delicate ecosystem can diminish the healthy balance of the bay.

Articles about the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques Island

Living Light

The Mosquito Bioluminscent Bay on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico is the most bioluminescent in the World.It contains up to 160,000 microscopic dinoflagelates per liter of water.

When agitated, these microscopic organisms (Pyrodinium bahamense or swirling fire) reacts emitting a blue-green light for about a decimal of a second.

There are other bioluninescent bays around the island, but the Mosquito Biobay is the one that shines with the most intensity, its shallow and small entrance from the sea impedes the waves from washing away the dinoflagellates; and the mangrove trees, with their decomposition process, provides abundant food for the micro-organisms.

"Illuminated Vieques A guided tour on a motorboat isn't the way most romantic evenings begin, but once you slip your body into Mosquito Bay, a bioluminescent lagoon off the island of Vieques, you'll have forgotten the exhaust fumes. Millions of "stars" (actually, they're microscopic organisms in the water) light up with a stunning blue-white glow, and scatter with every splash you make. Spielberg couldn't ask for better special effects."

No, it’s not magic. With each paddle stroke, the girls stir up millions of tiny dinoflagellates (dy-no-FLAH-juh-luhts). When stirred at night, these plantlike life-forms glow beautifully. Each gallon of Mosquito Bay water holds some 750,000 dinoflagellates. Their combined light creates spectacular evening shows.

On the island of Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay’s dinoflagellates give off their bioluminescent (by-oh-loo-mih-NESS-ent) light from dusk until dawn. “In other parts of the world, bioluminescence is seasonal,” explains Sharon Grasso, a tour guide on Vieques. “But here, the water glows brightly year-round.”

Each night Grasso shows off the natural beauty of the bay. Passengers stare in awe as the tour boat leaves a glittering trail. They dip their hands in the water, leaving greenish-blue trails of their own.

Mosquito Bay’s displays are threatened, however. Bright artificial light from nearby developments can outshine the natural glow. Pollution, destruction of mangrove trees, dredging, land development, and overuse of the bay’s water can kill the fragile dinoflagellates. “We can’t let the lights go out,” says Grasso. “The magic of Mosquito Bay should live on forever.”

What you can do to preserve the Bioluminescent Bay during your visit

You can make a contribution to the preservation of the Bio Bay by doing a few simple things. Every one of us can do a little to ensure that our children and the next generations can enjoy this natural wonder.

• Use all natural insect repellents
  Do not use bug repellents containing DEET. This chemical is harmful to the bioluminescence and it will kill hundreds if not thousands of "dinos".

  There are many All Natural Insect Repellents that do not contain any harmful chemicals. You will not only be saving the Bio Bay in Vieques but you will also be taking care of yourself. All the chemical that you apply to your skin go right into your bloodstream. So be careful with that you put on your skin.

  Responsible Bio Bay tour operators will ask you if you applied an insect repellent with DEET. If you did, please tell the truth and just kayak the Bio Bay and enjoy it by sight but please do not swimm on the delicate waters of the Bioluminescent Bay.

• No trash or any objects on the Bio Bay - Please refrain from throwing any type of objects on the water during your tour. The smallest object, can or piece of trash can kill thousands of the precious little "dinos" that create this night show.

  Have a wonderful time at the Bio Bay, it will be one of the most memorable moments of you life. Please share your experience at the Bio Bay by using the form below.

Bioluminescent Bay Tour Guides in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico

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