Simply the Most Magical ExperienceOfficially the Brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the World Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay) is located on the southern shore of the island of Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico. This magical bioluminescent bay has been officially declared the brightest recorded in the world by Guiness Book of World Records 2008 Here is a video on bioluminescence, it is really this bright. Please do not leave Vieques, Puerto Rico 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 IslandVIEQUES BIO BAY CERTIFIED BY GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS AS: "BRIGHTEST IN THE WORLD" - AUGUST 4TH 2008Guiness Book of World Records 2008. 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. One of the most 50 Most Romantic Places on Earth SOURCE: Travel & Leisure "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." GO WITH THE GLOW!! IS IT MAGIC? by National Geographic (new window) 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.”
Bioluminescent Bay Tour Guides in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
Travesìas Isleñas YaureiboCome with us and we will show you the magic of the BioBay in Vieques. We are experts and pioneers of eco-tourism with more than 10 years of experience.We are bilingual and naturally from Vieques. We will make you feel right at home with friendly professional service. Click here for more information on Travesias Yaureibo
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