In fact, La Parguera is the only Puerto Rican bioluminescent bay that you can swim in. Because of this, La Parguera is also the least bright of the three bio bays in Puerto Rico as swimming can disrupt the fragile ecosystem dinoflagellates live in.
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The magic in Puerto Mosquito is created by an unusual wizard called Pyrodinium bahamense (whirling fire of the Bahamas). This single cell microscopic plankton is able to create an eerie bluish light by mixing two chemicals whenever something touches it. The result is spectacular.
“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.
Some note that the bay isn't as bright as they hoped. Though you can visit Mosquito Bay unaccompanied, it's best experienced via a guided tour on a boat or kayak. Tours operate nightly and cost approximately $60 per person, depending on the company you book.
Before visiting Mosquito Bay, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast. Mosquito Bay is accessible all year, however, the bioluminescence is best noticeable here between June and November. The water is warmer and the organisms are more active during this period, resulting in a brighter and more intense glow.
Try to avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours – Mosquitoes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, although specific hours may vary by species. Minimize your risk of being bitten by wearing long sleeves and pants if you're outside during these times.
1. Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico. Hidden on the southern coast of Vieques, off the east coast of mainland Puerto Rico, this narrow inlet widens into a dolphin-shaped bay of mangroves that protects the brightest occurrence of bioluminescence in the world according to Guinness World Records.
Did you know that Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico is the brightest bio bay around the world? This recognition was awarded by Guinness World Records in 2006. Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays are Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas.
The bay attracts hundreds of visitors mesmerized by its glowing waters that are activated when microscopic organisms are disturbed. But its murky waters also serve as a nursery for several species, including tiger, nurse, reef and hammerhead sharks.