The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, is worth a visit, but it does take some planning. Let's take a look at the best time to see the water's bright luminescence and how to plan your trip accordingly.
People Also Ask
Visiting a destination with this name is sure to elicit the question, “Does Mosquito Bay have mosquitoes?” Yes, it does. But compared to other parts of Puerto Rico, you won't find nearly as many mosquitoes here.
A must see! While the photos in advertisements of Bio bays are a little different from what you actually see, the experience of seeing these bioluminescent creatures and seeing the stars is unforgettable! Such a beautiful view and education!
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.
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.
While the bio bays have some bioluminescence year-round, the best time of the year to visit them is during the dry season, from December to mid-April. Heavy rainfall can cloud the water and make it harder to see the glow from the dinoflagellates.
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.
This dazzling, trippy travel wonder is Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. It's on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, seven miles off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico's main island.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.