Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
Description
There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescence can be seen year round. And luckily for travelers to the Nicoya Peninsula there is one such place here. Bioluminescence is a light created by living organisms through a chemical reaction, biological light. In the gulf it is the algae that create this magical effect. Upon being disturbed, the algae give off a burst of light. Since there are millions of them it looks like sparkles in the water. The wavelengths are in the blue to green area and depending on the amount of algae it will appear as bluish or greenish sparkles. One of the best ways to see this phenomenon is to get a look from above, and kayaking is a great way to see it well. The algae will stick to your paddle, your hand or floating debris glowing for many seconds if you encounter a strong patch. When you kayak over shallow areas, fish will be scared up and it looks like fireworks under water as they take off, leaving a trail of “fairy dust” in their wake.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Age limit: minimum 10 years old
- Not recommended for travelers with fear or water
- Not recommended for travelers that are afraid of the dark
Reviews(219)
This was a great experience, we appreciated how the big group was divided up so we had our own guide. We even got to swim and go around the whole island.
Wow!! An experience you can only find a few places in the world. Our guide was terrific and very knowledgeable.
Thank you for the feedback. We are happy you had a good time!
This was a lifetime goal of mine and it was perfect in every way! The guide and owners were very knowledgeable and kind. I had a blast!
That is so cool! We are thrilled to have been ab,e to help you achieve one of your lifetime goals!!
We are a couple knowing the beauties that our country gives us. I recommend Costa Ricans to do this type of tour in their own land. We learned a lot and although it was our first time wearing the Kayak, Jose helped us not to be left behind. Attention 100%
Muchissimo gracias por su comentario. Si claro! Costa Rica tiene muchas cosas especiales y la bioluminisencia el algo unico. Muchas gracias para visitarnos y comparar este experiencia con nosotros.
This is totally worth it! Such a rad experience!!! I would do this 100 more times. We loved it! Everything about it was rad!
Thank you so much for your review we are so happy that you enjoyed your experience with us! Pura Vida!
What a beautiful and unique place in the world. After walking down a groomed yet rustic path to the location point, we were greeted by the owners who allowed us to enjoy the bay and light refreshments while we waited for the sun to set. Our guide, Luis, was exceptional! He was filled with just as much excitement over the glowing water as we were. He led us into nice dark coves and we even jumped in to swim. We traveled with children ages 10 and 12, my parents in their late 60’s as well as my husband and I. We all were capable kayakers to start but that did serve us well as we had to paddle into a slight current at one point. We appreciated the thorough and fun science lesson from Luis before we began our adventure. It was a perfect night! To top it off, afterwards we did a quick rinse at the nearby shower and ate at the local El Punto Paquera. Highly recommend that as well.
Thank you so much for choosing to do the tour with us here at Bahia Rica - and also a big thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed both our tour and the setting here in this little local community.
This was nothing short of magical, and one of the highlights of our trip to Costa Rica. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The spray of diamonds in the water anytime anything moved - it was like Disney animation come to life. And if that weren't enough, the billions of stars above in this rural area of CR was a show in and of itself. Our guide also pointed out many different stars and planets and constellations, too. Absolutely wonderful experience. 100% recommended. Do yourself a favor and make this part of your Costa Rican experience.
The kayak tour starts at a private pebble beach. The owner is very nice. You get an explanation, drinks and cookies. A life jacket but not a drybag. Firm shoes make sense. We should race the kayaks to see the Blue Glow particularly well. You have definitely seen something, but it cannot be photographed, it is too weak for that. It looks more like bright air bubbles than blue particles. You were also allowed to swim out of the kayak. The guide was nice and competent.
Cool experience, absolutely use the opportunity to swim, that makes the whole thing 10x better!!! Very nice guide.
Magic! Unique experience of bioluminescence and starry skies. Easy paddling (most double kayaks). Of course weather dependent, also allow more time than listed.
