Privat snorkling, solnedgång och bioluminiscent Bay Swim Boat Tour
Beskrivning
Mystic Waters Under the Sun & Stars är det mest intima och filmiska sättet att interagera med naturen, en upplevelse som inte liknar någon annan i Puerto Rico. Mer än en tur, detta är den första och enda privata, fullt guidade, snorkling, solnedgång och bioluminescent simning erfarenhet i Puerto Rico. Säkert även för icke-simmare, småbarn och seniorer, det är ett sällsynt äventyr där komfort, berättande och naturens magi förenas. Varje steg på vägen ser din Expert Guide och värd — Carlos Alexis, Puerto Ricos mest respekterade privata historiker och bioluminiscensfilmare, till att du inte bara bevittnar naturens underverk, utan fördjupas i dem: säkert, bekvämt och meningsfullt. Innehåller snorklingsutrustning och avancerad professionell videoinspelning av din simning med National Geographic-nivå Gear när förhållandena tillåter det. Som ses i ABC Caribbean, Ritz Experiences och St Regis Experiences Samma upplevelse bokad av professionella idrottsmän, Hollywoodstjärnor och företagsledare
Turalternativ
Resplan
Vid kajen väntar en certifierad USCG-kapten med din pontonbåt – utvald för sin komfort, stabilitet och förbättrade bioluminiscenssikt. Efter en kort säkerhetsvisning kryssar du mot en paradisisk kaj inbäddad i kristallklart, midjedjupt vatten, perfekt för mild, stressfri snorkling och flytande. Familjer finner glädje i den lekfulla lättheten i det hela. Par delar en gyllene horisont i lugn intimitet och förundran. Seniorer flyter utan ansträngning, utan att behöva anstränga sig, med skönhet och lätthet. Vid Cay, Carlos Alexis kommer att visa dig runt de omgivande kanalerna, där den mjuka strömmen beter sig som en lat flod. Han kan till och med ta med dig snorklingen längst bak i kajen med hjälp av vår allergivänliga silikonutrustning medan solen fortfarande skiner genom mangroveskogen – och alltid se till att du är trygg och säker. När det gyllene ljuset skimrar på vattenytan doppas solen under horisonten som Moder Jords upptakt till hennes mest magiska handling och nattens huvudattraktion.
När natten faller driver din båt in i Papayo Cove, där Carlos Alexis börjar med en historisk och vetenskaplig genomgång om bukten, och showens verkliga stjärnor: dinoflagellaterna. Sedan leder han vägen in i vattnet som verkar stilla och mörkt — tills han rör det. Sen... lyser den! Han kommer att lära dig hur man framkallar glöden så bioluminiscensen når sin fulla topp. När du har bemästrat glöden guidar han dig försiktigt under båtens däck, där glöden intensifieras och avslöjar den fulla magin i denna heliga vik. När du känner dig säker och trygg återvänder Carlos ombord på pontonen och förvandlas till din filmskapare och regissör, med hjälp av det ultimata verktyget för att fånga detta svårfångade fenomen: Sonys avancerade AI-kamerasystem ZV-E1. Han dokumenterar din interaktion med dinoflagellaterna - ett heligt, filmiskt möte fångat på ett sätt som bara han kan. Oavsett om du ser det som ett vetenskapligt underverk, naturens magi eller ett gudomligt möte kommer du att känna dig förändrad – pånyttfödd av vatten och förundran.
Tillbaka i land väntar middagen – varm, fräsch och lokalt inspirerad. Du kommer att byta om till torra kläder, dela skratt efter din overkliga och magiska upplevelse, och njuta av smakerna från Puerto Rico, omtänksamt serveras vid ett bord reserverat bara för dig, vilket ger dig en chans att smälta nattens oförglömliga magi. Efter middagen är returresan lugn. Barnen driver för att sova med leenden, fortfarande glödande från bukten. Par sitter hand i hand i tystnad, fortfarande glödande inuti. Och seniorer vilar djupt, deras hjärtan fulla och nöjda med att veta att de har levt något få någonsin kommer att göra. När du kommer tillbaka till hotellet säkerhetskopieras dina bilder säkert. Och på bara några dagar får du en professionellt redigerad filmisk minnessak av ditt bioluminiscenta bad – ett av de mest sällsynta och vackraste ögonblick en resenär kan fånga var som helst i världen.
Höjdpunkter
Vad som ingår
Resenärers betyg
Viktig information
- Spädbarn och små barn kan åka i barnvagn eller sittvagn
- Servicedjur tillåtna
- Lämplig för alla fysiska konditionsnivåer
Recensioner(54)
Our private biobay tour began mid-day in Condado when we set off in a black Mercedes passenger van driven by Carlos, the irrepressible and indefatigable founder, CEO and sole guide for Bucketlist Tours. Over the next two and a half hours, Carlos engaged us in a freewheeling conversation about Puerto Rican politics, culture and history, pausing only to point out spectacular instances of natural beauty along the highway and the architectural peculiarities of the historic city of Ponce before finally arriving in La Parguera, our final destination. Once there, we boarded a pontoon boat and soon arrived at one of the mangrove cayos, where we spent the two hours before sunset relaxing in the shallow bay and exploring the marine life while being pummeled, in what we learned was a rare and unfortunate occurrence, by a replay of the Bad Bunny halftime show broadcast at stadium level volumes by a neighboring party boat. After sunset, Carlos led us back out onto the bioluminescent bay. Once anchored, Carlos led us into the water where we settled in a cavity beneath the pontoon boat, letting our eyes adjust to the darkness. On Carlos's cue, we began kicking and waving our hands beneath the water's surface. Suddenly, the water was luminous, filled with sparks trailing behind our hands and around our feet, as if we had landed on top of an underwater foundry. My surprise eventually gave way to quiet amazement, echoed by my daughter's giddy laughter. It was really extraordinary. The only suggestion for improvement would be a deletion, not an addition. The round trip from Condado to La Parguera is a solid 4 hours. The detour through Ponce doesn't really justify the extra half hour it adds to an already long day spent in the car. Otherwise, a uniquely memorable and enjoyable tour.
We truly appreciate your words and just like to you, your daughther laughter was the payout of the time and effort we have put to make this rhe most memorable way to experience Puerto Rico. We will adopt your Ponce sugestion and offer it just as an option to those wanting to see our second largest city . Thanks for being with us and thanks for letting other know your experience with us.
My family had an amazing time on this tour. First, Carlos picked us up from our residence in Rio Grande, which is quite a drive from the bio bay. He drove us to La Parguera with history, good discussion and cool sites and beautiful views along the way. Upon arrival we had clean bathrooms to change into our swimsuits and we grabbed some snacks and ordered our dinner for later. We then drove to the dock where the Captains picked up our group of 8 in two boats and drove us to a beautiful location for snorkeling. The snorkeling was amazing! The masks were clean and nice, the water was crystal clear, and Carlos was with us and pointed out great spots to find fish, sea urchins, and other cool things to see! The Captains did a great job and had noodles on the boat for anyone who wanted them. More than one of us commented that it truly felt like we were swimming in an aquarium! We watched a gorgeous sunset from there and then took a boat ride over to the bio bay. In the bio bay we were able to see the water light up with every movement! When we pulled our hands out of the water, it looked like glitter sparkling on our arms! Carlos came into the water with us, until he headed onto the boat to take a video, because conditions were perfect for it! He is going to send it to us after he uploads it onto his computer and what a special way to remember a special night that will be! They then took us back to the restaurant, Brújula, where we rinsed the saltwater off in an outdoor shower, changed into dry clothes, and had our food ready to come out right as we sat down! The shrimp mofongo was outstanding. Finally, he drove us safely back to Rio grande, with more history and great discussion along the way. Carlos and his captains also did a great job with the entire family, from age 2 all the way to age 71. Thanks for a night that our family will remember forever, Carlos!
What a great experience, Fantastic!!! Waterfalls were a blast! Bioluminescence was amazing. Carlos was a wealth of PR information and a fantastic guide. He got in the water with you and led the tour !!!
Paid over $1700 for 4 people to have a whole day tour in Puerto Rico ending at the bioluminescent bay. Booked on a Monday, for the following day. Recieved a call from Carlos Alexis asking if we could do it another day (after already paid). I told him no as we were leaving the following day of the scheduled tour. He was concerned about “weather” which was not an issue at all, we only had light wind. He told me he would call me in the morning to confirm and assess. He never called so we all assumed it was still fine. We packed our bags and paid to get dropped off at the meeting location (hotel), and Carlos Alexis NEVER showed up. I called him over 10 times, messaged through Viator, called Viator customer service, and he never responded. We all were extremely angry that our last day of vacation was ruined due to this person. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TOUR TO ANYONE.
It is very unfortunate when a customer chooses to publicly attack a business while ignoring what actually happened and attempting to damage its reputation. To begin with, you paid $1,700 for a completely private, full-day experience that includes swimming with tarpon, snorkeling in the crystal-clear and warm waters of La Parguera, and then swimming in the bioluminescent bay while I personally film you as the only bioluminescence filmmaker in the Caribbean. You mention the $1,700 as if it were excessive, yet a non-guided, generic group tour can cost up to $1,250 for four people. The difference is that in those tours you are transported in a crowded van with 10+ other people, placed on a 21-foot boat filled to capacity, and taken to the cay around sunset with little to no time or guidance for snorkeling. In contrast, our experience is fully private. You travel in a new Black Mercedes Metris exclusively for your group, arrive earlier (around 5:00 PM) with enough daylight to properly snorkel, and receive guided experiences including snorkeling gear, swimming and snorkeling with tarpon, exploring the cay channels and guided bioluminescent bay swim with the guide in the water with you for increased safety and enhanced experience—something group tours simply do not offer. So yes, $1,700 for what we provide is more than justified. Now, to the actual situation: As a responsible tour operator, I called you in advance to advise against operating the tour due to high winds and very low water visibility in La Parguera. You chose not to reschedule and preferred to wait until the morning. During that conversation, I clearly explained that if you did not receive a confirmation call from me, it meant the experience would not proceed and the cancellation would be applied with a refund. Conditions did not improve, exactly as anticipated—not based on guesswork, but from real-time reports from over 15 captains running day tours and multiple operators running bioluminescent tours in the area, all confirming poor water clarity and weak bioluminescence. Your statement about “light wind” reflects a misunderstanding of conditions in La Parguera. The bay is over 100 miles from San Juan, and what you see locally does not reflect what is happening there. We rely on direct, on-the-water reports. To be clear, this was not a “no show.” It was a pre-communicated cancellation, where you were explicitly informed that if no call was received, the experience would not proceed and the cancellation would be in effect. That morning, since I had lost my daily income source I took a 5-hour tour to Toro Negro, offered by one of our partner Hotels in San Juan, and while it pays significantly less than your booking, it allowed us to make some income. Toro Negro area is in the deepest part of the central mountain range and state rainforest, and has little to no cell signal, and I did not receive any calls during that time. This was a professional decision to cancel due to conditions that would have resulted in a subpar experience, something we refuse to deliver. I can understand your unhappiness, but not the rage against the operator that saved you $1,700 and a bad experience. In over 8 years of operating this experience, this has only happened a three of times. Amd each time actions reflected something very important: our customers’ money is not our driving force. What drives us is delivering a true, unique, world-class experience worth many times what our guests pay. We will do all humanly possible to make it happen for you, but if we cannot deliver it at the expected level, we will always choose to cancel rather than knowingly provide something below what you deserve and our standards. Future guests should understand this clearly—when you book with us, you are booking a company that prioritizes your experience over the transaction itself. I truly regret that we did not have the opportunity to provide you with the experience under the proper conditions and that you were not able to understand we protected your investment and time. However, the facts remain that we were clear, honest, and acted in your best interest from the beginning.
We originally booked the "Puerto Rico's Only Private VIP & Filmed Bio Bay Swim" Tour on Trip Advisor for our group of 9 people. We needed to reschedule the tour to a different day and my friend called Carlos to arrange that. He then recommended she book our group instead directly off his website (Bucket List Tours), and she was instructed to book the "Mystic Waters Under the Sun & Stars" tour as it was supposed to be the same thing, but would be a little bit cheaper for each traveler when booked directly off his site. From what I can tell this is the only tour on his website that involves the bio-bay. We arrived at the pickup point that was emailed to us (1309 Ashford Ave) which is not the same pick up point listed on the Trip Advisor site. We were all staying at a different hotel nearby (about 7 km away), and had to take two separate Uber's (totaling about $40 each due to surge prices). He called my friend to ask where we were and then promptly drove to the location where we were waiting. I am not sure why we could not get picked up from our hotel but we were not too upset about it other than the tour is already pricy and we spent extra money to go to the incorrectly listed pickup point. It took a little over two hours to get to La Parguera. The drive was long, but beautiful, and Carlos gave us some history about the island. We stopped at the restaurant (which is inside of a nice boutique hotel) to order our dinner ahead of time for later, use the restrooms, and then proceeded to board two pontoon boats to a nearby cay. We spent time there and then watched the sunset. It was beautiful (despite raining off and on all day) and actually the weather cleared up for us to be able to snorkel and see the sunset. Carlos' boat crew consisted of 2 or 3 people and they were very nice and we felt safe. After that we boated over to the bio-bay. The bioluminescent water was absolutely incredible and was like nothing we had ever seen. Carlos and his crew did not rush us and allowed us to take our time exploring. Pool noodles were provided. After we were done at bio bay we boated back to dock and then drove to have dinner at the boutique hotel . Food and drink prices were not included, but it does state that on the websites. The food was amazing. Some people in our group thought it was a little pricy, but we thought it was fair. After dinner Carlos did take us back to our actual hotel, not the pick-up point, which was nice, consider we had a 4 year old with us. Some of our group did get upset as they were under impression that Carlos was going to film some of the tour and take photos as this is stated on the Trip Advisor site (and also the title of the tour). On his actual website, there is nothing mentioned about any filming whatsoever. So our tour was exactly as listed on his website. Since our tour I see he has added additional language on the Trip Advisor site stating, "Film of biokumunscent swim is conditio mns dependant and is an added bonus to this experience". In my opinion, when he told us to book on his website for that other tour, I DO think he should have told us the one we were booking did not include the filming - that did seem misleading. And I am not sure what "conditions" he needed, as like I mentioned above, it was definitely raining off and on during the journey there, but was great weather after that. I think our group would have even appreciated the simple gesture of offering to take a group photo - and if conditions were truly not right or safe for his equipment, then he needs to verbalize that to everyone, so there is no miscommunication. And again, his actual website does not mention any filming at all for the tour we booked. For me personally, I did not book the tour because of potential filming or photos. I was really there for the experience. And it was really a GREAT experience. It was a little pricy for what it was, but it lasted from about 2 PM to 10-11 PM, and we did a lot of cool things in a short period of time. This is the only bio bay in PR that you can swim in - the others are kayak only I believe and are much more crowded. Carlos and his crew never rushed us. The tour was EXACTLY as described on his Bucket List Tours website, however, did not follow what was listed on Trip Advisor. I would recommend the tour, but if he recommends booking on his website, just make sure to clarify the details. Especially if the primary reason you are booking is the filming. If you do not care about that part, then there's other swimming bio-bay tours to consider online
Thanks for clarifying the situation that Michael totally miss-described before. We are not going to add much because we already addressed the issue, but we can only take what mother nature give us.
Trip not as advertised! We intentionally booked this trip even though more than twice as expensive as other tours for same experience ( minus the video) due to fact that professional video of experience was included. However, no photos or videos taken with a variety of excuses ( conditions have to be perfect, he doesn’t have the gear but National Geographic did, we booked a different tour that didn’t include the video package). Carlos that states that clearly communicated that video is not included when booking. See if you can find that anywhere. Read the fine print and make sure you get what you are paying for with him! Additionally, not at expected “VIP experience” level. No drinks or snacks provided, van was dirty and smelled of cigarettes, and Carlos spent much of time on boat and at restaurant scrolling on phone. I’ve been treated better at many non “VIP” tours. Not worth the cost!
Michael, We take feedback seriously, but we also have a responsibility to correct statements that are simply not true or that seriously misrepresent what happened and how this experience works. What is missing from your review is what happened in the 5.5hrs before you finished swimming in the bioluminicense and the 3.5hrs after that. Your entire family was picked up in a custom high roof 14 seat Black Ford Transit, enjoyed the roadtrip from the city to the hills, to the mountains, to the amazing panoramic views in which we drove very slowly for everyone to admire, to the south dry plains to the farming lands to La Parguera as I commented throughout it. Then we sailled in 2 private boats, provided complimentary hypoallergenic snorkeling gear, I feed the Tarpoon for you to swim with, took all the family to the channels to snorkel in the 4ft deep crystal clear waters and we all witnesed a magnificent Caribbean sunset. And that the icing on the cake was how eryone including the 5yo baby, enjoyed the bioluminescent swim, thanked me, and repeatedly expressed how special and unique the experience was. More so, that several members of your group were openly enthusiastic about what they had just experienced. However, after comming from thr bioluminiscent swim, where I was by you showing everyone how to make the water glow in different ways, I heard you expressing how amazing the glow was. But just coming in to the boat after the swim, you personally became confrontational and aggressive asking for a full refund for not filming when I calmly tried to explain 2 things. First that on rainy days even with just some sprinkles we do not film because the profesional Sony gear we use does not have IP waterproof rating and something that is true of any natural, microscopic phenomenon: filming bioluminescence is entirely dependent on environmental conditions, moon phase, cloud cover, water clarity, and mostly dinoflagellates concentration. This is true for every operator in the world, and it is exactly why even National Geographic requires multiple nights and multiple attempts to capture perfect footage in these bays. Despite me trying to explain respectfully and calmly, you continued to make hostile and ill-intentioned comments, creating an uncomfortable situation, especially considering we had a 5yo child with us and that I still had to take your family to dinner and then drive you safely in an over two hours drive back to San Juan. It also omits to mention that our partner hotel allowed the whole family to use its facilities to change to dry clothes so you could comfortably eat, and that there was no wait in the restaurant as food came from the kitchen right when you were seating and that everyone was very satisfied with the food quality. Regarding your claim that the vehicle was “dirty” and “smelled of cigarettes”: this is categorically false. No one has ever smoked in our vehicles. We have a strict zero-smoking and zero-drugs policy for both staff and guests. While the exterior of the van may have had some splashes from earlier rain after a previous Old San Juan tour, the interior was clean and has never been exposed to smoke. This accusation is not only incorrect, it is malicious. Regarding the video filming: Our experience uses professional, National Geographic level , very low light sensitive equipment. However, bioluminescence is a natural, microscopic phenomenon, not a light show that anyone controls. Filming it depends entirely on environmental conditions. The guarantee is the experience itself, swimming, experiencing and interacting with the bioluminescence in a 50% darker enviroment in a privately guided way, which ee delivered anf your entire family did and enjoyed. At no point do we, nor can any operator in the world, guarantee cinematic results every night. Nature does not work that way, and as an experienced bioluminescence filmmaker, there is no reason to expose a $7,000 camera to not ideal weather when conditions do not allow capturing the phenomenon. The claim that you “booked a different tour” or that there was any “bait and switch” is equally false and malicious. We offer one experience, always private, and we are the only operator offering it in this fully private, guided format and with all the elements described before. Regarding the “VIP” comments: We do not advertise a red carpet to a Luxury Yatch with an open bar, and all previous customer have understood this as we advertise it; as the private, guided nature experience it is, not a party cruise or floating bar. Thats why reading the description is important. We offered and provided water in the van and water and sodas on the boat, which is what is advertised. Our focus is providing a personaly guided experience with safety, education and comfort as it's core elements and allowing each customer to enjoy and interact with mother nature in a unique and intimate way and show respect for a protected natural reserve and a place our indigenous ancestors deemed sacred. Regarding your comment about me being on my phone on the boat, yes, I toik pictures of the sunset, texted the restaurant to keep them posted about where we were so they knew when to get the food ready and not waiting and getting cold. Also during the tour I monitor weather, marine conditions, navigation timing, and logistics to discuss with the captain for safety. After your aggressive behavior began, I had to make a conscious decision to keep a respectful distance to avoid further escalation in front of a 5yo child, while still ensuring your family continued enjoying the experience, the food and that everyone was transported safely and professionally. We are extremely transparent about what this experience is and is not, and we always deliver everyhing we advertise,: private tranaportation in clean smoke free vehifoes, private guide and historian, a roadtrip through the wleverchanching landscape with enriching commentary, private boats, snorkeling in shallow crystal clear waters, guided bioluminiscent swim and a guarantee you will experience the glitteer. Hundreds of families, couples, and senior travelers choose us precisely because we focus on safety, privacy, authenticity, and dignity, not gimmicks, and our reviews consistently reflect that. I will end on a positive note: Im certain the you who wrote this review is not your best version and perhaps you were frustrated I did not engaged with you when you confronted me agresively. Im also equally certain you are a far better person to all around you, and that I delivered a memorable experience to most of your family. I even provided a complimentary dropoff at the Fairmont and our performance earned handsome gratuities from 3 out of 4 couples in the tour. However, several statements in this review are factually incorrect, malicious, and omit very important context and we had to set the record straight. I end this long post wishing that this new year brings you and your family health, success and happiness, your family have the best time in all your future travels, and that in the future God softens your heart so you are your true self and thruthfull and not malicious when you review any experience you have he allows privilege to do and enjoy. Carlos Alexis Owner & Lead Guide Mystic Waters / Bucketlist Tours
My husband, myself, our son and 2 grandsons (14 and 17) shared this incredible experience. The ride from San Juan to La Parguera was long but very picturesque and we learned so much from our guide, Carlos, about the land and about Puerto Rico. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about his country!! La Parguera was a small, charming fishing village and we began our journey there. Snorkeling was first in a warm, quiet bay with crystal clear fairly shallow water. It was relaxed and unhurried. We watched the sunset there in the bay. It was stunning. Next came a slow easy ride to the much anticipated bioluminescent bay. It was very sheltered and the few other boats there were all respectfully quiet. No loud voices or music. We waited for complete darkness and then went in to the water. This is the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico that you can actually swim in. Carlos had us go under the boat (pontoon) to start because it offered us a maximum contrast to experience the bioluminescence. Each and every move we made bathed us in shining, sparkling blue light. It took our breath away, it was so incredibly gorgeous!!!! When I would slowly lift my arms out of the water, it looked like they were covered in shimmering diamonds. This was Mother Earth at her finest!!!! Carlos video taped all of us in turn as we experienced the bioluminescence and sent us the video after we came back home from our stay in Puerto Rico. We had a full moon that night but it did not diminish the vibrancy of the bay at all. We all felt that this was a once in a lifetime, never to be forgotten experience. We all recommend this charter; I can not imagine anyone being disappointed.
It was our pleasure and honor to host you to our most unique experience. Im grateful of your words and glad you had the awesome experience you deserved and hope to see you again in the future.
This is aptly described as “once in a lifetime” “only in Puerto Rico” experience. It’s a long ride but totally worth it! I felt like Elsa in Frozen where sparkles come out of my hands, to the graceful Manta Ray in Avatar. You lift your fingers off the water, and your hands and arm sparkle like a thousand stars. Felt like a goddess! There was no other words to explain it but MAGICAL. This is where the legend of the fountain of youth was born. So, swim in the fountain of youth!
if you’re worried abt the 2 hour drive, DONT!! the views were unmatched, and our guide knew the answer to every question along the way. we had the best time in the water and on the boat! we got to play our own music and even beautiful pictures of us in the most beautiful spots. we ended up on a little island and looked at shells and hermit crabs! when we were in the bioluminescent water, our guide had an insane camera to pick up the glowing water that our phones couldn’t even pick up! this was an unmatched and unbelievably amazing trip. wish i could do it again for the first time. he deserves all the glaze! if you’re looking for insta pics- this is the tour for you
We are pleased you had a wonderfull experience and gratefull you shared it with us. This is what we live for, and feedback like yours validate our efforts!
Had an amazing experience with Carlos! He drove us from San Juan to La Parguera and back on a private trip .. very knowledgeable and full of info! Boarded a private charter boat , went snorkeling, saw an awesome sunset and then went to bioluminescence bay! It was pure magic! Swimming and splashing around to create the sparkles and light was an outer world experience! We then went to a restaurant to change and have a delicious dinner and headed back Recommend this highly!
