A spotlight of our latest trip in Puerto Rico was a nighttime tour kayaking into Laguna Grande close to Fajardo to expertise the blueish blowing impact of bioluminescent plankton thriving within the water (learn extra right here about why Laguna Grande is good for plankton and year-round bioluminescence). One in every of three bio-bays in Puerto Rico, Laguna Grande is closest in proximity to San Juan.
Planning Forward
Whereas we made a reservation with Eco Adventures, we found many clothes shops situated close to the mouth of the channel main into the bay. Extra vital than particular person clothing store, maybe, is consulting a moon calendar and deciding on the night time with the least moonlight (the darker the sky, the brighter the bioluminescence to the attention).
What to Count on
When you’ve got an 8pm departure time, arrive early sufficient in Fajardo to take pleasure in a meal at one of many many seaside eating places inside strolling distance of the checkpoint. There’s additionally public parking right here in addition to a quaint park with pirate-themed playground and clear public restrooms.
Arrive early to take pleasure in a meal at a seaside restaurant in Fajardo.
Paddling simply over a mile to Laguna Grande (2.4 miles spherical journey) in a double kayak in complete darkness was thrilling, exhausting, and exhilarating. When you’ve got by no means canoed or kayaked earlier than, communication together with your accomplice is vital to sustaining your relationship. Typically, the entrance particular person propels the boat and the again particular person controls its route.
Observe the identical coloured glowing lights tied to the bow of your kayak (our group was orange) and hear for guides to direct you to to remain to the left or proper of the channel as different teams and gasoline-powered information boats journey in each instructions. Just a few instances we turned entangled in brush and branches; frequent when you find yourself paddling however a bit extra disconcerting with little to advance discover at nighttime of night time.
Group picture earlier than the kayaking tour.
Capturing the expertise with pictures is a bit difficult as (1) you’re in a double kayak within the complete darkness and (2) cell telephones and cameras can not seize the bioluminescent impact. Earlier than embarking, Eco Adventures captured a bunch picture. As soon as in Laguna Grande, our guides clipped all the kayaks collectively. We coated ourselves in a large tarp to dam out close by ambient lights and expertise the impact extra totally. See the function picture of our group.
E-book Your Keep in Fajardo
On the lookout for extra concepts in your Puerto Rico street journey, attempt a rum tour or a hike in a tropical rainforest.
Completely happy trails!