Paddle a Living Light Show: Vieques Bioluminescent Kayak

Dear Viator: I think that it is important that Viator and people considering this experience clearly know about some of the undisclosed safety risks, beyond the disclaimer each partisans is required to sign. In review, the experience included being met by a guide at a parking lot, being driven to the kayak launching point, being secured in a kayak, following the guide and partner in the lead kayak to parts of the bioluminescent bay at night. 1) the transport van had a fractured windshield and the road to the kayak launch place was an unpaved treacherous road with lots of pot holes and perilous contours. Just the right bump at the right angle, in my opinion, would cause the fractures to shatter, sending shards of glass every which way. Further, the van was very old and worn, with no working seat belts for the participants. 2) Once the van arrived at the kayak launching point, participants had to walk BARE FOOT across dark semi-paved surfaces and then through very deep mud which smelled foul (“muck”), to reach the kayaks. Comment: It took a very long time for me to remove sticky muck from under my toenails and even with my legs being hosed down I still had muck stuck to my upper calves (I am a 5’8” tall man). For all I know, that muck contained bacteria, parasites (i.e. worms, etc.) that will harm me in the times ahead. I do not fault the personnel who took us on the adventure, but I do fault the lack of disclosure at the high level and having to walk barefoot across uncertain pavement (with very minimal flashlight support) in the dark and through one foot+ deep muck. I am a repeat Viator customer, having enjoyed some of your tours in France, Spain and Italy. Thanks for your attention to this and for any consideration you might deem for me, but most important, please be sure that appropriate persons review the “nuts and bolls” of what this adventure entails, especially regarding the safety of the travelers and staff. In closing, the experience of visiting this bay decades ago was so wonderful that the memory is the main reason I am visiting Vieques this week and, as such, I am a bit shaken up. Jack Malick

Arnaldo was an exceptional guide! During the ride to the launch site, he shared fascinating insights about the island's natural ecosystem. Before we got into the water, he took time to point out numerous star constellations, which was a wonderful touch. Once we were in our kayaks, he explained the science behind bioluminescence in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. We had plenty of time to paddle around and explore—we even saw fish glowing as they swam by! Despite it being almost a full moon, the experience was still spectacular since the moon hadn't risen yet for our 7pm tour. The bioluminescence was clearly visible and absolutely magical. I highly recommend this tour! Arnaldo's knowledge and enthusiasm made it unforgettable.

Amazing experience The guides were so knowledgeable and friendly. The glow of the water was so bright.

During November in a half moon day, the bio bay might not as luminous as expected. The tour was on time. It was muddy before boarding the kayak but they provided water spray to cleanup, so be ready in case you get drenched before or during kayaking.

Incredible experience. Arnaldo was terrific. It was fun and educational. One thing to be aware of is that at the beginning of the tour you walk through mud to get into the bay that is about 18 inches deep. So don’t wear anything that you can’t get dirty. Any pictures you have seen don’t begin to show how amazing the experience is. You have to see it live to appreciate it

Our guide was great!! I believe his name was Leonardo. He was informed and very very very helpful. He spoke English and Spanish and made light of every situation. On your way getting into the kayak there is mud so be prepared but i think that it’s worth it. Make sure you do research about the moon phase and weather. They can impact whether you see the organisms or not. Overall great experience and one for the bucket list!!

AMAZING, PATIENT AND FUNNY. We felt incredibly safe with our group leaders and they waited for us when we got lost on our way to start the tour. Very kind. best part of the trip

Amazing experience. Guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I would do this again. The guides humanized the experience by telling us about their youth experiences with the bioluminescent bay. Fantastic.

This felt like magic. If you can make it through the tiny bit of mud at the beginning then it opens up to a bay full of stars and sparkle. Our guide made the tour interesting with a mix of biology and a little bit of Greek mythology. The weather was perfect and I highly recommend checking this out while in Vieques.

The approach is rough, slogging through mud which I may have missed in the comments. We didn't leave on time because they waited for some people who were late. The night was beautiful and in spite of s bright moon we were able to see the bioluminescence just fine. The guide was knowledgeable and very polite.