Transparent Canoe in the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques

About This Experience

A transparent canoe rather than a kayak on Mosquito Bay, which means a shared open hull and a more sociable trip — you sit facing each other rather than in line, and at $57 it is a couple of dollars above the cheapest Vieques option. The bay does the rest: this is the brightest bioluminescent water in the world, and a clear hull puts it directly beneath you.

The tour runs an hour from a black trailer near Hotel El Blok in Esperanza. A guide briefs you on the ecology of the bay and the mangroves that feed it, then takes the group out onto the water. Basic liability insurance is included, which is not universal on this island.

This operator is the most explicit of any we list about the thing that actually ruins Vieques trips, and it is worth reading before you book. Transport to Vieques is not included and the operator has no control over ferry schedules, delays, cancellations or weather. Its recommendation — and ours — is to arrive on the island at least one day before the activity. Cancellations more than 24 hours out get a full refund, and if the operator has to cancel for weather or unsafe conditions you are refunded in full.

Highlights

• A shared transparent canoe on Mosquito Bay, the brightest bio bay in the world
• Sit facing each other rather than in line — a more sociable hull than a kayak
• Guided explanation of the bay's ecology and the mangroves that sustain it
• Basic liability insurance included in the price
• Full refund if the operator cancels for weather or unsafe sea conditions
• An hour on the water from Esperanza, on the island's south coast

What's Included

• ✓ Shared transparent canoe
• ✓ Certified life jacket
• ✓ Paddle and safety gear
• ✓ Briefing before the activity
• ✓ Expert local guide for the duration of the tour
• ✓ Ecological explanation of the bay and mangroves
• ✓ Basic liability insurance

Not Included

• Ferry ticket to Vieques
• Transportation to or from the ferry or your accommodation
• Food and beverages
• Gratuities for the guides (optional)

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes and a change of clothes
• Flip-flops for the launch
• Insect repellent
• A light layer for after dark

Good to Know & Caveats

• The operator recommends arriving on Vieques at least one day before the activity, because it has no control over ferry schedules, delays or cancellations.
• Transport to Vieques is not included and is entirely the traveller's responsibility.
• Cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund; no refund for later cancellations or no-shows.
• If the operator cancels for adverse weather or unsafe sea conditions, all participants are refunded in full.
• Swimming is prohibited in Mosquito Bay, so this is a paddle-only trip.
• Babies under 1 year and children under 2 are not accepted.

Meeting Point

A black trailer near Hotel El Blok in Esperanza, Vieques.