We had a magical experience with Parguera water sports for our Bio bay kayak/swim tour on 12/7/23. Captain Edward was amazing, gave us some great info and entertaining history on our way too and from the bay. We had a perfect night with no moon, little light pollution, and great concentration of bioluminescence. Words and pictures cannot describe the experience of swimming in this sea of fireflies.
Upon arriving at the bay, you start to notice little sparkles in the water. Youâre not sure if your eyes are playing tricks or not, but you see them. Then you board your kayak and the second the paddle hits the water there is an explosion of light dancing in the water. As you paddle around, you dip your hands into the water, watching the light flare up around you. It seems too good to be true. Eventually you head back to the boat, and bail off of your kayak (in life vests of course) and drop into the warm salty water. As cool as seeing the bioluminescence from the kayak is, nothing prepares you for seeing it at eye level, while swimming in warm brilliant water. It is a magical experience. There is truly nothing like it. The captains lower a tarp over the pontoon/catamaran boat for guests to swim under, and in the absolute darkness the biolume is even more brilliant. So much fun.
In the end, the $60 kayak and swim tour is worth every penny and then some. Parguera is the only bay where you can swim. I didnât think it would be that significant but I couldnât imagine NOT experiencing the bio bay without swimming in it. Mosquito bay may be the brightest of the bunch, but swimming in the Parguera bay up close and personal will not be beat. Thank you Captain Edward and Parguera watersports for an amazing experience.
P.s⌠Donât try and capture the brilliance of the bioluminescence on your phones. It wonât do it justice, and will just distract you from the experience. Just enjoy it. Most videos of biolume are photoshopped or enhanced. Trust me, just enjoy it. It was far better than I ever thought it would be, and my expectations...
   Read moreIf youâre heading to LaâŻParguera, Parguera Water Sports is a mustâand make sure you request Captain Javi. Heâs not just a tour guide; heâs a natural storyteller, safety expert, and host who goes above and beyond to make your experience unforgettable.
Captain Javi is known for his warmth, humor, and deep knowledge of the bioluminescent bay and surrounding mangroves. Heâll even adjust the experienceâlike laying a tarp under the boat during a full moonâto make sure you get the best view of the glowing waters. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike rave about how he personalizes each trip and makes everyone feel at home.
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đś Activities Offered
Parguera Water Sports provides an incredible range of water-based adventures: ⢠Bioluminescent Bay Tours â Take a boat ride, then kayak or swim in glowing waters under the stars. ⢠Kayaking Through Mangroves â Paddle through peaceful channels by day or combine with the glowing bay at night. ⢠Island Hopping & Snorkeling â Visit nearby cays like Caracoles or Mata La Gata to relax, swim, and snorkel. ⢠Evening Boat Cruises â Enjoy a sunset or stargazing tour with drinks and great company.
All equipment (kayaks, snorkels, life jackets) is included, and most tours are kid- and senior-friendly.
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â Why Choose Them ⢠Expert, passionate guidesâespecially Javi ⢠Unforgettable bioluminescence you can swim in ⢠Flexible, safe, and family-friendly ⢠Beautiful locations: mangroves, cays, and the glowing bay
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â Pro Tips ⢠Book in advance and ask for Captain Javi by name. ⢠Choose a tour on or near a new moon for maximum glow. ⢠Bring a swimsuit, towel, and optional snorkel/mask.
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Final Word
The bioluminescent bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experienceâbut with Captain Javi and Parguera Water Sports, it becomes something even more special. Donât just take a tour. Take the right...
   Read moreMy husband and I went kayaking and swimming in Bioluminescence Bay on Saturday night and had the most amazing time with Captain Wayne as our guide. He is very knowledgeable and likable, captivating our full attention during the pontoon ride out to the bay. We were grouped with two other couples and the Captain made sure each and every one of us was comfortable and felt included, putting safety first and foremost. I wasn't expecting much luminescence since the moon phase wasn't at its prime for conductivity and was pleasantly surprised by the brilliant fluorescent green glow of the lighting that surrounded our paddles, hands and bodies as we moved through the water. Capt Wayne took some pics of us in the water and boat, and sent them via text before we headed back, while treating us to a soda or water - everything included in what I considered to be a very affordable price. It appeared that we were the only couple that tipped, which is very unfortunate considering the magical experience and entertaining evening that Captain Wayne provided. If your experience is as great as ours was, please - tip your guide!
Here's a special thank you to Captain Wayne - for making this a most amazing experience that I'll remember forever!
PS - I'm a bigger girl and when booking the trip, I was nervous about whether I'd be able to get into the kayak from the pontoon, and then back into the pontoon after swimming in the water. The pontoon was just a couple years old, very beautiful, comfortable and easy enough for my nearly 50 yo plus size body to get in and out of without struggle. Please don't let size deter you from this...
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