Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? Why would you want to go to a place that actually has the name mosquito in it? Especially if – like us – you grew up in a place where the annual plague of mosquitos appeared every summer – without fail – and completely ruined your fun? (That being said, we still chased right behind the bug spraying truck that trundled down our suburban street. Our parents were powerless to stop us. Maybe that explains the generation that grew up in the late 1960’s / early 1970’s. Learn by doing, as they say.
Now, back to business. Don’t let the word mosquito scare you off. Here we’re referring to Bioluminescent Bay (aka Mosquito Bay or Puerto Mosquito,) one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays, located on the island of Vieques. A popular destination for nighttime boat tours, this bay is by far the brightest. The water is illuminated by dinoflagellates called Pyrodinium bahamense, tiny microorganisms that glow when touched.
Any contact with the water—by the boat, a paddle, or a part of the body—makes the water glow bright neon blue and green. Jump in for a neon-lit swim, cruise over the water in a pontoon boat, or board a kayak to paddle through the bay. Nighttime kayak tours typically allow you to learn about the biology of dinoflagellates and their interaction with the Vieques ecosystem.
Apart from the bioluminescence, Mosquito Bay itself is a beautiful location. The bay is surrounded by lush mangrove forests, adding to its enchanting ambiance. Exploring the calm waters by kayak or boat allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility and natural splendor of the bay. Puerto Rico is part of the USA, so it makes the travel even easier with adventurers from the US.
Viator have your adventure in Mosquito Bay. Click here to book.
Wow! Stay at the gorgeous Vieques Villa Gallega – Oceanview w/Infinity Pool. Click here to book.
Southwest Airlines fly to Puerto Rico, and all over the USA. Click here to book.