Welcome and safety briefing
Meet the guide, choose a single or double kayak, put on your life jacket, and learn the basic paddling and safety instructions.
Paquera Bay · Costa Rica
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Paquera
Paddle across calm bay water as sunset becomes darkness, then watch blue-green sparks appear with every stroke. Choose an early sunset departure, a later night tour, or a private experience.
Family-friendly
Single or double kayaks
Life jackets included
Tours all year
From $35Per person
About 1½–1¾ hoursDepending on departure
Sunset or nightTwo shared departures
Paquera BayNear the ferry area
See it with your own eyes
The glow is often clearer in person than through a phone camera.
Your evening on the water
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From golden sunset to glowing paddle strokes
Your guide combines a calm coastal paddle with an easy-to-understand explanation of the natural phenomenon occurring in Paquera Bay.
Paddle into Paquera Bay
Set out across sheltered water surrounded by islands and mangrove coastline while the remaining sunset light fades.
Watch the water sparkle
Once darkness arrives, movement from paddles, hands, fish, and kayaks can activate visible blue-green sparks in the water.
Select the time and experience that works for you
Shared tours are priced per person. The private option gives your group a flexible 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM start.
5:45 PM Sunset Tour
$35per person
Start with sunset views across Paquera Bay and continue paddling as darkness reveals the bioluminescence.
Book the 5:45 PM Tour8:00 PM Night Tour
$40per person
Choose the later experience for a fully dark setting focused on the glowing water and tropical night sky.
Book the 8:00 PM TourPrivate Kayak Tour
$200up to 4 guests
Ideal for families, couples, or friends who want their own guide and a departure arranged around the group.
Request a Private Tour
Alternate payment: Send a $10-per-person deposit through PayPal and include the tour date and number of guests.
PayPal Deposit →
What is included and what to bring
Included with your tour
Everything required for the guided paddle is prepared for you at the meeting point.
- Local guide
- Single or double kayak
- Paddle
- Life jacket
- Safety instructions
- Drinking water
What to wear and bring
Plan to get a little wet while entering the kayak and paddling.
- Water shoes or secure sandals
- Light clothing that can get wet
- Insect repellent
- Small towel or dry change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case if taking your phone
Why Paquera Bay?
Calm water and a living coastal ecosystem
Paquera Bay is sheltered by islands and bordered by mangroves, creating calm conditions that are well suited to guided night kayaking.
Bioluminescence is light produced by living organisms. Microscopic marine plankton can emit brief flashes when the water moves, creating the sparkling effect around a paddle or kayak. Tours operate throughout the year, although visibility and brightness naturally change with moonlight, clouds, tides, weather, and water conditions.
Learn more about bioluminescent kayakingIslands and coastline help shelter the paddling area from open-ocean conditions.
Guided experiences are offered across seasons, subject to safe local conditions.
Lower ambient light generally makes the natural flashes easier to distinguish.
Your guide selects the route and viewing area according to that evening’s conditions.
Coming from Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tambor, or Puntarenas?
The tour operates in Paquera near the ferry area. Transportation and local accommodation assistance may be arranged for an additional cost.
Prefer not to paddle?
See the glowing waters from a comfortable boat—an easy alternative for families and mixed-age groups.
Explore the Boat Tour →Add an Isla Tortuga day
Enjoy beaches and the Gulf of Nicoya during the day, then finish your Paquera visit with bioluminescence.
Explore Isla Tortuga →Need transportation help?
Send your hotel location, preferred date, and group size so the team can help with available transportation options.
Contact Our Local Team →Bioluminescent kayak tour FAQs
Quick answers about experience level, departure times, equipment, private trips, and the boat alternative.
What time does the bioluminescent kayak tour start?
The sunset departure runs from 5:45 PM to approximately 7:30 PM. The later night departure runs from 8:00 PM to approximately 9:30 PM. Confirm the current check-in time when booking.
How much does the tour cost?
The 5:45 PM shared tour is $35 per person and the 8:00 PM shared tour is $40 per person. A private tour for up to four guests is $200, with each additional guest priced at $50.
How do I reserve my date?
Book online by card or send a $10-per-person deposit through PayPal. The remaining balance is paid on the tour date. Include your preferred date, departure time, and number of guests.
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
The tour is designed for most families and travelers, and the guide provides basic paddling and safety instructions before departure. Contact the team before booking if anyone has mobility, medical, or water-safety concerns.
Are single and double kayaks available?
Yes. The operation has single and double kayaks. Final assignments may depend on group composition, experience, and availability.
Can my family take a boat instead?
Yes. The bioluminescent boat tour is a relaxed option for guests who prefer not to paddle. Visit the boat-tour page or contact the team to compare availability.
Can transportation be arranged?
Transportation from Paquera, Tambor, Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and nearby areas may be arranged for an additional cost, depending on availability and group size.
Ready to paddle into glowing water?
Choose your departure and reserve your Paquera kayak tour online.