See Costa Rica’s Ocean Glow Beneath Your Kayak
Experience a magical evening in Paquera Bay as sunset turns to darkness and naturally occurring bioluminescent plankton lights up the water around your paddle and kayak.
A Costa Rica Night Adventure You Can Actually Experience
Your evening begins in Paquera Bay while there is still enough daylight to enjoy the tropical coastline and get comfortable with your kayak.
As darkness settles over the Gulf of Nicoya, your guide takes you into areas where movement through the water can reveal the glow of naturally occurring bioluminescent plankton.
Move your paddle through the water and watch tiny flashes illuminate around you. It is a completely different way to experience Costa Rica after sunset.
- Local tour guide
- Single or double kayak
- Life jacket
- Paddle
- Waterproof bag
- Bottled water
- Safety briefing
- English & Spanish
From a Tropical Sunset to Glowing Water
The experience is designed around the transition from daylight into darkness, giving you both a beautiful sunset paddle and a chance to experience the bioluminescence.
Meet Your Guide
Arrive near Paquera Bay, meet the local team and prepare for your evening on the water.
Safety & Equipment
Your guide provides the kayak, paddle, life jacket and basic instructions before departing.
Paddle at Sunset
Enjoy Paquera Bay while daylight fades behind the islands and mountains of the Gulf of Nicoya.
Watch the Glow
As darkness arrives, movement from the kayak and paddle can activate visible flashes from the bioluminescent organisms.
See What Your Evening in Paquera Looks Like
Real images from the Paquera area and the bioluminescence experience. From daylight preparation to sunset kayaking and the natural glow after dark.
A Beautiful Setting for Bioluminescence in Costa Rica
Paquera Bay combines sheltered coastal water, tropical scenery and convenient access from the Nicoya Peninsula and Puntarenas Ferry.
Bioluminescent Waters
Microscopic marine organisms can produce visible flashes of light when movement disturbs the water.
Near Paquera Ferry
The tour area is close to the Paquera ferry zone, convenient for travelers crossing the Gulf of Nicoya.
Protected Bay
Paquera’s islands and coastline provide a scenic environment for guided kayaking close to shore.
Sunset & Night
The earlier departure allows guests to enjoy the sunset before darkness reveals the bioluminescence.
Equipment Included
Kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof bag and bottled water are included with the experience.
Easy Online Reservation
Reserve the $35 sunset kayak tour online with only a $10 per-person deposit.
What Makes the Water Glow?
Bioluminescence is light produced naturally by living organisms. In Paquera Bay, tiny marine organisms can emit light when the surrounding water is disturbed.
While paddling, movement from your paddle and kayak can create flashes and trails of light around you. The darker the surroundings, the easier the glow can be to appreciate.
Conveniently Located in Paquera
The experience operates around Paquera Bay on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, close to the Paquera Ferry area.
Paquera can be reached by ferry from Puntarenas and is also accessible from destinations such as Tambor, Montezuma and Santa Teresa.
Ask us about transportation options to and from the bioluminescence tour.
Planning Your Bioluminescence Tour
How much is the bioluminescent kayak tour?
The sunset kayak departure is currently $35 per person. The later departure is currently $40 per person. Online reservations can be made with a $10 per-person deposit.
What time does the kayak tour start?
The current scheduled departures listed by the company are approximately 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Exact timing can vary, so confirm the available departure when reserving.
Where is the tour?
The experience takes place in Paquera Bay on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, close to the Paquera Ferry area.
What is included?
The kayak experience includes your guide, kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof bag and bottled water.
Do I need kayaking experience?
You will receive instructions and a safety briefing before entering the water. Follow your guide’s instructions throughout the experience.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable light clothing that can get wet and water shoes or sandals.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use any Book Online button on this page to view availability and reserve securely through WeTravel.
Can transportation be arranged?
Transportation may be available for an additional cost from areas including Paquera, Tambor, Montezuma and Santa Teresa.
Is the bioluminescence guaranteed to look exactly like photos?
No natural phenomenon looks exactly the same every night. Bioluminescence intensity can vary according to conditions, and cameras can also record low-light scenes differently from the human eye.
Ready to See the Ocean Glow?
Check the available dates and reserve your bioluminescent kayak tour online with only a $10 per-person deposit.