Bahía Mosquito, la bahía bioluminiscente de Vieques
All year round, brightest within five days of the new moon and clearest from November to J
Approximate window. The organisers publish the exact days a few months ahead.
What it is
This is not an event with a date, it is a condition of the water. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is recognized as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world and it works every night of the year, but what decides whether you see it well is the moon. The best nights are the five days around the new moon, and the worst are full moon nights, when tours are banned outright.
What to expect
You go out in a clear kayak or on a boat with a licensed guide, always in full darkness, and the water lights up blue with every movement. Swimming is banned in this bay, unlike the one in La Parguera, to protect the organism that produces the light. New moon nights sell out weeks ahead, so book before you buy the inter island flights.
Getting there
You reach Vieques by ferry from Ceiba, cheaper and with schedules that change, or on a small plane from Isla Grande or Ceiba in about twenty minutes. Tours leave from Esperanza or Isabel Segunda at night, so you need to sleep on the island. Plan at least two nights to give yourself margin if the sea or the weather ruins the trip.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the bioluminescent bay?
Why are there no tours on a full moon?
Can you swim in the bay?
How far ahead should you book?
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, prbiobayplanner.com, casavieques.com, viator.com
