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Three-hour guided tour — kayak through bioluminescent waters at sunset, paddle strokes create glowing trails, swim in warm waters along the beach.
This guided evening kayak tour offers a chance to witness a remarkable natural phenomenon in Puerto Jiménez. Over three hours, you'll paddle as the sun sets, entering waters that come alive with bioluminescence once it's dark enough. Each stroke of your paddle illuminates the water, creating a magical trail of light that follows you.
Participants will also have the opportunity to swim in the warm, glowing water right off the beach. Make sure to bring a swimsuit and a towel, and prepare for a unique experience as you navigate the serene waters under the stars.
Reviews
The kayaking tour was a tranquil experience, featuring clear explanations about the local flora and fauna. Swimming, snorkeling, and even paddling revealed stunning bioluminescence. Nature is simply beautiful.
Our family, including my husband and our two young adult children, thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking trip in the afternoon and evening. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Kayaking through the mangroves was both calming and captivating. I initially thought we would just be passing the time until dark, but it ended up being my favorite part of the trip. We made two stops at beaches, which was helpful as my legs can tire quickly in a kayak. The first break offered fresh fruit and a chance to swim, while the second allowed us to experience bioluminescence. While the bioluminescence was quite subtle, we did see some sparkles, particularly while using a snorkeling mask to explore underwater. Kayaking in the dark and being in the ocean at night was a unique experience for me. Overall, it was a fantastic family adventure, and I highly recommend both the tour company and this experience.
Lino was an exceptional guide, displaying great knowledge and a gentle demeanor while explaining the mangrove ecosystem. We kayaked at sunset, witnessing the rooster fish and sea turtles, all under expansive skies. He prepared a delightful pineapple and skillfully opened a wild coconut with just a stick. After highlighting constellations, we waded into the dark ocean to marvel at the bioluminescence, which was truly magical. The return kayak in complete darkness, with lights on Lino's kayak, rounded out this peaceful experience perfectly.
I joined Lino for the Bioluminescence and sunset kayaking tour on my last day in Costa Rica, and it was a wonderfully magical way to end my trip. Lino was an excellent guide, clearly communicated in English, and shared valuable insights on wildlife. We paddled through the mangroves, then headed to a small island for sunset, where we docked our kayaks and enjoyed fresh pineapple and coconut. Afterwards, we waded into the water to witness the bioluminescence, which made for an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Lino!
We had an excellent experience. Our tour guide was both informative and humorous. As first-time visitors to the area, we were truly amazed by the stunning beauty. Living in Costa Rica, we appreciated the serene little coves with calm waters. The journey to the location was gorgeous, and the sunset was breathtaking. We witnessed the bioluminescence in the water, which was best observed by playing with our hands in it. The guide offered pieces of meat that sparkled like diamonds on the mesh — a magical moment. We also spotted rooster fish leaping at dusk and even saw a dolphin. It was so much fun.
I was initially hesitant about booking this excursion, but I'm so pleased I decided to go; it turned out to be a uniquely beautiful experience. Our guide Lino was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local wildlife and plants. Throughout the trip, I felt safe and well cared for. I learned so much about various bird species, land, and marine animals, as well as the benefits of different plants. At one point, we enjoyed a beach snack where he demonstrated how to open a coconut. Even though the bioluminescence wasn't abundant—something beyond anyone's control—Lino shared some clever techniques that allowed us to see some. If the night sky is clear, make sure to take in the stunning stars. The leisurely kayak paddle during sunset was not only a photographer's dream but an image I will cherish for a long time. Being so close to the water, surrounded by incredible beauty and wildlife, created lasting memories. If you're contemplating this trip, just go for it. You won't be disappointed. A couple of extra tips: ensure you have your transportation arranged for pickup; my hotel shuttle let me down, and I had to figure something out last minute. Bringing a towel to leave in lockers is wise to avoid sitting in a taxi with a wet seat. Lastly, don’t miss the café—the food, smoothies, coffee, and pastries are excellent, but get there early, as they close before you return from the water.
The tour guides were exceptional! We not only enjoyed a beautiful sunset, but they also taught us how to survive with just a coconut if we found ourselves on a deserted island. It was a fantastic experience and well worth the cost.
Our family of five thoroughly enjoyed the sunset and bioluminescence kayak tour. Lino was an outstanding guide, providing valuable insights into the mangrove ecosystem and sharing practical tips on coconuts. The sunset was beautiful, and we had fun playing on the beach with the glowing algae. However, a fair amount of distance is covered during the two-hour trip, and my children found the return journey in the dark quite tiring in their individual kayaks. In hindsight, we would have preferred tandem kayaks to share the effort more evenly. It's best to schedule this tour on nights with darker skies (near the new moon) for more vibrant algae glow, but keep in mind you'll also be paddling in complete darkness for part of the trip. The guides do a great job of ensuring safety and keeping everyone together.
The experience was unforgettable. We paddled to a beach, and just as we arrived, a large wave hit us and we crashed into a submerged rock, damaging both boats. The company was excellent and quickly provided us with another kayak to return.
Outstanding experience with an exceptional tour guide.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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