Nightime Kayaking – Puerto Rico
Laguna Grande on the east coast of Puerto Rico is one of only a half dozen or so bioluminescent bays in the world.
Sailing - Charleston | Kitesurfing - Bahamas | Nightime Kayaking - Puerto Rico | Snowshoeing - Vermont | Dog Sledding - Central Oregon | Snorkeling - St. John | Surfing - Barbados | Hiking - New Hampshire | Snowcat Skiing - Utah | Zip Lining - St. Lucia | ATV Riding - Virginia
Adventure Rating: 2
Laguna Grande on the east coast of Puerto Rico is one of only a half dozen or so bioluminescent bays in the world. In the still waters among the mangrove trees are millions of microscopic organisms that release energy in the form of light when exposed to oxygen. A nighttime kayak trip is the perfect way to see them in action: every stroke of your paddle creates a glowing swirl and fish glide through the water, lighting up their path like shooting stars. Tip: don't schedule your trip during a full moon. The bioluminescence is difficult or impossible to see. $45 per person, Kayaking Puerto Rico, kayakingpuertorico.com.
Where to Stay
About thirty miles east of San Juan is the Wyndham Rio Mar resort and casino (wyndhamriomar.com, pictured). The resort's beachfront property boasts two golf courses, two oceanside pools, eight restaurants, and a world-class spa (try the refreshing ginger-lime scrub). For more action, stay in the heart of Old San Juan at Da House hotel (dahousehotelpr.com). It's centrally located among Old San Juan's best restaurants, historical sites, and nighttime hotspots where salsa music fills the narrow stone streets. Rooms from $80 per night.Need More Adventure?
Hiking: Stroll through El Yunque tropical rainforest and spy 240 species of trees, giant snails, roaring waterfalls, and (if you're lucky) the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. $3 entrance fee. El Yunque National Forest, fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean.Caving: Visit Río Camuy Cave Park and rappel 250 feet into Angels Cave. Explore subterranean rivers and experience mudslides, body rafting, and free jumps into darkness. (Children under fifteen are not allowed; those under twenty-one require parent permission.) $182, Aventuras Tierra Adentro, aventuraspr.com.
