Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in Costa Rica: Unique Experience at Gulf of Nicoya Paquera

Experience the magic of bioluminescence on a kayak tour in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya Paquera. Paddle through calm waters, enjoy a stunning sunset, and witness the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent organisms.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Bioluminescence Costa Rica - Experience the enchanting glow of the water, shimmering like stars in the sky. As you paddle, watch the bioluminescence light up your hands, or scoop some water into your kayak to witness the magic.
    But first:
    Join the Sunset and Bioluminescence Experience, where you’ll be in double kayaks with a guide, paddling for 800…
What's Included
  • Equipment provided: kayaks, paddles, life jackets, waterproof bag
  • Expert guide included
Additional Information

We are thrilled to offer an unforgettable journey at the tranquil Gulf of Nicoya Paquera. The calm waters of this bay make it an ideal spot for kayaking. While covering a distance of 800 meters, expect to be dazzled by breathtaking sunsets, views of the ferry, and the sight of nearby islands such as Isla Chiquita and Isla Jesucitas. We will guide you to…

Location
Bioluminescence Costa Rica
We are located 100 metros from the ferry port facing the ferry will be to the right playa el Relleno in front of Parking don Dago.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(42 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Karen
Mar 12, 2026
Great experience! - It was a relaxing and easy paddle to the areas we saw the Bioluminescence. We stayed relatively close to shore. It started to come alive as soon it got dark. Our guide was friendly. We would recommend the company invest in some red lights for paddlers as at times it was hard to see where the group was and the guide didn't have a loud voice. There is an opportunity to swim if you want to. Otherwise, we really enjoyed ourselves and would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samuel_m
Mar 9, 2026
Objectively... - Objectively wonderful. Just magic. Have your swimsuit and diving goggles with you if possible to make the most of the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Rajiv_a
Mar 8, 2026
Wonderful experience - It was a wonderful experience. Our tour guide was Mr. Johanny. He did an excellent job; very friendly, patient, and funny. We had never kayaked before. He taught us how to kayak and made us feel comfortable, even in the dark. We end up kayaking for 90 minutes. We highly recommend this experience. It is very easy to take a 3 pm ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, do the activity, and take the 8 pm ferry back to Puntarenas. This is worth the money. There is not much else to do in Pauqera.
Review provided by Viator
Peaceofmindy
Feb 19, 2026
Paddling Into Bioluminescent Magic - This was such a cool and unique experience. We paddled out just before sunset, which alone made it worth it. Watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon from the water felt peaceful and almost surreal. The sky changing colors while we were out there set the tone for the whole night. Once it got dark, we moved to a different area to look for the bioluminescence. At first it was subtle, barely there, and then suddenly it was everywhere. Watching it go from faint little sparkles to vibrant flashes in the water was amazing. Every paddle stroke made the water light up. It felt like something out of a movie. There is something really special about being out on the water at night like that. Quiet, dark, and then the water glowing around you. Such a great tour and such a memorable experience. Definitely one of those things you cannot really understand until you see it for yourself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_g
Jan 28, 2026
Bioluminescence sparkled like diamonds - This is a night tour and the darker the night, the better it is for seeing the bioluminescence. That means it will probably be hard to see your guide and the other kayaks if you don't pay attention and stick close to your guide. Our guide was fantastic about helping us see the bioluminescence and telling us about it. He made it a magical experience and it's the most fun my husband and I have had playing in water since we were little kids! The bioluminescence sparkled like diamonds or stars. Totally worth the price and would do it again and again! I used this tour as research for a potential Fitness Retreat as the owner of my own private personal training studio in the U.S. We found it to be a good upper body workout while not feeling like exercise because you were so focused on experiencing the magic of the bioluminescence.
Review provided by Viator
Elyse
Dec 23, 2025
Amazing!! Hard to explain how incredible it was… you will need to experience it yourself!!! - Easy location to find. Our guide was incredible. He explained why there is bioluminescent water and how this location has some of the best to see and swim in. He took us out along the coast to an area that was a bit darker. As we paddled we could see the light reacting to our paddles. We docked the kayaks and got to swim in the water. The water was super warm. It’s like little sparkles all over the water! They activate with movement. It was so cool to see!!We asked our guide many questions and he knew so much!! After a while he told us it was time to head back. As we kayaked back we could see the water lighting up with every paddle stroke almost all the way back to the dock until the surrounding overhead lights became too bright. We were there with a totally clear sky and a waxing crescent moon. Incredible for viewing the stars and the water!! You need to try this!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katelynn_h
Dec 14, 2025
Happy family - Absolutely phenomenal! Impossible to describe. You must try it. We felt very safe and well taken care of with this company. Heading out on the ocean at night with an 8 & 9 year old was a bit worrisome for me, but once we got going I realized it was for not. Felt comfortable and relaxed as we paddled out to a sheltered bay and swam with the bioluminesence for at least half an hour. Kids had a blast. Like glitter in the water. So awesome. Our guides were very knowledgeable and careful with all the patrons and we would definitely book again.
Review provided by Viator
Janine_b
Nov 16, 2025
Absolutely incredible... - Absolutely incredible experience. The bioluminescence was magical and the tour guide was great. Highly recommended tour.
Review provided by Viator
Littleswisslou
Feb 19, 2026
Well worth seeing - Emily was a brilliant guide. Watch the sun go down from the kayak then row about 1 to 1.5 km. Easy and slow. Then the stars are amazing. Emily is very knowledgable about what you see. The bioluminescence is fantastic. But be prepared to get very wet. Suggestion was to swim. If you can wear something black then you see much more. Then back on kayak and tow back. This is tricky as very dark so kayaks bumping into each other. Worth bringing flash light to spot others and the rocks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie_g
Dec 27, 2025
We were expecting more - Our guide Amy was very helpful and friendly, but we expected more. On the one hand, it took us forever to take off, on the other hand, there were far too many kayaks in the water. This led to collisions and confusion. Everyone was very nice there, but the experience is really modest - if you have experienced it somewhere else like us.
Review provided by Viator
From $35
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).