Bio-Bay

It is a "Must See" when you are in Vieques, a "Once in a lifetime experience". Bio-Bay in Vieques is unique. None of the pictures you see really do it justice. It is just spectacular.

The bioluminescence in Bio-Bay is microscopic one-celled organism called a  dinoflagellate. The

dinoflagellates

micro-organisms' scientific name is Pyrodinium bahamense. They are part animal because they move around and part plant because they photosynthesize sunlight using chlorophyll. How or why do they glow? They emit a bright glow whenever they are agitated, or moved around. As a single cell organism, this built in defense mechanism can make them seem larger than the actually are (1/500") to predators. 

I remember when I first moved to Vieques, I went to Bio-Bay on the dive boat from 18° North and on the way into the bay there was a huge school of glowing objects swimming out of the bay. As we drove thru the school, we realized it was a large school of squid, which had just left the bay after feeding on a few of the trillions of plankton in the bay. Their transparent bodies glowed brightly showing they had indeed gotten a belly full.

Because the viewing of Bio-Bay is affected by light, even the reflected light of the moon can dim an otherwise incredible experience. Therefore, there are times when it becomes less than desirable to venture out on the bay. It is best viewed during a New to Waxing or Waning moon, or before moon rise or after moon set. A full moon is not the best time to see the bio bay.

here are couple of different ways to see the bay. One is by electric boat with Island Adventures. Sharon and her people are well versed on the Bay and the surrounding eco-system and will be able to give you an excellent experience and education. You can also stay high and dry during your tour, if you choose.

The remainder of the ecologically sound tours of the bay are a lot closer to the water and are self-propelled in Kayaks. It's a much more hands-on experience and you can't help but get wet. They are very entertaining and informative as well. Pooch from Blue Caribe Kayaks is the most outgoing and down to earth of the guides I know.

Contact the Tour Guides:
Aqua Frenzy Kayaks 787-741-0913
Blue Caribe Kayaks 787-741-2522  
Abe's Snorkeling & Bio Bay Tours 787-741-2134
Island Adventures Inc. 787-741-0720

      NEW MOON    FIRST QUARTER        FULL MOON     LAST QUARTER

       d  h  m          d  h  m          d  h  m          d  h  m

                                                   JAN.   3 17 46
JAN.  10 12 03   JAN.  17  6 57   JAN.  25 10 32   FEB.   2  7 27
FEB.   8 22 28   FEB.  16  0 16   FEB.  24  4 54   MAR.   3 17 36
MAR.  10  9 10   MAR.  17 19 19   MAR.  25 20 58   APR.   2  0 50
APR.   8 20 32   APR.  16 14 37   APR.  24 10 06   MAY    1  6 24
MAY    8  8 45   MAY   16  8 56   MAY   23 20 18   MAY   30 11 47
JUNE   6 21 55   JUNE  15  1 22   JUNE  22  4 14   JUNE  28 18 23
JULY   6 12 02   JULY  14 15 20   JULY  21 11 00   JULY  28  3 19
AUG.   5  3 05   AUG.  13  2 38   AUG.  19 17 53   AUG.  26 15 18
SEPT.  3 18 45   SEPT. 11 11 37   SEPT. 18  2 01   SEPT. 25  6 41
OCT.   3 10 28   OCT.  10 19 01   OCT.  17 12 14   OCT.  25  1 17
NOV.   2  1 24   NOV.   9  1 57   NOV.  16  0 57   NOV.  23 22 11
DEC.   1 15 01   DEC.   8  9 36   DEC.  15 16 15   DEC.  23 19 36
DEC.  31  3 12

There also many resources and articles on the bay, moon rise and other sites which may help you plan your trip, if the bay is your primary reason for coming to the island.

What is Bio-Bay?

Interactive Moon Phase calendar