Entry No. 03 · Lajas
La Parguera is the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is allowed, reached by motorboat from the village waterfront on the island's southwest coast.
17.9700° N, 67.0450° W
Last verified August 1, 2026 · 4 operators, each checked individually
17.9700° N, 67.0450° W
This is the one bay where you're not just watching the glow from a boat rail. You're moving through it, each stroke lighting up around your own hands.
The only Puerto Rico bio bay where swimming is allowed. Motorboat tours depart from the village waterfront.
Table 1
The almanac
This is the one bay where you get in the water, so two things matter, not one: aim for a new moon, give or take three nights, for the darkest sky, and check the forecast for comfortable swimming conditions. A full moon washes the glow out.
There is a second timing question, and the answer needs care. In June 2023 the DRNA issued Administrative Order 2023-02, closing this bay for three days of full moon in each lunar cycle, first applied to the nights of 18 to 20 June that year. Puerto Rico's public broadcaster reported the same order. We have not confirmed first-hand whether it is still being enforced, so ask your operator when you book rather than treating either answer as settled.
See all six months in the moon calendar →Anno MMXXVI · 2026
New moon and the three nights on either side, when the glow is strongest. Struck dates mark the full moon, when it is weakest.
None of the tour operators provide lodging. This map shows nearby places to stay, ranked how you like: price, distance, or rating.
La Parguera is the least restricted of the three bays and the only one where swimming is allowed. The captains here generally hold US Coast Guard licenses, a federal vessel credential and a different thing from the bay permits that Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) requires at Vieques. The companies below are the ones we researched individually, not every operator working the bay. If you run tours here and you are not listed, tell us.
Swimming is the whole reason to choose this bay, so read is it safe to swim in a bioluminescent bay before you book, and getting to La Parguera if you are driving down from San Juan. Still deciding between the three? Compare all three bays, or browse every operator we have researched.
One of the least expensive swim tours in La Parguera, though the operator's own site publishes little else in the way of reviews or details, so it pays to call ahead with questions.
Field-verified August 1, 2026
The oldest operating tour company we found across all three bays, running since 1987, with a USCG-certified captain at the wheel.
Field-verified August 1, 2026
Founded in 2007 by Capt. Uchy Mendoza, who's had a marine background since 1977, with tiers running from a swim-only trip up to a $525 VIP snorkel package.
Field-verified August 1, 2026
An hour in the water with a USCG-certified captain, reviewed across five different platforms if you want a second opinion before booking.
Field-verified August 1, 2026
Note: most of these operators take direct bookings only. Hook'd on Adventure and Aleli Tours are, per our research, also bookable through third-party platforms like Viator if you prefer booking there.
The operators above are the ones we've individually researched. GetYourGuide and Viator also list La Parguera tours beyond what's covered here, if you want to compare options or prefer booking through a marketplace.
Sponsored links to unconfirmed marketplace search results, not operators we've individually vetted. Affiliate disclosure.
Yes, La Parguera is the only one of the three Puerto Rico bio bays where swimming is allowed, always under your operator's safety briefing.
La Parguera is in Lajas, about 2.5 hours from San Juan by car. No operator offers San Juan pickup, so plan on driving or hiring a private driver.
The same new-moon rule applies here as at the other two bays, with one added variable: this is the one bay where you will be in the water, so also check the weather forecast for comfortable swimming conditions. Check the moon calendar for exact dates.
Ask your operator before you book. In June 2023 Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources issued Administrative Order 2023-02, closing the La Parguera bioluminescent bay for three days of full moon in each lunar cycle. We have not confirmed first-hand whether that order is still being enforced, so we are not going to tell you it is settled either way. Either way the glow is much weaker under a full moon, so aim for a new-moon week.
Tours run from $45 to $95 per person depending on the operator and whether kayaking or a sunset run is bundled in. Private charters are priced per boat rather than per seat.
Cross-reference
Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays that run tours. Prices and operator counts below are the live figures from this site's register, not brochure numbers.
kayak and electric boatno swimming
The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Guinness World Records, 2006. Kayak or electric boat only, no swimming.
4 operators · $65 to $85
See the 4 operators at Mosquito Bay →kayakno swimming
The closest bio bay to San Juan, about 45 minutes by car. Kayak tours through a mangrove channel.
5 operators · $59 to $70
See the 5 operators at Laguna Grande →Not sure which one to pick? Compare all three side by side, or read the whole register of every operator we have researched.
Written by Francisco, who is originally from the island, born and raised in San Juan. More about who writes this.