Bioluminescence Costa Rica: A Magical Kayak Tour in Paquera
Aurélise Leroux- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
When planning your trip to Costa Rica, you’ll likely think of lush rainforests, volcanoes, surf beaches, and rich biodiversity. But what many travelers don’t realize is that one of the most surreal and magical experiences awaits after the sun goes down. Welcome to the world of bioluminescence in Costa Rica—a nighttime light show performed by nature itself. And there’s no better place to witness it than Paquera, in the Gulf of Nicoya.
We recently had the chance to experience a bioluminescent kayak tour in Paquera with the amazing team at Bahia Rica Fishing & Kayak Lodge, and it was nothing short of magical. Imagine paddling through dark, calm waters under the stars, with each stroke lighting up the sea beneath you like sparkles. It felt like drifting through a scene from the movie Avatar.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about bioluminescence in Costa Rica, our personal experience with Bahia Rica, and why this tour should be on your Costa Rica bucket list.
What Is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where living organisms produce light. In the oceans, this light is often created by microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates. When the water is disturbed—by a hand, paddle, or even a swimming fish—they emit a bluish-green glow. It’s a defense mechanism and a spectacular one at that.
This visible light can appear like sparkles, swirls, or glowing waves, depending on the motion in the water. The effect is so vivid that it almost seems unreal, like you’re watching nature’s own fireworks beneath the surface.
Although bioluminescence occurs in other parts of the world, including Puerto Rico and the Maldives, Costa Rica is one of the few places where it can be seen year-round, especially in the warm waters of the Paquera Bay.
Why is Paquera one of the best spots for Bioluminescence in Costa Rica?
Not all locations are equal when it comes to seeing bioluminescence. Many bays require specific conditions—like perfect darkness, calm water, and little to no pollution—to trigger the glowing effect.
But Paquera Bay is special.
Situated along the southeastern edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Paquera offers ideal conditions for bioluminescence almost every night of the year. The area has minimal light pollution, warm, shallow waters, and a unique marine ecosystem where bioluminescent plankton thrive. Because of its narrow connection to the sea, the plankton get trapped and concentrated, making for a high-density bioluminescent display.
And what makes it even more magical? Experiencing it by kayak, up close and personal.
Our Bioluminescent Kayak Tour Experience with Bahia Rica
We chose to do our bioluminescent kayak tour with Bahia Rica Fishing & Kayak Lodge, a small, family-run operation tucked into the tropical hillside just a short drive from the Paquera ferry landing. From the moment we arrived, we felt the warmth and hospitality that Costa Rica is so famous for.
Meet Thomas and Vigdis – The Founders of Bahia Rica
Thomas Jones, a marine biologist from the U.S., and Vigdis Vatshaug, originally from Norway, are the couple behind Bahia Rica. They moved to Costa Rica over a decade ago and discovered something incredible right outside their doorstep—the magical bioluminescence of Paquera Bay.
It didn’t take long before they decided to share this phenomenon with others. Vigdis was already leading daytime kayaking tours, and Thomas’s background in marine biology gave them the perfect foundation to create the original bioluminescent kayak tour in the Gulf of Nicoya.
When we met them, they were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and passionate about what they do. They take great care in keeping the tours small, sustainable, and meaningful for each visitor. You don’t feel like just another tourist—you feel like part of their extended family.
Our Guide Luis – A True Enthusiast
Our tour was led by Luis, one of the most enthusiastic and kind guides we’ve ever met. A native of Cartago, Luis is a triathlete and one of the few certified bioluminescence guides in Costa Rica. He’s full of life, knowledgeable, and clearly never gets tired of watching the water light up with magic.
He welcomed us under the palm trees with complimentary drinks as the sun was setting. The group was small—just 10 people—which made the experience intimate and personal. Luis gave a fun and informative safety briefing and helped everyone get comfortable with their kayaks, whether you were a beginner or experienced paddler.
The Tour: paddling through an ocean of stars
Once the sky turned dark, we launched into the calm waters of the bay. As soon as our paddles touched the surface, we saw the first glittering sparks beneath us. And with every stroke, the light show grew more intense. The water glowed with swirls of blue-green, and fish darting beneath our kayaks left shimmering trails like shooting stars.
At one point, we just floated silently, hands in the water, watching as even the smallest ripple caused a brilliant burst of light. It was peaceful and surreal all at once. Luis stopped at various points to share stories about the plankton, the local marine life, and how special this bay is to the community.
We paddled for about an hour, stopping along the way to take it all in. The tour ended back at Bahia Rica's beach, where showers and changing rooms were available for anyone who needed them.
What you need to know:
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from the Bahia Rica Bioluminescent Kayak Tour:
Location: Bahia Rica Fishing & Kayak Lodge, Paquera (just minutes from the ferry dock)
Departure Time: Between 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, depending on the season and sunset
Duration: 1.5 hours total (1 hour on the water + prep time)
Price: From $36 USD per person (minimum 2 people) - Includes snacks, drinks, kayak rental, bilingual guide, and insurance
Who Can Join:
Recommended age: 10+ (family tours available upon request)
Kids 0–3: Free | Ages 4–10: Half price
Beginner-friendly: No experience necessary
Weight limit: 250 lbs / 115 kg
What to Bring:
Water shoes or sandals
Light clothing (and a change of clothes)
Towel
Bug spray (especially in rainy season)
Optional: Headlamp
Best Time to Go: The darker the night, the better the bioluminescence, so avoid full moon nights if possible. Bahia Rica’s team will help you choose the best date.
Why should this tour be on your Costa Rica Bucket List?
There are many unforgettable experiences to be had in Costa Rica—ziplining through cloud forests, visiting waterfalls, spotting sloths, and surfing warm Pacific waves. But there’s something deeply magical and meditative about drifting through glowing water in the dark. It connects you to nature in a way that’s quiet, personal, and awe-inspiring.
The bioluminescence in Costa Rica, especially in Paquera, is a hidden gem. It’s not as famous as other attractions, which makes it even more special. You won’t find large tour buses or crowded beaches here—just calm waters, a sky full of stars, and a sea that glows beneath your fingertips.
And when you do this tour with Bahia Rica, you’re not only supporting a small, eco-conscious local business—you’re also becoming part of a story that started with two nature lovers, Thomas and Vigdis, who followed their dream and discovered something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica and want to add something truly unique to your itinerary, don’t miss the chance to witness bioluminescence in Costa Rica with a night kayak tour in Paquera. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that photos and videos just can’t capture—you have to be there, see it with your own eyes, and feel the magic in your bones.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, the bioluminescent kayak tour with Bahia Rica is sure to leave you glowing with joy, just like the waters of Paquera Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where living organisms, such as marine plankton (dinoflagellates), emit light when disturbed. In the ocean, this light appears as glowing blue or green sparkles when waves, fish, or kayaks move the water.
Where can I see bioluminescence in Costa Rica?
How can I book the bioluminescent tour in Paquera?
How do I get to Paquera for the tour?
How much does the kayak tour cost?
What should I bring for the tour?
How long is the bioluminescent tour?
Do I need kayaking experience to join?
Is the bioluminescent kayak tour in Paquera family-friendly?
Can I swim during the bioluminescent kayak tour?
When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Costa Rica?
Is Paquera the best place for bioluminescence in Costa Rica?
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