Imagine the blackness of the sea on a moonless night. Now watch it sparkle with the darting lights of a million fireflies. Nature lovers will not want to miss the phenomenal experience of visiting a tropical phosphorescent bay! The phosphorescence is actually bioluminescence generated by microscopic organisms in the water. It is believed to be part of a natural defense system triggered by the movement of predators. Many scientists believe the tiny organisms light up so their predators can see more desirable prey – and thus leave them alone. The phenomenon occurs sporadically in warm seas around the world, but Puerto Rico is one of the only places on the planet where you can depend on it every evening at two different protected bays. The best known is at La Parguera, between Mayagüez and Ponce in the southwest of the island. A cottage industry in the village is based on showing the bay to visitors. The more spectacular phosphorescent bay is in Vieques, the island municipality off of the main island’s northeastern shore. The experience of seeing—and being surrounded by—this eerie light is nothing less than magical!
How to Get There
Vieques From LMM International Airport take Road 26 and exit on Road 3 towards Fajardo. Turn left on Road 194 and go southeast for 2.1 miles. Turn left on Road 195, then bear left to Fajardo Dock. Take the ferry to Vieques. You may also fly to Vieques from San Juan or from Fajardo. From San Juan To reach Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (in Isla Grande) from San Juan, take Road 26 towards Carolina and exit on Road 1. Right after the Marina (Club Naútico de San Juan) make a right at Lindbergh St. From Fajardo To reach Diego Jimenez Torres Airport (in Fajardo) San Juan, take Road 26 and exit to Road 3 towards Fajardo. Once in Fajardo, take exit Road 976 and follow the signs to the airport. From La Parguera From San Juan take Road 52 to Ponce and then Road 2 towards San Germán. Exit onto Road 116 to La Parguera.