Playa mosquito puerto rico: Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay | Discover Puerto Rico – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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February 9, 2023
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Playa mosquito puerto rico: Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay | Discover Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay In Vieques, Puerto Rico (2023)

Mosquito Bay holds the record for being the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

Located on the remote island of Vieques, off the coast of Puerto Rico, getting to the island is an adventure in itself.

As a resident of Vieques, I’ve visited Mosquito Bay many times.

In this article, I will cover:

– What is bioluminescence?

– What is Mosquito Bay?

– Where is Mosquito Bay located?

– How to get to Mosquito Bay from San Juan

– Is Mosquito Bay the best bio bay in Puerto Rico?

– What makes Mosquito Bay special?

– Can you go to Mosquito Bay without a tour?

– Other frequently asked questions

What is bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence means “light emitted by a living thing.”

An example of bioluminescence you might be familiar with would be the glow emitted by fireflies, some species of jellyfish, and glow worms.

Dinoflagellates are a type of plankton that produce bioluminescence in the water at night; this is what makes the bioluminescent bay glow.

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Video credit: @discovervieques

Dinoflagellates are small, single-celled organisms that are half animal half plant, and it is believed by scientists that their glow is a defense against predators. It is also suspected that bioluminescent organisms of the same species use light to communicate with each other.

The scientific name for dinoflagellates is Pyrodinium Bahamense, which translates to “whirling fire”.

To learn more about this naturally occurring phenomenon, read our article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know.

What is Mosquito Bay?

Mosquito Bay is one of three bioluminescent bays located in Puerto Rico.

It is the brightest bio bay in Puerto Rico, and also in the world.

The deepest part of the bay is around 13 feet, with most of it being around 3 feet deep.

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The bay holds the title in the Guinness Book of World Records for the brightest bio bay, averaging 700,000 dinoflagellates per gallon of water.

Mosquito Bay was named after Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresi’s ship, El Mosquito.

Because of the glowing water, many of the pirate’s enemies considered the area to be “black magic” due to the bioluminescence. In Mosquito Bay, they left Cofresi and his crew to themselves.

Below is a video showing a tour through Mosquito Bay:

The bioluminescence is only visible for about 2.5 weeks of each month, due to the moon rise/set times.

To learn more about the best times to visit the bio bay, read our article When Is The Best Time To See Bioluminescence In Puerto Rico?

Where is Mosquito Bay located?

Mosquito Bay is located on the small island of Vieques, a few miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Map showing the location of the bio bay in Vieques.

Vieques is only 21 miles long and 3 miles wide, with much of the island being covered in protected lands, the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Much of this land was formally occupied by the US Military.

The Vieques bioluminescent bay is one of many things to do on the island, which is also famous for its pristine beaches and wild horses.

Sun Bay is one of the most popular and accessible beaches on Vieques. Many bio bay tours meet in the parking lot of Sun Bay.

Vieques is home to Puerto Rico’s only black sand beach, La Playa Negra.

The island offers world-class snorkeling and diving sites, beach horseback riding, hiking trails, and museums.

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Photo credit: @jurutungofarm

There are two main towns on the island, Isabel II on the north side where the ferry lets you off, and Esperanza on the south side where most tours meet to explore the bio bay.

With so much to do, you can be sure that a trip to Vieques will not disappoint.

Below is a video that shows you a bit more of Vieques:

How to get to Mosquito Bay from San Juan

Arriving in Vieques from Puerto Rico is an adventure that is well worth your time.

The most popular and economical way to get to Vieques is by ferry.

The cost to take this trip is only a few dollars and depending on weather conditions, it doesn’t take more than an hour. The ferry departs from the town of Ceiba, about an hour drive from San Juan.

Vieques is only a few miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

There are options to take a public van from San Juan to Ceiba for visitors that did not rent a car.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to bring any rental car from Puerto Rico to Vieques on the ferry, and will need to pay a daily parking fee at the ferry’s dock.

Ideally, you should reserve your ticket ahead of time, especially if you are planning to travel during a weekend day. You can do that on the Puerto Rico Ferry website.

There are other options to get to Vieques from San Juan, such as taking a small aircraft or reserving a private boat charter.

The video below shows how to get from San Juan to Vieques with public transportation:

You can consider all the options in more detail by reading about them in our article How to Get to Vieques from San Juan.

Is Mosquito Bay the best bio bay in Puerto Rico?

Yes, without a doubt!

Have you seen the movie Avatar?

Nearly all of the living organisms in the movie are able to deploy bioluminescence.

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Gliding in my kayak through Mosquito Bay and dipping my hand in its bioluminescent water is the closest I have ever felt to experiencing that movie in real life.

There are three different bio bays in Puerto Rico, and each one offers something different that can appeal to the specific needs of you or your travel group. These bays are Mosquito Bay, La Parguera, and Laguna Grande.

An exciting experience awaits you when you kayak Mosquito Bay.

Mosquito Bay does not allow swimming, so if you are looking to have that experience, you could check out La Parguera Bio Bay on the southwest corner of Puerto Rico.

La Parguera is also a good option for travelers that can not kayak because this is also the only bay that allows motor boats to take visitors out on the bay. It will take about 3 hours to drive there from San Juan.

The bio bay that is located closest to San Juan is Laguna Grande Bio Bay in Fajardo. This bay is about one hour drive from San Juan and is one of the more popular bays due to its close proximity to the city and El Yunque Rainforest.

Below is a video that shows the bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay:

Mosquito Bay is the most remote and the brightest, making this the perfect bay to visit if you have at least 2 days to spend out on Vieques.

Some travelers choose to stay on Vieques for their entire vacation, and there is enough to do here to make that enjoyable.

What makes Mosquito Bay special?

Mosquito Bay is able to have such a large concentration of dinoflagellates due to its very small, “s” shaped entrance to the ocean.

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While you are kayaking, you may see different types of marine life swimming around you, like small fish and manta rays.

I spoke with a Vieques native, Stephanie Velazquez, who also operates tours to the bay, and she told me about this interesting fact:

The “S” shape of the bay’s entrance traps the organisms, allowing them to multiply without being disturbed by the ocean’s currents.

This unique feature coupled with the mangroves that line the entrance to the bay further protects the organisms aiding in their reproduction, allowing Mosquito Bay to be the perfect nursery for dinoflagellates.

Can you go to Mosquito Bay without a tour?

No.

Mosquito Bay is protected by Puerto Rico’s Department Of Natural Resources.

To experience the magic of the bio bay, you must go with a licensed tour operator.

Only licensed tour operators are allowed to bring visitors to the bay.

This allows the area to remain protected and allows a minimal level of disturbance to the magical organisms that live in the bay.

FAQ section

Are there mosquitoes in Mosquito Bay Puerto Rico?

There are some mosquitos, tour operators recommend using a DEET-free spray if you must use repellant. The bay was named after the famous Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresi who’s ship was named El Mosquito.

Is Mosquito Bay free?

No. In order to access Mosquito Bay, you must visit with a licensed local guide or tour operator.

Final thoughts

If you are visiting Puerto Rico, you must go to Vieques to experience the bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will not disappoint you.

I recommend staying on Vieques for a minimum of two days, and keep in mind that in order to visit Mosquito Bay, you will need to stay at least one night on the island as no tours take place during daytime hours.

Vieques is accessible from Puerto Rico by public ferry, private boat, or flight in a small aircraft. You can learn how to get to Vieques by reading our article How To Get To Vieques From Puerto Rico.

You can learn more about Puerto Rico’s other bio bays in our article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know.

Article by

Brittany Ashford

Writer at PuertoRico.com. After living in Puerto Rico for seven years, I opened a guesthouse in Rincón and welcomed over 400 guests to the island from around the world. When I’m not writing about travel or spending time with my dog, I’m working towards becoming a pilot with dreams of flying around the islands.

About the author

Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bay, located in Vieques, Puerto Rico is the brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the World. It displays micro-organisms that light up in a blue-green glow whenever there is movement in the water. It is one of the 5 Bioluminescent Bays in the World and Puerto Rico is home to 3 of them. There are several boat tours out to the bay, including kayak trips (which are more ecologically responsible and sustainable to the environment). Any visitor to the island should arrange a trip and those who wish to visit the Bio Bay should arrange their trip around the lunar calendar. The best time to view the bioluminescent bay is when the night sky is dark due to no moonlight. The micro-organisms are not visible under a full moon. It is a great choice for your Green Travel Attractions bucket list.

Travel to Vieques Island: Getting to Vieques is convenient and affordable (no passport required for U.S. citizens). From San Juan, you have a few options for flights to Vieques or you may also take the ferry from Ceiba located at the marina at Roosevelt Roads. We recommend you buy your tickets in advance to secure your place via http://puertoricoferry.com. This service and ferry schedules are provided by the Maritime Transportation Authority. For additional information please call 787-497-7740.

For tours and other aquatic experiences, please contact:

Abe’s Snorkeling Abe

Along Abe’s guides, you will experience the beauty and science of Bioluminescence, along with the life of Pyrodinium Bahamense, the single-celled organism responsible for this amazing glow. They will drive you to the Bay and provide you with kayak, paddle, vest, and instructions. After a short paddle, you will hear a very informative session explaining the Bioluminescent bay’s unique ecology. Your two-hour kayak tour of the Bio Bay includes pick-up/drop-off at Sun Bay or the Esperanza Malecon. Please contact staff for hours, fees and special instructions.

Phone: 787-741-2134 | 939-224-2095
Website: www.abessnorkeling.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/abessnorkeling

Bieque Eco Trips

If you want to live the magical experience, come and enjoy with Bieque Eco Trips interpretive guides team which will provide a lot of information. You also can contemplate and learn about the stars, planets, and constellations (with clear sky).

Clothing should be comfortable and that can get wet, long sleeve shirt, shorts, sandals and a towel to dry after activity. Bieque Eco Trips believes in family and eco-friendly activities, so they accept families with children 3 years and older. The company also works with small groups in double kayaks.

Phone: 787-922-2701
Website: www.biequecotrips.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biequecotrips/

Black Beard Sports

This great tour last approximately 3 hours from pickup to drop-off with a one-hour kayak. Tandem kayaks, paddles, life vests, guides and water are included in the price. Transportation from one of two pickup locations is free.

Phone: 787-308-4478 Website: www.blackbeardsports.com
Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBeardSports
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackBeardSport
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeardsports/
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/

Melaya’s Biobay Tours

Two hour guided tour in our two-person, clear bottom kayaks. The meeting point is across the street from the Green Store located in Esperanza. The tour group is small (maximum of 10 people) which will make the experience a cozy and comfortable interaction between group members. Private and cultural tours available.

Phone: 787-222-7055
Website: www.melayastours.net
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelayasTours
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/

Travesías Isleñas Yaureibo

Imagine the hidden world of Bio Bay, enchanting in the stillness of the mangrove canals, yet unexpectedly full of life. Then paddle out the channel towards the sea. Beach the kayaks and explore the beach as the sun sets. At dusk, launch the kayaks back into the final rays of the sun. You will paddle back in, as the twilight deepens, reaching the inner lagoon just as the increasing darkness allows the stars to shine. The darker it becomes the more the bio bay glows and sparkles with every touch of the paddles in the water. Play with the millions of tiny stars in the water! You will learn many of the ‘secrets’ of this complex ecosystem from your knowledgably and experienced guides.

Phone: 787-447-4104 | 939-630-1267
Website: www.viequesoutdoors.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz

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Snorkeling

Fajardo Bio Bay – Laguna Grande

Playa Flamenco → Mosquito Bay Beach: 3 ways to get there from €30

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There are 3 ways to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach by car ferry or plane

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico

All over the world, there is a high probability of transmission of infection in crowded places.
We have not received any reports of travel restrictions in Puerto Rico. For the latest information, please visit the official resource for Puerto Rico.

For travel planning advice, please see our Rome2rio Coronavirus Information page.

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Travel Tips During COVID-19

Can I drive from overseas to Mosquito Bay Beach?

At this time, we are unable to provide information regarding international travel restrictions in Puerto Rico. For up-to-date COVID-19 travel statusin Puerto Rico, please see government guidelines.

Puerto Rico Coronavirus (COVID-19) Official Information

Can I travel within Puerto Rico?

At this time, we are unable to provide information regarding domestic travel restrictions in Puerto Rico. For the latest COVID-19 travel status in Puerto Rico, please refer to government guidance. nine0005

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Are there travel restrictions from Puerto Rico?

At this time we are unable to provide information regarding travel restrictions from Puerto Rico. For the latest COVID-19 travel status in Puerto Rico, please refer to government guidance.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Official Information for Puerto Rico

Last update: January 5 | Data sources: ACAPS, OXFORD

Questions and answers

What is the cheapest way to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach?

The cheapest way to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach is the car ferry, which costs €4 – €45 and takes 3h 53min. nine0005

What is the fastest way to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach?

The fastest way to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach is by plane for €35 – €240 and takes 1h 30min.

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How far is Playa Flamenco from Mosquito Bay Beach?

The distance between Playa Flamenco and Mosquito Bay Beach is 29 km.

How long does it take to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach?

It will take approximately 3 hours 53 minutes to get from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach including transfers.

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How long does it take to fly from Playa Flamenco to Mosquito Bay Beach?

There is no direct flight from Culebra Airport to Vieques Airport. The fastest flight will take 1h 25min and includes one stop.

Flight Search

Which airlines fly from Culebra Airport to Vieques Airport?
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Vieques Air Link and Cape Air offer flights from Culebra Airport to Vieques Airport.

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Where can I stay near Mosquito Bay Beach?

20+ hotels available in Mosquito Bay Beach. Prices start at €87 per night.

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How do I get to Culebra Airport (CPX) from Playa Flamenco?

The best way to get from Playa Flamenco to Culebra airport is by taxi, it takes 7 minutes. and will cost €14 – €18.

Which companies offer trips from Playa Flamenco, Puerto Rico to Mosquito Bay Beach, Puerto Rico? nine0015

Vieques Air Link

Website: viequesairlink. com

Medium travel time: 2h 2min
When: Daily
Estimated price: €2 – €190

Medium travel time: 2h 45min
When: Daily
Estimated price: €5 – €200

Medium travel time: 15 min.
When: Daily; €1 – €200

Air Flamenco

Website: flyairflamenco.com

Medium travel time: 15 min.
When: Daily
Estimated price: €1 – €200

cape air

Website: capeair.com

Medium travel time: 2h 19m
When: Daily
Estimated price

Puerto Rico Ferry

Medium travel time: 1h 30m
Frequency: Every 4 hours
Estimated price: €2 – €19
Schedule: puertoricoferry.