Area Daily: Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

Hidden along the Caribbean coast, the Bioluminescent Bay (Bahia Fosforescente) at Puerto Mosquito in Vieques Island could be listed as the eighth natural wonder of the world.

The mysterious blue-green light is created by microscopic organisms called dinoflagellate, which emit a flash of light when agitated at night. Quoting Captain Sharon Grasso, “A trip into the bay on a balmy night is a magical experience. Fish flash by in dark water, and a swim is like floating through stardust."

Charter an energy efficient pontoon boat through Island Adventures BioBay Eco-Tours (who will transport you to the bay in a Partridge Family-style school bus painted an underwater motif). Your guide will explain the fragile ecology of plants and animals of the bay, give you a tutorial on the constellations, and then park the boat in an area of high bioluminescent concentration where you can swim with the millions of glowing creatures.

Tip: It’s best to go when there is no moon (you can see the bioluminescence better) and ask for Ricky as your guide. He’ll point you to a local woman’s house where you can purchase homemade pasteles (Puerto Rican savory cakes in banana leaves) on the way back.