Bioluminescent Bay | Nicoya Gulf, Costa Rica
See millions of algae light up the bay while gliding through the calm waters in a kayak at night. This natural wonder is magical experience not to be missed!
Imagine being in a science fiction movie where the dark water starts to glow as you pass through it. Everything that the water touches lights up like fish, rocks, your paddle or even your hand. This is real, and the sum of millions of algae make for a memorable experience in our own bioluminescent bay.
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is mostly the result of a chemical reaction in the algae, which are usually of the type Dino-flagellates. They are one-celled and widely spread in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. As a defense against getting eaten, the algae have evolved to produce a light through a chemical reaction when threatened.
During our bioluminescent experience you will see them looking like small grains of sand, as the algae vary in size and density. The color emitted from disturbed algae varies from white to green to blue. And it is also seen differently from person to person. When they are in large concentrations or patches, the light can be so bright it temporarily stuns your night vision.
The algae need a certain temperatures and biological conditions to thrive. Although the algae are widespread, there are certain areas that have better conditions, and therefore higher concentrations of the algae.
The algae can only give off a single flash of light each. Small currents with organic material tend to bunch up the algae for some spectacularly bright underwater fireworks.
The darker the night the brighter the bioluminescence
The algae are a natural part on the ecosystem, however the algae, due to certain oceanographic conditions, can multiply exponentially resulting in red tides and excellent bioluminescence.
In our area, the temperature does not vary much thus keeping the algae happy and thriving. Tides and currents, however play their part in concentrating the algae in certain areas. You will get to experience this for yourself on our Bioluminescent kayak tour.
Cloudy or moonless nights give the best viewing experience. Try avoiding the week before the full moon to get the best bioluminescent experience possible. Although being easily accessible the Bioluminescent Bay does not have a lot of light pollution since it is surrounded by sparsely populated areas and islands.
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The Bioluminescent Bay in the Gulf of Nicoya is a permanent occurrence!
Four categories of bioluminescent exist; none, occasional, seasonal and permanent. Permanent occurrence is the most sought after and rare of these categories.
It is rare because it can only be found in unique areas in a few countries in the world like; Puerto Rico, Thailand, Tasmania and to our delight Costa Rica.
Occasional bioluminescence means that once in a while it is possible to see it, but impossible to predict the next time it will occur. Seasonal means that bioluminescence occurs regularly for a certain period of the year and is usually predictable. Permanent means it can be seen any day of the year.
Bahia Rica – the Bioluminescent Bay right at our doorstep
Our location at the outer edge of the Gulf of Nicoya is ideal as the shore is dotted by small bays. The bioluminescence is widespread in this area and normally has a very good intensity rating. The bay is also protected from most wind and waves giving it a steady effect.
Because we are in a rural area, the light pollution is limited and there are very few boats on the water here at night. This makes our experience more private and increases the chances at seeing the bioluminescence in its purest form.
Bioluminescent tours with Bahia Rica
Playing with bioluminescent water is a very cool experience. You can see the fish zooming through the water as they leave a ‘lighted” trail in the water – your paddles and hands leave swirls and trails as well. Let our knowledgeable guides give you a memory for life time on one of our bioluminescent tours:
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
The bioluminescent bay can be enjoyed from a sea kayak. You sit close to the water in the kayak, and the water glows when you touch it with your hands or the paddle. It looks like a million stars flying by when you look at the waves from your kayak. The tour requires no prior experience but it does help if you have sat in a kayak or canoe before.