This post is written by Taysha Ham, an agricultural communications student at New Mexico State University who recently visited Puerto Rico.
Being my first time to really visit the ocean, it surprised me how salty the water is; even speeding across the sunset water I could taste it in the mist.
I was headed to a mysterious, breathtaking Bioluminescent Bay.
I knew our boat had reached the Island of Vieques when I saw these vibrant, colorful houses and buildings welcoming us.
Before I had only ever seen an island in pictures; you must believe me when I say pictures do not do the Caribbean justice.
From the way the sunset was reflected into the waters, to the warm welcome brought by the captain of the boat, it truly was paradise.
From the boat we traveled by car through a series of twists and turns that led to the tour companies headquarters. The road was beautiful, lush green landscape surrounded us on both sides, there were livestock grazing on the side of the road and the most charming houses along the way.
Getting to Bioluminescent Bay
In order to see the bay, we had to contact a company that offers night tours of the dark, glowing waters. From headquarters we piled into a rustic school bus that would take us down a winding dirt road, eventually leading to the bay. Our tour of the bay would be by boat, although there are kayak tours available.
The boat was able to take us deep into the waters, making it easier to see the soft blue glow when the waves rocked in the current. The darker the night sky, the easier it is to see the tiny dinoflagellates that cause the glowing water. Because of the darkness, pictures were not an option for this tour.
We were able to climb down the ladder at the back of the boat and, as we held onto the boat, submerge ourselves into the water. This caused a halo of blue to form around us as we moved our feet and arms back and forth through the water. Some people even made glowing angel forms.
A Bright, Unearthly Blue Glow
When I pulled myself out of the water, back onto the boat, it took several minutes for the water droplets on my skin to finally stop glowing. It is mesmerizing to see this bright, unearthly blue glow coming from the water. It is something you would only expect to see in the special effects of movies, not real life.
Our tour guide explained that the organisms glowed as a defensive tactic and once the glowing stopped, it did not mean the organisms died. They simply ran out of power and needed to recharge.
Before heading back to the shore we were able to sit back, and stare at the night sky while our tour guide pointed out constellations and shared the stories of the stars.
While I was not fortunate enough to capture photos from this amazing experience, National Geographic put together this video that shows some wonderful images you might see at a bay like this.
Taysha Ham knows all about Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. It’s her home town.
A student at New Mexico State University, Taysha is majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in journalism.
This summer she is completing a social media internship for Venture Time Travel.
Other posts on Puerto Rico that you may want to check out…
- History, Food and Fun in San Juan with Spí¼n Food Tours
- Outrageously Delicious Italian Food in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Dinner at Jam in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- A Peek Inside the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The Johnsons also enjoyed Vieques, Puerto Rico for its wild ponies. Read about their experience in “Be flexible. Un-planned events are our favorites.” A Travel Chat with the Johnsons, former European Ex-pats.