El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour
4.5
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El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour
By Bespoke Lifestyle Management
Recommended by 94% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Combine a rainforest hike with a must-do adventure on this tour of El Yunque National Forest and the Bioluminescent Bay. Let a guide lead the way as you trek and wade through a rugged portion of the rainforest unknown to most visitors. Complete your day with a calm kayak ride through waters glowing with phosphorescent organisms—a must while in Puerto Rico.
from per adult
$170.00
from per adult
$170.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 7-99, max of 28 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English, Spanish
Highlights
- A full day of active travel through two Puerto Rico nature attractions
- Rugged hiking adventure in El Yunque National Forest
- Kayaking tour through Bioluminescent Bay in the evening
- Tour geared toward physically active adult travelers
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Certified Tour Guide
- Bottled Water
- First aid equipment
- USCG certified lifejackets
- Entry/Admission - El Yunque National Forest
- Entry/Admission - Laguna Grande
What's not included- Gratuity for your tour guide is not included, but greatly appreciated.
- Lunch
- Additional fee for pick ups outside of San Juan will apply (Dorado, Bayamon, Rio Grande, Fajardo, Humacao)
- Begin your tour with pickup from your San Juan accommodation and head straight to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System. Gear up for an adventure wading through rivers and hiking along trails en route to a waterfall, all while learning about the ecosystem from your guide. After lunch at a typical restaurant (own expense), kayak through a mangrove forest to reach one of Puerto Rico’s famous bioluminescent bays. Enjoy free time watching the waters light up with glowing organisms before paddling back. Tour concludes with hotel drop-off in San Juan.
- Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- Complimentary pick up only from selected areas of San Juan (Old San Juan, Miramar, Condado, Ocean Park, Isla Verde). Meeting point available in the town of Luquillo for persons staying in the towns of Rio Grande and Fajardo. Exact pick up time will be provided the day prior to the tour.
- Ports:
- Panamerican Pier
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9406P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- This is a moderate to strenuous activity. Please dress appropriately: Must wear hiking shoes or tennis with a good grip (closed toe). Can also bring water shoes for when you go into the river . Please note: shoes will get wet and very muddy
- Participants must be physically capable of walking thru rocky, uneven and muddy surfaces without assistance.
- Participants must be capable of paddling a two person kayak in a coordinated matter and be able to sit on the same position for about 2 hours.
- Maximum weight to participate is is 250 lbs (113 kg) per person.
- Failure to notify correctly may result in person(s) not being able to participate on bio bay tour, no refunds will be issued due to this.
- Due to the strict weight restriction all participants are subject to be weighted upon arrival to the tour site. No cancellations or refunds will be issued if a person neglects to inform correct weight, and is not able to participate of the tour.
- Pregnant women, persons with back or knee problems, heart complaints, recent surgeries or injuries or other serious medical conditions cannot participate. Children must be 7 years or older to participate.
- On Saturdays the hike is longer and more challenging since we depart from a different point.
- Rainforest portion is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Due to safety reasons participants must be able to understand English or Spanish. Legally blind or deaf persons are not able to participate due to the same. An alternative for persons with certain limitations is to book a Private Rainforest tour. Please contact us prior to booking for more information.
- Use of lifejacket and helmet is mandatory. $100 fee will apply for each piece of equipment if not returned.
- Once you begin the Rainforest tour, you must finish it all the way up to the second stop and return back with the group.
- You must have a good breakfast before departing on this tour
- The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility of the bioluminescence. In the event of this happening alternate methods such as the use of a tarp will be incorporated in order to appreciate it.
- Please travel light and only bring the necessary to the tour. Leave behind electronic devices, any important documentation like passport, large sums of cash or credit cards. Cell phones require waterproof case and can be brought at your own risk..
- Failure to provide hotel/lodging or cruise information upon booking may result in bus not being able to pick you at your location or close to it. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
- Bus will only wait 5 minutes after arriving to your pick up location, we will not be responsible if you miss to arrive on time.
- Bio Bay portion of tour operates under rain and other weather conditions. Guide will determine to call it off when thunderstorms or other serious conditions happens.
- Participants cannot be afraid of the dark as you will be kayaking thru pitch black areas during the Bio Bay portion of the tour.
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to failure to provide correct weight, follow instructions to meet requirements to participate, failure to provide pick up location, late or non-arrival of participants.
- Complimentary transportation available only in San Juan. Persons staying in Rio Grande, Luquillo or Fajardo must arrive to meeting point.
- Estimated tour duration of 12 hours includes: 3.5-4 hours at the forest, 2 hrs at bio bay, 3.5-4 hrs combined of driving each way and lunch time.
- Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the DAY PRIOR to your tour.
- Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following COVID19 protocols or not dressed appropriately (due safety) the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
- Persons with the previously listed health restrictions cannot participate on the tour. No refunds will be authorized if a person neglects to read complete description and does not meet the safety requirements and limitations on the day of the tour.
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Temperature checks for tour participants upon arrival
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour?
- El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour price starts from $170.00. Discover and book El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour on Tripadvisor
- What is the El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour cancellation policy?
- El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour?
- El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour is hosted by Bespoke Lifestyle Management. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Bespoke Lifestyle Management on Tripadvisor. Discover and book El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9406P3
Itinerary
- You'll get picked upSee departure details
- 1El Yunque National ForestStop: 4 hours - Admission includedSee details
- 2Laguna GrandeStop: 2 hours - Admission includedSee details
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
nesertm
0010/10 would recommend!
I absolutely loved the El Yunque rainforest tour! It's such an amazing experience being able to hike through and se…
jillianf511
00Trip confirmation didn’t go through to the local provider
We booked our reservation on tripadvisor and received a confirmation code. Later when I realized we didn’t get the …
Dream04211154135
00Julian & Luis 3/28
Julian and Luis! Such a dynamic duo. These two were fantastic and so kind. Julian the lead tour guide picked us up …
lisadJ4506EL
00Unforgettable experience
I was nervous about this because of the recent reviews but this was an amazing experience. The guides (Gabriel and …
C402OUjenniferr
00DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY
This tour company cancelled this trip at 4PM the night before. Had no explanation and did not offer any replacement…
974nikkileec
00For me, not worth it.
Absolute chaos in dark mangroves. While kayaking back from the lagoon we encountered about 50+ other kayakers goin…
BBedit
00Good kayaking bad communication
We went with low expectations since it was raining that day, and was pleasantly surprised to see natural specs spar…
MaryMahoney02
00Unique Experience: Beginner Friendly With Transportation!
Unique experience. Highly recommend this particular booking as it includes transportation from San Juan. This is cr…
mariekey
00A Must Do Excursion When You Visit Puerto Rico
Everyone who visits Puerto Rico should visit the Bioluminescent Bay. The tour guide was attentive and knowledgeable…
123decw
00Great time! Easy hike and beautiful location.
Very easy, yet beautiful hike with some explanation of the flora and fauna which was nice. The water was clean and …
anniedF4528OP
00Great forest made even better by tour guides!
The tour guides made an already great adventure even better with their clear instructions, kindness, and humor. The…
BoardingPass287507
00Excellent company and experience
Had a great time at El Yunje though physically challenging, both Jason’s and Tarzan made the hike seem with reach o…
hmfern
00Amazing excursion!
This was an awesome experience! George was a great tour guide. Tacos were great, swimming in the mangroves was awes…
dionp492
00Great information
Great experience!! Would definitely recommend especially for anyone who likes/loves nature!! Enjoy your time there.
Tesia K
00Unique experience
Beautiful must-see. Knowledgeable staff who are friendly and inclusive. Bring a jacket because it can get cold on t…
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
250 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
35
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Nicole R
1 contribution
Jul 2022
My friends and I wanted a challenging but inspiring tour experience of some of Puerto Rico's natural wonders and boy were our expectations exceeded! Be ready to be dirty, exhausted, and go back to your hotel or home feeling like you knocked some things off your bucket list! Our El Yunque Rainforest off the beaten path tour was led by Luis and Julian who were amazing! They were friendly, knowledgeable, and overall a great time! They took care of us the second we arrived on the bus and made sure we felt safe every step of the way (and had great videos to take home). Be prepared to crawl, squeeze, and fill your shoes and socks with mudd as you treck through terrain. Also there are 15 - 20 feet jumps off cliffs and rope swings that are completely worth it! Worth. Every. Penny. (Don't forget to tip!) Also Tarzan was an amazing help along the way!
The second experience was more exhausting in my opinion but had beautiful views that you would not be able to get alone. While some of the guides would clearly rather be at the Bad Bunny concert, Gabriel was amazingly kind and informative about the Bay and helped us see the bioluminiscent plankton with the help of the tarp that they draped over all the guests. To be able to see the plankton glowing in the water and on your hands, the sunset over the bay, and the wonderful stars it was truly breathtaking. Kayaking on the way back was difficult. Paddling against the current in pitch black darkness felt near to impossible for my friends and I but luckily we were saved by Omar who tied us together and led us back to shore. Even with his help, the paddling was tough and was an arm and back workout that I was not prepared for! Still definetly worth it though and even the bus rides to all the locations were beautiful and made you feel like you are seeing so much of the island.
If you are in moderate health and dont mind getting dirty for some outdoor fun I would really recommend it! Things you will need: 1) waterproof case for you phone, 2) Water and snack to keep on the bus for when you return, 3) bug spray and some SPF, 4) Hiking or closed toe shoes with good grip, 5) bathing suit and towel, 6) And a ready for a great challenge attitude!! Sorry for the essay but wanted to make sure you get the full run down in order to enjoy!
The second experience was more exhausting in my opinion but had beautiful views that you would not be able to get alone. While some of the guides would clearly rather be at the Bad Bunny concert, Gabriel was amazingly kind and informative about the Bay and helped us see the bioluminiscent plankton with the help of the tarp that they draped over all the guests. To be able to see the plankton glowing in the water and on your hands, the sunset over the bay, and the wonderful stars it was truly breathtaking. Kayaking on the way back was difficult. Paddling against the current in pitch black darkness felt near to impossible for my friends and I but luckily we were saved by Omar who tied us together and led us back to shore. Even with his help, the paddling was tough and was an arm and back workout that I was not prepared for! Still definetly worth it though and even the bus rides to all the locations were beautiful and made you feel like you are seeing so much of the island.
If you are in moderate health and dont mind getting dirty for some outdoor fun I would really recommend it! Things you will need: 1) waterproof case for you phone, 2) Water and snack to keep on the bus for when you return, 3) bug spray and some SPF, 4) Hiking or closed toe shoes with good grip, 5) bathing suit and towel, 6) And a ready for a great challenge attitude!! Sorry for the essay but wanted to make sure you get the full run down in order to enjoy!
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amycw3
Illinois9 contributions
My husband and I did the combo tour. We were picked up in Isla Verde within easy walking distance of our condo rental. Jason was our tour guide and Luis our driver. We were with a group of about 25 people. First stop was at a Walgreens near the rainforest to use restrooms and purchase water shoes for some in our group who didn’t have proper footwear. Next stop El Yunque (I could be wrong, but I don’t think we actually went into the official National Park but might have been right outside) we were in the rainforest - and it was a lot of fun! All belongings stayed on the bus. The trail to the river was muddy and slippery and shoes with good traction were important. My husband and I wore hiking sandals which worked well. Helmets and life jackets provided by the tour were also mandatory to wear on the 1.25 mile walk to the river and back. After the muddy flat hike, we crossed through the river to a short rocky trail up to the slide, cliff, and rope swing. There were many other tour groups there and a long line. Each person had the opportunity to do each activity one time. After playing for a little while and enjoying the cool water, we walked the 1.25 miles back to our bus. A quick hose off of our feet and legs before boarding.
Next stop Luquillo Beach and Kiosks. We had about 2 hours to spend there. Food and drinks were great, but Luquillo could use more garbage cans throughout both the sidewalks in front of the food kiosks and along the beach. Lack of containers meant people dumped trash everywhere! Planters, Beach, parking lot, curb, lots of empty beer bottles, cups, and other trash laying all around. It definitely made spending time on the beach less enjoyable, after a short walk along the beach we opted to stay in a restaurant for appetizers and drinks.
Our second bus picked us up in front of Kiosk 25 and took us to our final destination to meet Glass Bottom Kayaks. After checking in and spraying ourselves with bug spray (they provided) we got a quick lesson on rowing and paired up two to a kayak. We waded into the Caribbean waters about thigh high to get into the boat. We rowed along the beach to a beautiful creek with mangroves on either side. At the end we arrived into the bay and rowed around independently waiting for the sun to set. Once it started to get dark our guides called us to come together and tied all the kayaks together. They gave us a lesson on the constellations then declared we were going to see the bioluminescence. The pulled tarps over our kayaks (about four boats under each tarp) and told us to splash in the water with our hands. The plankton glowed with small specks like glitters of light! Not the brightest, but still viewable. We rowed back the way we came in the dark. It was tiring, but a great day!
Next stop Luquillo Beach and Kiosks. We had about 2 hours to spend there. Food and drinks were great, but Luquillo could use more garbage cans throughout both the sidewalks in front of the food kiosks and along the beach. Lack of containers meant people dumped trash everywhere! Planters, Beach, parking lot, curb, lots of empty beer bottles, cups, and other trash laying all around. It definitely made spending time on the beach less enjoyable, after a short walk along the beach we opted to stay in a restaurant for appetizers and drinks.
Our second bus picked us up in front of Kiosk 25 and took us to our final destination to meet Glass Bottom Kayaks. After checking in and spraying ourselves with bug spray (they provided) we got a quick lesson on rowing and paired up two to a kayak. We waded into the Caribbean waters about thigh high to get into the boat. We rowed along the beach to a beautiful creek with mangroves on either side. At the end we arrived into the bay and rowed around independently waiting for the sun to set. Once it started to get dark our guides called us to come together and tied all the kayaks together. They gave us a lesson on the constellations then declared we were going to see the bioluminescence. The pulled tarps over our kayaks (about four boats under each tarp) and told us to splash in the water with our hands. The plankton glowed with small specks like glitters of light! Not the brightest, but still viewable. We rowed back the way we came in the dark. It was tiring, but a great day!
Written April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paige M
3 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a great experience on the trip and would 100% recommend it to anyone visiting. Julian and the other staff were amazing tour guides, very friendly and knowledgable and made us feel very safe navigating the paths and doing the water activities. The paths were rocky/steep/slippery at parts so definitely would recommend this for more athletic people with some experience hiking. The tour was 13 hours from the time we were picked up to the time we were dropped off so prepare for a long day.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe H
3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Great experience in the rainforest but only one star as the bio bay experience was outsourced to a substandard company.
The rainforest was amazing and the guides did an excellent job! I highly recommend Bespoke Tours as they gave a top-notch tour.
The bio bay is great but choose a different outfitter! The launch site was choppy, open water which was not suitable for the mostly inexperienced group. As they didn't offer ocean kayaks, many took on water. Other kayaks in our group also kept bumping into us and seemingly had no instruction or control. The entire trip felt rushed as we were the last into the bay and first out. As it's not fully dark when they rush you out, they compensate for placing you under a tarp so you can see the bioluminesce for around 5 minutes. We then were rushed back so they may run a second group that same evening. The return trip was worse as there was no lighting so more bumping of kayaks.
Other outfitters had proper equipment, better instructions, snd more time. Beware is you choose ECO Tour!
The rainforest was amazing and the guides did an excellent job! I highly recommend Bespoke Tours as they gave a top-notch tour.
The bio bay is great but choose a different outfitter! The launch site was choppy, open water which was not suitable for the mostly inexperienced group. As they didn't offer ocean kayaks, many took on water. Other kayaks in our group also kept bumping into us and seemingly had no instruction or control. The entire trip felt rushed as we were the last into the bay and first out. As it's not fully dark when they rush you out, they compensate for placing you under a tarp so you can see the bioluminesce for around 5 minutes. We then were rushed back so they may run a second group that same evening. The return trip was worse as there was no lighting so more bumping of kayaks.
Other outfitters had proper equipment, better instructions, snd more time. Beware is you choose ECO Tour!
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aaron K
3 contributions
Feb 2022
The hike was great but the bio bay was a terrible experience. The company they booked the biobay with , glassbottomPR, takes two trips out a night. We took the earlier trip which meant the sun hadn't even fully set when we waited in the bay to see the bioluminescence. This makes seeing the bioluminescence impossible. They threw a smelly tarp over us for about 5 minutes to try and make it possible to see. I've done other bio bays before and you need to wait until it's dark to be able to see it. Most of the other tours from different companies were only just arriving when our tour already started heading back. I'm sure the second trip saw the real attarction, though I imagine paddling out through the mangroves in the dark must have been quite disorienting as well. All around their greed to run two trips makes both tours a poor excuse for an experience that should be fantastic. Definitely avoid that company if you want to really experience it right.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mlakmal
Glen Allen, VA22 contributions
Try to avoid combo guide tour with them. If part of your tour gets canceled they will make sure to charge you as individual tours.
About our experience: pickup from our hotel was on time. We did a 1h drive to el yunque private car park area. Then found out hike is cancelled bcos of rain. We stayed at that parking lot for another hour just waiting for nothing. Then they drove us to beach kiosk area to wait for our kayak tour pickup, pickup was in 5h and we just wasted 5h in that pickup area. Warning to everyone who has hiking cancellation, do not continue with the kayak tour. It will be waste of ur money and time!
I paid $155 per person for the combo tour, They promised a partial refund for the El Yunque Rainforest but keep in my mind what they meant was that they will charge you for the full amount they have listed on their website for the individual Bialimiescen Bay tour. I was charged $99 per person. (Individual tour price for el yunque is $135, I have no idea how they come up with such refund logic)
Bioluminescence Bay – Glass bottom Kayaks tour is not even glassed bottom kayaks. Those are normal kayaks.
Also getting a refund from them is a pain. I had to call several times to get it. It is still in the processing stage as of now after one week of calling and emailing.
About our experience: pickup from our hotel was on time. We did a 1h drive to el yunque private car park area. Then found out hike is cancelled bcos of rain. We stayed at that parking lot for another hour just waiting for nothing. Then they drove us to beach kiosk area to wait for our kayak tour pickup, pickup was in 5h and we just wasted 5h in that pickup area. Warning to everyone who has hiking cancellation, do not continue with the kayak tour. It will be waste of ur money and time!
I paid $155 per person for the combo tour, They promised a partial refund for the El Yunque Rainforest but keep in my mind what they meant was that they will charge you for the full amount they have listed on their website for the individual Bialimiescen Bay tour. I was charged $99 per person. (Individual tour price for el yunque is $135, I have no idea how they come up with such refund logic)
Bioluminescence Bay – Glass bottom Kayaks tour is not even glassed bottom kayaks. Those are normal kayaks.
Also getting a refund from them is a pain. I had to call several times to get it. It is still in the processing stage as of now after one week of calling and emailing.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
naice
Seattle, WA6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
I had lots of fun at the rainforest tour! The hike to the waterfalls was easy and fun, though very muddy! Don't wear your fresh sneakers or flip flops. Sneakers with grip, hiking water shoes or light hiking shoes are highly recommend, it's slippery. It was pretty crowded with other tour groups, but once we got to the top, we took our time to allow everyone who wanted to slide down (2) water falls and (1) rope swing.
Tour guides were fun and seemed to really enjoy their jobs (or make the most of it). Downsides was the group was too big so there was a lot of waiting (there was at least 28 packed on the tour bus and 6 people who drove separately), and the wait between tours was 2 hours too long.
The bio bay tour started off fun paddling thru mangroves in the sunset. The dinoflagellates were cool to see. But again, way too many people to guide especially coming back in the dark of the night. One of the guides seemed to be really annoyed the whole time. Not worth it.
For both, I would have wanted a more educational guide on the rainforest and bio bay.
Tour guides were fun and seemed to really enjoy their jobs (or make the most of it). Downsides was the group was too big so there was a lot of waiting (there was at least 28 packed on the tour bus and 6 people who drove separately), and the wait between tours was 2 hours too long.
The bio bay tour started off fun paddling thru mangroves in the sunset. The dinoflagellates were cool to see. But again, way too many people to guide especially coming back in the dark of the night. One of the guides seemed to be really annoyed the whole time. Not worth it.
For both, I would have wanted a more educational guide on the rainforest and bio bay.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lily
Charlotte, NC20 contributions
This is a great excursion for anyone who loves the outdoors. I did the full day Yunque Rainforest + Kayaking. My tour guides were Frankie and Ponce - they were HILARIOUS and did a great job making the tour fun and enjoyable.
For the Yunque Rainforest: this is really a combined hiking + water adventure experience. During the hiking portion, there is some climbing involved, and you will get muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes/clothes. I’d recommend study water shoes (or tennis shoes) that you can hike in, but also get wet. You hike up to the top of a rock outcropping, and slide down a natural water slide. Then you can relax and swim in a natural pool for a bit, or you can do a 30 foot rock jump. Ponce took videos of us jumping and then airdropped them to us after the tour. If you bring your phone, a waterproof case is a must.
After the rainforest, the van drops you off in Luquillo on the beach for lunch on your own. If you’re doing the biobay afterwards, you have about 2 hours free time. I had a mojito and took a nap on the beach.
A separate van then picks you up and takes you about 20-30 minutes to the bay for kayaking. The kayaks are two-person each. I am an experienced kayaker, but the other people in my group had very little experience but did just fine. After we paddled to the bay, we watched the sun set over the water, and then got to see the bioluminescence, which was like magic!
I was back in San Juan by about 830pm. All in all a great trip, would definitely recommend!
For the Yunque Rainforest: this is really a combined hiking + water adventure experience. During the hiking portion, there is some climbing involved, and you will get muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes/clothes. I’d recommend study water shoes (or tennis shoes) that you can hike in, but also get wet. You hike up to the top of a rock outcropping, and slide down a natural water slide. Then you can relax and swim in a natural pool for a bit, or you can do a 30 foot rock jump. Ponce took videos of us jumping and then airdropped them to us after the tour. If you bring your phone, a waterproof case is a must.
After the rainforest, the van drops you off in Luquillo on the beach for lunch on your own. If you’re doing the biobay afterwards, you have about 2 hours free time. I had a mojito and took a nap on the beach.
A separate van then picks you up and takes you about 20-30 minutes to the bay for kayaking. The kayaks are two-person each. I am an experienced kayaker, but the other people in my group had very little experience but did just fine. After we paddled to the bay, we watched the sun set over the water, and then got to see the bioluminescence, which was like magic!
I was back in San Juan by about 830pm. All in all a great trip, would definitely recommend!
Written January 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keelin D
8 contributions
Feb 2023
The 2.5 mile hike with its waterslide, cliff jumping, and rope swinging and GREAT guide, Jason, was super fun! I'd pass on the kayaking if I did it again - the bioluminescence was cool, but not spectacular. Also, riding in a double kayak with a stranger (as a solo traveler) was super annoying. There's a lot of time between hike and kayaking, too, which was spent just sitting at the restaurant where we had lunch. I felt like I could've used my own time better if I had just gone back to San Juan after the hike!
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Madison S.
Fayetteville, AR2 contributions
The hiking portion was hands down THE best thing I ever decided to do. Pocho and his team were exceptional in giving clear instructions, guiding us, and making sure we were safe. This hike is very strenuous but for the best possible reason. The rock slide, cliff jumping, and rope swing were definitely worth the hike and the scenery, y’all, one of the most beautiful hikes ever. You have to wear a helmet and life jacket the entire hike (insert grumble and sigh) but there’s a reason for it and you’ll be thankful by the end. Cannot recommend the hiking experience enough. 10/10.
** do not recommend bringing your phone but also sad we didn’t get many personal pictures. The guides take all the pictures and videos for you so that’s a wonderful bonus. If you take your phone, you HAVE to get a waterproof case that works.
The kayaking portion was a great experience however, the bioluminescence is not as bright as you’re hoping it will be. Could we see it? Yes. Was it a crazy cool experience? Yes. Kayaking during the daytime to the bio bay is pleasant but coming back in pitch black was not my favorite. The guides we had on this portion were not the same team and gave very little instruction so that was a bit frustrating but not enough to not experience it. Definitely try it if you’re up for an adventure but also OK to skip it and just do the hike. We were told the bio bay in Vieques is MUCH better but you will have to take a ferry or plane and stay there overnight so plan accordingly if you choose that option.
I gave this 4 stars bc of the kayaking portion but again, the hike is phenomenal and the kayaking is worth a try. So, so thankful we were able to do this.
** do not recommend bringing your phone but also sad we didn’t get many personal pictures. The guides take all the pictures and videos for you so that’s a wonderful bonus. If you take your phone, you HAVE to get a waterproof case that works.
The kayaking portion was a great experience however, the bioluminescence is not as bright as you’re hoping it will be. Could we see it? Yes. Was it a crazy cool experience? Yes. Kayaking during the daytime to the bio bay is pleasant but coming back in pitch black was not my favorite. The guides we had on this portion were not the same team and gave very little instruction so that was a bit frustrating but not enough to not experience it. Definitely try it if you’re up for an adventure but also OK to skip it and just do the hike. We were told the bio bay in Vieques is MUCH better but you will have to take a ferry or plane and stay there overnight so plan accordingly if you choose that option.
I gave this 4 stars bc of the kayaking portion but again, the hike is phenomenal and the kayaking is worth a try. So, so thankful we were able to do this.
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I have an 8 yr old and an 11 yr old is this tour suitable for them or are they too young?
Liz Y
1 contribution
If they are fairly bold and intrepid they will be fine. Sliding down the stone water slides is a bit frightening; on my tour several children aged about 5-9 would not do it and had to be escorted out by a guide.
My family is staying the Fajardo area and not San Juan. Is pickup and drop off still provided?
Volleydentist
Cedar Park, TX45 contributions
How was the experience for kids around 10 yrs old?
Hi - is the transportation provided for this tour round - trip? Thank you!
Hamsjeep
Manheim3 contributions
Yep. They picked us up at our hotel in the morning, dropped us off in the evening. Bear in mind it is a 2 part trip. You will go with one group to the rain forest, they will drop you off at a nice little market by the ocean for a while, then the other group will come pick you up for the bio Bay.
Had a great time!
Michelle M
Spokane, WA
Where do we find the photos of the kayaking portion of the trip? We went on 12/20. They said Facebook, but I can’t find the right page.
Camdon Fells
Kansas City, MO
Is hotel pickup in or around San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, Carolina available?
Wave37
Baltimore, MD36 contributions
We were picked up in Condado. The operator made many stops around the area.
MeLuckyCharm
Rancho Cucamonga, CA7 contributions
Does this hike take you to Coca Falls, Cascada La Mina, and/or Yokahu Tower?
Danna
Elizabethtown, KY22 contributions
No, it takes you by some falls and natural rock slides, but not those.
I am traveling alone, will i be able to do this trip? Thank you
Connector614310
2 contributions
Absolutely. The tour guide and others are extremely helpful
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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