Bioluminescent Bay
Bioluminescent Bay
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Marvel at Grand Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay, a stunning phenomenon that comes alive at night. Here, you can take a boat ride to the bay, and see the ocean light up at one of the area’s best-kept secrets. The bioluminescence is best seen whilst snorkeling or swimming; you can also kayak to see it from above. During the summer months, the bay is usually home to small jellyfish—however, certain tour operators will provide full-body wetsuits, dive gloves and dive shoes to protect swimmers. Choose a half-day tour that includes Starfish Beach, or be guided on a night snorkeling tour. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Fiona7 contributionsBioluminescence AND jellyfish!This tour was fairly short, and very interesting! We went with Cayman Kayaks (on their boat, not a kayak, although you can do that too). We learned all about the bay and the glowing critters, got to play in the water which stirs up all the bioluminescence, and also got a close up (in a bucket) of a Cassiopia jellyfish.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 16, 2023
- Brian M1 contributionCaptain Marvin’s Bio Bay tourWe chose Captain Marvin’s to give us our tour. Captain Sugarbear and Michael led the tour. They were very informative. They provide all the snorkel gear for you if you want to get into the water. You don’t have to get in but I would recommend it. The stop was a perfect length for snorkeling at the site. The experience was awesome! I’ve never seen anything like it. I would highly recommend this tour and Captain Marvin’s to anyone visiting Grand Cayman!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 16, 2024
- Cheri DavisColorado418 contributionsWOW!!! WOOOOW!!I have to say this was one of the best excursions and experiences of natural wonders we have ever been on!!! Wow!! Wooooow! I really cannot express this wonderful experience! We stayed at Morritts Resort, rented a car( worth it!!) And we drove to this kayak excusion. There is a bathroom here, bring reusable water bottles, non to purchase, not store. This is at night, bring change of clothes, towels, water shoes, wet/dry clothing. The bioluminescents in this bay are massive and will sparkel in your hands!!!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- OnAir15771231 contributionsLoved itCaptain Marvin’s tour guides Denroy & Michael were very knowledgeable and polite. Tour guide Michael took my 4 year old and I personally in the water and helped us with snorkeling and making sure we get an excellent experience with bioluminescence. Very happy we booked with this company.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 26, 2024
- Amy S6 contributions100% go on this excursion - it will blow you away!!!This is a great excursion to go on with your family. Micheal was a great captain - he was very knowledgable and explained everything to us.He got right in the water to show us what he was talking about too. George was an awesome first mate. They worked well together and he helped out with all the guests on board and didn't shy away from interacting. The one that stole the show was Jaheim, at least with us!! We hope one day when we come back that you will be captain buddy!Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Misplaced_Childhood
Boston, MA245 contributions
Jul 2022
Our long awaited family vacation finally took place in July 2022. We were staying on 7 Mile Beach but had already planned to go on a bioluminescent bay tour using Cayman Kayaks.
A few tips. We had a super moon on that Wed. so this was good for the bioluminescence since the tides impact the amount of luminescence you see. Going when the moon is bright decreases the impact thus waiting until Sunday was a great idea. Also, on Sunday, there is less traffic!!
We decided to go over to the East End and eat at Tukka East. We sat and watched the sunset and had a great meal. Our drive was only 20 minutes from Tukka East so we left at 9pm for our 9:30pm tour.
We had Tom as our guide as we were a party of 5 and another families of 5 (unknown to us) was there as well. The kayaks are tandem thus one person from each party had to share- not a big deal. We set off into the darkness where Tom was great at explaining the trip.
We stopped halfway to have a look at the starts. Tom had a laser light and pointed out several constellation and gave us a great overview of the stars in the sky and how old mariners navigated. It was truly unexpected yet spectacular. Well done Tom.
We then continued to the bay where one could see the sparkle of the bioluminescence on the paddles. It was impossible to get pictures or video with my iPhone but I tried. Memories will suffice. Since there are lots of jellyfish, we did not swim and that was fine. It was a memorable experience and well worth the cost.
Cayman Kayaks was professional and gave superb directions to enjoy the evening. It was a late night but well worth it. Good luck and enjoy!!!
A few tips. We had a super moon on that Wed. so this was good for the bioluminescence since the tides impact the amount of luminescence you see. Going when the moon is bright decreases the impact thus waiting until Sunday was a great idea. Also, on Sunday, there is less traffic!!
We decided to go over to the East End and eat at Tukka East. We sat and watched the sunset and had a great meal. Our drive was only 20 minutes from Tukka East so we left at 9pm for our 9:30pm tour.
We had Tom as our guide as we were a party of 5 and another families of 5 (unknown to us) was there as well. The kayaks are tandem thus one person from each party had to share- not a big deal. We set off into the darkness where Tom was great at explaining the trip.
We stopped halfway to have a look at the starts. Tom had a laser light and pointed out several constellation and gave us a great overview of the stars in the sky and how old mariners navigated. It was truly unexpected yet spectacular. Well done Tom.
We then continued to the bay where one could see the sparkle of the bioluminescence on the paddles. It was impossible to get pictures or video with my iPhone but I tried. Memories will suffice. Since there are lots of jellyfish, we did not swim and that was fine. It was a memorable experience and well worth the cost.
Cayman Kayaks was professional and gave superb directions to enjoy the evening. It was a late night but well worth it. Good luck and enjoy!!!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toyatravels
Rockaway, NJ106 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Our trip to Bioluminescent Bay was nothing short of AMAZING!
I arrived to the boat very apprehensive about taking a plunge into the bay. I made it very clear to the gentlemen in charge upon my arrive. They did not pressure me but gently encouraged me to take the plunge, so that I wouldn't regret the full experience. It was DARK and I was scared lol. I reluctantly requested a life vest, and they very graciously accommodated me. I stayed near the ladder and they were fine. They were perfect hosts (humorous, friendly, professional) from the time we arrived until the tour concluded.
The boat was comfortable and clean. It was a full house but there was enough space for everyone. The ride to and from the bay was fun. They played music along the way and everyone sang and enjoyed it.
I was so happy that I took the tour and found the courage to take the plunge. It was a magical experience. I highly recommend the excursion with George's Watersports.
I arrived to the boat very apprehensive about taking a plunge into the bay. I made it very clear to the gentlemen in charge upon my arrive. They did not pressure me but gently encouraged me to take the plunge, so that I wouldn't regret the full experience. It was DARK and I was scared lol. I reluctantly requested a life vest, and they very graciously accommodated me. I stayed near the ladder and they were fine. They were perfect hosts (humorous, friendly, professional) from the time we arrived until the tour concluded.
The boat was comfortable and clean. It was a full house but there was enough space for everyone. The ride to and from the bay was fun. They played music along the way and everyone sang and enjoyed it.
I was so happy that I took the tour and found the courage to take the plunge. It was a magical experience. I highly recommend the excursion with George's Watersports.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samielu
Courtice, Canada18 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I did not know how beautiful this would be but as soon as we got in the bay and put our hands in the water is sparkled this amazing blue. We loved our guide he was extremely knowledgeable and made it fun he told us to pretend we had light saber and move the paddle in the water and then next we picked up the water and watched it flow between our fingers and we got to stop on a beach and he showed us the upside down jelly fish that was a great example of symbiosis (interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.) So the jelly fish and the plankton live of eachother.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jojo
Winnipeg, Canada8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Took the tour with Sugar as our guide. It was wonderful! He took us to see starfish and jellyfish and then onto the bay. He was funny and informative. The swim in the bay was very interesting - he let us swim as long as we wanted - no rushing at all. Total tour time was almost 2 hours. Would highly recommend!!!
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trudy G
3 contributions
Feb 2020
Our family went with Cayman Kayaks. They keep the groups small so everyone can hear the guide. She pointed out many objects in the water as well as talked about stars. Even my six year old granddaughter enjoyed the trip. You do get wet in the kayaks however so dress appropriately.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nik
Summerville, SC10 contributions
Feb 2023
This was one of the highlights of our stay. We rented a villa on the bay and were able to kayak into the bay every night. The phytoplankton are simply gorgeous and light up with every touch. Try to go when there isn't much moonlight for the full effect.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam W
8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Great experience with Captain Marvin’s that involved starfish point, great open water boating at sunset and the bio bay. Such a unique and great experience - Sugar our tour guide was amazing. So personable. Would highly recommend!
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristina
Sacramento, CA4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
This was one of the best tours I’ve ever taken. And it wasn’t just that the Bio Bay is an incredible experience you don’t want to miss, but this crew does an amazing job! They stopped at two other locations, explained the type of jellyfish to us, when and how they are poisonous, (spoiler: it’s not what you think) and how to safely be around them. They genuinely want to keep their oceans safe from people, and the people safe in them.
Bioluminescence Bay is not something that you can easily explain or photograph. You just have to see the incredible beauty for yourself. And I’m SO HAPPY I chose this tour. The memories are priceless enough, but I found myself repeating little tidbits of information about jellyfish and starfish to other people on another tour I took today!
I can’t say this enough.. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Bioluminescence Bay is not something that you can easily explain or photograph. You just have to see the incredible beauty for yourself. And I’m SO HAPPY I chose this tour. The memories are priceless enough, but I found myself repeating little tidbits of information about jellyfish and starfish to other people on another tour I took today!
I can’t say this enough.. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri Davis
Colorado418 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
I have to say this was one of the best excursions and experiences of natural wonders we have ever been on!!! Wow!! Wooooow! I really cannot express this wonderful experience! We stayed at Morritts Resort, rented a car( worth it!!) And we drove to this kayak excusion. There is a bathroom here, bring reusable water bottles, non to purchase, not store. This is at night, bring change of clothes, towels, water shoes, wet/dry clothing. The bioluminescents in this bay are massive and will sparkel in your hands!!!
Written February 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomson131vt
Crested Butte, CO17 contributions
Mar 2022
We have been to the bioluminescent Bay in Viequez which was supposed to be the best in the world. This in Grand Cayman was better - incredibly bright. Guide pointed out some stars and showed us an upside down jelly fish. The guide let those who wanted to jump in and swim and make "snow angels" in the bioluminescence.
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are going May 26-28 2024. Will we be able to see the bioluminescence if the full moon is the 22rd? Thanks so much!
Written April 3, 2024
Do you need to book a tour for the bay? We’re staying within walking distance in January and have already checked the moon phases to see how good viewing will be. What are the benefits of a tour vs. walking over to swim or kayaking over?
Thanks!
Written September 27, 2021
George_Wauchope
George Town, Grand Cayman
Hi,
You need to book a tour since the only way to enter the bio bay is via boat. The surrounding land is private property, meaning that you can't enter without a boat.
I recommend that you book with George's Watersports to do a night bioluminescence snorkel tour in the bio bay.
Thanks
Written December 6, 2021
How long is the trip in total please?
Written February 18, 2021
Will be visiting in mid July, would that be a good time to do this activity?
Written February 14, 2020
George_Wauchope
George Town, Grand Cayman
George's Watersports will be operating the bioluminescence tours every night from the 6th to 25th July 2020. The dates to do this tour is based primarily on the moon rise/set times that can affect the visibility of the bioluminescence.
Written February 14, 2020
It also depends on where you go from. It is out in the bay so you can go from both sides. We drove to Starfish Point and took the small boat - another choice was to go via kayak. I'm glad we did the small boat because the water was a bit rough and the kayak's had a long paddle in the dark to get there and back. Well worth the cost since it was so unique.
You do not need to swim but you can if your tour operator says you can.
Written June 25, 2019
George_Wauchope
George Town, Grand Cayman
It depends on which company you go with because some companies have faster boats. George's Watersports boat gets to the Bio Bay in about 20 minutes. Other companies may take over 30 minutes.
Written April 8, 2019
Hi! We are headed to Grand Cayman in April staying in the North Side area. It's on our bucket list to swim in a bioluminescent bay! I've found George's Watersports has tours with swimming, but departs from 7 Mile Beach. Does anyone know of a company that departs closer to North Side / Rum Point area? If not, we'll head to George's. Thanks in advance!
Written February 4, 2019
Captain Eddie from Cayman Ocean Life Charters was great!! We just went out on the tour tonight! He takes off from Kaibo Yacht Club. His price is reasonable, we stayed out longer than any other boats, and my husband and I both swam in the water- it was amazing!!! Would highly recommend!
Written March 11, 2019
Do you need to know how to swim for this attraction? Deep water? -thank you
Written July 29, 2018
You could wear a life vest but does help it you can swim in top of water. You cannot put feet on bottom due to Jelly fish and plant life. Water is shallow but you cannot walk in it. You also don’t have to get in the water - you can see from boat.
Written August 12, 2018
We are visiting in August with our 3 years old toddler. Is it safe to bring the toddler along (either we bring our own flotation device or provided by your company)? Thank you.
Written July 24, 2018
George_Wauchope
George Town, Grand Cayman
Different companies have different minimum ages.
Written July 24, 2018
jesskramer4
Dubuque, Iowa
Is it possible to kayak on your own to this location or do you HAVE to have a guided tour?
Written June 18, 2018
I believe only guided, I guess you could try to do go on your own. It's not regulated.
Written June 18, 2018
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