Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Fajardo is an easy drive from San Juan. Prepare for dark conditions, water splashes, and physical paddling.
Getting there
Driving is easiest, but shuttles avoid night navigation.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive via Route 66 and PR-3 East to Las Croabas in Fajardo. | 45-60 mins from San Juan | Car rental + ~$5 tolls | Easiest and most flexible option. Public parking is available at Las Croabas park. |
| Tour: Book a kayak tour that includes round-trip shuttle service from major San Juan hotels. | 60-90 mins each way | $110-$135 total | Highly recommended if you prefer not to navigate unfamiliar roads in the dark. |
| Car: Take an Uber or taxi from the San Juan area. | 45-60 mins | $80-$100 each way | Not recommended unless you pre-arrange the return trip, as finding rideshare drivers in Fajardo late at night is very difficult. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Tours operate year-round. Departures run between 5:45 PM and 8:30 PM. Book your tour during the new moon phase. The darker the sky, the easier it is to see the water glow.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Apply eco-friendly bug spray on land before you arrive.
Never spray chemicals over the bay water.
How the day runs
Sample timelines for your trip.
Drive a rental car to Fajardo for the sunset and an early tour.
- Leave San Juan
Drive via Route 66 and PR-3 East to Las Croabas.
- Arrive in Fajardo
Park at Las Croabas park and grab a snack from a kiosk.
- Check in
Sign waivers and get fitted for your life jacket.
- Start paddling
Enter the mangrove channel just as the sun sets.
- Return to shore
Change into dry clothes in your car and drive back.
Skip the driving and take a guided shuttle from your hotel.
- Hotel pickup
Meet your shuttle at a designated San Juan hotel.
- Arrive at Las Croabas
Meet the rest of your group and receive safety instructions.
- Kayak tour
Paddle the 1.5-mile route into Laguna Grande.
- Load the shuttle
Use your towel and change before boarding the bus.
- Return to hotel
Arrive back in San Juan.
What to wear and pack
Wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothing. You will get wet from the waist down. Water shoes or strapped sandals are mandatory. Bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed. Bring a light long-sleeve shirt to protect against mosquitoes and cool air.
Leave valuables, towels, and dry clothes in your car. Take only a waterproof phone pouch and a bottle of water on the kayak. If you drive, public parking is available at Las Croabas.
Easiest way to do it
Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo
2 h 4.6 (1,649)
- Professional guide
- Snacks
- All necessary gear
From$69per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I get from San Juan to Fajardo at night?
You can drive a rental car via Route 66 and PR-3 East. The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, book a tour that includes shuttle transport. Rideshares are not recommended for the return trip.
What should I wear for a bio bay kayak tour?
Wear quick-drying clothes and water shoes. Bring a light long-sleeve shirt for bug protection. You will get wet, so leave a towel and dry clothes in your vehicle.
Are there mosquitoes at the bioluminescent bay?
Yes. The dense mangrove channel has mosquitoes. Apply eco-friendly mosquito repellent on land before arriving. Do not spray repellent over the water.