Across the world, there are 5 bays where you can experience the wonders of bioluminescence and wade through waters which glow with a wonderful blue-green hue. These waters are full of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates, which when in large quantities produce a wonderous ‘glow’ within the water. The dinoflagellates are half-plant and half-animal organisms, which are thought to produce their glowing appearance as a warning against predators.
We can see similar bioluminescence in creatures such as jellyfish and fireflies, who emit these lights to keep themselves safe. However, when seen in such large quantities, the dinoflagellate organisms collectively create waters that, when moved or splashed, look like they glow with thousands of tiny floating stars. The official name of the dinoflagellates is Pyrodinium Behamense, which translates into ‘whirling fire’. This translation seems to encapsulate the beautiful whirling illuminated waters that the organisms have become known for.
Waters containing enough of the dinoflagellates to produce the natural illumination are referred to as bioluminescent bays, and there are only 5 in the world that contain enough to produce the visible and remarkable glow. Three of these are in Puerto Rico where there is an increase in the organisms in the Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island, Laguna Grande in Fajardo and La Parguero in Lajas. These bays see visitors from across the world descending on Puerto Rico to catch a glimpse of the glowing waters.
Mosquito Bay is arguably the most popular site for this as in 2006 it was recognised as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by the Guinness World Records organisation. The bay was awarded the title shortly after Hurricane María, leaving in its wake a vast increase in dinoflagellate organisms which more than doubled the average number from 1 million to 2.1 million per gallon. With more than double the number of glowing organisms left behind, the waters glowed vividly, and today the bay is still a popular tourist destination in Puerto Rico thanks to this glow. The Mosquito Bay also benefits from little light pollution thanks to the Natural Reserve of Mosquito Bay, which makes the glow even brighter and more visible.
The Mosquito Bay’s bioluminescence actually served Puerto Rican Pirate Roberto Cofresi well, as enemies of Cofresi feared the water was full of ‘black magic’ as it glowed with a mysterious power which we know was thanks to the dinoflagellates. Therefore, his enemies did not attempt to enter the water and so he and his crew were always left alone in the bay. This is actually where the Bay gets its name the Mosquito, which is named after the ship which Cofresi sailed upon.
Today, you can visit Mosquito Bay easily as it is located close to the popular hotels and guest houses in Esperanza. Tours across Puerto Rico take visitors to one of the three bays, and if you are lucky enough to visit the La Paraguera you can experience the bioluminescent water even closer as it is the only bay that tourists can either swim in or go on glass-bottomed boat tours. These tours bring tourists up close and personal to the beauty of the waters and make the perfect addition to any Puerto Rican travel itinerary.
Ultimately, getting to see the wonder that is one of the world’s bioluminescent bays is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and in Puerto Rico, you are spoilt with three incredible settings to see the glowing waters in person. From swimming in the water, gently paddling the shore or taking a boat to the waters, nothing will quite prepare you for the beauty that this natural wonder beholds.
Sources:
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/guide-to-exploring-puerto-ricos-bioluminescent-bays
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