Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour

When the sun dips below the horizon in San Juan, the waters come alive. That’s all thanks to the bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters across Puerto Rico. This makes it the perfect setting for a night kayaking adventure, and trust me, it’s one of the coolest excursions San Juan has to offer!

$59 and up USD

1 hr 15 mins

San Juan

Avg. 72–79°F

Glow-in-the-Dark Night Kayaking in San Juan: A Scenic Way to Tone Your Arms

Okay, okay, okay—I know what you’re thinking. You didn’t come to Puerto Rico to work out. You’re here to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun on the beach. But trust me, this glow-in-the-dark night kayaking tour in San Juan is the perfect mix of fun and fitness. Plus, you’ll feel so proud of yourself for sneaking in a workout while on vacation!

The tour takes place on the Condado Lagoon, where you’ll paddle beneath the city lights of San Juan in a clear-bottom kayak with LED lights that activate as the sun sets. During the Condado City Lights Night Kayak Tour, you’ll experience the incredible sight of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water. (Who knew Plankton would be here? Now I wonder if we can spot Spongebob?) So, what exactly are bioluminescent waters? Essentially, tiny organisms in the water emit light, making the water glow with every paddle stroke.

To add to the fun, you can even paint your face and body with glow-in-the-dark paint—because why not light up while you paddle? It’s a whole vibe, and a great way to see San Juan from a totally new perspective while getting in a sneaky arm workout. I have to admit, I was not prepared for the burn!

Benefits of kayaking

So, this wasn’t my first time kayaking, but it was my first time doing it at night—and wow, what an experience! I hadn’t kayaked in a few years (the last time was with my dad in Turks and Caicos), so I kind of forgot just how much of a workout it really is.

Let me tell you, your arms will be on FIYAAAAAAAA—but in the best way possible. You’ll start to feel it a bit while paddling, but by the end of the tour, your arms will definitely know they’ve worked hard. But honestly, that post-tour feeling of accomplishment? Worth every bit of the burn. Who knows, maybe I should pick up kayaking as a hobby? Not only is this workout fun, but it’s packed with benefits for your body. Did you know that kayaking:

Tones and strengthens your arms: Kayaking is a fantastic upper body workout that targets your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back. The repetitive paddling motion helps build muscle strength and endurance, giving you toned and sculpted arms while enjoying the scenic water views
Improves your cardiovascular fitness: Kayaking isn’t just about strength; it’s also a great cardio workout! Paddling at a steady pace gets your heart rate up, improving your cardiovascular health and helping you burn calories while exploring the waterways.
Boosts your core stability and balance: As you paddle, you engage your core muscles to maintain balance and control the kayak. This constant engagement strengthens your abdominal muscles, improves posture, and enhances overall stability.
Relieves stress and promotes mental well-being: There’s something incredibly calming about gliding across the water, surrounded by nature. Kayaking offers a peaceful escape, reducing stress levels and boosting your mood. It’s like nature therapy, helping you feel refreshed and recharged! (hello, nature therapy!)

Tour Hours, Pricing, Location, and Itinerary

Hours of Operation: Night kayaking tours usually start around sunset. Between March – September, tours start at 6pm as the sun sets earlier.

Location: 1014 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico. The tour leaves from the Condado Ocean Club. Across the street from Condado Ocean Club. Detailed instructions are generally sent after booking.

Pricing: Starts at $59 per person. You can purchase the tour on the website or on viator here.

Duration: The kayaking portion of the tour lasts 45 minutes, plus you’ll spend about 30 minutes on land beforehand for preparation, including the “Kayak 101” safety instruction.

Itinerary: Get ready for a glowing adventure—here’s what to expect on your night kayak tour in Condado Lagoon: