subject: Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays [print this page] Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays
On the island of Vieques, 8 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, lies a curious bay that contains millions of bioluminescent organisms called dinoflagellates, who cause the water to glow brightly when disturbed or when there is motion in the water. The beautiful blue-green light causes a dramatic effect on dark moonless nights, and the bay, known as Mosquito Bay or Bio Bay, is considered possibly the best and brightest example of the phenomenon in the world, and is a very popular tourist destination for visitors to Puerto Rico.
The bay was "discovered" by Spaniards during the early colonization of Puerto Rico, who considered the glow as the work of the devil, and who tried unsuccessfully to block off the bay from the ocean by placing boulders in the bay's mouth. This failed attempt by the hapless Spaniards to defeat El Diablo's handiwork only resulted in making the mouth of the bay more narrow, thereby increasing the numbers of Satan's little helpers. The phenomenon is partly the result of the bay's relative isolation from the ocean waters, so the attempt only made things worse for the superstitious Spaniards.
The bay is best seen on the darkest of nights, when the waters seem to come alive. Swimming among the millions of microorganisms is a surreal experience, and it is possible to rent a kayak or take a tour of the bay in a boat. One gallon of water from the bay contains up to 720,000 of the dinoflagellates and the effect on a dark night is magnificent. The bay is truly a must-see for anyone who is in Puerto Rico at the right time. It's worth booking a holiday around, so check your lunar calendar if you're planning a Puerto Rico holiday this winter.
The winter is the peak tourist time in Puerto Rico, but there are discount offers even this time of year at some hotels and resorts. "Puerto Sparkle" is a promotion being offered currently by Puerto Rico Hilton Hotels, which includes discounts on rooms, food and other services. The offer includes the famous Caribe Hilton San Juan.
