Bioluminescence tours in Costa Rica deliver a nighttime experience unlike any other. Millions of microscopic plankton create an ethereal blue-green glow every time the water is disturbed, turning bays, estuaries, and mangroves into natural light shows. Whether by kayak or small boat, you glide across dark waters guided by locals who know the best spots, watching “liquid stars” burst to life with every paddle stroke or swirl of your hand. The glow can be seen year-round in certain areas, but the most vivid displays appear on moonless nights when the darkness amplifies the spectacle.

One of the most remarkable places to experience this phenomenon is Punta Cuchillos, near Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s among the few places in the world where bioluminescence occurs consistently all year long. Here, you float in a single or double kayak through calm waters, encountering patches of glowing plankton so dense they light up for several seconds at a time, as if a switch had been flipped underwater. Fish leave sparkling trails as they dart beneath you, algae stick to your paddle and shimmer with every stroke, and in shallow stretches you can even jump in for a quick swim or snorkel among the glowing microorganisms.

Jaco offers a different kind of bioluminescence tour, often referred to as “night kayaking.” These trips begin just before sunset with a bonfire on the beach, where guests gather around with wine, cheese, fresh fish, and even s’mores before heading out on the water. The paddling here is done in one large group kayak, and as you set out into the night, the glow begins to appear all around you. Ripples sparkle across the surface, and if you reach into the water, your skin illuminates in luminous streaks. While night kayaking is available year-round in Jaco, the bioluminescence itself is only visible from January through April.

Tours usually last between an hour and a half to two hours, beginning with a short briefing and launching as the sun sets. Most are easy enough for beginners and families, with guides providing all the instructions needed. Guests should wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for kayaking or boating, bring insect repellent, and avoid booking during a full moon when the brightness in the sky can wash out the display.

Overall, bioluminescence tours in Costa Rica combine science, mystery, and adventure. Whether kayaking under the stars, swimming in glowing waters, or watching schools of fish leave trails of light in their wake, it is one of the country’s most enchanting natural spectacles—a must-do experience for nature lovers and night-time explorers alike.

Some common questions about this activity: