Bioluminescence is when light is produced and emitted by a living organism. This is due to biochemical reactions occurring inside the organism. Certain types of chemicals when mixed together produce energy which ‘excites’ other particle’s vibration and generate light which causes the glow. Typically, bioluminescence is used to warn or evade predators, to lure or detect prey, and for communication between members of the same species.
In Grand Cayman, the Bioluminescent glow you see in the Bio Bay is a result of extremely high concentrations of a bioluminescent phytoplankton. Essentially, they are tiny microscopic plants floating in the water. When disturbed, they shoot off a burst of light flash lasting a fraction of a second. It is thought that the flash is meant to attract a larger predator to the creature disturbing or trying to consume the plankton. The light flash also surprises the predator making it less likely to prey on the plankton.
Once these plankton give their burst of light, they need energy in the form of sunshine to ‘recharge’ their chemical ‘battery’ that causes this light forming reaction. These little critters require very specific environmental conditions to flourish, and are found in only a few locations around the world. The Bio Bay in Grand Cayman did not appear until the early 2000s.
Tour operators will usually only take guests on a bio bay tour in Cayman at certain times of the moon cycle. Usually the week before and the week after the New Moon. The reason for this is because the light from the moon washes out the glow of the plankton and operators can’t guarantee a bright and luminous experience for their guests.
If you’re visiting Cayman at the wrong time of the moon cycle, don’t get your hopes down just yet! Tour operators only stop their operations as a bright experience can’t be ‘Guaranteed’ if you don’t get in the water and snorkel. If the moon is not visible, either from a cloudy sky or being close to or below the horizon, the bio bay will still be bright. However when the moon is visible, it is still possible to experience the bioluminescence when snorkeling.
In essence, the bioluminescence is always present. There are just many different factors that effect how easily you can see it. By renting a kayak and having it available during your stay, there’s always the possibility that conditions are good enough to explore the bio bay, despite the fact that no tour companies are operating during your stay.
Check out the moonrise and moonset times for Grand Cayman Here or contact us If you want some help discovering if this adventure is an option during your visit to Cayman. To see when the bio bay is available from most tour operators, take a look at our table below.
There are three ways to experience the Bio Bay in Grand Cayman.
The cheapest way to explore the bioluminescence in Cayman is to rent a kayak and explore it on your own. Our ocean kayaks are sturdy and durable, making them perfect for use in Cayman’s waters. We provide you with all the safety gear and knowledge you need to complete it with ease and safely. Along with a full briefing on navigating at night, we provide you a thorough safety guide and a map to easily find your way.
You can find out more about our kayak rental rates Here
The Bio Bay is located on the North Side of the island, close to Rum Point and takes approximately 45 minutes to drive there from Seven Mile Beach. There are a few different ways to reach the Bioluminescence Bay in Grand Cayman.
Starfish Point is a great location to head out from to explore the Bio Bay. As there is very little twilight time in Cayman, you only have to wait about 30 minutes after the sun sets before it is dark enough for you to witness the bioluminescence. When making your way out, just hug the coast as you make your way to the right from Starfish Point. The total distance is about 1.5 km before you come across the entrance to the bio bay! If you’re looking for a bit more exercise in your adventure, then head out from Kaibo Beach Bar. The only difference is that you’re looking at a 2.5 km kayak form Kaibo and 1.5 km from Starfish Point.
Keep to the edge, away from the center of the channel as you make your way in. The further you go in, the brighter you’ll find the bioluminescence becomes. Once you find a nice bright patch towards the back, you can set your anchor and hop on in to experience it in its full glory!
If a guided tour is what you’re looking for and you want to stay dry, then a Bio Bay Kayaking Tour is the right option for you. We don’t currently offer these tours, however you can find very good options at tripkudo.com where they will also help you plan your entire vacation for free.
If you want a guided experience, but also want the opportunity to get in the water and swim, the Bio Bay Boat Tour is the best option for you. Snorkelling in the water is a completely different experience, where instead of simply seeing a glow of the water, you get to see the individual plankton closeup as they jump off from your body like sparks!
Upon finding the brightest area in the Bay that night, our captains will further explain the nature of the bioluminescence and the history of the Bio Bay on our island. All of our guides are friendly and knowledgeable, with training and years of experience in outdoors exploration and education.
You can enjoy this tour as a quick 2-hour trip, or include it at the end of your day charter. We only offer private charters, so it will be exclusively your party on board. This allows you more time to explore and a more personalized experience with your captain. Our guides are not only there to show you the wonder of the Bio Bay, but to assist you in snorkeling and answer any inquiries you have about our wonderful island.
Our Sea Ray is a perfect all-round boat for any family wanting to explore the best of what Grand Cayman has to offer. There is a toilet onboard along with a swim platform & ladder, making it easy to get back on board. The Bimini Top offers protection from the sun & rain and the extra seating in the bow gives plenty of space to move about and relax while you let the wind blow through your hair as we glide through the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman.
| Rates | Charter Time | Charter Time |
|---|---|---|
| $475 | 2 Hour | Bio Bay Solo |
| $585 | 3 Hour | Diner at Kaibo & Bio Bay |
| $750 | 4 Hour | Snorkeling, Diner at Kaibo & Bio Bay |
| $900 | 5 Hour | Stingray City, Snorkel, Starfish Point, Diner at Kaibo & Bio Bay |
| $1,025 | 6 Hour | All 5 hour Activities + Watersports, Reef Fishing or Mangrove Tour |
*All prices are listed in USD
All of the following points will be discussed with you when delivering your rental gear and you will also be provided with a safety a info guide. Here are the things you need to be mindful of when exploring the Bio Bay in Cayman.
Adventura Cayman has a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cancellation within 48 hours of your trip will result in forfeit of 25% of the trip cost.
