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09/09/2024

Bioluminescent Bay Tour

Are you looking to experience a wonder of nature right in the Cayman Islands? One of the newest attractions in Grand Cayman is the Bioluminescent Bay Tour in the North Sound. What is a "Bio Bay"? It's a body of water where microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates grow in quantities large enough to produce a "glow-in-the-dark" effect as a defense mechanism, which is called bioluminescence.

In Grand Cayman, there are many private boats that will take you out to the Bay. Larger boats are unable to go in the Bay Area due to the shallow waters. You can get on these boats in a variety of harbors, such as Camana Bay, Yacht Club or Morgan's Harbor. Since it needs to be completely dark, these tours leave about an hour after sunset and are about a 2-hour trip. Be sure to check the moon's schedule because the tours don't run every day. The moon can't be full or even very bright for you to experience the full wonder. If you are wanting to just see the glow from above and not get in the water another option is a kayak tour in the bay. This, however is not nearly as spectacular without the ability to get in the water because a much larger and brighter glow is caused by your body movements.

Once you are all loaded onto your boat, it is about a 45 minute ride out to the bay in the North Sound. Since small jellyfish are present in the bay, some boats have wetsuits for guests to wear when they get in the water. Check with your boat to see if they provide wetsuits, though it is entirely possible to go in the water without them! The water is warm and approximately 3-6 feet deep in most places. It is recommended to float on noodles or life jackets, provided by the boat as touching the bottom is not recommended as most of the small jellyfish are present there. You can enjoy the glow of the water and if you are in the water, it appears like you are in space surrounded by stars. By stirring the water, the millions of microorganisms will light up causing an incredible display. Try playing the piano with your fingers, or swirling circles!! 

This magical site is one of only a small number of locations in the world where you can experience this incredible phenomenon. Since pictures don't do this phenomenon justice, it might just be something you have to try next time you visit Grand Cayman!

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