El Yunque Rainforest Off the Beaten Path and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour
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From $170.00
668 reviews (4.63)
Price varies by group size
Lowest Price GuaranteePricing Info: Per Person
Duration: 12 hours
Departs: Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Free cancellation
Overview
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY FOR ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THIS TOUR BEFORE BOOKING
This is a moderate to strenuous activity that may not be suitable for everyone.
If you're looking for an active way to experience Puerto Rico's native environment, take advantage of this combo adventure from San Juan! It includes a nature hike in an off the beaten path way that will lead you to amazing natural pools, waterfall and waterslides, followed by a nighttime kayaking tour on the bioluminescent bay. These two natural wonders provide a fascinating look at the island's ecology. You will also enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican lunch between both activities to enhance your cultural experience (food cost not included in tour price).
What's Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Bottled Water
Bottled Water and light snacks
Certified Tour Guide
First aid equipment
What's Not Included
Additional fee for pick ups outside of San Juan will apply (Dorado, Bayamon, Rio Grande, Fajardo, Humacao)
Gratuity for your tour guide is not included, but greatly appreciated.
Lunch
Traveler Information
- CHILD: Age: 7 - 12
- ADULT: Age: 13 - 99
Additional Info
- Bio Bay portion of tour operates under rain and other weather conditions. Guide will determine to call it off when thunderstorms or other serious conditions happens.
- Complimentary transportation available only in San Juan, persons staying in Rio Grande, Luquillo or Fajardo must arrive to meeting point.
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- Due to the strict weight restriction all participants are subject to be weighted prior to arriving to the tour site. No cancellations or refunds will be issued if a person neglects to inform correct weight, and is not able to participate of the tour.
- Face masks provided for travellers
- Face masks required for travellers in public areas
- Failure to provide hotel/lodging or cruise information upon booking may result in bus not being able to pick you at your location or close to it. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
- GLASS BOTTOM KAYAKS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS due to maintenance, instead tour will be conducted on Regular Kayaks, no refunds will be issued due to this.
- Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
- Maximum weight for Glass Bottom kayaks is 185 lbs (84 kg). ONLY AVAILABLE for qualifying reservations made prior to Nov. 30 2022.
- On Saturdays the hike is longer and more challenging since we depart from a different point.
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Participants must be capable of paddling a two person kayak in a coordinated matter and be able to sit on the same position for about 2 hours.
- Participants weighting up to 260 lbs need to notify at moment of booking in order to have assigned a regular kayak. Failure to notify correctly may result in person(s) not being able to participate on bio bay tour, no refunds will be issued due to this.
- Please travel light and only bring the necessary to the tour. Leave behind electronic devices, any important documentation like passport, large sums of cash or credit cards. Cell phones require waterproof case and can be brought at your own risk..
- Priority use of regular kayaks is for persons weighting 186-260, there is a possibility couples may be divided in order to accommodate on the suitable kayak.
- Rainforest portion is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility of the biolumines
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
- Use of lifejacket and helmet is mandatory. $100 fee will apply for each piece of equipment if not returned.
- Bio Bay portion of tour operates under rain and other weather conditions. Guide will determine to call it off when thunderstorms or other serious conditions happens.
- Complimentary transportation available only in San Juan, persons staying in Rio Grande, Luquillo or Fajardo must arrive to meeting point.
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- Due to the strict weight restriction all participants are subject to be weighted prior to arriving to the tour site. No cancellations or refunds will be issued if a person neglects to inform correct weight, and is not able to participate of the tour.
- Face masks provided for travellers
- Face masks required for travellers in public areas
- Failure to provide hotel/lodging or cruise information upon booking may result in bus not being able to pick you at your location or close to it. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
- GLASS BOTTOM KAYAKS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS due to maintenance, instead tour will be conducted on Regular Kayaks, no refunds will be issued due to this.
- Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
- Maximum weight for Glass Bottom kayaks is 185 lbs (84 kg). ONLY AVAILABLE for qualifying reservations made prior to Nov. 30 2022.
- On Saturdays the hike is longer and more challenging since we depart from a different point.
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Participants must be capable of paddling a two person kayak in a coordinated matter and be able to sit on the same position for about 2 hours.
- Participants weighting up to 260 lbs need to notify at moment of booking in order to have assigned a regular kayak. Failure to notify correctly may result in person(s) not being able to participate on bio bay tour, no refunds will be issued due to this.
- Please travel light and only bring the necessary to the tour. Leave behind electronic devices, any important documentation like passport, large sums of cash or credit cards. Cell phones require waterproof case and can be brought at your own risk..
- Priority use of regular kayaks is for persons weighting 186-260, there is a possibility couples may be divided in order to accommodate on the suitable kayak.
- Rainforest portion is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility of the biolumines
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
- Use of lifejacket and helmet is mandatory. $100 fee will apply for each piece of equipment if not returned.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What To Expect
El Yunque National Forest
Get adventurous, get muddy and off the paved trail! Go on a hike to explore different zones of the rain forest, lesser known to the public, and enjoy beautiful views of the forest, natural pools and Atlantic Ocean during these 4 hours at the Forest. Once we arrive to the skirts of El Yunque we will start with a 25-30 minute journey on a river wading and rock scaling path to the river. Here you will see bamboo trees, rain-forest flowers, and many other beautiful plants and experience various rivers, waterfalls and walk through natural trails. We will make a stop to visit a collecting pool that forms at the base of a small waterfall. Here you will have the opportunity to swim on it’s crystal clear waters, swing from a rope and enjoy the different tones of its deep pools. A glimpse at the first waterfall, great for pictures opportunities!
This portion of the adventure finishes in a pool area, its best kept secret. After a few minutes of hiking and rock climbing to the upper sections (more strenuous), arrive at a natural river where you can swim, cliff jump, enjoy the natural water slides and small waterfalls.
After the hike, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant (food cost not included) for about an hour to an hour and half.
This portion of the adventure finishes in a pool area, its best kept secret. After a few minutes of hiking and rock climbing to the upper sections (more strenuous), arrive at a natural river where you can swim, cliff jump, enjoy the natural water slides and small waterfalls.
After the hike, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant (food cost not included) for about an hour to an hour and half.
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Laguna Grande
We will then proceed heading East to join on the guided nighttime bioluminescent bay kayak tour. Experience the mystical mangrove channels leading to Laguna Grande. Look into the water to see the glowing pyrodinium bahamense, microscopic planktons capable of producing natural light at the touch of your hand or paddle (like fireflies). Admire these amazing organisms up close as you paddle on a 2-person kayak through the mangroves for an estimate of 30-minutes, and learn from your eco-tour guide about this fragile and unique ecosystem. Once reached the lagoon, you will have some time to play with the water (from within the kayak) and receive more information, before we head back to the mangrove channels for another kayaking journey of approximately 30 minutes .
Enjoy provided snacks at the end of the kayak tour, before returning to San Juan.
Please note: The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility of the bioluminescence. In the event of this happening alternate methods such as the use of a tarp will be incorporated in order to appreciate it.
Enjoy provided snacks at the end of the kayak tour, before returning to San Juan.
Please note: The bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminoscity level can vary from very visible to minimum or none without any previous notice. Full Moon phase may also affect the visibility of the bioluminescence. In the event of this happening alternate methods such as the use of a tarp will be incorporated in order to appreciate it.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Reviews
Great choice & worth every cent
genesis_f, 18-09-2022
Our tour guides were so energetic and provided many educational facts throughout the trip. We started off on a hike through El Yunque and were able to go down a water slide, etc. Our tour guides were very helpful and they truly enjoyed their job and loves Puerto Rico which provided a wonderful experience for everyone. The kayaking tour was an amazing experience as well. We learned about the plankton that light up when you splash in the water. It rained on the way back but that made even more of an amazing experience. Also the whole experience was very organized.
Amazing El Yunque Rainforest experience
Frank_P, 09-09-2022
Our tour guide Julian was extremely knowledgeable about the rainforest and Puerto Rico in general. He gave us an extremely enjoyable experience and made it very fun.
Cool Puerto Rico Adventure! (Be prepared)
lkringman4, 06-09-2022
Writing this review mainly to give Adriana our rainforest tour guide a shout out. She was patient, knowledgeable and helpful.
My notes for future travelers after going on this tour (booked through viator):
-The "hike" is about 50% rock climbing. It is not easy, but is doable, especially with the help of your guide. You will get muddy & wet.
-Wear running shoes w socks. Others wore tevas/water shoes but I would worry about losing a toe without the protection of a study shoe. It seems strange to go in water/mud w running shoes but your feet will thank you later.
-Wear a swim suit/quick dry materials for the hike.
-Don't bring anything with you on the hike, you can bring your phone in a waterproof case but I dont think its worth the risk. Our tour guide took lots of pictures and sent them to us directly.
-They drop you off at a beach/restaurant area for a few hours before the biobay part.
-Bring: Bag (leave on bus), towel, cash (for tip) & visa, long sleeves &/or pants for biobay, change of dry clothes for bus ride home, ziplocs/garbage bags for wet/muddy clothes, sunscreen, portable charger (optional), waterproof phone carrier (optional), water (they only provide a little), hat & sunglasses, snacks (or buy at 1st bathroom stop on drive)
-BUG SPRAY!! Wear as much as you can for the biobay part but as a warning you will 100% still get eaten alive no matter how much you put on. Wear long sleeves and/or pants that can get wet to help block mosquitos.
-You will get very wet in the kayaking/biobay part too.
-Schedule your biobay tour as close to a New Moon as possible for optimal darkness; the guides use tarps to block out more light. The glow isn't blatantly obvious until you move your hands around in the water. It was still amazing.
Overall, a very cool adventure to experience in Puerto Rico. It was a long, exhausting day with plenty of mosquito bite souvenirs but definitely worth it.
My notes for future travelers after going on this tour (booked through viator):
-The "hike" is about 50% rock climbing. It is not easy, but is doable, especially with the help of your guide. You will get muddy & wet.
-Wear running shoes w socks. Others wore tevas/water shoes but I would worry about losing a toe without the protection of a study shoe. It seems strange to go in water/mud w running shoes but your feet will thank you later.
-Wear a swim suit/quick dry materials for the hike.
-Don't bring anything with you on the hike, you can bring your phone in a waterproof case but I dont think its worth the risk. Our tour guide took lots of pictures and sent them to us directly.
-They drop you off at a beach/restaurant area for a few hours before the biobay part.
-Bring: Bag (leave on bus), towel, cash (for tip) & visa, long sleeves &/or pants for biobay, change of dry clothes for bus ride home, ziplocs/garbage bags for wet/muddy clothes, sunscreen, portable charger (optional), waterproof phone carrier (optional), water (they only provide a little), hat & sunglasses, snacks (or buy at 1st bathroom stop on drive)
-BUG SPRAY!! Wear as much as you can for the biobay part but as a warning you will 100% still get eaten alive no matter how much you put on. Wear long sleeves and/or pants that can get wet to help block mosquitos.
-You will get very wet in the kayaking/biobay part too.
-Schedule your biobay tour as close to a New Moon as possible for optimal darkness; the guides use tarps to block out more light. The glow isn't blatantly obvious until you move your hands around in the water. It was still amazing.
Overall, a very cool adventure to experience in Puerto Rico. It was a long, exhausting day with plenty of mosquito bite souvenirs but definitely worth it.
Julian is the absolute...
Ani_K, 15-09-2022
Julian is the absolute BEST! Amazing mix of fun and knowledge, so supportive and caring. Highly recommend!!!
Fantastic experience!
Javier A, 14-09-2022
"The people make the difference" is absolutely true for this tour, as Felix and Julian were exceptional guides and made the day unforgettable for me and my two teens. I highly recommend this tour for a great experience at El Yunque. I will bring friends and relatives on this tour. Tip: wear comfortable old shoes and just throw them away afterward. "1-2-3 Puerto Rico!!!"
Fantastic day in El Yunque and night on the Biobay!
lisarE1518CH, 05-12-2022
The tour was the perfect last day of our trip. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel in San Juan to our drop off at the end of the day, we felt informed, safe, and taken care of. The El Yunque tour was terrific- tromping through mud, a bit of climbing, and jumping off a cliff! Felix and the rest of the guides kept us safe and worked well with everyone from the fittest teens and 20-somethings to the experienced but older hikers in the group. The late lunch/early dinner was fantastic. The day was capped off with the Bio Bay Kayaking, which was fun and informative. Our family was new to kayaking and had a blast. Thank you all!
Highlight of my trip to PR
R7059JKteresap, 24-11-2022
What an awesome experience. Jason and the crew were professional, personable and made the experience a memorable one. This is my second time doing this tour. First time was 8 years sold with another company and I didn't do half the stuff we did on this one. The waterslide was the best part to me.
Amazing El Yunque
Kristin T, 22-11-2022
Jason was an amazing tour guide! He was knowledgeable, fun and our safety was his priority! I highly recommend this tour. Lots of slipping and sliding through mud though, so make sure you are pretty agile. The tour guides take your pictures, so leave your phone on the bus
Great Experience!
enjythride, 20-11-2022
We were a family of 7 and chose this tour based
on reviews. Felix was amazing! Very attentive, informative and fun! We felt special and part of his “familia” ❤️ He and the other two guides made sure we safe at all times. I highly recommend this tour!
on reviews. Felix was amazing! Very attentive, informative and fun! We felt special and part of his “familia” ❤️ He and the other two guides made sure we safe at all times. I highly recommend this tour!
Fantastic hike with in a breathtaking forest!
Elisa_B, 07-02-2023
Adrianna and Luis were amazing from the time they picked us up at the hotel until they dropped us back off. They explained everything we saw and were unbelievably supportive throughout the hike. The forest and rainfalls were amazing and a true once in a lifetime experience. Would recommend to anyone.
Rainforest fun
Heather_B, 06-02-2023
Our tour guides were awesome and kept us safe and having a great time. Their enthusiasm was contagious. We had a great day and came home with amazing memories and ready for a good night of sleep.
Fun experience
Daniella_L, 04-02-2023
Our tour guide, Julian and bus driver Elias were awesome! They focused on our safety but also included some
Jokes and had fun overall. We had a great experience getting to see el Yunque rainforest. It does get very muddy which you have to prepare yourself physically and wear good grip shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Luckily, the water shoes we wore worked great for us as they were easy to clean afterwards.
We also enjoyed the bio bay kayaking as the guides were helpful and provided tarps to make it light up better since we came when it was close to full moon. Overall, I would recommend this tour to others and would come again.
Jokes and had fun overall. We had a great experience getting to see el Yunque rainforest. It does get very muddy which you have to prepare yourself physically and wear good grip shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Luckily, the water shoes we wore worked great for us as they were easy to clean afterwards.
We also enjoyed the bio bay kayaking as the guides were helpful and provided tarps to make it light up better since we came when it was close to full moon. Overall, I would recommend this tour to others and would come again.
Tour guide was awesome!...
Kimberly_L, 25-01-2023
Tour guide was awesome! We explored amazing areas of the rainforest, would highly recommend. Cannot wait to come back to this incredible island.
Super fun day!!
Olivia_M, 25-01-2023
Our tour guides Jason & Luis from Bespoke tour company were great. Helpful and knowledgeable! They picked us up at our hotel, called when they were there. They made a stop at Walgreens which was very awesome. That’s the last time you’ll use the bathroom until lunch. We could keep our things on the bus. The hike wasn’t super long. We were lucky it wasn’t too muddy! Pretty slippery. Definitely wear sneakers that you don’t care about, water shoes, or hiking boots. There’s a rope swing, cliffs to jump, and a natural water slide!! I brought my waterproof backpack but they tell you not to bring anything because you don’t leave it behind when going up to the water activities. There were quite a few people there on a Friday. After we hiked back to the van we went to lunch at El Famboyán Original. It was delicious!! There was a bar and cool outdoor seating. After late lunch Felix picked us up and we went to Fajardo and met our tour guides from Glass bottom tours. Don’t remember their names but they weren't a match for the groups energy. It was very cool to kayak through the mangroves! Saw a few Iguanas!! Didn’t see many Bioluminescents in the Bay but saw a few. They said there are lots of reasons there weren’t many, one was rain. They were knowledgeable! He did show us Mars, Saturn, and Venus in the sky!! That was amazing! Didn’t let us bring any bags, phones, & cameras. It would weigh down the kayak.. and could lose it. I didn’t like that part. I thought if I felt confident enough to bring something like a waterproof bag with my camera or phone in it, I want to be able to make that choice. We kayaked back in the pitch black only light was the stars. That was a crazy, fun day! We met a lot of great people! I think it’s a good for the money, they pick you up drive you around, and drop you off. That was huge because we didn’t rent a car for the trip. Would recommend!
Not for active/ or mildly experienced hikers
Laura_M, 08-12-2022
This trip is for people who are beginner travelers and not very adventurous or active. If you are even mildly active, you are better off going to the forest and hiking around by yourself. The guide was great and very nice though!
