The bioluminescence night spectacle in Puerto Escondido is a must-see natural wonder. Witness the lagoon’s waters come alive with glowing plankton as you glide across in a boat, enjoying the mesmerizing display. This 2.5-hour guided tour promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you to interact with the bioluminescence up close under the stars. With convenient hotel pickup included, you’ll have the chance to fully learn about this enchanting natural phenomenon.
Key Points

- A 2.5-hour tour to observe the bioluminescent plankton in Manialtepec Lagoon near Puerto Escondido, with hotel pickup and boat ride included.
- Visitors can interact with the water and witness the glow of the plankton, which can range from white to blue in color.
- The tour is not operational during a full moon due to reduced visibility, and it is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
- The overall tour rating is 3.6/5, with positive feedback on transportation and value for money, but mixed reviews on the tour guide’s performance.
- Recommended items for the tour include swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, cash, biodegradable insect repellent, and a camera to capture the bioluminescent experience.
Activity Overview

The "Puerto Escondido: Bioluminescence Night Spectacle" is a 2.5-hour activity that allows visitors to observe the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton in the Manialtepec Lagoon.
Priced from €27.07 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants are picked up from their hotel lobby after sunset and transported to the lagoon for a guided boat ride.
There, they can swim or touch the water to witness the mesmerizing glow of the microorganisms.
The tour doesn’t operate during a full moon when the bioluminescence is less visible.
Looking for more options in San Jose Manialtepec? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience Details

After sunset, visitors are picked up from their hotel lobby in Puerto Escondido and transported to the Manialtepec Lagoon, the location for the bioluminescence night experience.
Led by a local instructor, visitors enjoy a boat ride across the lagoon to observe the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton illuminating the water.
Guests can swim or touch the water to witness the microorganisms lighting up. The color of the bioluminescence may vary from white to blue, making for a unique and mesmerizing experience.
The activity is subject to the lunar calendar and can’t be observed during a full moon.
Tour Itinerary

Visitors begin their bioluminescence night experience with a hotel pickup.
Visitors begin their bioluminescence night experience with a hotel pickup.
They then travel to the nearby Manialtepec Lagoon. Upon arrival, guests board a boat for a guided tour.
As they glide across the dark waters, they’ll witness the mesmerizing glow of the bioluminescent plankton. Guests can even interact with the microorganisms by swimming or simply touching the water to see them illuminate.
After the boat ride, the tour concludes with a return to the hotel.
However, the experience is subject to the lunar calendar, as it’s not possible during a full moon.
Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the boat ride at Manialtepec Lagoon, which costs 250 MXN. Optional tips are also included.
However, the following are excluded:
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Food and drinks
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Pets
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Oversize luggage
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Anything not explicitly mentioned as included.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
Guests should bring swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, cash, biodegradable insect repellent, and a camera to make the most of this bioluminescence night spectacle.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Not everyone can participate in this tour. The bioluminescence experience is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Guests should come prepared with the right attire and essentials, such as swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, cash, and biodegradable insect repellent. It’s also recommended to bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing natural display. The tour has received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.6/5 based on 34 reviews. While the transportation and value for money have been praised, the guide experience has room for improvement.
| Key Considerations | Details |
| — | — |
| Suitable Guests | Not pregnant, no wheelchair users |
| Recommended Items | Swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, cash, insect repellent, camera |
| Overall Tour Rating | 3.6/5 |
Customer Ratings and Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Puerto Escondido: Bioluminescence Night Spectacle tour has received mixed feedback. The overall rating is 3.6/5 based on 34 reviews.
Some key points:
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Guide rating: 3/5
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Transportation rating: 4.4/5
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Value for money rating: 4.4/5
Customers reported various issues with the tour experience.
While the transportation and value for money were positively rated, the tour guide performance and overall customer satisfaction were more mixed. Prospective travelers should weigh these factors when deciding whether to book this bioluminescence tour in Puerto Escondido.
What You’ll See: Bioluminescent Plankton

Although the bioluminescent plankton is the main attraction, visitors can expect to witness a truly mesmerizing natural light show on the Manialtepec Lagoon.
As the boat glides across the still waters, the microorganisms in the lagoon will illuminate the surface, creating an enchanting glow. Guests can even swim or dip their hands into the water to see the plankton react and illuminate on contact.
The color of the bioluminescence can vary from white to blue, adding to the captivating display. This natural phenomenon is only found in two lagoons in Mexico, making it a truly unique experience.
Practical Tips for Your Visit

First and foremost, visitors should pack essential items for the tour, including swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothes.
It’s also recommended to bring cash for optional tips, a biodegradable insect repellent, and a camera to capture the mesmerizing bioluminescent display.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, so these groups should refrain from booking.
Plus, pets and oversized luggage aren’t permitted.
Guests should be mindful of the lunar calendar, as the bioluminescent phenomenon isn’t visible during a full moon.
With these practical tips in mind, visitors can fully enjoy the Puerto Escondido bioluminescence night spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Reach the Manialtepec Lagoon?
The journey to the Manialtepec Lagoon takes around 30 minutes from the hotel pickup location. Travelers will be transported by boat to the lagoon, where they can witness the bioluminescent plankton display.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The inclusions cover the boat ride, but anything else like snacks and beverages is not provided. You’ll need to purchase those separately during the experience.
Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Activity?
The activity doesn’t have a strict age limit, but it’s not recommended for young children as the boat ride may be unsafe for them. Participants should be able to swim and follow the guide’s instructions during the tour.
Are Life Jackets Provided During the Boat Ride?
Life jackets are provided during the boat ride. The tour operator ensures participants’ safety by supplying the necessary safety equipment for the activity.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The activity’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The details focus on the overall experience and logistics, but do not mention the group size for the boat ride or tour.
The Sum Up
Puerto Escondido’s Bioluminescence Night Spectacle offers a captivating adventure. Witness the lagoon’s vibrant, glowing plankton up close on this guided tour. With convenient hotel pickup and a reasonable price, it’s a must-see natural phenomenon not to be missed. Prepare to be dazzled by the enchanting display of bioluminescence under the stars.
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