Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking

None… spent lots of time in the vehicle. Would no recommend. The guide was great. The wait between the bio bay kayak was way too long.

My husband and I flew into San Juan a day early for a cruise in order to be able to take this excursion and it was the best experience of the trip. Rafael was our guide for the morning tour of the rainforest and was a constant source of information and consideration. He was willing to answer any question asked, not only about the rainforest but also about life and culture in Puerto Rico making this portion of the day a totally enjoyable learning experience. Once we reached the rainforest he not only told us about the flora and fauna but demonstrated indigenous techniques such as making a hat from a single leaf and using rocks to create paint for petroglyphs or body art. His concern for our enjoyment and safety was constant. He was even able to spot an elusive coqui which he said he had only been able to find once before. After the rainforest, he dropped us at the beach for lunch, shopping and relaxing. There were many food and drink choices and we enjoyed a light lunch while watching the waves roll in. We planned on sunning and swimming but the weather was dreary with intermittent light rain. This also made the water grayish-brown rather than the Caribbean blue of travel photos, disappointing but beyond control. At 5:15 we were picked up by Angel who drove us to the bioluminescent bay where we were given the briefest of instructions and adjusting of the kayak seating. We were given much too little information as to how the seating should be adjusted which resulted in my husband being unable to use his legs to brace himself while paddling. This made it extremely difficult and tiring to do so and necessitated adjustments after leaving the dock—much more difficult. Being told that we should have done this at the dock was “blaming the victim” as there had been no information about how we should be positioned before setting off. Upon reaching the bay, our guides gave a short explanation of the bioluminescence then let us paddle around on our own as desired to create splashes and wakes to see the glow—-incredible! When it was time to go back we were battling against the tide making progress extremely difficult. All of my disappointment in our guides from the beginning of the experience completely disappeared when the female guide tied our kayak to hers and the male guide tied the other two kayaks to his and they literally pulled us all back to the dock! I was unable to paddle the entire time due to a medical condition and my husband’s fatigue after the trip out left him almost completely unhelpful in paddling once we were hooked up so that our guide truly did all of the work. I am so sorry that I can’t remember her name. Considering that this excursion cost us not only the standard fee but also the cost of a hotel room and two extra meals—-it was worth every penny!

Don't know if this was the cheapest one. It sure looked like it though. Most of the people were friendly. The kicker was that on the bioluminescent bay the lead guide sort of ditched us. I was rammed multiple times by other guests. I backed up to get out of their way and the lead guide just sort of took off. She couldn't have heard me screaming at her if she tried. I lost complete view of her in the middle. She stopped 2 times and then took off each time. The trip up to that point was okay. I would have been happier just driving my self for the first half, but so many reviews said don't just let them. It was easier letting them drive but for all purposes it was basically an advanced Uber for the first half. Kayak guide just left me upset. I would have be fired for this lapse in safety. Their were guides behind us, and it is truly hard for this part to be unsafe. The one truth I have learned in life is don't ever count out stupid.