This night tour is an ideal way to experience bioluminescence in one of the handful of places in the world where this phenomena takes place. Basically, bioluminescence is triggered by dinoflagellates, oceanic plankton which are able to generate a blue/green illumination when water is disturbed. Dinoflagellates are incredibly delicate microorganisms and are very sensible to the environment conditions such as balance of salt in the water, local climate, deepness of lagoon, air, light and water pollution.
We left the nature reserve at 7 pm, seated in an 18 passenger trolley, driven by our English speaking guide, Carlos. We stopped along the way to listen to the sounds of the many Coqui tree frogs that inhabit the nature reserve. They begin to sing when the sun goes down and they sing all night long.
The trolley took us to the Fajardo lighthouse, build by Spaniards in the 1800's. From atop this hill we could see many constellations as well as a spectacular view of the lagoon and the coastline. Our guide talked about the light pollution and it's affects on the lagoon as well as the history of the area.
Fajardo Lighthouse photo taken by Patti!We walked 7 minutes along a boardwalk, mostly in the dark and ended up at the lagoon where we were given long sticks to disturb the water and experience bioluminescence. Fortunately, conditions were good and we were able to stir with our sticks and watch the water sparkle and shimmer. It was quite amazing.
I now understand why visiting one of Puerto Rico's bio bays is a must on any tourist's list.
The lagoon in the daylight.
1 comment:
That's real neat...it seems there are treasures everywhere abroad if you look for them. Must have been a thrill to see.
In a humorous light, you can now say you have "been by the bay" in Puerto Rico.
BB
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