A scene like no other: experience this "galaxy" without ever having to leave Earth.
It was so incredibly dark. We navigated clumsily through mangroves that engulfed us like a wave, parading single-file like a pack of absurd elephants as we half-blindly tackled the many twists and turns of the narrow stream. The only thing I could see, and therefore the only thing helping me stay on path, was a minuscule light on the back of the tourist kayak in front of me; it was the ultimate game of trust. In peaceful contrast was the satisfying sound of sloshing water, and the melodious chirping of the native "Coqui" frogs. It was an equally calming and thrilling experience, and in my 12-year old mind I felt much like a character in Pirates of the Caribbean, maneuvering my boat through murky waters on my way to find a priceless treasure. Though we probably only kayaked for about 30 minutes, the anticipation was killing me. I was ready to see some glowing water, darnit.
As we rounded the final corner and finally came into the opening of the bay, I looked down and noticed small beads of bluish light gathering around my paddle; they were the bioluminescent microorganisms that made this lake a glowing wonder. For the next twenty minutes, I was mesmerized, splashing about and surrounding myself in the otherworldly glow. The trip left such an impact on me that, even now, I reminisce about the experience regularly.
Disrupt the water with your hand to witness one of nature's most beautiful and fascinating phenomena.
Mosquito Bay is one of three bioluminescent bays that bedazzle Puerto Rico's landscape. Named the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by the 2006 Guinness World Records, as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the World of 2020, Mosquito Bay is nothing short of striking. Between the night sky up ahead, and the sparkling water down below, you feel like you're floating somewhere within the vast expanse of the Milky Way; surely, this can't be Earth. But it is, and what's more, you're getting to experience one of only 5 bioluminescent lakes in the world.
What makes this particular lake glow is a microscopic organism called Pyrodinium bahamense; they are dinoflagellates, meaning they possess a tail-like structure which propels them through the water. The glowing that we are able to see with our human eyes is actually their defense response, hence the need to disturb the water in order to see its amazing glow. To me, the waves were the most incredible part; with each swell of water that came crashing onto the shore, there was a heavenly explosion of light that was almost hypnotizing.
The unbelievable star-studded shores of Mosquito Bay
Needless to say, if you ever find yourself in or near Puerto Rico, you definitely need to make this trip a priority; it is truly an unforgettable experience!
Image sources (in order of appearance):
Garlick, James. "Bioluminescent Bay." Seriously Travel. Web. https://www.seriouslytravel.com/inspiration-friday-mosquito-bay-puerto-rico/
"Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay." Discover Puerto Rico. Web https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/mosquito-bioluminescent-bay/8884
"Vieques Bioluminescent Bay." Jen on a Jet Plane. Web. https://jenonajetplane.com/mosquito-bay-vieques-bioluminescent-bay-puerto-rico/
To learn more, visit: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/mosquito-bioluminescent-bay/8884#profile-overview
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