Bioluminescence Near Santa Teresa: What to Know Before You Go

First, this is not on Santa Teresa beach

The experience takes place on the calmer Gulf of Nicoya side, in Paquera Bay or Tambor Bay depending on the tour. If you book the option with transport, the drive from Santa Teresa to Tambor takes about 30 minutes each way.

Kayak or boat?

Kayak in Paquera

Choose kayak if you want to be more active. You paddle yourself, so you are more involved. The group meets in Paquera, about 100 meters from the ferry, 45 minutes before sunset. After a short briefing on land you paddle into the bay as it gets dark, and when conditions allow the guide stops at a quiet beach where you can swim in the glow. It is beginner friendly and takes about 2 hours on the water.

The bioluminescence kayak tour costs US$35 per person and takes up to 30 people. It includes a certified bilingual guide, kayak, paddle and safety equipment. Transport to Paquera is not included.

Boat in Paquera

Choose the boat if you want to relax and let the guide take you. This is often the easier choice for families or anyone who does not want to paddle at night. The Paquera boat tour is about 2 hours, costs US$40 per person and takes up to 12 people. You meet in Paquera before sunset, and when conditions allow you can get into the water.

Boat in Tambor Bay, with sunset and mangroves

This is the longer version, about 3 hours. You arrive before sunset and have fresh fruit and a drink, ride through the mangroves when the tide allows, then head into the bay once it is dark. It includes a bilingual guide, life jackets, fresh fruit, snacks, drinks and two beers per person, for up to 12 people.

It costs US$70 per person if you meet the boat in Tambor, or US$85 per person with pickup and return from your accommodation in Santa Teresa. Pickup from Playa Hermosa, Malpaís, Cabuya or the Santa Teresa hills is an extra US$10 per person.

What time does it start?

On operating dates, all three options are listed for 5:00 PM. The kayak meets 45 minutes before sunset, and for the transport option your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. High moonlight dates shown below are not offered. Book at least 6 hours ahead.

Is there a private option?

Yes. The private Tambor boat is US$280 per group for 1 to 4 people, or US$350 with transport from Santa Teresa. Each extra guest is US$80, up to 12 people.

Can young children join?

Yes. There is no minimum age for the kayak or boat options. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For families with very young children, the boat is usually the more relaxed option because nobody needs to paddle.

What should you bring?

A towel and a change of clothes, plus a swimsuit if you want to get in the water. In rainy season, bring bug spray.

What is the cancellation policy?

A deposit is required to confirm the reservation. The amount depends on the activity and is shown when you book. If you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity, you get 100% of your deposit back. If the operator cancels because of weather or sea conditions, the refund is 100%. In high season, book at least 15 days ahead.

When is the best time to see bioluminescence?

For the darkest conditions, choose a night close to the new moon. You do not need to book the exact new moon date. Nearby nights can also offer very good viewing when the sky is dark and conditions are favorable.

The simple rule

• Best choice: dates close to the new moon.

• Not offered: the five nights before the local full moon plus the full moon night.

• Final availability: always check the live booking calendar.

New moon dates to use as a reference

2026: October 10 · November 9 · December 8

2027: January 7 · February 6 · March 8 · April 6 · May 6 · June 4 · July 3 · August 2 and 31 · September 29 · October 29 · November 27 · December 27

Dates we do not offer

We block these dates because stronger moonlight can make the glow harder to see.

2026: October 20 to 25 · November 19 to 24 · December 18 to 23

2027: January 17 to 22 · February 15 to 20 · March 17 to 22 · April 15 to 20 · May 15 to 20 · June 13 to 18 · July 13 to 18 · August 12 to 17 · September 10 to 15 · October 10 to 15 · November 8 to 13 · December 8 to 13

Can you see bioluminescence after a full moon?

Yes. After the full moon, the moon rises later each night, which can leave the early evening darker. If the date is available in our calendar, the tour is operating.

Does the moon control the bioluminescence?

No. Moonlight does not turn bioluminescence on or off. A darker sky simply makes the glow easier to see. Weather, water conditions and natural intensity can also change from night to night.

Will you definitely see it?

Bioluminescence is natural, so intensity changes from night to night. Some nights are incredible and others are just good. Around 20 days per month usually offer excellent viewing conditions.

Can you go in light rain?

Yes, depending on the overall weather. Light rain by itself does not stop the tour, and cloud cover can make the surroundings darker.

Why we are comfortable recommending it

Our team has done this tour. Before we list anything we try it and check the guides and the service, and we stop recommending it if we would no longer send a friend.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the bioluminescence tour cost?

US$35 per person by kayak in Paquera, US$40 by boat in Paquera, and US$70 by boat in Tambor Bay, or US$85 with transport from Santa Teresa.

Is kayak better than boat?

No. Kayak is more active and the boat is more relaxed.

When is the best time of the month to see bioluminescence?

Choose a date close to the new moon if you want the darkest conditions. You do not need to book the exact new moon night.

Can I book during the brightest moon dates?

No. The five nights before the local full moon plus the full moon night are removed from our booking calendar.

What are the best upcoming dates for a darker sky?

Use the new moon dates listed above as your reference, then check the live calendar for the date that works best for your trip.

Is it good for couples, friends and families?

Yes. The main decision is whether your group prefers an active kayak experience or a more relaxed boat trip.

See all current options in our Santa Teresa tours.

What we would add after doing these tours ourselves

Bioluminescence can be seen year round on suitable nights on the Gulf of Nicoya side, but the intensity changes naturally. For the darkest sky, we recommend choosing a date close to the new moon. Strong moonlight can reduce contrast, while cloud cover can sometimes make the surroundings darker. Info Santa Teresa blocks the five nights before the local full moon plus the full moon night, and the live booking calendar remains the final source of availability.

Do you need kayaking experience?

No. The Paquera water is normally calm and beginner friendly. The guide explains basic paddling and safety before entering the water.

Do you get wet?

On the kayak, yes: plan to get wet and bring a dry change of clothes. On the boat, you normally stay mostly dry unless there are splashes or you choose to enter the water.

Kayak or boat?

Kayak is more active, quiet and close to the water, and the paddle movement activates the glow around you. Boat is more comfortable for families, groups and travelers who prefer less physical effort.