What is Bioluminescent Bay (Bio Bay)?Bio Bay is a bay of water on the North end of Grand Cayman situated between Rum Point and Starfish Point. Before Hurricane Ivan in 2004 the water was too deep for the bioluminescence plankton known as the 'Pyrodinium bahamense' to thrive. That all changed with Hurricane Ivan and now the conditions are perfect for this microscopic plankton to thrive. As a result, some estimates suggest there are between 800K - 1 MM of these plankton in a single gallon of water in the bay. Either way, this is one of only a few locations in all the Caribbean to see this glowing phenomena and from many reports one of the brightest.
Why book a Grand Cayman Bio Bay charter?Considered by some to be the 'northern lights' of the underwater word, the Bio Bay in Grand Cayman is one of only a few places worldwide where you can see this glowing phenomena. Upon entering the Bio Bay during your boat tour, you will start to notice that the water coming off the propeller is glowing - this isn't a light rather it is the first sign of this microscopic plankton getting disturbed and thus releasing their light. When the conditions are perfect (no moon light), you can easily see this from the comfort of the boat. Either way, it is MUCH more pronounced in the water. We recommend that you put on a mask and hop in the water to see exactly what we're talking about. A lot of our guests tell us the Bio Bay feels like a scene out of the Matrix or Avatar. Seeing their friends/family glow in the water in the darkness of night is something they don't soon forget.
How can you enjoy Bio Bay?Bio Bay can only be enjoyed when it is dark out otherwise the light pollution will block out the glowing plankton. Therefore, we generally only go to the Bio Bay when the moon is between the third and first quarter although it is possible to go at other times depending on the time of moon rise. Either way, after a day of fun on the water doing a Stingray City excursion and Starfish Point tour as a part of your private Grand Cayman boat charter experience, we will take you to a beach bar where you can watch the sunset and enjoy dinner/drinks with your toes in the sand while it gets dark. Once dark, we take a short, calm and relaxing cruise over to Bio Bay. After spending 20 minutes or so observing this natural wonder, we head back to the dock enjoying the ~25 minute cruise across the North Sound with nothing but the stars in sight. Trips that include a stop at Bio Bay generally end around 9 PM local time depending on the time of year.
Bio Bay may be a newer attraction in Grand Cayman thanks to Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but it’s not the only attraction you can enjoy while navigating the beautiful waters of the Cayman Islands. Here at Cobalt Custom Charters, we offer custom boat tours that include jaunts to Stingray City, Starfish Point, Rum Point, unique snorkeling spots scattered around the island, and so much more.
Book a custom Grand Cayman boat charter today and let us help create memories that will last a lifetime!
What is Bioluminescent Bay (Bio Bay)?Bio Bay is a bay of water on the North end of Grand Cayman situated between Rum Point and Starfish Point. Before Hurricane Ivan in 2004 the water was too deep for the bioluminescence plankton known as the 'Pyrodinium bahamense' to thrive. That all changed with Hurricane Ivan and now the conditions are perfect for this microscopic plankton to thrive. As a result, some estimates suggest there are between 800K - 1 MM of these plankton in a single gallon of water in the bay. Either way, this is one of only a few locations in all the Caribbean to see this glowing phenomena and from many reports one of the brightest.
Why book a Grand Cayman Bio Bay charter?Considered by some to be the 'northern lights' of the underwater word, the Bio Bay in Grand Cayman is one of only a few places worldwide where you can see this glowing phenomena. Upon entering the Bio Bay during your boat tour, you will start to notice that the water coming off the propeller is glowing - this isn't a light rather it is the first sign of this microscopic plankton getting disturbed and thus releasing their light. When the conditions are perfect (no moon light), you can easily see this from the comfort of the boat. Either way, it is MUCH more pronounced in the water. We recommend that you put on a mask and hop in the water to see exactly what we're talking about. A lot of our guests tell us the Bio Bay feels like a scene out of the Matrix or Avatar. Seeing their friends/family glow in the water in the darkness of night is something they don't soon forget.