Puerto Mosquito, Bioluminescent bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Mosquito is a bay in Vieques where the water glows when you move through it. This happens because of tiny organisms called dinoflagellates that live in the water in huge numbers.
The bay was used by local people for centuries before becoming known as one of the brightest places of its kind on Earth. Scientific recognition of this special quality brought worldwide attention to the location.
Local boat guides lead visitors on evening outings, pointing out how the water glows when disturbed and explaining what makes this spot important to the community. This direct encounter with nature creates a strong connection that stays with people long after they leave.
Visits work best on moonless nights when the glow is strongest. It is important not to wear chemical products like sunscreen or makeup that could harm the sensitive organisms in the water.
Only a few bays in the world have this glowing phenomenon, and Vieques is home to several of them, making it one of the rarest places to experience this. Most people do not realize that only a handful of such places exist worldwide, which makes this location truly one of a kind.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.