Grand Cayman Bioluminescent Bay and Starfish Point Tour
4.2 / 5 · 5 traveler reviews
Grand Cayman is one of the world’s most remarkable places to experience bioluminescence, a rare natural phenomenon that turns the water into a display of light after dark. Experience two sides of the island in one evening — from the shallow waters of Starfish Point to the glowing waters of Bioluminescent Bay. Begin at Starfish Point, where you can wade through warm Caribbean water and see colorful cushion sea stars in their natural environment, along with unusual marine life such as upside-down jellyfish. Then continue by boat to Bio Bay. Millions of microscopic organisms illuminate the water with flashes of light as it moves, a natural phenomenon found in only a handful of places around the world. Watch the bioluminescence from the boat, or slip into the water yourself and see the glow respond to every movement around you. After an evening on the water, settle in for the boat ride back with memories of the Caribbean and a bay that glows after dark.
Your experience
Stop 1
Begin your evening with pickup from participating accommodations in the Seven Mile Beach area. The boat generally departs Raleigh Quay at 6:30 PM during summer and 5:30 PM during winter, with hotel pickups scheduled earlier. After leaving Raleigh Quay, stop at Kaibo Dock, the alternative meeting point for guests staying outside the Seven Mile Beach area. From there, continue by boat to Starfish Point. Step into the warm, shallow Caribbean water and look for colorful cushion sea stars and seashells resting along the sandy bottom. Your guides will introduce you to the marine life found here, including the unusual upside-down jellyfish. Enjoy time in the water and the peaceful surroundings before boarding the boat again. Then continue toward Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay. Once darkness settles in, the lower light conditions allow the bay’s natural glow to become visible, setting the stage for the highlight of your evening.
Stop 2
Once darkness settles in, arrive at the Bioluminescent Bay near Cayman Kai, where millions of microscopic organisms create flashes of light as the water moves. Spend most of your boat tour here while your guides explain what causes the bioluminescence and why this particular bay provides the conditions for the phenomenon to occur. Watch the glow appear around the boat as the water is disturbed, creating a completely different view of Grand Cayman after dark. You can enjoy the bioluminescence from the boat or choose to swim in the bay, where movement through the water makes the glow visible around you. Swimming is optional. After your time at Bio Bay, return by boat via Kaibo Dock and Raleigh Quay Private Dock. Guests using the shuttle service will then be transported back to participating accommodations in the Seven Mile Beach area. Total duration: approximately 3 hours, including transportation. The boat tour itself lasts approximately 2 hours.
What’s included
- Water and fruit punch
- Certified captain and crew
- Roundtrip Transportation from Seven Mile Beach hotels
- Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bioluminescent Bay experience
- Starfish Point visit
- Marine Park entrance fee
Not included
- Snacks
- Gratuities
- Transportation outside participating Seven Mile Beach accommodations
- Towels
Meeting and pickup
Your tour will depart from Kaibo Restaurant Pier located at 585 Water Cay Rd. Please be here 30 minutes before your trip time. Our driver, who will be wearing a polo shirt with our logo, will call out your name upon arrival. Please note that the driver can wait for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Your tour will depart from Captain Marvin's dock, located at Raleigh Quay. Please be here 30 minutes before your trip time. Our driver, who will be wearing a polo shirt with our logo, will call out your name upon arrival. Please note that the driver can wait for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Flotation devices for children under age 3 are not available
- Total tour duration includes travel time, with the Bioluminescence Tour lasting approximately 2 hours from dock to dock.
- Seasonal Departure Times: The boat generally departs Raleigh Quay at 6:30 PM during summer and 6:00 PM during winter. Hotel pickups are scheduled earlier.
- Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, and its visibility and intensity vary from night to night depending on natural conditions. Promotional images are for illustration purposes and may not reflect the exact appearance or intensity experienced during your visit.
- Tours are scheduled based on moon phases, so availability may fluctuate.
- Roundtrip transportation is only included for hotels located along Seven Mile Beach.
- Guests must provide their hotel or accommodation details at the time of booking to arrange transportation. If no accommodation information is provided, the meeting point will be Raleigh Quay Private Dock.
- Snorkeling Equipment: Mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest are provided.
- Rain or Shine: The tour operates in light rain and normal weather conditions. The tour may be modified or canceled if weather or marine conditions are unsuitable for safe navigation.
- Wildlife: Please observe marine life responsibly and follow your crew’s instructions at Starfish Point and throughout the tour.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- What to Bring: Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to enter the water.
- Swimming: Swimming in Bioluminescent Bay is optional. Guests who prefer to remain on the boat can still experience the bioluminescence.
- Kaibo Meeting Point: Guests staying outside the Georgetown and Seven Mile Beach area may meet the tour at Kaibo Dock. Please contact us in advance to arrange this meeting point.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.