In short
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for fast transitions.
- Bring water shoes to walk on the squishy mud bottom.
- Pack a pool towel and dry clothes for the ride back.
In this article
Preparing for your night tour is simple if you plan ahead. The boat ride lasts 35 to 45 minutes, and you get 15 to 20 minutes to swim. Since there are no large changing rooms on the boat, arriving ready to swim saves time and hassle.
What clothes should I wear to the Luminous Lagoon?
Wear your swimsuit under a comfortable, casual outfit. Add a light jacket or sweater to stay warm after your swim.
The boat ride back to the marina can get chilly with the evening breeze. A light layer keeps you warm once you exit the 5 to 8-foot deep water. Pack a full change of dry clothes to wear on the drive back to your hotel.
Do you need water shoes for the Luminous Lagoon?
Yes, wear water shoes or rubber-soled shoes to protect your feet in the shallow bay.
Swimming is at your own risk. The bottom of the bay feels soft, muddy, and jelly-like. Water shoes make it much easier to stand in the shallow sections if you do not want to touch the mud directly.
Are towels provided at the Luminous Lagoon?
Towels are not provided on standard tours, so you must bring your own.
Grab a pool towel from your resort before you leave. You will need it to dry off quickly when you climb back onto the boat. The mixing salt and fresh waters create a brackish environment, so drying off prevents salt buildup on your skin.
Should I bring bug spray to the lagoon?
Bring insect repellent, but only apply it after you finish swimming.
Do not put on heavy lotions, perfumes, or bug spray before entering the water. These chemicals harm the fragile microscopic dinoflagellates that create the glow. Keep your bug spray in your bag until you are out of the water.
What kind of camera should I bring?
Bring a smartphone or camera with excellent low-light or night-mode capabilities.
The bioluminescence requires dark conditions to show up clearly. Flash photography is strictly banned on the boat. Bright flashes ruin the visibility of the glow and bother other guests. You need a device that takes clear photos without a flash.
Do I need to bring cash or a credit card?
Bring a card or cash to pay for meals, drinks, souvenirs, or guide tips.
Standard tour tickets are $25 for adults, but many visitors buy extras. You might want dinner at the Glistening Waters Restaurant or a drink at the bar. Cash is also useful for tipping your captain after the 45-minute cruise.
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear bug spray in the Luminous Lagoon?
No. You must not wear bug spray, heavy lotions, or perfumes in the water. These products damage the delicate micro-organisms. Apply bug spray only after your swim is completely finished.
How deep is the Luminous Lagoon swimming area?
The designated swimming area is shallow. The depth generally ranges from 5 to 8 feet deep. Life jackets are provided if you need them.
Can I use flash photography on the boat?
No. Flash photography is banned during the tour. The bright light ruins the visibility of the blue-green glow for everyone else on board.
