We usually look up to see the stars, but how about if we look the other way around? Find a pitch black canvas adorned with twinkling blue lights, resembling a constellation. Those unusual yet astonishing lights come from a substance named bioluminescence. It is a natural light produced by animals and protozoans, including fireflies and glow worm. However, when we talk about bioluminescence, it often refers to a magical phenomenon of blue lights created by a collection of microorganisms. So, where to see bioluminescence? This blog will show you the best places to travel to if you want to see the breathtaking natural wonder.
Where to See Bioluminescence – Summary
- Maldives
- Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
- Isla Holbox, Mexico
- Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica
- Koh Rong, Cambodia
- San Diego, USA
- Space Coast, Florida, USA
- Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand
1. Maldives
The archipelago of the Maldives consists of dozens of small islands in the Indian Ocean. But only on three islands, you can observe the sea light. The islands are Mudhdhoo, Vaadhoo and Rangali. July to February is the best time to observe the sea lights. So, where to see bioluminescence? Maldives is the answer, even on the top of the list! Yearly many tourists arrive only for this reason.
The island of Vaadhoo is a small island with about 500 inhabitants. Here the sea light is also called Sea of Stars because it looks just like that. If you have never seen bioluminescence in the water, it is hard to imagine. Next to the aurora borealis, the sea glow is the most spectacular play of light in nature. On Vaadhoo, your activities are all about the beach. You have the opportunity to get completely lost in the white sand and crystal clear water and wait for the “natural lights” to come on in the evening. As swimming is prohibited, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery by hopping on a kayak or booking a group boat tour.
2. Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques belongs to Puerto Rico and is one of the best places to experience bioluminescence, along with the Maldivian islands. Here the small organisms produce so much light that you could read a book on the beach! In Mosquito Bay, you can also go out by kayak and become part of this crazy carpet of lights. In the mangrove forests, which rise directly above the sea, the little animals find enough food to prepare for their nightly task.
Another place in Puerto Rico where you can observe the sea light is the Laguna Grande in the northeast of the main island. In the past, you had to go really deep into the lagoon to see the sea light on the beach. But in the last few years it has spread all over the lagoon so that when you kayak on the open water, you are surrounded by thousands of tiny spots of light. Especially the beginning is very magical because you don’t know when the spectacle starts. You should paddle out before sunset and then you have to wait, but keep a close eye on the water. And suddenly it looks like sparklers are burning and fizzing under the water until all the water is nothing but light.
6. San Diego, USA
You can also observe bioluminescence in San Diego, the southernmost city of the state of California in the USA. But be careful: the sea glow occurs here only every 5 years and that for just a week to a month! Between the cities of La Jolla and Encinitas, the sea glows red during the day and light blue after sunset. The stronger the sun shines during the day, the more the animals glow at night. Because of the red coloring during the day, the phenomenon is also called “Red Tide” here and surfers use the different lights for breathtaking stunts and videos. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict when the next sea light will be in San Diego because the so-called algae bloom causes the phenomenon and it is unpredictable.
Also in Venice Beach near Los Angeles, you can observe the sea light. Here you can even swim in the sea and dive into the deep blue. So if you take a road trip through California, you might be lucky and visit one of the best places to experience bioluminescence. In our article “The Best Road Trips in 2021: North America Edition” we have already compiled a route in California for you.
7. Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Australia stuns travelers with its abundance of living species. It is not a surprise that Australia houses one of the world’s bioluminescence-seeing spots. Jervis Bay in New South Wales gains lots of love due to its pearly beach, gorgeous gradients of blue, and magnificent marine life. Besides that, the bay has become home to light-producing planktons. They tint the waves with otherworldly blue lights on warm summer days.
Besides Jervis Bay, there are several places in Australia where you can see bioluminescence. Some of them include Tasmania, specifically Hobart waterfront. So, if you need a reason to travel to Australia, this breathtaking phenomenon can be it!
9. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Shift from the ocean waves to the land terrains, in which another type of bioluminescent creature awaits. Waitomo Glowworm Caves has become home to an endemic glowworm species called Arachnocampa luminosa. The surreal turquoise-colored light these worms produced create a scene that might remind you of the Avatar movie. Entering Waitomo Caves makes you feel like you are entering the fictional Pandora realm, which is a bucket list-worthy activity.
Besides the glowworm, Waitomo Caves will take your breath away with its facade. The cave has stood for 30 million years, adorned with marine fossils and millenia-years-old stones. You can take a guided tour to explore the cave while learning about its history.
Bioluminescence is an ethereal natural phenomenon you should see before you die. So, put these places to see bioluminescence into your bucket list!
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