Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Many animals can perform this action, but this light can clearly be seen in the ocean, by marine animals and smaller organisms. Some of these organisms light up whenever the water around them moves, causing the shorelines of the ocean to light up in a really cool way. There are many places around the world to see this amazing light show, and here are just a few.
If you’d like to experience this one of a kind affair, here are some of our favorite bioluminescent beaches in the world.
1. Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego
Similar to Mudhdhoo Island, this San Diego beach features red waves during the day and blue waves at night. This beach, however, is a little spottier with its occurrences of bioluminescence. Be sure to do your research before you book your trip. This beach is still a great place to have a fun day on the beach, and when the water is glowing, provides a picture perfect end to the evening.
2. Manasquan Beach, New Jersey
This New Jersey beach is very similar to Torrey Pines Beach when it comes to consistency, but when the tide is low, you can witness the brilliant red and blue colors that come from the algae. It’s best to witness this bioluminescence in the summer months between July and September, and the lights are much more vibrant at night than they are during the day.
3. Puerto Mosquito, Puerto Rico
Officially declared the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by the 2008 Guinness Book of World Records, Puerto Mosquito is a stunning can't-miss destination. Located on the southern shore of Puerto Rico's Vieques Island, Puerto Mosquito offers a dazzling nighttime display. However, it's not the only place to see bioluminescence in Puerto Rico. Tourists can also visit Laguna Grande in Fajardo or La Parguera in Lajas for a more subtle bioluminescent display.
4. Toyama Bay, Japan
This magical bay is lit up not by phytoplankton but by three-inch firefly squid, which have little light emitting organs on their arms, head and tentacles. In most parts of the ocean here, these tiny creatures are well beneath the water’s surface. However, this bay provides the perfect set of circumstances for them to emerge and emit an extraordinary glow. But you’ll need to set your alarm: from March until May, sightseeing tours departing at 3 a.m. and can be taken from Namerikawa Bay (190 miles northwest of Tokyo).
5. Juhu Beach, Mumbai
Juhu beach is the one of the Bioluminescent beaches in India that has a brilliant shade of blue color. At first glance, it appears mystical and unworldly, a bit like a scene from the Hollywood movie Life of Pi, but that’s real — and not as uncommon as one might have thought. Bioluminescent aquatic bacteria or phytoplankton are responsible for this nighttime illumination.
6. Maya Bay, Thailand
Made famous by the 2000 cult classic The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay has moved to the forefront of bucket list destinations. The beach's remote location offers stunning white sands surrounded by towering limestone rock formations and a magical nighttime display where the water glows beneath your feet. Located off the coast of Krabi in Southern Thailand, Maya Beach has seen a steady increase in tourist traffic since the release of the movie.
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