Watch the sea light up and dive in
First of all, we want to explain to you what bioluminescence actually is. Sea lights, or bioluminescence, is created by a collection of microorganisms that are activated by touch and then light up. So it is not the sea itself that glows, but the thousands and thousands of plankton or algae. Therefore, this type of bioluminescence can be observed mainly on beaches, but also in the sea. In general, marine luminescence is possible everywhere, but it requires a large number of microorganisms in one place and optimal water conditions. Today we show you the best places to experience bioluminescence.
Maldives – Sea of Stars
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. The Maldives is number 1 on the list of the best places to experience bioluminescence. 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.
In the Maldives, it is indeed forbidden to swim at night, precisely because of the sea lights. However, you can go on guided boat tours or take a kayak to get close to the light. With your Maldives travel buddies, you should not miss this phenomenon. If we have already convinced you and you want to start planning your trip right away, have a look at the visa regulations for the Maldives and some other countries.
North Sea – local Bioluminescence
Yes, you read correctly. Even in the North Sea, you can watch the sea light! For example, the island Sylt is on the list of the best places to experience the sea light. To have a better chance of seeing the phenomenon, there must be little to no wind. The sea lightning can be observed between May and October. The sea must be calm at night so that the animals can discharge their energy and not do it before during the swell. Furthermore, warm and humid nights with a thunderstorm atmosphere are perfect. To make sure that you can see the sea glow at night, stroll along a wind-protected beach, like the Hörnumer Oststrand.
If you can see salmon pink discolorations in the water, chances are you can make your footprint glow at night. You can also research the perfect days with your North Sea travel partners on the Internet beforehand.
Puerto Rico – a thousand lights in the night
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. You should not experience this magic alone. Instead, visit this place with travel partners from JoinMyTrip.
San Diego, USA – glorious bioluminescence
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.
Great Britain – Sea lights between the islands
In Great Britain, more precisely in Wales, the sea light can be observed. Here, however, as in the North Sea, it is rather less pronounced. One of the best places to experience sea light is on the island of Anglesey in the Celtic Sea. Here you should visit the lighthouse Trwyn Du. Since the glow is rather weak, you really have to trust your eyes, which are telling you: “Something is glowing here!” Only when you throw a stone into the water at the stone beach will you bring the water to life and the sea glow will compete with the starry sky. Between June and November, you can see the spectacle on the Welsh island.
Australia – Light dream in Tasmania
Of course, you can also watch the sea light in Australia. Specifically on the beaches of Tasmania and on the Gippsland Lakes near Melbourne. In Tasmania, you can watch the spectacle very well on the coast of Hobart! If you have a professional camera with you and you are traveling with your photography partners, choose an extra-long exposure time to capture the glow.
Actually, the best places to experience the sea light are all over the world. All you need is saltwater and a high nutrient density. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can even grow such cultures in a glass yourself! One thing is clear: You will rarely see something as magical as bioluminescence in your life. It will weld you together with your travel buddies.
For more magical travel tips check out our blogs:
The coolest surf spots in Germany
The 6 best tips for backpacking through Europe
10 Destinations that beat the winter blahs
