Discover the magic of bioluminescent beaches in the world. Discover the best destinations to see the ocean lit up by night. Discover the fascinating world of bioluminescent waves. Discover the best travel destinations where the ocean sparkles with natural lighting, such as the Maldives and Jamaica. Discover the beauty of bioluminescent beaches in the world. Find out when and where to view glowing beaches. Discover the best time to see this natural phenomenon.
What is a bioluminescent Beach?
Have you ever dreamed of visiting one of those magical glowing beaches that glow neon blue in the night? You’re probably here because you want to. The bioluminescent beach is caused primarily by phytoplankton, a type of microalgae which floats above salt water. They will glow blue, green, or even red when startled by waves or fish swimming near them.
Bioluminescence
A bioluminescence reaction produces light. Bioluminescence is just a form of chemiluminescence. This is the name for a chemical process that produces light. (Bioluminescence occurs inside living organisms.)
Bioluminescence can be described as “cold lights.” Cold light is defined as less than 20% light that generates thermal radiation or heat.
The majority of bioluminescent organisms can be found in the sea. Bioluminescent marine organisms include bacteria, fish, and jellyfish. On land, you can find bioluminescent organisms such as fireflies, fungi and other nocturnal creatures. Freshwater habitats are home to almost no native bioluminescent species.
Chemistry
Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction involving two chemicals, luciferin (and either luciferase) or photoprotein. Luciferin, the compound responsible for producing light, is the actual source of light. In a chemical process, luciferin acts as the substrate. The arrangement of the luciferin molecules is responsible for the bioluminescent colour (yellow or greenish in fireflies and lanternfish).
Some bioluminescent animals produce luciferin (synthesize it) on their own. Dinoflagellates bioluminesce, for example, in a blueish-green hue. Dinoflagellates bioluminescent are tiny marine organisms which can cause the ocean surface to sparkle.
Some bioluminescent organisms do not synthesize luciferin. They absorb it from other organisms either as food, or through a symbiotic relation. For example, some species of midshipman fish obtain luciferin from the “seed shrimps” they consume. In the light organs of many marine animals such as squids, bioluminescent bacteria are housed. Squid and bacteria have a symbiotic relation.
Luciferase, is an enzyme. A catalyst (also known as an enzyme) is a substance that affects the rate of chemical reactions by interacting with a substrate. The interaction between the luciferase and oxidized luciferin (luciferin with oxygen added) creates an oxyluciferin byproduct. The chemical reaction also produces light. Dinoflagellates that are bioluminescent produce light through a luciferin and luciferase chemical reaction. Dinoflagellates contain luciferase, which is similar to the chlorophyll chemical found in plants.
Rarely do bioluminescent dinoflagellate ecologies form. They are usually found in warm water lagoons that have narrow openings into the open ocean. The narrow openings in these bays and lagoons prevent bioluminescent dinoflagellates from escaping. It is possible to illuminate the entire lagoon at night. In 2010, biologists discovered a new bioluminescent ecosystem of dinoflagellates in the Humacao Natural Reserve in Puerto Rico.
The majority of bioluminescent reactions are mediated by luciferin or luciferase. Some reactions do not require an enzyme (luciferase). These reactions are triggered by a substance called a “photoprotein”. Photoproteins are combined with oxygen and luciferins, but require another agent to produce light, usually an ion, from the element calcium.
Recently photoproteins have been identified. Biologists and chemists continue to study their unique chemical properties. The first photoproteins studied were bioluminescent jellies off the coast of North America. The “green fluorescent proteins” in the crystal jellies are photoproteins.
Difference between Bioluminescence & Fluorescence
However, bioluminescence and fluorescence are not the same. Florescence is not a chemical reaction. Fluorescence is the result of a light stimulus being absorbed, and then re-emitted. Only in the presence of the stimulating light can the fluorescing be seen. Inks used in highlighter pen are fluorescent. Phosphorescence works similarly to florescence except that the phosphorescent lights can re-emit their light for a much longer period of time. Glow-in the-dark stickers contain phosphorescence.
Bioluminescent light
The bioluminescent light can appear in a variety of forms, depending on its habitat and the organisms that it comes from.
The majority of marine bioluminescence is, for example, expressed in the blue/green spectrum. These colors are easier to see in the deep sea. Most marine organisms also are only sensitive to the blue-green color. They cannot physically process colors such as yellow, red or violet.
Many land organisms exhibit bioluminescence in blue-green. Many glow in yellow, such as fireflies, and the only land snail known to bioluminesce Quantula Striata native to Southeast Asia’s tropics.
Few organisms glow in multiple colors. Most people are familiar with the so-called railroadworm, which is actually the larvae of a beetle. The railroad worm’s head glows red while its body glows a green color. Bioluminescence is expressed differently by different luciferases.
Some organisms emit light constantly. Foxfire is the name given to a glow that some species of fungi emit in decaying wood.
The light organs of most organisms flash from less than one second to 10 seconds. These flashes may occur at specific locations, like the dots of a squid. Some flashes may illuminate an organism’s whole body.
Bioluminescent waves
This natural phenomenon can be observed by humans when there are large amounts of bioluminescence, which is usually caused by an algal bloom in plankton. Conditions of calm, warm water are the cause of sea sparkles. You can still see bioluminescence specks when it is created by marine creatures.
Adaptations
Living things use bioluminescence to find prey, protect themselves from predators, find their mates and perform other vital tasks.
Defensive Adaptations
Some species glow to confuse attackers. For example, many species of squid flash to startle fish and other predators. The squid is able to escape quickly when the fish are caught off-guard.
This defensive behavior is also displayed by the vampire squid. The vampire squid is like many deep-sea Squids that lack ink sacs. Squid near the surface of the ocean eject ink in order to keep predators at bay. The vampire squid instead ejects bioluminescent sticky mucus that can confuse and startle predators. This allows the squid time to escape.
Counterillumination is a technique used by many marine species to protect themselves. Sharks are among the predators that hunt from below. They are looking above where the sunlight casts shadows under prey. Counterillumination can be used to camouflage predatory behavior.
Hatchetfish use counterillumination. Hatchetfish are equipped with light-producing organs pointing downward. The amount of light that comes from their undersides is adjusted to match the amount coming from above. They can hide their shadows by adjusting their bioluminescence and are virtually invisible to predators.
Bioluminescent animals such as the brittle star can separate body parts in order to confuse predators. The predator will follow the glowing arm while the rest crawls away into the darkness. All sea stars can grow new arms, including brittle stars.
Some animals attach body parts to other animals when they do so. Some species of sea cucumbers can detach the luminescent body parts from their bodies and attach them to nearby fish when threatened. The predator will chase the glowing fish while the sea cucumber crawls off.
Scientists believe that certain species of whales and sharks could benefit from defensive bioluminescence even though they themselves are not bioluminescent. For example, a sperm whale may choose habitats with large populations of bioluminescent phytoplankton that are not part the whale’s normal diet. The plankton is attacked by fish, but the glowing of the plankton alerts the whale. The whale then eats the fish. The plankton turn off their lights.
Glow worms are insect larvae that light up when they’re toxic to alert predators. Toads and birds and other predators are aware that eating these larvae can cause illness or death.
Offensive Adaptations
You can use bioluminescence to attract prey or find prey.
Anglerfish is the most well-known predator that uses bioluminescence. It uses it to attract prey. The anglerfish is a large fish with sharp teeth and a thin, long growth on top of its head (called a filament). The anglerfish lights up a ball at the end of its filament (called an esca). Curios about the light spot, smaller fish swim up to get a closer view. It may be too late for the prey to see the dark, massive jaws of the anglerfish hiding behind the bright esca.
Bioluminescence is used by other fish to find prey, including a type called loosejaws. Loosejaws can emit red lights. Most fish only see blue, so they have a huge advantage when lighting up an area. They can see prey but they can’t be seen by their prey.
Attraction
Bioluminescent are the adults of fireflies and lightning bugs. They flash to attract mates. In North America, most of the flashing fireflies in North America are males. Their flash pattern tells females that they are interested in mating.
Other bioluminescence
When disturbed, organisms can glow. Bioluminescent alga can glow when the environment changes, like if there is a decrease in salinity. The living lanterns are visible as pink or green spots in the dark sea.
Another example of bioluminescence is “Milky Seas”. Milky seas glow continuously, unlike bioluminescent alga, which only flashes when disturbed. They are sometimes so bright that satellites orbiting above the Earth can see them.
Scientists believe that bioluminescent algae on the ocean’s surface are responsible for milky seas. Milky seas can only form when there are millions of bacteria present, and the conditions are right for them to produce enough chemicals. Satellite images of milky oceans in tropical waters like the Indian Ocean have been captured. Information source is National Geographic education.
Information source is national geographic education.
How many bioluminescent beaches are there in the world?
You can find bioluminescence beaches all over the world. They are an amazing sight that you won’t want to pass up. Imagine lying on a beautiful beach, swimming in bioluminescent waters or having a picnic at sunset while the sky is lit up with vibrant blues. This is not a scene from a movie; it’s purely natural magic happening all around the world. This is the most amazing phenomenon that you must experience at least one time in your lifetime.
It’s not as uncommon as you might think. According to NOAA it is estimated that 90% of species in the ocean are capable of producing bioluminescence.
Oceanic organisms which can produce bioluminescence are:
- Phytoplankton
- Micro shrimps
- Noctiluca scintillans
- Algae
- Bettles
- Jellyfish
- Worms
- Squid
It’s not very common, as it’s more common at deeper ocean depths than on shallow beaches.
We’re happy to report that you can see these natural phenomena easily in shallow/beachside water around the globe.
Most beautiful bioluminescent beaches in the world.
This Article reveals the 13 most beautiful bioluminescent beaches in the world.
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Puerto Mosquito in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
This skinny strait is located to the east of Vieques Island along the southern coast of Puerto Rico. It opens up to form a bay with a mangrove which resembles a shark to give the one of the most radiant bioluminescence in the world as per the Guinness World Records. Puerto Rico is the home to three bioluminescent Bays: Magens Bay, Laguna Grande, and La Parguera. This is because Mosquito Bay is considered to have the brightest bioluminescent water in the World.
There are bays that are found at the East Side, West Side and South West Side of Puerto Rico. The three bays situated on the island offer blue-green bioluminescent water that is furnished by planktonic predators called Dinoflagellate Plankton. It may be mentioned here that plankton also emits light for some seconds when it got disturbed by splashes/perpetual movements and when it hits the shore. This type of plankton is the most dense and abundant in these two bays in Puerto Rico. This does not happen in many countries in the world.
This often occurs when human swim in these bays as it makes the corresponding dinoflagellates to glow brighter. Thus, the environmental groups suggest that, the popular tourist bays should not be used for leisure swimming since they are popular. This is for the benefit of the organisms themselves.
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Mudhdhoo-Maldives:
Mudhdhoo is another island in the North Malé Atoll or sometimes called Vaadhoo which is part of the Raa Atoll in the Maldives. The micro shrimp will be used to ensure bioluminescence. The shrimp is brighter than other creatures and offers more photo opportunities. Eating these glowing shrimp is no problem since these organisms are also harmless. Swim in the blue sparkling pond at the midnight of the night.
This is the only resort that is found on the island and it is known as the Dusit Thani Maldives. Stay right here for the night like this to see this amazing spectacle in the sea where you could witness bioluminescence phenomenon. It is possible to find other islands/ beaches in The Maldives which have bioluminescence at night. Nevertheless the best reliability is Mudhdoo Island.
This is a good place from where this phenomenon can be observed in Reethi Beach. Vaadhoo Island and Raa Atoll are also recommended destinations.
The best time to view the phenomenon is from July to December at night tide on a dark night.
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Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
The north of Vietnam is home to the exquisite Ha Long Bay- a spectacular beach of the world. The Bay of Ha Long is particularly recognized by its crystal clear waters and the surrounding Limestone Island soaring high overhead and covered in lush rainforest. The northeast Vietnam site in the Ha Long Bay that has been granted protection by UNESCO is a major tourist attraction but the method can be risky due to the rise in sediment. Depending on the day you can go scuba diving or rock climbing during the day, then take a kayaking or boat tour to see ‘neon’ waters at night.
This is a very interesting journey in its kind that one would always easily remember. You will not see the bioluminescence in the entirety of the bay; therefore, one ought to find areas which are less crowded with people and areas with less light to be able to see the bioluminescence. A great site to witness the serene surroundings is Lan Ha Bay where shimmering sea view can be seen. Located in a more calm area, it still happens to be a part of the said Ha Long Bay.
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Koh Rong’s bioluminescent Plankton in Cambodia
Koh Touch is an island situated 40 minutes’ sailing distance from the continent of Cambodian, from the city of Sihanoukville. The utilization of land is at 15% meaning there’s a lot left for development. This is to say that most of the places are not lit and very few distractions within the main area of the tourists. A crescent of sugary sand awaits just a few steps beyond the jetty at long set Beach while for those wanting to explore the reef after dark –look for the 7pm boat trips advertised on the strip.
The plankton that causes the bioluminescence comprises of Koh Rong. The same situation is repeated at many beaches of this island. In order to achieve maximum results, do not shine lights at the plants. There are also many such companies offering night boat excursions for the viewing of plankton.
These are plankton and they neither pose threat nor harm the boat but they will glow when the boat is moving. There are several resorts which provide tourists the chance to swim with the plankton. This is warm water and so you are likely to encounter quite a number of jellyfish and the rest swimming in the nights. Tourists can also watch this beautiful natural spectacle from the beach.
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Thailand- Koh Phi-Phi
Dip a bright torch in water. You can turn it off when you are ready and make slow movements from one side of the room to the right. It will make the thousands of blue-green sparkling in the water to pass through and disappear. This is the experience of a lifetime to get the best swimming life indeed!
The optimum months to see the bioluminescent zooplanktons are from November to May and the optimum conditions for seeing them are a clear night with a new moon. The lights can also be experienced at the Ton Sai Beach.
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Ton Sai, Krabi, Thailand
There are also some planktons that glow during the night underwater. If you are swimming then you will want to see a glowing ring around what similar fireflies. The area of Ton Sai is an excellent and relaxed location near several mountain ranges. It is a quiet place where no disturbance from make noise or confusion. Mombasa can be best visited from November to May. It is a journey you will never wish to forget.
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Torrey Pines Beach – San Diego, CA, USA.
The best time to look for the bioluminescent beach in San Diego is in spring and summer because this is when the bioluminescent alga is most common. The dark beaches of San Diego are the places where one can witness the most beautiful bioluminescence.
Torrey Pines Beach is one of the best options. Sunset cliffs and Solana Beach are also great suggestions. The beaches of Torrey Pines will take your breath away as the waves strike the pink formations in the bay. It is a beautiful view to look at the blue ocean colors and the lights in this ocean compared to a red tide. It can be viewed in its best form at the end of summer and in autumn. Just relax and watch the show on the bay.
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Toyama Bay, Japan
Most of the shoreline of Toyama Bay in April radiates with a bright blue color. This is an impressive sight that is provided by thousands of firefly-squids. There are light organs in the small and thin body of the three-inch squid on its arms, tentacles and head. In most of the oceans they are located at deep sea area. This bay suits them best to come to the surface and provide an awesome glow.
From March to May a guided tour will be available from Namerikawa Bay from 3 am.
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Coles Bay (Tasmania)
Tasmania’s bioluminescence was triggered by the warming oceans in the early 90s. The most amazing sea glitter occurs in Coles Bay which may take three hour’s drive from Hobart city and located in Freycinet National Park. First plastic bag ban was instituted by this community. Its forests are green and its lakes are blue with the water being quite turbid because of lack of light pollution and possessing phytoplankton. For a beginner, it is advisable to start from Honeymoon Bay. Or you can see the famous Wineglass Bay with its heavenly white sand and the super-impressive smile.
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Matsu Island, Taiwan
Matsu also used in reference to the period when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. And this might be the case from April to September when the rocky coastline of the island, an island of 19 islands scattered in the East China Sea, starts to radiate. It should be viewed on afternoon boat tours from Qinbi Harbour in Beigan by fourth and third weeks of June to September.
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San-Juan Island-Bioluminescence Washington.
Go kayaking in the night for the best show of bioluminescence. Dawn and dusk are the best time to go up since they allow you to enjoy the colorful view right before and as the sun is setting. The effect will also last until the sun sets and the sky darkens as the ocean will sparkle with green glitter. There are bright green streaks formed on the surface of the water while one is planning.
The most suitable period for viewing the light show is June, July and August. This is due to the warm surface waters and to a large extent; the sunshine. It is still possible to see them in late spring or early fall.
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Costa Rica – The Pacific – Golfo Dulce.
The most magical thing you can see in nature among all Costa Rica offers is the blue glow in Golfo Dulce. The reader should understand that there are many bioluminescent seas in the world but sometimes light pollution stops you to observe it. The phenomenon of the glowing at night can even be on the waters of the Costa Rica Golfo Dulce occurrence can also be experienced throughout the year.
Guanacaste of Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast is also one of the best places to see bioluminescence and this phenomenon occurs in Nicoya Peninsula of Guancaste and also in the Gulfo Dulce Bay in Puerto Jimenez.
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Mexico- Manialtepec Lagoon
How can fish kill plankton to escape from the radiation? The bulbs at the bottom light up when it is shaken. Feel as if you are standing on land and watching those brightly glowing little fish in the water. A night tour through boats and sleeping in warm waters.
The next recommended tourist location for those who want to see the phenomenon of bioluminescent water is Puerto Escondido. This is because the lagoon is perfect for bioluminescent planktons being that it is actually composed of both fresh and saltwater. This is due to the fact that the major Lagoons of Puerto Escondido have very little light pollution and high quality plankton. Voyages phosphorescence to the Manialtepec Lagoon. There is an opportunity to rent a boat for the night with special plankton type that glows. When you are walking on the beach there may always arise a moment where you come across the bioluminescent water.
Where is the bioluminescent beach in florida?
There are businesses that provide night kayaking to watch bioluminescence at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. The purchase of transparent kayaks made of glass enables one to watch this fantastic spectacle.
Dinoflagellates and comb jellies could be the source of the bioluminescence. Swimming in the water would also not be recommended as this is a home to living organisms. It does not really matter as you will be able to view the beautiful night sky from your kayak. Visit the park in the middle to late summer of the new moon. The dinoflagellate produces light from its cells that is green while the comb jelly generates a blue light that can be compared to a prism.
Bioluminescence experience can also be witnessed in Indian River Lagoon. An alcoholic beverage that you can consume from July to September when it is New Moon.
But there are circumstances when bioluminescence can also be seen in other places. It may be attributed to some conditions in the environment. When the concentration of algae is high during some time of the year, the swimming glows can be observed in coastal areas.
But it is almost impossible to determine the exact number of bioluminescent beaches in the world (at least a few dozens), though these are the brightest and most regular examples
Conclusion
Finally a list of top destinations that include bioluminescent beaches in the world has been concluded. But if you dream of seeing the shining beaches in the nearest future or are willing to travel all around the world to discover the miracle that the sea can brighter better than the moon at night – you might be correct. Dance with the stars and watch the odd forces of nature at the same time.
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