Do you remember the beautifully lit ocean in a scene of ‘Life of Pi?’ You must have been amazed at the beautiful CGI used to shoot that scene. But what if we told you such ‘CGI effects’ exist in the real world? Yes, its true, mother nature has many many tricks up her sleeve and bioluminescence is one of them!
A biochemical emission of light by the living organisms is termed as bioluminescence. Fireflies are the most common example of bioluminescent creatures, but this mysterious phenomenon exists in several marine organisms like algae, fish, bacteria, and jellies who make the water look like a starry sky.
Let us look at the 7 beaches that exhibit this captivating bioluminescence.
Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
The Maldives is a favorite destination for the honeymooners, and when you visit the Vaadhoo Island, you will realize why! Aptly called as ‘sea of stars,’ the water here is abundantly loaded with phytoplankton known as dinoflagellates. It lights up the sea at night like a million stars on earth and thus fulfilling the quintessential promise of getting your partner the stars.
Puerto Mosquito, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is blessed with three bioluminescent bays namely, Fajardo (Laguna Grande), Lajas (La Parguera) and Mosquito Bay. Mosquito Bay is the most famous out of all three bays as it is the biggest and brightest bay.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
This picturesque location in Vietnam and a World Unesco Site is on everybody’s Vietnam itinerary. Swim in the pristine waters to trigger the bioluminescence and experience the magic yourself.
Manasquan Beach, NJ
This New Jersey beach is famous for the red and blue glow that is generated due to the red algae found in the waters here. Bring your kayak to experience the sparkling waters. The best time to visit Manasquan beach is from July to September.
Torrey Pines Beach, California
Just like the Manasquan beach, the waves here glow in a gorgeous red color during the day and neon blue at night. Spend a day at the beach to witness spectacular waves.
Gippsland Lakes, Australia
Gippsland Lakes are a network of lakes in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. This lake in 2008 was populated with Noctiluca Scintillans, also known as ‘sea fire,’ and ‘sea ghost,’ a species of dinoflagellates that give a greenish appearance to the water. At the nightfall, however, the lake lights up and has a starry appearance.
Railey Beach, Thailand
Railey beach in Krabi province is becoming a tourist favorite due to its bioluminescence. Take your swimming gear and watch your limbs glow!
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