The best places to see bioluminescence around the world sit atop many travelers’ bucket lists. Whether it's through the pages of glossy magazines like ours, glittering on social media feeds, or told through the tales our jet-setting loved ones share on their return from their latest adventure, this natural phenomenon is undeniably captivating. Perhaps it's jellyfish that twinkle at the harbor’s edge or plankton that creates scenes akin to starry skies as toes paddle in the ocean. Either way, bioluminescence is a fascinating natural phenomenon that, once witnessed, is impossible to forget. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll see glittering, rippling waters by chance. Here, from the shores of Oaxaca in Mexico to Maldivian atolls via the British Isles, we reveal the best places to see bioluminescence in all its dazzling forms.
It is generally safe to touch and swim in bioluminescent waters, especially in destinations where the sparkling waters are featured as tourist attractions with boat trips and excursions. However, some bioluminescence results from harmful algal blooms that can cause skin rashes and severe illness if ingested. When in doubt, research the area you’re visiting thoroughly and speak to guides on organized trips.
1. The Maldives
The picture-perfect islands of the Maldives are some of the best places to see bioluminescence around the world, thanks to an abundance of plankton that illuminates the waves after sunset. While it’s possible to see the phenomenon on islands across the archipelago, one of the most famous spots of them all is on the quietest side of Vaadhoo Island, a minuscule island of the Raa Atoll known for its beachy corner nicknamed the sea of stars.
When to go: Between June and October
How to get there: Domestic flight and boat transfer from Velana International Airport in Malé
Where to stay: Vaadhoo Island lacks the honeymoon-esque stays you may associate with the Maldives—check into InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and appreciate the glowing waters footsteps away from your beachside abode.
2. Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico
You may not have heard of the picturesque island of Vieques. However, you’ve likely seen the spectacle that occurs after sundown, when Mosquito Bay becomes a glossy blue portal thanks to the bioluminescent dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense, which glows blue when agitated. Glide through the waters on a clear-bottomed kayak with a local tour operator for a truly mesmerizing experience.
When to go: December to April (dry season)
How to get there: Direct flight from San Juan (SJU) followed by a ferry to Vieques
Where to stay: Go back to nature—albeit with the luxury trimmings—at the cozy Finca Victoria.
3. Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica
Home to dinoflagellates aplenty, Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is one of the most incredible excursions on the island, and a memorable way to shake up the evening itinerary. Hop on a tour boat at sunset, and, soon enough, the water’s epipelagic zone will come alive with a vibrant blue light. Watch as sea life darts under the boat’s hull, leaving phantasmagoric lines of light in its wake. Should you choose, some tours allow you to hop into the (surprisingly shallow) water and watch as splashes create incredible displays of light.
When to go: December to April (dry season)
How to get there: Drive from Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
Where to stay: Kick back a 30-minute drive away from the spectacle with an indulgent all-inclusive stay at Sandals Jamaica Caribbean Cay.
4. Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Considering the length of its coastline and the abundance of wildlife that lies offshore, there are surprisingly few places to spot notable displays of bioluminescence around Australia. That said, places do exist, with Jervis Bay in New South Wales being one of the most famous. As the noctiluca scintillans dinoflagellate species washes ashore, settle into the powdery sand and watch the water’s ripples create an effect akin to the Northern Lights on the shore.
When to go: Summer; September to February
How to get there: About a 2.5-hour drive south of Sydney Airport
Where to stay: Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a glamping trip like no other at Paperbark Camp.
5. Krabi, Thailand
There are a few bays and coves in this popular region of Thailand that promise a watery light display on clear nights. Ao Nang Beach is one of the most famous and most accessible, with beachside hostels, restaurants and bars a stone’s throw from the shoreline offering places to hide out in ahead of nightfall. While no less famous, perhaps, Phra Nang Beach is another spot a little further along the coast for a peaceful, intimate bioluminescent session reachable by boat transfers from Ao Nang Beach.
When to go: November to May
How to get there: 20-minute drive from Krabi International Airport
Where to stay: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is just a 40-minute drive from the glistening waters. Expect villas, pavilions, sprawling pools, and access to dazzling beaches through the lush landscape.
6. Toyama Bay, Japan
While many of the best places to see bioluminescence around the world are so due to an abundance of glowing plankton and algae, the story is a little quirkier in Japan’s Toyama Bay come spring. Here, the bioluminescent performance atop the otherwise pitch-black Japanese waters is caused by a considerably larger creature—the firefly squid. Join a fishing trip and watch as the organisms emit blue light from photophores, creating a wet and wild firework display as they are pulled from the icy depths.
When to go: April - May
How to get there: Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo
Where to stay: The DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama is a perfectly plush spot to rest in between city exploration and bay visits.
7. Oaxaca, Mexico
One of the most popular places to visit for bioluminescence in Mexico is the Laguna de Manialtepec, a coastal lagoon about west of Puerto Escondido. As fish (and people braving the water for a dip) dart through the waters, the twinkling algae that call the lagoon home make the water turn fantastically phosphorescent. A little farther on, similar experiences are available at Lagunas de Chacahua.
When to go: July to October (rainy season)
How to get there: Fly to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX), typically via Mexico City.
Where to stay: You’re spoiled for choice along this stretch of Mexican coastline—consider earthen Hotel Escondido Oaxaca or eclectic Grana B&B.
8. Koh Rong, Cambodia
By day, the Cambodian island of Koh Rong is a natural playground for families and couples who take to the water armed with snorkeling gear, looking down at the vibrant sea life below. By night, the waters beyond the powder-soft sands take on a life of their own, akin to a starry sky beyond the resorts and lush vegetation. While the bioluminescent plankton isn’t unique to Koh Rong—you can spot it on other Cambodian isles—the lack of light pollution around these shores makes nighttime beach strolls and boat excursions under the new moon unforgettable.
When to go: November to May
How to get there: Fly to Phnom Penh, then catch a bus to Sihanoukville port and catch a boat transfer to the island
Where to stay: The Royal Sands Koh Rong is the plushest address on this gorgeous island.
9. Cornwall, England
The waters that surround the British Isles aren’t the first that come to mind when you think of the best places to see bioluminescence. However, come summer, the English Channel throws a few surprises upon Cornwall’s shores. Some of the most notable places to spot starry shores in this corner of the world include Grebe Beach, a hidden gem at the end of the Helford River. On balmy nights, the water can turn a luminescent blue with a splash. Elsewhere, in Penzance, the bioluminescent action is best observed at Pedn Vounder, where, a few times a year, the Channel puts on a display under the constellations.
When to go: July and August
How to get there: A five or six hour drive from London's Heathrow Airport
Where to stay: In Falmouth, The Greenbank Hotel, a charming waterside retreat, gets our vote. In Penzance, hang out with the cool crowd at Artist Residence Cornwall, where unique bedrooms are set within a storied 17th-century property.
10. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
The region around Vietnam’s Halong Bay has long been a hotspot for those seeking glowing waters. However, being one of the stops on most travelers’ bucket lists, crowds and light pollution from boats and cruise ships mean the starry displays are notably more striking in the quieter coves and bays. Enter Cat Ba Island’s beaches, where splashes at sea equate to dazzling scenes. The natural wonder is best experienced on an overnight boat tour, as captains typically anchor in quiet spots under sparkling skies.
When to go: June to October
How to get there: Bus transfers from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi
Where to stay: Why not take over your own incredible villa while soaking up the island’s tranquil vibe from Valía Villa Cat Ba?
11. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Instead of a swimsuit, pair of flippers, or a kayak, the bioluminescence hiding in one of New Zealand’s most recognizable natural wonders requires visitors to wear comfortable shoes and a warm jacket. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been a tourist attraction for more than 130 years, with travelers passing through the awe-inspiring caves in silence, watching as the Arachnocampa luminosa glowworm species—only found in this part of the world—show off their captivating colors.
When to go: Year-round
How to get there: About 120 miles south of Auckland Airport (AKL)
Where to stay: Assuming you’re based in Hamilton, about an hour’s drive north of the caves, for a few days, check into The Narrows Landing Hotel.
A version of this story originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
