The six top locations to experience bioluminescence in nature

February 7, 2023

1) Mosquito Bay, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay is considered one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world, with a high density of Pyrodinium bahamense dinoflagellates glowing in the water, making it a popular tourist destination.

Mosquito Bay

2) Toyama Bay, Japan: Toyama Bay is known for its large population of glowing firefly squid (Hotaru-Ika), which swim in the bay each spring and emits light, creating a mesmerizing display of bioluminescence.

Toyama Bay

3) Jervis Bay, Australia: Jervis Bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals interested in observing bioluminescence in the ocean. The bay is known for bright blue-green bioluminescence created by Noctiluca scintillans when agitated.

Jervis Bay

4) San Diego, California: San Diego is home to various bioluminescent dinoflagellates, including our Pyrocystis fusiformis, that emit blue light when disturbed. This makes for a beautiful display at night, especially during the summer months when the plankton are most abundant.

San Diego, California

5) Vaadhoo Island, Maldives: Vaadhoo Island is one of the best places to observe bioluminescence in the ocean, with its beaches lit up by millions of dinoflagellates that emit light in the water.

Vaadhoo Island

6) Placencia, Belize: Placencia is a popular destination for tourists interested in observing bioluminescence in the ocean. The waters around Placencia are home to a variety of bioluminescent plankton, including dinoflagellates and Noctiluca scintillans.

Placencia, Belize