The glowing waves may seem like an optical illusion, but trust us – it’s not. We know how many travellers have compared this sight to the fantasy world of Avatar, and we know how how much everyone loves it. In recent times, many explorers have expressed an interest in seeing bioluminescent beaches that come to life at night.
The neon-glowing waves can be seen around the beaches in Thailand, Maldives, US and many other places around the world. We’re sure you’ll have this magical experience on your itinerary! So, stick around and read all about the top 15 bioluminescent beaches in the world.
Springbrook Park, Australia
We’re starting off our list of the best bioluminescent beaches in the world in Australia! Springbrook Park is an immediate favourite for bioluminescent plankton, and every year thousands of people visit this spot just for this reason alone. So, make sure you have a night hike through this forest on your list of things to do in Australia.
Oh, and word of advice – you can experience it best during the rains, as the glow worms prefer moisture. The average rainfall is 3000 mm a year, mostly from December to March.
Ton Sai, Krabi
Ton Sai beach is packed with interesting activities. The pristine beaches, soft sand and cool waters make it perfect for a refreshing swim after sunset. Deep into the night, glowing waters will make you feel as if you are among the sparkling stars and pixie dust. The Bioluminescent planktons are amazing to see during the night of the new moon. So, if you are planning to visit Ton Sai beach, especially to witness glowing plankton, make sure to come between November and May, as it’s the best time of the year to see plankton around the new moon phase. This will be one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have!
San Juan Island, Washington, U.S
You might not know this, but the San Juan Islands have been one of the top places to see glowing plankton for a long time. It’s an archipelago of more than 170 islands, and it’s admired by travellers for its majestic landscapes, wildlife and Orcas. Some might even say it’s the best place to get away from the chaos. In addition to stunning bioluminescent beaches, visitors can also enjoy farm-to-table dining, kayaking, whale watching & other activities.
Pandangbai Port, Bali
Your beach day is about to get a lot more magical! Why? Because Pandangbai is one of the best bioluminescent beaches in the world! It’s effortlessly majestic and surrounded by dramatic hills that add to its picturesque atmosphere. Moreover, it is a bustling port that offers opportunities for good diving and snorkelling in East Bali.
Related Read: Best Time to Visit Bali
Manasquan Beach, New Jersey
Manasquan Beach is a well-known tourist destination located along the Jersey Shore, but did you know that it’s also one of the best places to see glowing plankton? A moonless and dark night offers a fantastic opportunity to observe nature’s bioluminescent phenomenon, which produces eerie blue and red glowing effects. Visitors can best experience this best during the summer months, i.e., from July to September. Apart from this, it also boasts many shopping malls and restaurants, all within walking distance of the beach.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is one of the loveliest islands in Thailand, and it’s perfect if you are planning on going for an island-hopping experience, as it will only take a 45-minute speed boat ride to explore Phuket and Krabi. Sail to witness a wonderful sunset over a boat surrounded by tranquil waters of Phi Phi shores, and swim with bioluminescent plankton to have a magical experience. As you touch the waters, it glows with luminous blue hues, making it look like you are swimming with stars in the night sky. This picture-postcard island will offer you the ultimate tropical getaway experience that you always dreamt of.
Mudhdoo Island, Maldives
You can’t talk about the top bioluminescent beaches in the world and not mention the one in Mudhdoo Island! This is perhaps one of the best bioluminescent beaches in terms of how visible the glowing plankton appear. It’s an absolute sight for sore eyes. The island is in the Baa Atoll, near the Dusit Thani Maldives, which is a Dusit Thani Group resort hotel. Plus, it is a fantastic destination that boasts many rare creatures. All in all, it’s an other-worldly experience that more people should know about & now that you do – we need to ask – when are you going to see it in person?
Mission Bay
That’s right; we’re saying hello to Auckland on our hunt for the best bioluminescent beaches in the world. Mission Bay is a waterfront haven built around the pohutukawa-lined beach. From the iconic fountain to dining with views of Rangitoto and Waitemata Harbour, it truly encapsulates the vibrant heartbeat of Auckland’s Eastern Bays.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is surprisingly not an island, nor in the Pacific; it is a resort town in southern Thailand’s Krabi Province, best known for its beach. There are many things to be seen on this beautiful Ao Nang beach. Especially, the stunning karst limestone stalactites in the beachside! Go snorkelling at night to spot bioluminescent plankton and enjoy seeing certain spots glow from beneath the waters, don’t worry about your safety because there’s always someone to supervise you.
You will be impressed not only with gorgeous sceneries around you but also with heartfelt Thai people who are the best in hospitality.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and guess what? It’s also among the best bioluminescent beaches in the world! Plus, Halong Bay has plenty to explore, ranging from the caves and the wilderness to the limestone islands. It is truly, a traveller’s dream come true. The best time to witness bioluminescence at Halong Bay is late night after the boats turn off their lights.
Railay Beach
Railay looks like an island though it’s a part of the Thai mainland facing the Andaman Sea. One of the major appeals of Railay is that it has beautiful white sand beaches, amazing viewpoints, lush jungles and soaring limestone cliffs, including caves and a hidden lagoon. You can enjoy fresh smoothies from seaside juice bars and restaurants, take a dip in the waters of Railay or just go exploring – it’s all up to you. Just make sure you are seated for the main event of the night! Spotting Bioluminescent plankton is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we don’t want you to miss it.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is one of the famous tourist spots in Bangkok with hidden beaches. It has been a top destination for travellers ever since ‘The Beach’ was released in 2000, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. However, aside from the movie buzz, Maya Bay is stunningly beautiful and is encircled by towering limestone cliffs, silky soft sand beaches and colourful corals beneath the waters, making it irresistible. Get ready to dive in and witness a mind-blowing underwater show with an abundance of sparkling bioluminescent plankton.
Sam Mun Tsai Beach, Hong Kong
It’s not exactly the luminous blue experience most people love, but the Sam Mun Tsai Beach of Hong Kong experiences a show-stopping phenomenon known as red tide, which occurs when the water turns red due to a bloom of microorganisms.
But don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of crimson waters, you’ll still be able to see the glowing blue plankton at night – this place is known for giving travellers the best of both worlds.
Toyama Bay, Japan
One of the most beautiful bioluminescent beaches on earth is home to a species called the Firefly Squid. These creatures live at a depth of 1,200 feet and are only 3 inches long. Additionally, Firefly Squids are considered delicacies in Japan. Luckily for you, Toyama Bay is filled with bioluminescent lights when millions of squids fertilize and lay eggs! Namerikawa fishing port hosts sightseeing boats starting at 3 a.m. Make sure you plan your itinerary accordingly if you want to see this delightful glow.
Glistening Waters, Jamaica
Did you really think we would leave this highlight out of our list of the best bioluminescent beaches in the world?
Commonly known as the Luminous Lagoon, Glistening Waters boasts an awe-inspiring volume of bioluminescent microorganisms, producing a blue-green glow effect all around. Visit this stunning spot on moonless nights, and you’ll see the stars of the sky shining in the sea, blanketing the entire area with its cosmic glow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bioluminescent Beaches
1. Where is the best beach to see the bioluminescence?
You don’t get to see this natural phenomenon everywhere; there are only a handful of bioluminescent beaches in the world, and here are the beaches that have the most visible glowing plankton.
- Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Mudhdoo Island, Maldives
- Manasquan Beach, New Jersey
- San Juan Island, Washington, U.S.A
- Springbrook Park, Australia
2. How many bioluminescent beaches are there?
15 bioluminescent beaches in the world. There are more, according to several sources on the internet; however, the 15 beaches mentioned above give you the best shot at seeing the glowing blue waters.
3. Where can I see bioluminescence in the UK?
Even though it is an uncommon sight, the glowing plankton that makes the water glow was seen all across Wales in 2022. So, for some of you, this highlight is only a short drive away.
Head to these beaches today!
- Burry Port, Carmarthenshire
- Caswell Bay, Gower
- Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
- Newton Beach, Porthcawl
- Cei Bach Beach, Ceredigion
4. What is the best bioluminescent beach in the world?
Mudhdoo Island, Maldives, is one of the best bioluminescent beaches in the world. Opinions may vary, but we’re still stuck on how everything about this place just falls together. Plus, this beach has one of the highest probabilities of lighting up with the bioluminescent glow.
5. What causes bioluminescent beaches?
A variety of marine organisms, including fish, squid, small crustaceans, and algae, use bioluminescence to confuse predators, attract prey, or even attract potential mates. This, in turn, becomes one of nature’s most eye-arresting shows.
6. Can you touch bioluminescent water?
No. Even though some of the algae might be safe, it’s better for everyone to admire these bioluminescent waters from a distance. Some of the algae responsible for making the water glow produce toxins that are harmful to sea life, humans and anything that comes into contact with them. Therefore, it is not safe to touch the algae or swim in the bioluminescent water.
Now, that you have our list of the best bioluminescent beaches in the world, here comes the big question – which one is your favourite? Did we leave it off our list, or do you still need time to make up your mind? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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