Top 5 Bioluminescent Bays and Beaches You Have to See

Remember the glowing beaches you’ve seen in pictures? The culprit is a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence, which allows certain living sea organisms to produce light. Which is why when there are waves at night, the water glows an electric blue, violet, green-yellow, or red, depending on the region and the organisms in the sea.

Imagine a night so magical it feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. The water glows electric blue with every splash, your footprints shimmer on the sand, and you’re left in awe of nature’s own neon light show. Welcome to the world of bioluminescent bays and beaches—a bucket-list experience for those who love unique, jaw-dropping natural wonders. These are some of the top spots where you can catch this glowing phenomenon.

Note: Make sure to not disturb the ecosystem too much and stay away from the water as much as you can, especially since some species of the glowing microalgae might cause skin infections or even deaths.

1. Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Kicking things off is the undisputed champion of bioluminescent bays: Mosquito Bay in the island of Vieques. This glowing gem holds the Guinness World Record as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Here, tiny organisms called dinoflagellates light up the water whenever it’s disturbed.

Trust me and take a guided kayak tour across the bay. I’m not much of a poet, but, as you paddle, every stroke of your oar leaves a trail of water that feels more and more like sparkling magic. It’s like paddling through a galaxy, especially underneath the starry sky.

2. Laguna Grande, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico deserves another spot with Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo. It’s one of the three only bio bays in Puerto Rico, and the easiest one to visit especially if you’re staying in San Juan. Nestled in a mangrove forest, it feels like stepping into a natural wonderland.

Pro tip: You can’t visit these bio bays without a tour. Opt for a nighttime tour on a glass-bottom kayak for a front-row seat to the glowing action.

3. Ton Sai Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Looking for a bioluminescent experience with a side of adventure? Head to Ton Sai Beach in Krabi. This spot isn’t as famous as others, but it’s a hidden treasure for those in the know. The glowing waters here are caused by plankton, which are tiny organisms that drift in water.

Plan your trip between November and May and don’t go back without taking a nighttime swim, and watch as every wave leaves a trail of glowing pixie dust on the shore. Paired with the new moon (if you time it right) and with Krabi’s jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop to soak things up and have your reflection moment.

4. Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Down under, Jervis Bay offers its own slice of glowing paradise. The bioluminescence here peaks in the summer months (December to February), when glowing algae light up the calm waters.

During the day, the bay is a hotspot for nature lovers, for snorkeling and dolphin-watching, but when night falls, that’s when things really start to light up, literally. It’s a surreal glow-in-the-dark experience. Tip: Stay patient—the glowing waters can be a bit unpredictable, but when they show up, it’s pure magic. Jervis Bay is usually also a popular spot for stargazing, if you’re into that kind of thing.

5. Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

The Maldives is already a paradise on earth, but Vaadhoo Island takes things to a whole new level. Known for its “Sea of Stars,” this beach is famous for its glowing waves. The phenomenon is caused by phytoplankton known as dinoflagellates that emit light when agitated, making every crashing wave shimmer like fairy dust.

If you have to choose between the beaches to visit for the best view, visit the village beach, commonly known as Vaadhoo Beach. Other options include Falhu and Fehendhoo beaches, located on the eastern and western shores of Vaadhoo Island, respectively.

These bioluminescent hotspots are proof that nature knows how to throw the ultimate light show. What’s better than relaxing on a tropical beach? Relaxing on a tropical beach with a glowing ocean right at your feet.