Remember last year when everyone was rushing down to the coasts of Singapore just to catch a glimpse of the ‘blue waves’? What if I told you that it gets even more magical than that? We’ve found some of the best places around the world to see bioluminescence in all its natural beauty.

Bioluminescence is one of the most magical phenomena that nature has to offer. Whether it’s a dull blue glow or an explosion of colour, it’s a captivating sight that looks out of this world, almost like the Aurora Beauralis of the ocean. The light is a result of a chemical reaction within some organisms that allows them to emit visible light. It serves different purposes to help the organisms attract prey, defend themselves, communicate, and camouflage and can be found in a whole range of organisms like insects, marine creatures, fungi, and more. 

There are different spots around the world that attract thousands of tourists for the abundance of bioluminescent organisms, and we’ve found some of the top spots all across the world for you. So read on to find out which place you should head to next to bask in the beauty of bioluminescence. 

Of course, while you’re planning your trip, be sure to have your YouTrip card on standby to enjoy the best exchange rates and greater savings with our YouTrip Perks merchants. From your flights to accommodation, and even tours to enjoy bioluminescence, there are fantastic options that are totally worth checking out. 

💜 Stay Up To Date:
– YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Paris 2023
– [UPSIZED GIVEAWAY] Destinations: Anywhere With $1
– YouTrip Closes Record-Breaking US$50 Million In Series B Fundraise 🚀

Top 10 Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence:

1. Toyama Bay, Japan

Image credits: Traveloka

Toyama Bay, located on the west coast of Japan is known for the presence of Watasenia Scintillans, or Firefly Squid. From March to June, the squid enter their mating season and emit light in the process of attracting their mates, lighting the ocean up with a beautiful blue glow. The best way to view the squid is to go on a guided boat tour in the bay, where visitors are taken on tours in small fishing boats, often with glass bottoms, to admire the beauty beneath the water’s surface 

Besides catching a glimpse of the firefly squid, there are plenty of other things to do in Toyama Bay. If you can’t get enough of nature, go on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route which will take you on a scenic journey through the Northern Japan Alps. The journey includes cable cars, trolley buses, and tunnels with beautiful alpine views as its backdrop. The mating season of the squid also coincides with the cherry blossom season so you can admire Toyama Bay in all its pink beauty. Other attractions include the Toyama Glass Art Museum and the Chirihama Beach Driveway. 

📅 Best Time To Go: March to June (Peaks usually in May)

🎟 Tours Available At: Hotaruika Museum 

📍 Address: 410 Nakagawara, Namerikawa, Toyama 936-0021, Japan

💸 Price: ¥5000 (~S$45.80) for adults and ¥3000 (~S$27.50) for children

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Book your tickets closer to the season here

2. Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

Image credits: Maldives Exclusive

Vaadhoo Island is one of the best places to catch bioluminescence in the world and attracts thousands of tourists for its ‘Sea of Stars’, created by bioluminescent phytoplankton that emit a soft blue glow, resembling a starry night. 

For phytoplankton, they emit light as a defence mechanism when they’re disturbed by the motion of the waves. You don’t have to travel far into the ocean to catch them as they can often be found along the shoreline all around the island in the evenings till around midnight — so you don’t have to worry about booking guided tours and catching ferries in the middle of the night. What’s best is that the phytoplankton are generally visible all year round, so you can make a trip anytime in the year. 

Just like most of Maldives, the island is known for its pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. If you love getting some sand and sun, Vaadhoo Island will be the perfect paradise for you. Go snorkelling and diving to explore other sorts of marine wildlife. Or enjoy water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. And after a day out in the sun, you can admire the beautiful glowing waves that mirror the sky full of stars, away from the light pollution of the cities.

📅 Best time to go: All year round

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Find out more about Vaadhoo Island and the Sea of Stars here

3. Toucheng Township, Taiwan

Image credits: Atlas Obscura

In this list, you’ve got firefly squid and phytoplankton, and now you’ve got Lantern Jellyfish or ‘Blue Tears’ which can be found in Taiwan. These jellyfish emit a blue glow also as a defence mechanism but create a sea of blue blobs that resemble tears. 

There are many places in Taiwan to catch a glimpse of the jellyfish including Matsu Islands, Green Island, and beaches along the northern coast of Yilan County — so you have plenty of options depending on the other activities on your itinerary. 

Of course, there’s plenty to experience and explore in Taipei, but if you prefer a slower-paced holiday, then consider travelling to Yilan which is known for its combination of nature and culture. Learn more about Taiwanese culture by exploring the National Center for Traditional Arts or taste your way through culture at the Yilan Night Market. Yilan is also known for its hot springs and public bathhouses like the Jiaoxi Hot Springs, but if you’re looking for a unique ‘cold spring’ experience, check out the Su’ao Cold Springs to take a dip in the natural cold, carbonated spring waters.

📅 Best Time To Go: April to September 

📍 Where: Wushi Harbour

📍 Address: 261, Taiwan, Yilan County, Toucheng Township, 烏石港路92-1號

🌟 Pro tip: The Lantern Jellyfish are more likely to be seen on moonless or low-moon nights because of the darker skies

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Find out more about the Blue Tears here

4. Mljet Island, Croatia

Image credits: We Seek Travel

On the other side of the world is the Mljet Island in Croatia, where bioluminescent plankton and other microorganisms light up the waters at night. Although bioluminescence sightings on the island aren’t as consistent as some of the other more tropical areas, it’s definitely still worth a shot. 

The visibility of the bioluminescence can vary from year to year but are typically more common during warmer months from late spring to early autumn. To have a higher chance of catching the bioluminescence, you should consider going on a guided nighttime boat tour or kayaking experience.

Located in the Adriatic Sea, Mljet Island is also known for its natural beauty and historical sights like the Mljet National Park which is home to the Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero saltwater lakes. There’s also the Islet of St Mary with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery that’s accessible by boat ride within the national park. For the literature fans, there’s also the Odysseus Cave, said to be the one described in Homer’s poem ‘The Odyssey’.

📅 Best Time To Go: May to September

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Find out more about Mljet Island here

5. Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Image Credits: Blue Mountains Gazette

Jervis Bay is home to bioluminescent plankton that emit a soft blue light as a defence mechanism when they’re agitated, such as when waves crash onto the shore, making each wave look as though they’re glowing. The bioluminescence in Jervis Bay is most visible during warmer months between November to April, and just like most other places, the glows are most visible on moonless and low-moon nights. 

You can choose to catch the bioluminescence by going on a guided kayak or paddleboard excursion, by joining guided walks along the coastlines, or just by going on walks along the beach, making your chances of catching them pretty high. 

Other than the bioluminescence, Jervis Bay is known for a lot of its marine life and animals. You can chill out at Hyams Beach or Cave Beach. Discover more marine wildlife at Jervis Bay Marine Park or join boat tours to go dolphin and whale watching. If you’re curious about other sorts of biodiversity, check out the Booderee Botanic Gardens to learn more about the flora and fauna native to Australia.

📅 Best Time To Go: November to April

📍 Where: Barfluer Beach 

📍 Address: Vincentia NSW 2540, Australia

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Learn more about the bioluminescence in Jervis Bay here

6. Bay of Islands, North Island

Image credits: Lonely Planet

The Bay of Islands in the North Island of New Zealand is known for its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and the bioluminescent plankton in its waters. In certain parts of the bay, you can find microorganisms that emit a soft blue glow at night. Just like most of the other places, the bioluminescence is most visible during the warmer months, and the best time to see the phenomenon is during a moonless or low-moon night. 

The best way to guarantee a glimpse of the glow is to go on a guided boat tour or kayak excursion. The guides will take you around to some of the best spots on the bay, as well as give you more information on the plankton and the other biodiversity in the waters. 

There are also plenty of other things to explore in the Bay of Islands, like taking a boat cruise to the Hole in the Rock, an iconic rock formation on Piercy Island (you may get a chance to spot dolphins too!), and to visit the iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. There’s also the stunning Rainbow Falls that’s located near the town of Kerikeri, home to some of New Zealand’s oldest surviving buildings, and there are also multiple golf courses in the area against the backdrop of stunning, tranquil views.

📅 Best Time To Go: November to April

🎟 Tours Available At: The Rock Adventure Cruise 

📍 Address: 69 Marsden Road, Bay of Islands, Paihia 0200, New Zealand

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Learn more about the tours in the Bay of Islands here

7. Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Reico

Image credits: Treehugger

Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico is one of the most famous bioluminescent bays in the world, known for its exceptionally bright and vibrant displays throughout the year. The bioluminescence is created by microscopic dinoflagellates — basically, microorganisms that emit a blue-green glow when agitated. There are many tour operators that offer guided tours around the bay to the best spots to enjoy the magnificent views. Or you can choose to go on a guided kayak tour to get up close and personal with the bioluminescence. 

Besides the tours and the views at night, Vieques is a beautiful place in the Caribbean with plenty to do. There are many beaches to check out like Sun Bay Beach and Playa Caracas that’s known for its red-coloured sand, as well as the Fortin Conde de Mirasol, a historic Spanish fort to learn more about Vieques’ history, culture and Art. 

Go on a horseback guided tour to learn more about the island’s natural beauty, or just chill at the Casa Vieques. Plus, if for some reason you can’t catch the bioluminescence at Mosquito Bay, there is the Laguna Grande that offers bio bay tours. 

📅 Best Time To Go: All year round

📍 Where: Bahia Bioluminiscente

📍 Address: Vieques 00765, Puerto Rico

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Get more details on the Mosquito Bay Tours here

8. Luminous Lagoon, Falmouth, Jamaica

Image credits: Treehugger

The Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth Jamaica is another one of the most famous bioluminescent bays in the world. Similar to the microorganisms in Mosquito Bay, the dinoflagellate creates a beautiful glow in the bay that attracts thousands of visitors every year. 

The best way to get a good view of the glow is by taking a guided boat tour at night. As the boat glides through the waters, the organisms start to light up creating a magical display of light bouncing off the waters. Some tour operators also allow visitors to take a dip in the lagoon so you can swim amongst the stars. Tours are usually accompanied by guides that provide educational tours of the bioluminescence and biodiversity in the lagoon. 

Besides the lagoon, Falmouth is known for its rich cultural heritage. Explore the well-preserved Georgian architecture and learn more about the town’s heritage. Visit the Greenwood Great House to learn more about Jamaica’s colonial history at the museum that used to be a plantation. There’s also plenty more to do like rafting on the Martha Brae River or going zip-lining through the rainforest. 

📅 Best Time To Go: All year round

🎟 Tours Available At: Luminous Lagoon Glistening Waters 

📍 Address: F9MC+CCQ, Falmouth, Jamaica

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Learn more about the Luminous Lagoon here

9. San Juan Island, Washington, USA

Image credits: San Juan Outfitters

If marine life is something that piques your interest, then San Juan Island in the USA is the place for you. Besides the bioluminescence emitted by different tiny marine organisms, there are plenty of other wildlife adventures for you to embark on. Just by taking a swim or going on a kayak ride, you get to witness the light blue-green glow in the water, making it really accessible for most. Of course, you can also choose to go on a nighttime guided boat trip that gives you the chance to not just observe, but learn about the phenomena. 

Other wildlife activities on San Juan Island include whale-watching tours, where orca, humpback, and grey whales are often spotted. Or just whale-watch from the shores of Lime Kiln Point State Park which is also home to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. There are also plenty of local farms around the island like Pelindaba Lavender Farm for you to explore and visit.

📅 Best Time To Go: May to September 

🎟 Tours Available At: San Juan Outfitters

📍 Address: 248 Reuben Memorial Dr Friday Harbor, WA 98250 

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Check out Kayak Tours available here

10. Holbox Island, Mexico

Image credits: Holbox Travel

Last, but definitely not least on our list, is Holbox Island that’s located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The bioluminescence in Holbox Island is created by microscopic bioluminescent organisms in the water that give off a soft blue or green hue. The phenomenon is most visible during the warmer months of June to September, and the best way to catch them is to take a guided boat tour that takes you to spots where you can swim or snorkel amidst the glowing waters. 

Besides these tours, the island is known for the Yalahau Cenote, a freshwater cenote with crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery, and the Punta Mosquito, a great spot for bird watchers especially during the migratory seasons. 

📅 Best Time To Go: June to September 

🎟 Tours Available At: Holbox Travel

📍 Address: Calle Tiburón Ballena 77310 Holbox, Quintana Roo

Best Places Around The World To See Bioluminescence: Check out tours available here

The Aurora Of The Sea 🌊

There’s a special kind of tranquillity and peace around calm waters and beautiful sights. It almost looks as though glowing specs fell from the sky and littered the waters. So if you’re looking for your next holiday adventure, why not check out the different spots with bioluminescence around the world? And no matter where you end up going, don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along for the best rates all day!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Stay safe, and happy travels!

Related Articles

Secret Beaches In Southeast Asia You Might Not Have Heard Of
Secret Beaches In Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of
Top 10 Bucket List-Worthy Beaches Around The World