There are few things as special as seeing this glowing light as you’re out on a beach, and there are quite a few places to go and do it. Let’s walk you through some of the places where you can go and see glowing water, waves, & algae.
| Best places to watch the bioluminescence beaches | Country/State | Probability |
| Mosquito Bay | Puerto Rico | Very high |
| Laguna Grande | Puerto Rico | Very high |
| La Parguera | Puerto Rico | Very high |
| Bay Vieques | Puerto Rico | Very high |
| Indian River Lagoon | Florida | High |
| Merritt Island | Florida | High |
| San Diego | California | Moderate |
| Newport Beach | California | Moderate |
| Tomales bay | California | Moderate |
| Port Gamble | Washington | High |
| Hawaii | High | |
| Saint Croix | US Virgin Islands | Moderate |
| Manasquan beach | NJ | Moderate |
| Grand Cayman | Cayman Islands | Rare |
| Jamaica | High | |
| Costa Rica | High | |
| Mudhdhoo | Maldives | High |
| Auckland | New Zealand | Moderate |
| Puerto Escondido | Mexico | High |
World’s brightest bay – Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico
How about we start with the most significant sight of them all? Yes, there’s one bay that has the record as the world’s brightest bioluminescent one.
It’s Mosquito Bay. In 2006, it was recognized by the Guinness World Records for what it is.
Traveling to Puerto Rico to see Mosquito Bay in Vieques is worth it. The beauty and pristine setting may cause you never to want to leave again.
There’s a large concentration of dinoflagellates that allow the beautiful view. The number has only doubled since Hurricane Maria, leaving scientists speechless and surprised. No one can explain it!
In every gallon of water, it’s possible to find between one and two million dinoflagellates. In addition, the place is great because of its light pollution. It’s a natural spectacle you won’t see in many other places, and it’s a true wonder!
Best places to see it in the US
Suppose you’re a visitor from the United States – welcome! We’ve created a list of places you can go without even going very far. Maybe it’s time to take a summer vacation with your loved ones to one of these destinations.
Laguna Grande in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
When it comes to seeing bioluminescence, Puerto Rico is very high on the list. Laguna Grand is one of our top recommendations in the country, east of San Juan. Fajardo is a beautiful town that is visiting and only 40 minutes from the San Juan airport.
La Parguera, Puerto Rico
It’s a great bay to visit, where you’ll have an amazing bioluminescent experience. It’s on the southwest side of Puerto Rico.
Bay Vieques, Puerto Rico
Head to the island of Vieques, which is famous for its bioluminescence. You’ll see the dinoflagellate come out and produce a marvelous light show when agitated.
Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Florida’s also a place you could go and see it. The neon blue-green light is worth going to the eastern part of Florida for. When you’re there, you can also visit Orlando, which is nearby.
Merritt Island, Florida
There are great tours around Merritt Island in Florida, and they’ll take you to some places where you can see marvelous light. It’s also not far from Indian River Lagoon.
San Diego
San Diego’s not always a great place to see the phenomenon. However, it is possible. You should just know it only happens once every few years.
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach is a place that gets bioluminescence. It’s also a wonderful place to go and be a tourist.
Tomales Bay, California
After the sun goes down, you can see a light show at Tomales Bay in California. However, ensure you go there during the right season to see it.
Port Gamble, Washington
Going kayaking at Port Gamble, Washington at night is an amazing experience. It’ll give you an experience you’ll never forget.
Hawaii
A bioluminescent beach stroll is a great way to spend a night in Hawaii. Take someone you love with you and walk barefoot in the sand.
Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands
Going on a guided kayaking tour in the middle of the night is how summer nights should be spent. It’s yet another place where you can see the blue light.
Manasquan Beach, NJ
Go to Manasquan Beach in New Jersey to experience glowing algae. The red and blue colors on the beach are phenomenal. The summer months are the best time to go, specifically between July and September. It’s when you’ll get the best show.
Outside the US
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Start at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club to go and see it. You can either go by boat or snorkeling.
Jamaica
Jamaica also has a beautiful place to go and see it. If you go to Luminous Lagoon, you’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
Costa Rica
Are you traveling to Costa Rica? You’ll need to stop by Punta Cuchillos or Golfo Dulce Bay, where the light can be seen year-round. The best time to go is when the skies are dark. More specifically, that happens five days after the full moon.
However, you can see it at any point if you go.
Mudhdhoo, Maldives
You’ll want to go between the months of June to December as the plankton volumes are greater then.
Auckland, New Zealand
If you’re going to New Zealand, you’ll want to spend some time in Auckland. Visible algae during the day mean there’s a good chance you’ll see a blue light at night. However, it’s no guarantee.
The Caves of Waitomo are a great place to go and see bioluminescent activity!
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Are you traveling to Mexico? Puerto Escondido is probably the best spot for you to find the glowing waves!
