The best places in the world to observe bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon produced by living organisms and the light they emit as a result of a biochemical reaction. It is often found in warm waters, in terrestrial or marine organisms such as plankton, algae, worms and even some squid. Visible at night, when there is a high concentration of these organisms, you will see blue-green lights glowing in the ocean or even in the sky. What's more, bioluminescence is activated by movement, so the more waves or swimming there is, the better you'll see it. So keep an eye out for this unique experience!

1. Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays such as Laguna Grande situated in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas and Mosquito Bay in the south of the small island of Vieques. We recommend that you visit the latter if you want the best experience, as this bay was named the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world in 2006 by the Guinness World Record. The island can be reached from Ceiba by a short 45-minute journey or a 25-minute flight.

As you go in search of the bioluminescent experience, you'll discover more about dinoflagellates, a large concentration of algae that glow in the dark when disturbed. What's more, the Mosquito Bay natural reserve is ideal for witnessing the phenomenon, thanks to its high concentration of algae and the absence of light pollution.

Activities: The best way to get close to this natural wonder is to kayak at night. As you glide across the water and paddle or splash around, the algae shines even brighter. Be careful not to swim, as you could injure the organisms. Thus, if you wish to see them up close, opt for a glass-bottomed kayak, which is available on the island.

Practical Information: Go for it, choose a guided tour with a local company and meet them in one of the island's largest towns, Esperanza.

2. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Located on the west coast of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula is a dream come true for most people. With its beautiful sandy beaches, perfect surf spots and even leatherback turtle nests, it's the best area on the Pacific coast. So it's no surprise that the waters of the Nicoya Peninsula also come alive with bioluminescent plankton at night.

Activities: The peninsula offers a variety of activities that will allow you to discover many different points of view of this natural wonder. For instance, canoeing and kayaking excursions are regularly organised. In addition, for the more adventurous, you can even try night snorkelling to immerse yourself in the sparkling waters.

Practical Information: Book your tickets for Costa Rica’s dry season, which runs from December to April, as it offers clearer skies and, thus, better viewing conditions.

3. Toyama Bay, Japan

Located on the northern shore of Honshu in Japan, Toyama Bay is full of treasures. The special blend of warm and cold waters of the Sea of Japan means that it offers a wide variety of seafood. Its quality is known across the country and made it a must-see destination for food enthusiasts. One of the most popular seafood items is the firefly squid (hotaru ika in Japanese), a 3-inch-long animal found only in the waters around Toyama. Not only is it renowned for its taste, it is also one of the few bioluminescent organisms. Thus, come to Toyama Bay to taste and marvel at these neon blue firefly squid.

Activities: To admire the waters illuminated in a neon blue glow, take a night cruise, an early morning excursion in particular, from 2.30am to 4.30am, as this is the only time when you can observe the bioluminescent phenomena. You'll see the firefly squid like you've never seen it before, as the fishermen haul their nets up to the cruise, giving you the chance to catch a glimpse of the morning's catch.

Practical Information: Make sure you choose the right dates for your trip, as it can be quite complicated to observe firefly squid. In fact, as they spend most of their time in deep water, you will only see them when they approach the surface, from March to May, during the mating season. What's more, if you book a group excursion, do so well in advance as it is often fully booked.

4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

This time, the bioluminescent phenomenon does not occur in the water, but above it. Look up and you'll see what looks like a thousand stars. Explore the interior of the glimmering Waitomo Caves and discover why they are known as the Glow Worm Caves. Famous for their inhabitants, the caves are home to a unique species of glow worms, found only in New Zealand, which create a path of light through the darkness of the caves. Located in the Waikato district of New Zealand, the land of breathtaking scenery, you'll discover that it's also a land of natural wonders. Thus, discover the many ways to explore the cave, whether on foot or by following the rivers that flow inside, the options are endless.

Activities: Take on the guise of an explorer and explore the caves on foot or by boat to better observe and understand them. Depending on the cave, this may be an option, but some caves are better explored by other means. If you're feeling brave enough, take part in a rafting trip from the surrounding area into the underground caves. You'll do everything there is to do in rafting: climbing, jumping, cascading down waterfalls or even floating on the water thanks to inflatables while “stargazing” the glow worms glow from the cave ceiling.

Practical Information: Unlike many countries in the world, summer in New Zealand runs from December to February, making it the ideal time to explore the country's many wonders.

5. Grand Cayman

Located in the Caribbean Sea, Grand Cayman is the largest island in the Cayman Islands, making it an ideal holiday destination thanks to its many activities. What's more, this destination known for its omnipresent sunshine also offers many advantages at night as it is home to a bioluminescent bay. The bioluminescent bay is located to the north of Grand Cayman, not far from the Starfish Point and is concentrated in phytoplankton which give this glow to the sea. Fun fact: the organism actually emits light to scare off predators, although it seems to attract humans.

Activities: Although kayaking is available here, most people enjoy the electric boat ride. It’s time for the intrepid to jump off their boat into the bay to disturb the water and see bluer waters. The choice is yours whether to stay on the boat and see what happens, or jump in for a snorkel or a quick swim.

Practical Information: If you decide to swim in the waters, be aware that in summer you may come across small jellyfish along the way. Don't worry, most excursions provide wetsuits to protect you in case you come into contact with the marine animal.