Don’t miss the brightest beaches in the world that magically come to life when the sun goes down. Experience the bioluminescence phenomenon on all five continents.
Strolling along the seashore at nightfall is beautiful. Just you and the sound of the waves. But imagine if there were hundreds of beautiful marine lights accompanying you. I’m talking about sparkling waters all around you. Bright beaches that envelop you in their natural light show.
The world’s brightest beaches
It’s all true. Beaches with crystalline waters, scattered around the world, host this wonderful natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence. Considered by many to be a unique experience, bioluminescence is the phenomenon whereby living organisms emit light through chemical reactions that transform chemical energy into light energy.
Some of the most popular areas known for giving bioluminescence shows are certainly the Matsu Islands in Taiwan, the beaches of San Diego in California and “Navarre Beach” in Florida. Do not forget the nicknamed “Bahía Bioluminescente” in Puerto Rico and “Reethi Beach” in the Maldives.
But there are many other bright beaches scattered across all five continents.
Jerwis Bay, Australia
Australia, famous for hosting some of the most beautiful places in the world, offers a huge variety of bathing areas. From white sand beaches to coral reef wonders, the Pacific coast is a must-to-visit!
Today we go to ‘Jerwis Bay’ in New South Wales to witness the nocturnal phenomenon of bioluminescence. Hundreds and hundreds of tiny microorganisms begin to illuminate the bay waters, creating an indescribable show. These are the algae known as “sea sparkle” typical of the coastal areas of tropical and subtropical regions that emit light as a defense mechanism to scare off predators.
Carried by the light waves of the ocean, we reach the shores of Japan.
Toyama Bay, Japan
If you think about the ideal places to watch the sunset from, Toyama Bay is definitely at the top of the list. Its uniqueness is visible both day and night, when “firefly squids” finally arrive.
We are talking about small squids that in the period between March and June populate the waters of the bay giving them cobalt blue shades. This ability to color the ocean is given by the presence on their body of bright organisms capable of producing light.
The bioluminescence effect that we see is nothing more than their way of protecting themselves from predators. These “firefly squids” are truly amazing living beings!
Nosi Mitsio Archipelago, Madagascar
About fifteen islets in the Mozambique Channel are ready to give you a breathtaking show in the Indian Ocean.
Immersed in an earthly paradise, here too, you can only be amazed by the exotic views and the rich flora and fauna that characterize all Africa. The charm of this land also lies in its bioluminescent waters.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Now let’s fly to Vietnam, a country as intriguing as it is surprising, full of history and culture that has no shortage of natural treasures.
Between forests and hidden beaches, Halong Bay shows one of its best faces at sunset. When only the sounds and noises of the night remain, the bioluminescence peeps out from the calm waters of the bay, giving it a sensational appearance.
Bali, Indonesia
Here too, in the largest archipelago-state in the world, the bright show is not lacking. Every year the island of Bali is populated by tourists eager to find out more about this unique country. The most beautiful territories, however, are those where you can breathe the true Indonesian lifestyle. It’s up to you to find the places still unexplored by tourists.
The phenomenon of bioluminescence is under our eyes, just wait for the evening.
And you, have you discovered another bright beach?
Cover image: photo via Canva Pro
