![\"Bioluminescent](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/AdobeStock_275672977-1024x650.jpeg\")
Bioluminescence is an effect found in water that is caused by a natural chemical process produced by an algae bloom of plankton. When there is motion in the water, the plankton will react by glowing brightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\nFinding My Own Lion in Tanzania<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhere Can You See Bioluminescent Beaches and Bays?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to see this phenomenon for yourself, put these bioluminescent beaches and bays on your bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), Vieques, Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Officially named the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by Guinness World Records<\/a>, Mosquito Bay is one of the best places in the world to witness the phenomenon. Located on the small island of Vieques, the bay is a quick ferry ride away from San Juan.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe bay has become even brighter after 2017\u2014according to Discover Puerto Rico<\/a>, the concentration of dinoflagellates (the plankton that makes the water glow) \u201cinexplicably doubled\u201d after Hurricane Maria.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuminous Lagoon, Falmouth, Jamaica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jamaica\u2019s Luminous Lagoon<\/a> is one of just four bioluminescent lagoons in the world\u2014and, with millions of dinoflagellates, it\u2019s the brightest. After dark, hop on a tour of the lagoon from Glistening Waters Marina<\/a> and marvel as the water lights up in the wake of the boat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nSwimming is encouraged in the warm, shallow lagoon so you can watch as the water lights up with every movement you make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indian River Lagoon, Florida, United States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To witness bioluminescence without leaving the continental United States, your best bet is to head to the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, which was billed as \u201cthe most reliable display of naturally occurring bioluminescence\u201d in the country by National Geographic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBoth comb jellyfish and dinoflagellates generate bioluminescence in these waters, meaning you\u2019ll have a good chance to see it no matter the time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nRelated:<\/h3>\n10 Trips of a Lifetime to Take in 2023<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLa Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you want a full-body bioluminescent experience, head to La Parguera<\/a>\u2014the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is allowed. Book a snorkeling tour<\/a> and feel like you\u2019re swimming through a night sky full of stars in this unique place.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nSan Juan Island, Washington, United States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll have to time it just right to catch the magical bioluminescence in the waters around San Juan Island. The phenomenon is most active after hot and sunny days, and it\u2019s easiest to see on dark, moonless nights.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visit in June through September to have the best chances of experiencing bioluminescence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Is the Best Time to See Bioluminescence?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Bioluminescence](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/AdobeStock_367244132-1024x683.jpeg\")
Bioluminescence in Jervis Bay, Australia | Gary \/ Adobe Stock<\/em>Gary | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBioluminescence is most visible in the dark\u2014so visiting during the new moon (when there is the least amount of light) is the best time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is It Safe to Swim in Bioluminescent Water?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether or not it\u2019s safe to swim in bioluminescent water depends on the environment. Some creatures that produce bioluminescence, like the algal bloom that causes \u201cred tide\u201d can be toxic, and humans would want to avoid swimming with them. There can also be other environmental hazards in the water that would make it unsafe to swim in, especially at night, so always do your research before jumping in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many bioluminescent bays and beaches also prohibit swimming in order to protect the environment\u2014adhere to local rules around swimming.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Where Can You See Bioluminescent Beaches and Bays?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to see this phenomenon for yourself, put these bioluminescent beaches and bays on your bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), Vieques, Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Officially named the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by Guinness World Records<\/a>, Mosquito Bay is one of the best places in the world to witness the phenomenon. Located on the small island of Vieques, the bay is a quick ferry ride away from San Juan.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bay has become even brighter after 2017\u2014according to Discover Puerto Rico<\/a>, the concentration of dinoflagellates (the plankton that makes the water glow) \u201cinexplicably doubled\u201d after Hurricane Maria.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamaica\u2019s Luminous Lagoon<\/a> is one of just four bioluminescent lagoons in the world\u2014and, with millions of dinoflagellates, it\u2019s the brightest. After dark, hop on a tour of the lagoon from Glistening Waters Marina<\/a> and marvel as the water lights up in the wake of the boat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimming is encouraged in the warm, shallow lagoon so you can watch as the water lights up with every movement you make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To witness bioluminescence without leaving the continental United States, your best bet is to head to the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, which was billed as \u201cthe most reliable display of naturally occurring bioluminescence\u201d in the country by National Geographic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both comb jellyfish and dinoflagellates generate bioluminescence in these waters, meaning you\u2019ll have a good chance to see it no matter the time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n 10 Trips of a Lifetime to Take in 2023<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you want a full-body bioluminescent experience, head to La Parguera<\/a>\u2014the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is allowed. Book a snorkeling tour<\/a> and feel like you\u2019re swimming through a night sky full of stars in this unique place.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll have to time it just right to catch the magical bioluminescence in the waters around San Juan Island. The phenomenon is most active after hot and sunny days, and it\u2019s easiest to see on dark, moonless nights.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit in June through September to have the best chances of experiencing bioluminescence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bioluminescence is most visible in the dark\u2014so visiting during the new moon (when there is the least amount of light) is the best time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not it\u2019s safe to swim in bioluminescent water depends on the environment. Some creatures that produce bioluminescence, like the algal bloom that causes \u201cred tide\u201d can be toxic, and humans would want to avoid swimming with them. There can also be other environmental hazards in the water that would make it unsafe to swim in, especially at night, so always do your research before jumping in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many bioluminescent bays and beaches also prohibit swimming in order to protect the environment\u2014adhere to local rules around swimming.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\nLuminous Lagoon, Falmouth, Jamaica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Indian River Lagoon, Florida, United States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\n
La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
San Juan Island, Washington, United States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Is the Best Time to See Bioluminescence?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is It Safe to Swim in Bioluminescent Water?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n