Bioluminescent destinations have been a big travel trend for 2022, and you might be wondering how to see bioluminescence to get in on the phenomenon. When you’re looking for a breathtaking and unforgettable getaway, the best places to see bioluminescence around the world truly deliver with their glowing beaches and dazzling waters.
While snaps and pics of different bioluminescent beaches can pique your interest, there’s nothing like seeing bioluminescence IRL. So, you may want to add one of the most popular bioluminescent destinations to your bucket list, ranked by the number of Instagram hashtags by travel company Next Vacay.
15. Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
Once named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico is a destination to add to your bucket list. If you’re looking for stunning bioluminescence, book a clear-bottom kayak tour for the best views of the water.
14. Toyama Bay, Japan
The firefly squid are what give Toyama Bay in Japan its blue glow. If you have Japan on your travel bucket list, a stop at Toyama Bay is a must just to see these creatures shine.
13. Reethi Beach, Maldives
Reethi Beach is located on Baa Atoll in the Maldives. It’s just the place for you and your partner to take a romantic weekend getaway, and a nighttime beach date to see the bioluminescent waves is just what you need.
12. Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica
You can’t go wrong with a place named Luminous Lagoon. This gorgeous lagoon in Jamaica gets its stunning bioluminescence from the millions of dinoflagellates that light up the waters at night.
11. Big South Fork, TN/KY
Perhaps fireflies are more your vibe for bioluminescence. If that’s the case, you’ll want to visit Big South Fork in Kentucky and Tennessee, which has a stunning firefly season from May to June.
10. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Instead of seeing bioluminescent waves, you can witness the glowing phenomenon by exploring the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand with its bioluminescent glow worms.
9. Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego, California
While you’re in San Diego, you can also visit another top bioluminescent location at the Torrey Pines Beach. Not only does this beach have luminous waters, but the rocky cliffs nearby also give you the full Pacific Coast experience.
8. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
For a tropical getaway, Little Corn Island in Nicaragua is like a little slice of paradise. After relaxing in the sun all day, you and your partner can take romantic stroll at night to see the bioluminescent beach.
6. San Juan Island, Washington
Plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest to see the bioluminescence happening around San Juan Island in Washington. You can even take a kayak tour to see the glowing wonder up close.
5. The Blue Grotto, Malta
The Blue Grotto in Malta is like a cave of bioluminescent wonders. Off the coast of Italy, you’ll find this glowing destination that actually gets its shine not from algae or plankton, but from the sunlight peaking through the grotto’s entrance.
4. Titusville, Florida
Central Florida may have Walt Disney World with its fireworks, but there’s also another stunning nighttime spectacular happening on the coast as well. Titusville has some of the most popular bioluminescent waters in the U.S.
3. Isla Holbox, Mexico
For pure relaxation, you’ll want to head down south to Isla Holbox, Mexico. While you’re there, you can relax in the sand, drink some margaritas, and check out the cosmic glowing waters at night.
2. Mission Bay, San Diego, California
Cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway to Mission Bay in San Diego, CA for the second best bioluminescent destination in the world. By day, the water may appear red, but at night, it glows a stunning bright blue.
1.Halong Bay, Vietnam
The Halong Bay in Vietnam was ranked the best bioluminescent destination in the world with over 6 million visitors who come to this place to see the glowing blue plankton each year.