Discover 5 Must-See Bioluminescent Bays Around the World

Bioluminescent bays are some of the most beautiful natural wonders on Earth. Few destinations have instances of bioluminescence, which makes this phenomenon even more special to witness. These “bio bays” are large bodies of water that contain microscopic organisms in significant quantities. If enough of these organisms gather in one place, they produce a glow-in-the-dark effect capable of lighting up the water in shades of neon blue and green. If you ever wondered where you can swim in neon water, check out these five must-see bioluminescent bays around the world!

How Many Bioluminescent Bays Are There in the World?

Marine bioluminescence exists around the world from many creatures that can glow, such as jellyfish, algae, worms, crustaceans, and even sharks. However, true bioluminescent bays get their light from large quantities of plankton, and there are only five bays in the world that qualify. Three of them are in Puerto Rico, one is in Jamaica, and the last is in Vietnam. 

A perfect bio bay requires several factors. For instance, Puerto Rico’s coastal bays have a diverse and unique ecosystem that allows dinoflagellates to thrive. They also have shallow, clear water free of contamination for the organisms to photosynthesize and light up.

Let’s take a closer look at these magnificent bioluminescent bays around the world.

The Five Official Bioluminescent Bays

1. Mosquito Bay – Vieques, Puerto Rico

Nominated as one of the seven wonders of the world, Mosquito Bay is on the Island of Vieques and is recognized as the brightest bioluminescent bay on Earth. It’s estimated that 700,000 organisms exist in a single gallon of the bay’s water. Vieques is to the east of Puerto Rico’s main island, and you can access it by ferry or plane. Once you reach the bay, you can arrange a clear-bottom kayak tour. Schedule your trip during a new or crescent moon for the best effect!

2. Laguna Grande – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Located in the town of Fajardo, Laguna Grande is another bioluminescent bay found in Puerto Rico. According to the Department of Natural Resources in Puerto Rico, swimming in Laguna Grande is forbidden. The best way to see the neon blue water is to take a kayak tour, like those at Mosquito Bay. The best time of the year to see bioluminescence is between late spring and early fall when temperatures are hottest. The dinoflagellates are the most active during hot periods of the year.

3. La Parguera – Lajas, Puerto Rico

The last of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico is La Parguera, an idyllic seaside location in Southwest Puerto Rico. The fishing village of Lajas is about two hours from San Juan and features a rustic coastline and water that emits a blue light when agitated. While the other two Puerto Rico locations are only accessible by boat, La Parguera is unique in that it offers opportunities for swimming in the bioluminescent water. You must book a boating and swimming tour to see La Parguera.

4. Luminous Lagoon – Falmouth, Jamaica

The town of Falmouth, Jamaica, was once an important port for the sugar trade during the 18th century. When researchers realized it was also a hotspot for luminescent microscopic organisms, Falmouth became a key spot for studying these creatures and their neon effects. The combined layers of salt and fresh water in the lagoon, along with the shallow water, allow dinoflagellates to thrive and glow brightly. At night, Luminous Lagoon lights up when disturbed, setting fish and other creatures aglow. Visitors can take nighttime boat tours and jump into the water to swim among the bright lights. 

5. Ha Long Bay – Quang Ninh, Vietnam

If you’re ever in Vietnam, you’ll probably hear a thing or two about Ha Long Bay. Not only is it renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands covered in dense rainforests, but it also contains a bioluminescent glow. Visitors can take night boat tours to the bay and splash in the blue-green light. Some tours allow you to stay overnight on the boat and catch the magnificent sunrise. Ha Long Bay attracts over 12 million visitors each year, including several million foreign tourists.