Bioluminescence- Duration
- 2 days
- Kids
- Kid+
- Cost
- $$
- Permit
- Not needed
- Crowd
- Steady
Bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay
United States
The brightest bioluminescent bay ever recorded, glowing blue-green with every movement in the water.
Skill · Beginner
Bioluminescence in the Matsu Islands
Lienchiang·Taiwan
Photo: e_ella · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
~3 days
Why go
The Matsu Islands off the coast of Fujian are famous for the blue tears, blooms of glowing plankton that make the surf and coves shine. Villages of granite houses and quiet coastal trails add to the trip.
When
In season: Apr–Sep · Peak: May–Jun
Who it’s for
Skill
Beginner
Effort
Casual
Suitable from
6+ · Kid+
Crowds
Steady
Cost
$$
Bioluminescence specifics
- Access
- Flights and ferries from Taiwan
- Best time
- May and June
- Phenomenon
- Blue tears plankton
- Predictability
- Local forecasts
What to expect
A phenomenon that varies night to night, with local forecasts showing where the glow is strongest. Coves can be busy on good nights.
How to start
Fly or take the ferry from Taiwan to Nangan or Beigan. Check the local blue tears forecast and visit coves after dark.
Bioluminescence elsewhere
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence- Duration
- 3 days
- Kids
- Kid+
- Cost
- $$
- Permit
- Not needed
- Crowd
- Steady
Bioluminescence in Holbox
Mexico
Glowing shallows on car-free Holbox island, in the same season as the whale sharks.
Skill · Beginner
Bioluminescence- Duration
- 3 days
- Kids
- Kid+
- Cost
- $$$$
- Permit
- Not needed
- Crowd
- Quiet
Bioluminescence in Vaadhoo
Maldives
The sea of stars in Raa Atoll, where waves break in glowing blue along the shore.
Skill · Beginner
New adventures, now and then
A short note when a batch of places worth the trip goes up. No spam, no operators, unsubscribe anytime.