9 of the best places in the world to see bioluminescence

The world is full of natural wonders, but few things are as mesmerizing as swimming at night in a sea glowing with bioluminescence, or spying on flickering fireflies by a woodland stream, or entering a cavern illuminated by glowworms.

Bioluminescence is created when living organisms such as marine animals, insects plants and fungi produce and emit light through chemical processes. Mother Nature adds this touch of whimsy to the environment in many different forms – you'll discover the wonder of bioluminescence all around the world if you know where to look.

In fact, you could be closer to one of these natural light shows than you realize. Here are our favorite places to go for the glow.

1. San Juan Islands, Washington, USA

North of Seattle in Washington State, the San Juan Islands are the setting for one of America's most spectacular natural light shows. The nutrient-rich waters of Garrison and Westcott Bays provide an ideal environment for bioluminescent microorganisms, creating a natural attraction that lures in travelers as the sun sets.

It's possible to arrange boat and kayak tours to view the bioluminescence through various operators on the islands. Based at Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Outfitters offers kayak tours timed to coincide with the new moon for peak visibility. Stay a few days – there's plenty more to see on these interesting islands.

Post-glow activities: After kayaking over glowing seas, grab a pint at the San Juan Brewing Company in Friday Harbor. The following day, check out the wildlife and the lighthouse in nearby Lime Kiln Point State Park.

2. Koh Rong, Cambodia

When people think of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is what immediately springs to mind, but in the southern part of the country near Sihanoukville, you'll discover another epic experience – snorkeling in sparkling bioluminescent waters off the island of Koh Rong.

This is one of Cambodia's most memorable experiences. To get the best view of the marine light show, book a boat tour and swirl your hand through the water to see the glowing plankton at their brightest. November to March is the best time to visit Koh Rong, with mostly dry days and nights.

Post-glow activities: Stay at Long Set Resort, which gives guests a shoreline view of the twinkling colors lighting up the sea. In the morning, mountain bike through the rainforest inland from the beach or take a scuba dive to view the marine wildlife below the surface.

3. Manialtepec Lagoon, Mexico

Heading over to Mexico, the Manialtepec Lagoon near Oaxaca is famed for its bioluminescent light show. While you can observe the phenomenon from a boat, diving in is positively encouraged; in ancient times, locals believed in the youth-restoring magic of bathing in the phosphorescent lagoon. Just be sure to time your nighttime dip with the new moon, as strong light can make it challenging to see the bioluminescence. Combine a visit with days on the lovely beaches in nearby Puerto Escondido.

Post-glow activities: The nearest place to stay is Puerto Escondido and lagoon tours are offered most nights; it takes less than 30 minutes to reach the lagoon. By day, bird-watching on Manialtepec Lagoon is a must; parrots, pelicans, falcons, ospreys, herons, kingfishers and hawks all call the area home.

4. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

One of the most iconic examples of bioluminescence, the otherworldly light emitted by the glowworms of New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves would make even the most experienced naturalists stop in their tracks. In a striking natural display, the larvae of this species of gnat dangle from the stalactites reaching down from the cave roof, blanketing the surface in a bright blue glow.

Visitors can book tours of the main Glowworm Cave, at the nearby visitor center. Combine a visit to this natural wonder with a Māori cultural experience at Rotorua to get under the skin of New Zealand's North Island.

Post-glow activities: Once you get your fill of the glittery critters, head over to the Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve and walk the trail loop, taking in views of the rocky gorge and limestone formations.

5. Vieques, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, the most spectacular of which is Mosquito Bay on Vieques, a small island off the east coast. Mosquito Bay has long held the title of the brightest bioluminescent spot in the world, and for good reason – the waters are home to millions of single-celled organisms known as dinoflagellates, which glow bright blue when disturbed, creating a mind-blowing spectacle for those who venture out on the water. 

If you get the chance, explore by kayak. Watch fish jet out from under your boat like shooting stars, or pretend you are in warp drive as you glide across the surface on a glass-bottomed kayak. Note that the phenomenon is notoriously difficult to capture on camera, so focus on enjoying the magical moment. For the best view, book your trip on a new moon between December and April - the best time to visit for bioluminescence.

Post-glow activities: After soaking up the night-time magic of the bay, take advantage of the Caribbean sun. Head to the mile-long golden arc of sand at Sun Bay to take in some vitamin D and admire the turquoise sea.

6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

You can spot fireflies in humid regions all over the world, but the Great Smoky Mountains are home to 19 different species of these light-emitting beetles, including the aptly named synchronous firefly. As you might expect, these blinking bugs have a little trick up their sleeves ­– for a two-week period from late May to mid-June, they flick on and off in unison.

Observing the spectacle is one of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains and evening access to this region of the park during the firefly season is a hot ticket; the park runs a lottery for visitors to avoid overcrowding.

Post-glow activities: Stick around the national park for an extra day and head south on the winding mountain roads to nearby Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains at 6643ft (2024m). On a clear day, the peak offers views that stretch for nearly 100 miles.

7. Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica

This lagoon, which stretches along a marshy section of the north coast of Jamaica near Falmouth, has a fascinating history. During the 18th century, this sheltered body of water was a vital conduit for the trade in sugar and rum between England and Jamaica, but today, the lagoon offers a chance to observe one of the most spectacular sights in the Caribbean – a tropical light show courtesy of the microscopic dinoflagellates that glow in these warm, shallow waters.

Tours of the lagoon can easily be booked in Falmouth or through hotels in Montego Bay, a 30-minute drive away. Many tours encourage visitors to swim in the lagoon for the best effect, as these microscopic organisms emit the strongest glow when disturbed. It's a great experience for kids who feel brave enough to swim after dark.

Post-glow activities: After a lagoon cruise, devour some tasty traditional Jamaican cuisine at the Glistening Waters Restaurant, located right in the marina.

8. Hachijō-jima, Japan

Animals aren’t the only ones to shine – the bioluminescent mushrooms on the Japanese island of Hachijō-jima will make you feel like you've stepped into the pages of Alice in Wonderland. During the rainy season (which lasts from May to September), some seven different species light up the island’s forest floor.

Get to the island by plane or ferry from Tokyo, then hit the hiking trails or head to the botanical gardens to get a closer look at the fluorescent fungi. It's definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Japan.

Post-glow activities: When you've finished admiring the glowing fungi, Hachijō-jima is also home to two dormant volcanoes, photogenic beaches, and the top-notch Urami-ga-taki Onsen, a decadent spot with free entry that overlooks a pretty waterfall.

9. Dismals Canyon, Alabama

Tucked away in a rural corner of Northern Alabama, you’ll find Dismals Canyon, a National Natural Landmark that protects the oldest area of primeval forest (woodland that has existed without any significant event, such as a fire or storm, affecting its growth) found east of the Mississippi River. The canyon is a twisting ravine full of majestic flora and a wide array of wildlife, including the quirkily named Dismalites – the bioluminescent larvae of the fly Orfelia fultoni.

These tiny critters line the moss-covered rocks of the canyon, and when night falls, they glitter blue in the darkness. The best time to catch the Dismalite show is May through September, and you can book a guided tour with the Dismals Canyon Conservatory.

Post-glow activities: Spend the evening at one of the canyon’s cabins, and drive about an hour east the next morning to the Sipsey Wilderness, a section of the Bankhead National Forest that offers views of waterfalls, walking trails, horseback trekking routes and canoeing on the Sipsey Fork. Motorized vehicles are not allowed within the wilderness boundaries, so dive in and enjoy nature at its purest.