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Condé Nast TravelerAug 26, 2026

For Starry Waters and Tiny Glowing Squids, Head to These Best Places to See Bioluminescence

From the dazzling atolls of the Maldives to Mexican shores via the British Isles, these are the places to add to the bucket list for waters akin to starry skies.

23 things in this story

Luminous LagoonSightone of the most incredible excursions on the island
Elsewhere
Finca VictoriaHotelVieques, Puerto Ricocozy luxury trimmings, go back to nature
Vaadhoo IslandSightVaadhoo, Maldivesknown for its beachy corner nicknamed the sea of stars
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau ResortHotelVaadhoo, Maldivesappreciate the glowing waters footsteps away from your beachside abode
Mosquito BaySightVieques, Puerto Ricobecomes a glossy blue portal thanks to bioluminescent dinoflagellate
Sandals Jamaica Caribbean CayHotelMontego Bay, Jamaicaindulgent all-inclusive stay, 30-minute drive away
Paperbark CampHotelJervis Bay, Australiaglamping trip like no other
Ao Nang BeachSightKrabi, Thailandmost famous and most accessible beach for light display
Phra Nang BeachSightKrabi, Thailandspot for a peaceful, intimate bioluminescent session
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveHotelKrabi, Thailandvillas, pavilions, sprawling pools, access to dazzling beaches
Toyama BaySightToyama, Japanhome to the bioluminescent firefly squid
DoubleTree by Hilton ToyamaHotelToyama, Japanplush spot to rest in between city exploration and bay visits
Laguna de ManialtepecSightOaxaca, Mexicotwinkling algae make the water turn fantastically phosphorescent
Lagunas de ChacahuaSightOaxaca, Mexicosimilar bioluminescent experiences available
Hotel Escondido OaxacaHotelOaxaca, Mexicoearthen hotel along the Mexican coastline
Grana B&BHotelOaxaca, Mexicoeclectic bed and breakfast along the Mexican coastline
The Royal Sands Koh RongHotelKoh Rong, Cambodiaplushest address on this gorgeous island
Grebe BeachSightHelford River, United Kingdomhidden gem where water can turn luminescent blue
Pedn VounderSightPenzance, United Kingdombioluminescent action best observed here
The Greenbank HotelHotelFalmouth, United Kingdomcharming waterside retreat in Falmouth
Artist Residence CornwallRestaurantPenzance, United Kingdomunique bedrooms in a storied 17th-century property
Cat Ba IslandSightCat Ba, Vietnambeaches offer dazzling scenes with splashes at sea
Valía Villa Cat BaHotelCat Ba, Vietnamtake over your own incredible villa, soak up tranquil vibe

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Atlas ObscuraAug 17

15 Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence

The humble glow worm is, in fact, a catchall term for numerous glowing creatures, from gnat larvae to fire flys to algae, that can be found all over the world. These tiny critters illuminate the night through bioluminescence, a process in which light is emitted by internal chemical reactions. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in over 90 different species, first emerging some 540 million…

15 sights in this story

Glistening WatersSightAgitation produces a strange and beautiful blue-green light.
Elsewhere
Waipu CavesSightWaipu, New ZealandLesser-known alternative to Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Glowworm TunnelSightHelensburgh, AustraliaGlowworms settled in on the roof, illuminating the air.
Sea of StarsSightVaadhoo, MaldivesPhytoplankton called Lingulodinium polyedrum move with waves.
Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky MountainsSightGatlinburg, United StatesRare breed of firefly, P. carolinus, flashes in unison.
Newnes Glow Worm TunnelSightPutty, AustraliaSandstone tunnel reclaimed by Arachnocampa richardsae larvae.
Bloody Bay Coral WallSightLittle Cayman, Cayman IslandsCoral wall home to microscopic bioluminescent creatures.
Blue Ghost FirefliesSightHendersonville, United StatesFlightless females glow and streak through the sky.
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies ParkSightBestari Jaya, MalaysiaTens of thousands of fireflies blink in perfect unison.
Glowing Millipedes of Sequoia National ParkSightThree Rivers, United StatesMotyxia millipedes use bioluminescence as a warning.
Gippsland Lakes BioluminescenceSightRaymond Island, AustraliaAlgae bloom of Noctiluca Scintillans visible at night.
The Firefly Squid of Toyama BaySightNamerikawa, JapanWatasenia scintillans light up like blue glow sticks.
Waitomo Glowworm CavesAttractionWaitomo, New ZealandThousands of bioluminescent larvae create starlike lights.
The Milky SeasSightSomaliaOcean area glows due to bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio harveyi.
Dismals CanyonSightPhil Campbell, United StatesCanyon lights up with hundreds of bioluminescent gnat larvae.

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →