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
- Cat Ba IslandSightbeaches offer dazzling scenes with splashes at sea
- Valía Villa Cat BaHoteltake over your own incredible villa, soak up tranquil vibe
- 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
- Luminous LagoonSightFalmouth, Jamaicaone of the most incredible excursions on the island
- 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