Top 9 Locations Worldwide to Experience Bioluminescence

Nature is brimming with marvels, but can anything rival the enchantment of night swimming in a bioluminescent sea? Or watching fireflies flicker in the forest as they float through the night?

Bioluminescence occurs when living entities—animals, plants, and fungi—generate and emit light, adding a whimsical charm to nature in various forms and locations. You just need to know where to find it.

You might be closer to these dazzling displays than you think. Here are our top picks for experiencing the glow.

1. San Juan Island, Washington, USA

The calm waters of Garrison and Westcott Bays, just off San Juan Island, host a stunning light spectacle in Washington State. These nutrient-rich waters support bioluminescent microorganisms, drawing travelers eager to witness this natural wonder after sunset.

San Juan Island Outfitters offers tours aligned with the new moon during summer for optimal viewing conditions.

After the glow: Enjoy a craft beer at San Juan Brewing Company. The following day, explore the wildlife and visit the lighthouse at nearby Lime Kiln Point State Park.

Heading to the San Juan Islands? Discover everything you need to prepare for your journey

2. Koh Rong, Cambodia

When most think of Cambodia, Angkor Wat comes to mind. However, near Sihanoukville in the south lies another incredible destination: Koh Rong, an island where you can snorkel in shimmering bioluminescent waters. Make sure to book a boat tour and wave your hand through the water to witness the plankton glow at their brightest.

Consider staying at Long Set Resort, where guests can enjoy views of the sparkling colors illuminating the sea.

After the glow: Explore the forest on a mountain bike or dive into the ocean to observe marine life.

Discover more than just Koh Rong with our guide to Cambodia's other top attractions

3. Manialtepec Lagoon, Mexico

In Mexico, Oaxaca’s Manialtepec Lagoon is famed for its bioluminescent display. While staying on the boat is an option, plunging in is highly recommended. Locals once believed in the rejuvenating powers of bathing in the glowing lagoon. Just remember to plan your evening swim around the new moon, as brighter nights can obscure the bioluminescence.

Base yourself in Puerto Escondido and arrange a tour from there—tours are available most evenings. The lagoon is a quick drive, under 30 minutes, from Puerto Escondido.

After the glow: Manialtepec Lagoon is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Keep an eye out for parrots, pelicans, falcons, ospreys, herons, kingfishers, and hawks that reside in the area.

Planning your first trip to Mexico? Here’s what to keep in mind

4. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

The glowworms of New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves are a stunning example of bioluminescence that can leave even seasoned nature lovers in awe. In a mesmerizing sight, these worms dangle from the cave's stalactites, illuminating the space with a captivating blue glow.

Visitors can arrange various tours, including the renowned Glowworm Cave, through the nearby visitor center.

Post-glow activities: After enjoying the sparkling creatures, make your way to the Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve for a scenic loop trail that offers stunning views of the rocky gorge and limestone formations.

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5. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico boasts three bioluminescent bays, with Mosquito Bay on Vieques being the most spectacular. Long recognized as the brightest bioluminescent site globally, Mosquito Bay dazzles with millions of glowing dinoflagellates that light up bright blue when disturbed, creating an unforgettable experience for kayakers. Witness fish darting beneath your boat like shooting stars, and consider a glass-bottom kayak for a mesmerizing view as you glide across the luminous waters.

Keep in mind that capturing this phenomenon on camera can be quite challenging, so it's best to simply embrace the experience. For optimal viewing, plan your visit during a new moon.

Post-glow activities: Once you've soaked in the enchanting ambiance of the bay, bask in the Caribbean sun at the stunning mile-long stretch of sand at Sun Bay, where you can soak up some vitamin D and admire the crystal-clear waters.

Organize your trip to Puerto Rico with our seasonal guide detailing events throughout the year

6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Fireflies can be found in humid areas worldwide, but the Great Smoky Mountains boast 19 unique species, including the famous synchronous firefly. As their name suggests, these flickering insects synchronize their flashing lights during a two-week window from late May to mid-June.

Gaining evening access to this part of the park during peak firefly season is highly sought after, prompting the park to implement a lottery system to manage crowds.

Post-glow activities: Extend your visit in the national park by driving south along the scenic mountain roads to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet (2,024 meters). On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking views spanning nearly 100 miles.

Didn’t win the firefly lottery? Discover 11 other fantastic activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

7. Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica

Stretching through the marshlands near Falmouth, this lagoon boasts a fascinating past: in the 18th century, it served as a crucial port for the sugar trade between England and Jamaica. Today, it is renowned for its stunning display of microscopic organisms that illuminate the warm, shallow waters.

You can find several tours available in Falmouth or through hotels in Montego Bay, just a 30-minute drive away. These tours invite guests to swim in the lagoon for the most impressive experience, as the organisms emit a blue glow when stirred.

Post-glow activities: Enjoy authentic Jamaican dishes at the Glistening Waters Restaurant, conveniently located in the marina.

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8. Hachijō-jima, Japan

Not all glow comes from animals; the bioluminescent mushrooms on Japan's Hachijō-jima create a scene reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. From May to September, during the rainy season, more than seven species illuminate the forest floor. Explore the hiking trails or visit the botanical gardens for an up-close view of these radiant fungi.

Post-glow activities: Hachijō-jima also features two dormant volcanoes, picturesque beaches, and the excellent Urami-ga-taki Onsen, a luxurious spot with free entry that overlooks a stunning waterfall.

Prepare for your adventure in Japan with these essential tips for first-time visitors

9. Dismals Canyon, Alabama

Nestled in a secluded area of Northern Alabama, Dismals Canyon is a National Natural Landmark featuring the oldest accessible primeval forest east of the Mississippi River—untouched by significant events like fires or storms. This winding ravine boasts stunning flora and diverse wildlife, including the uniquely named Dismalites, or glowworms.

These small worms adorn the mossy rocks of the canyon, sparkling blue in the darkness as night falls. The prime viewing season for the Dismalites is from May to September, and you can reserve a guided tour through the canyon’s conservatory.

Post-glow activities: Enjoy an evening in one of the canyon’s cabins, and the next morning, drive about an hour east to the Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest, where you’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, horseback riding paths, and canoeing options. With no motorized vehicles allowed in the wilderness, you can fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.