Bioluminescence
Explore bioluminescence in the ocean through plankton. Be amazed by the spectacle, like a night sky with millions of lights. Prepare for a truly magical experience!
Romance
Marine
A bioluminescence tour is one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking experiences. Do you know that magical feeling you get when watching fireflies? Imagine seeing the sea light up. Underwater fireworks follow your kayak, and you can trace designs in the ocean. If you love the sea, this is something that you will love to experience and here is why:
- Bioluminescence is a biochemical emission of light by living organisms, like fireflies, deep-sea fishes, and plankton.
- High concentrations of plankton that emit such light are found in the ocean, causing it to light up the nights.
- This phenomenon can be found year-round in Costa Rica.
What to Expect from Bioluminescence
Expect a nighttime boating adventure that will mesmerize you. You may feel like a wizard casting a spell as you move your finger through the water creating a drawing of light as you move the plankton, and they respond to you by lighting up.
This wonder of nature, plankton lighting up the sea in shades of green and blue, looks like sparklers or fireworks, or even streams of stars, lighting up under the water. The light pattern follows your boat and your hand and leaves you speechless. Seeing the ocean light up is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Intensity
Moderate
Bioluminescence Is Featured in These Trips
Here are some of the combo trips we recommend you to check out if you want to experience Bioluminescence:
Punta Cuchillos, Santa Teresa, in the Nicoya Peninsula of Guanacaste
What sets Punta Cuchillos apart is that it's one of few places in the whole world where people will observe bioluminescence all year long. In the gulf, you see the natural light the algae give off as they are disturbed. There are millions of them, so the effect of this phenomenon is awe-inspiring.
As you float in a single or double kayak, you may encounter a strong patch that keeps glowing for a few seconds straight, as if someone turned on a light switch. Then, as you move, you’ll see the algae stick to your paddle.
As you maneuver through shallower areas, you’ll see the trail left by fish taking off, leaving a dusting of light behind. Here, you can even jump in with the glowing microorganisms for a quick swim and snorkel if you’d like to.
Jaco
Here the tour is also called “night kayaking.” It begins just before sunset, and this tour is unique in that it starts with a bonfire on the beach with some smores, wine, cheese, and fresh fish.
Then you head out on the kayak to search for sparkles. You see the ocean glow all around you and observe glowing ripples too. If you dare touch the water, you see your skin illuminate it as you splash in the water.
Here, the group goes in one big kayak. While night kayaking is offered year-round, the bioluminescence can be seen in this area only from January to April.
FAQ about Bioluminescence
Does Costa Rica have glowing beaches?
Yes. Depending on water and lunar conditions, you might see bright beaches in Osa, Nicoya, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo. The phenomenon can be seen in oceans, bays, and mangroves.
Where is the best beach for bioluminescence?
Punta Cuchillos is best because bioluminescence is year-round there.
When is the best time to see bioluminescence in Costa Rica?
The best chance of seeing miles of ghostly blue bioluminescence is on a moonless night.
How can I experience bioluminescence?
By individual, double, or group kayak, boat, mangrove boat, walking the coast, swimming, or snorkeling.