Go with the Glow

Where in the world you can witness one of nature’s most enlightening phenomena – bioluminescence

By Sarah Sekula

What does a New Zealand cavern of glow worms have in common with glittering ocean water in Florida? Both places are home to bioluminescence, a natural occurrence that only happens in a handful of places on the planet. That said, if you get to witness it at least once in your lifetime, consider yourself lucky. From Bermuda to Jamaica, here are a few places where your family can witness glow-in-the-dark light shows.

MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, FLORIDA

From June to October, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to an underwater light show. You can book a trip with a local kayaking company, which takes guests through the estuary in a see-through kayak to witness the large gathering of bioluminescent organisms. The conditions are perfect here for them. The refuge is protected, has a stable environment and warm water, ideal for encouraging the organisms to gather in large numbers. Everything swimming around you lights up. Dolphins glow neon blue, so do manatees and rays. Scoop water into your hands to see bright polka dots appear on your skin.

WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES, NEW ZEALAND

This labyrinth of caves on New Zealand’s North Island, discovered in the 1800s, is a must-see. Visitors to the caves will see the area’s most famous residents – carnivorous glow worms that dangle from the ceiling. As if that wasn’t cool enough, you’ll also see stalactites, waterfalls and limestone formations.

FIRE WORMS, BERMUDA

Visit the north shore of this sub-tropical island between May and November each year after a full moon and you’re in for a treat. Here, you’ll discover something that looks like fireworks on the ocean’s surface. Why? It’s fire worm mating season. When they leave the ocean floor and head up to the surface they do so in beautiful blue-green circles.

BIOLUMINESCENT BAYS, PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, including Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas and Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island (said to be the brightest). To see the spectacle in Vieques, book a boat trip with a company like Jak Water Sports or Black Beard Sports.

LUMINOUS LAGOON, JAMAICA

Luminous Lagoon is found in the marshlands of Trelawny. By day, it’s an ideal place for R&R. But by night, it transforms into something straight out of a fairy tale. Local tour companies can bring guests to the dinoflagellates, which give off a greenish blue glow. Thanks to the mixture of freshwater with saltwater and the shallow conditions, it’s the perfect year-round home for them. For a better look, jump in and swim.

SYNCHRONOUS FIREFLIES, CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH CAROLINA

With over 2,000 species found worldwide, there are only three species of synchronous flashing fireflies that can be found in North America. Mark your calendar for mid-May or early-June. That’s when synchronous fireflies dazzle the night sky in Congaree National Park in central South Carolina. While it’s still a mystery how they flash at the same time, it is definitely a sight to see.