National Park Service officials say the blue color is likely caused by microscopic dinoflagellate plankton floating in the water. The plankton “make their own food using photosynthesis,” and bioluminescence is a byproduct, the NPS says.
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They are also one of the creatures in which bioluminescence is very high. Therefore, if you see a glowing blue light on your Outer Banks vacation you're either witnessing bioluminescent plankton or you're about to meet an alien (prepare for a two finger handshake).
We humans can witness this natural phenomenon when there is lots of bioluminescence in the water, usually from an algae bloom of plankton. The bioluminescent sea will glow when it's disturbed by a wave breaking or a splash in the water at night. Algae bloom sea sparkle events are caused by calm and warm sea conditions.
Moon Jellies.The clear disc is not the jellyfish in its entirety. What we typically see washed ashore is the skeleton of the original once living jelly. These discs do not sting. They are completely harmless and are quite entertaining to hold in your hands.
The bay attracts hundreds of visitors mesmerized by its glowing waters that are activated when microscopic organisms are disturbed. But its murky waters also serve as a nursery for several species, including tiger, nurse, reef and hammerhead sharks.