What is the glowing water in the Outer Banks?

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).



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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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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.

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The famous bioluminescent bays in the world include three bays in the waters near Puerto Rico, Jamaica's Luminous Lagoon and Halong Bay in Vietnam. Amongst the many wonders that form a part of the planet earth, there isn't anything like Bio Bay, located in Puerto Rico.

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Torrey Pines State Beach is a coastal bioluminescent beach located in the San Diego, California. The waves here give a vivid blue glow as they crash ashore. And it is visible only after nightfall.

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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.

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