Aguide to Bioluminescent plankton in the Maldives

Aguide to Bioluminescent plankton in the Maldives

Aguide to Bioluminescent plankton in the Maldives  : Bioluminescent plankton also known as the sea of stars is a unique and mysterious phenomenon occurring in a variety of organisms in the natural world including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, crustaceans, worms, fish, sharks and Mushrooms.

As the sun goes below the horizon and the sky turns dark, the turquoise waters of The Maldives transform into a surreal display of light and motion, the ocean comes to life, glowing with a radiance that seems to be out of the world as if the starts have fallen from the sky and are now sparkling beneath the waves and casting their glow across the waters.

The bioluminescence in The Maldives waters is caused by microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates, these planktons use a chemical called luciferin to emit a bright blue light as a way to defend themselves against copepod grazers. The flashes of light produced by the dinoflagellates disorients and confuses their predators, the light emissions are triggered by the movement of the waves resulting into the mesmerizing sight of glowing waves crushing ashore in The Maldives.

To The Maldivians, this phenomenon is called “Redhan lun” and there are many flock tales and stories suggesting that the anceinet Maldivians revered, respected and feared the powerful forces of nature that were displayed in the glowing water. Still, it is unclear how the ancient Maldivians interpreted this dazzling display. Some may have believed that it was an omen of some sort and a sign of the sea’s power and majesty.

What is Bioluminescent Plankton and why does it glow?

Bioluminescent plankton is a microorganism also known as phytoplankton or dinoflagellates. Planktons are aquatic micro-organisms that are bioluminescent in nature and radiate a vibrant blue light under sea that is when moving or agitated.

It looks exactly like a sea of star, this is a truly a mesmerizing experience to have while on a Maldives holiday. As you walk along the shoreline, you will notice that your footprints leave glowing traces behind you, also you can take a night swim amongst the planktons which is a once – in – a – lifetime memory.

Why do Planktons glow? – According to researchers who have studied the bioluminescence, the planktons glow as a defense mechanism against predators as the tiny flashes of blue light disorientate and surprise the predators. These micro – organisms produce light using a chemical called luciferin, the Luciferin producing planktons are called dinoflagellates and produce it on their own, the bioluminescent light that they emit is called “Cold Light’.

When to See Bioluminescent Plankton in The Maldives?

The bioluminescent plankton can appear anytime of the year in The Maldives, however the greater volumes of planktons in the Seas of The Maldives are occur from June to December making it the best time to visit The Maldives for high chances of seeing bioluminescence. This is when the phytoplankton glows brightly in the ocean in the dark hours after sunset.

For high chances of spotting bioluminescence, you should consider visiting five days after the full moon from mid – May when the skies are dark during the warm summer months and the glowing effect becomes more pronounced.

During the months between July to December, there is very little moonlight which makes the bioluminescent waves to look even brighter creating a magical effect, this period is also a low season in The Maldives with less tourists and cheaper prices on the accommodations and several activities.

In these months, vast areas of the ocean can become populated by glowing plankton but they are more common in warm-water lagoons that have narrow openings to the sea, this causes the plankton to gather and become trapped. Due to the effect of the plankton, the water might look orange during day.

You will can also see the bioluminescent plankton when the tidal currents cause the plankton to be washed towards the shore in mass thus creating a spectacular show.

Actually, it is difficult to predict when you may be lucky enough to witness plankton, so it is important to so your research on which areas are famous for Bioluminescent Plankton at night.

Where to see Bioluminescent Plankton in The Maldives?

You can see the Bioluminescent Plankton all-over The Maldives, one of the most famous spots to see this spectacular is in Raa Atoll, Vaadhoo Island. Here you will find a Sea of Stars Beach which is mostly known for its phenomenal fluorescent glowing waves due to the presence of millions of phytoplankton in the Ocean.

Vaadhoo is a small island inhabited by not more than 500 inhabitants, this island has earned itself a place on the global tourism map thanks to this phenomenon.

Top Tips for Seeing Bioluminescent Plankton in The Maldives

• Bring a professional camera with you to take great photos even in low light conditions
• Your camera will need to remain still to capture great photographs, so bring a tripod for your camera
• Turn off your light and walk along the beach in the night.
• To check if the planktons are there, put your feet or hands in the water to agitate it and observe if blue twinkling light are created from the movement. If they are, then you are in luck. Just wait for an impressive wave of plankton to wash upon the shore for a truly magical sight.
• Remember to bring a jumper with you as it might get a little windy and chilly as you wait in the dark on a beach at night.
• Nature is completely unpredictable and organizing a once – in – a lifetime trip to the  to experience bioluminescent plankton might disappoint you a little, so do not have your hopes to high.