Joanna James
Maldives is famous for its shimmering beaches coupled with white sands and gently lapping waves. Most visitors simply love these incredible beaches. Maldives is also home to seas of stars on the shore referred to as glowing beaches caused by bioluminescent organisms seen at some of the beaches.
Not only children but even adults are fascinated when something unusual that appeals to them is seen. It is like how children are fascinated by fireflies when they see them initially. Situated in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives, the beach of Vaadhoo Island has become famous due to the mesmerizing effect of the glow that is seen. It is sometimes momentary and at other times longer as scores of tiny microorganisms called ostracod crustaceans encounter the surface of the water on this island. This is one of the intriguing things to do in the Maldives. These phenomena are expected to occur from June to October on Vaadhoo Island (a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male) hence you must plan your trip to the Maldives accordingly to visit this beach during your stay as done by guests from Ozen Reserve Bolifushi.
Situated on the Alif Dhaal Atoll this tiny island is further away from Male requiring a seaplane ride of 30 minutes or a 2-hour speedboat ride. The glowing phenomenon here is due to dinoflagellates that keep swimming near the over-water villas of this beautiful island making the water come alive with a glow at night which is simply stunning.
Situated on the Lhaviyani Atoll, Kuredu is 151 km away from Male and can be reached using a 40-minute seaplane ride from the main island. The magical night is visible in the form of a blue-hued glow that is emitted when the plankton's lingulodinium polyedrum is activated to emit the glow.
Situated on Fonimagoodhoo Island in Baa Atoll, the bioluminescence of Reethi Beach is caused by glowing algae and is well known. This beach can be reached with a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male.
Situated on South Ari Atoll, Athuruga Island can be reached by a 20-minute seaplane ride from Male. At Athuruga unlike at the other islands, the iridescence is blue-hued or green and sometimes even takes an orange hue.
Also situated on Baa Atoll reaching this island can be done by a domestic flight of 20 minutes to Dharvandhoo domestic airport and taking a short ferry ride to this island. Bioluminescence is visible on the shoreline of this island created by marine microbes that react with oxygen when agitated.
Witnessing glowing beaches can be unpredictable due to various factors. Whether it will be seen is not 100 per cent guaranteed even during predicted months on the specific island. During some months when the conditions are present and the microorganisms are active, it does happen, and you will be fortunate, whilst with similar conditions it may not happen. Check conditions as you plan this excursion.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
