Where Bioluminescent Plankton Makes the Night Sparkle
If you’re looking to see some of the world’s most impressive natural phenomena, then you’ll need to travel to see them in person. But doing this effectively is often a matter of knowing where in the world you’d like to go, and which phenomena you’d like to witness.
Why the Maldives is the Perfect Setting
Near the top of the bucket list for many people will be the Maldives, with its abundance of clear blue water and pure white sand. The ocean here is home to a number of interesting and beautiful species, but among the more eye-catching are actually too small, individually, to be seen with the naked eye. The region’s famous bioluminescent plankton, known widely as the ‘Redhan’, are at their most visible and abundant around Vaadhoo. This is an island in Raa Atoll, in the Maldives. But witnessing this particular phenomenon is a matter of booking your Maldives holidays at the right time.
Best Time and Conditions to See It
The phytoplankton begin to glow bright blue for around two weeks – but in some cases they can be present on
beaches around the island for as long as two months. Sightings tend to be sporadic, but you’ll have the best chance of seeing it between summer and early winter, when the temperature in the water is favourable. The plankton will light up when agitated, which means that you’ll see more of it when you walk across the beach where the plankton lie. It’s thought that this behaviour has developed in order to draw predators toward any fish that might prey on the plankton.
How to Experience It First-Hand
Certain resorts in the Maldives are to be found near the beaches where bioluminescence is visible. Book a stay here, and you’ll be able to simply stroll out and enjoy the spectacle on the beach. Alternatively, you might go out and book a guided tour for a night. You can bring a camera and capture a few gorgeous shots – but the truth is that no lens can really do justice to the spectacle. You’ll want to be present in the moment, and enjoy the view.
Beyond the Glow
Of course, there’s a great deal more to a Maldives holiday than this one particular species. If you want to discover the true depth of natural beauty on offer, you’ll need to spend some time hiking around the islands, or snorkelling through the underwater habitats here. As well as adding more variety to your holiday, this will allow you to have a good experience, even if you don’t manage to see the plankton.
There’s a great deal to the Maldives than the endless, pure, white sandy beaches and the turquoise lagoons. It’s a place to see some of the most spectacular natural events on Earth – and to build memories that might stay with you for the rest of your days!
