Bioluminescence

AKA Bio, bioluminiscencia What is it? Light produced by a chemical reaction within living organisms such as glowworms and fireflies causing them to glow or flash. But in certain marine environments, plankton called dinoflagellates emit a bluish flicker when agitated nature s prettiest defence mechanism, creating the feeling that you ve paddled into liquid light. Where? Those tiny dinoflagellates like unpolluted saltwater lagoons with little tidal exchange with the ocean; in the tropics, hotspots are usually fringed by mangroves. Plunging a paddle through bio producing waters is like being a wizard with a wand. A stroke sees the sea ignite; flick the oar and gleaming droplets scatter like fairy dust. Magic. There aren t many places were this showy plankton thrives. The Caribbean has several Puerto Rico s Mosquito Bay claims to have the world s brightest bio; here, kayak and electric boat trips head out after dark. Jamaica and St Croix also have bio bays for spectral paddles. Note bio glows brighter on a dark night pick a date close to new moon.