The Sea of Stars in Maldives
Maldives is known worldwide for its lush white sandy beaches and crystaline waters. These beaches are not just beautiful during the day, but even at night the majesty of nature literally shines on the beaches of the pristine archipelago. This light comes from the tiny planktons that make up the bottom tier of the food chain.
Read on to find out what this plankton is, what causes it to glow and how you can photograph it.
What are these plankton and why do they glow?
These wonders of nature are microorganisms also referred to as dinoflagellates or phytoplankton. They are aquatic microorganisms that, when disturbed or moving, emit a vivid blue light that is known as bioluminescence.
Numerous species in the natural world, including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, crustaceans, worms, fish, sharks, and even mushrooms, exhibit the unusual and enigmatic phenomena of bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is used as a defense strategy against predators, dinoflagellates release a strong blue light through the usage of a molecule called luciferin in response to being disturbed or being looked at prey by copepod grazers. This light emission can also be caused by the waves moving.
Where can you find these plankton?
These magnificent tiny organisms can be found in many tropical countries around the world. But, in the Maldives, there are certain islands that have been known to house this phenomenon more than others.
Vaadhoo
Vaadhoo, situated in Raa atoll, accessible via sea plane or speedboat, this island is famous for the Sea of Stars when the season where bioluminescent plankton appear. This island is inhabited and the people that live there embody the famous Maldivian hospitality, as it is with every island, so it is very much an ideal stop where you can witness the local lifestyle as well.
Hulhumale’
This island is very easy to get to from the airport as it is connected to Hulhule’ which houses Velana International Airport. A more urban setting than most islands in the Maldives, the beaches of Hulhumale’ do light up blue during the specific season for these planktons. It is important to note that Hulhumale’ has more light pollution and so the glow might not be as apparent.
Kuredu
This 5-star luxury resort is situated in Lhaviyani atoll. This island resort is known for the diverse marine life that inhabit the house reef. Accessible via seaplane, you can enjoy the luxury accommodations and amenities available while you’re waiting for the magnificence of the plankton to show.
Although there is a specific time where you are more likely to see these amazing creatures, there is no guarantee whether you can. So it is always wise to keep your expectations to a minimum.
