Where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California?

Where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California? - San Francisco Bridge, California

I know that Newport Beach has truly spectacular bioluminescence. Are there other places on the coast of California where the phenomenon can be seen, particularly north of Newport Beach?

Newport Beach bioluminescence



Best Answer

San Diego. https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2020-05-04/the-ocean-blue-bioluminescence-glows-along-sunset-cliffs (mirror):

In addition to Sunset Cliffs, the phenomenon has been particularly dramatic at Ocean Beach, the Scripps Pier area of La Jolla, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and off the San Elijo State Beach campgrounds.

La Jolla, San Diego:

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(image source, author: Jesse Bowen)

Also present in Mission Bay, San Diego: https://www.instagram.com/p/ByL-EkKnDaf/

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(image source, author: Jesse Bowen)

A video, still in San Diego: https://youtu.be/qlTCB_p3slY

More information on https://www.10news.com/lifestyle/exploring-san-diego/tips-on-enjoying-san-diegos-bioluminescence-waves-safely (mirror):

With the red tide along San Diego's shore, locals have been flocking to the coast nightly to catch a glimpse of bioluminescent waves.

The waves are created when phytoplankton, called "dinoflagellates," crash in the tide, reacting and causing bioluminescence when jostled




Pictures about "Where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California?"

Where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California? - A Lone Cypress Tree on the Seacoast
Where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California? - Maestose scogliere gigante Los Gigantes vulcanico,Tenerife mountains
Where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California? - Rocky Mountain Beside the Ocean



What beaches have bioluminescence?

11 Glowing Beaches And Bioluminescent Bays In The World
  • Puerto Mosquito, Vieques, Puerto Rico.
  • Manasquan Beach, NJ.
  • Springbrook Park, Australia.
  • San Juan Island, Washington, U.S.
  • Halong Bay, Vietnam.
  • Big South Fork, TN/KY.
  • Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego, CA.
  • Ton Sai, Krabi, Thailand.


Which beach can you see bioluminescent waves?

7 Bioluminescent Beaches and Bays That Glow at Night
  • Sam Mun Tsai Beach, Hong Kong. ...
  • Manasquan, New Jersey. ...
  • Toyama Bay, Japan. ...
  • Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico. ...
  • Indian River Lagoon, Florida. ...
  • Halong Bay, Vietnam. ...
  • Mission Bay, San Diego.


Where is the best place to see bioluminescent waves?

Where to See Bioluminescence in North America
  • San Diego, California, USA. ...
  • Manialtepec Lagoon, Mexico. ...
  • Isla Holbox, Mexico. ...
  • Nichupte' Lagoon, Mexico. ...
  • Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica. ...
  • Little Corn Island, Nicaragua. ...
  • Bocas del Toro, Panama. ...
  • Vieques, Puerto Rico.





More answers regarding where can I see ocean bioluminescence in coastal California?

Answer 2

I've been on a night time bioluminescence kayak tour in Tomales Bay, a bit more than an hour north of San Francisco. A couple tour companies run organized tours, or you can just bring your own kayak to the launch at Nick's Cove and paddle around Hog Island and back. While I thought the experience was very cool, when I went it wasn't nearly as spectacular as the videos and pictures usually show - it was more like some light sparkles for a short moment as your paddle or hand pushes through the water, not long trails of light. It definitely wasn't something that would be easily noticeable from outside the water.

Answer 3

San Clemente had strong bioluminescence due to "red waves" in May 2020, but it's gone now and currents are tough to track.

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Images: Anand Dandekar, Mick Haupt, visionart.av, visionart.av