Many visitors to the Maldives dream of seeing the magical glowing beach they’ve seen in photos online. Dubbed the “Sea of Stars,” this wondrous sight features glistening streaks of light resembling the Milky Way on the water’s surface. But the mystery is that no one can pinpoint its exact location.
This phenomenon is caused by bioluminescent plankton in shallow waters. Some plankton species emit light when disturbed by movement or threatened by predators, creating a spectacular natural light show.
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The glowing beach on Vaadhoo Island. Photo: The lovers passport |
The glowing beach on Vaadhoo Island. Photo: The lovers passport
“When people talk about seeing the Sea of Stars in the Maldives, they’re looking for a chemical reaction – bioluminescent plankton,” Lauren Arthur, a marine biologist and wildlife presenter, explained to the BBC.
She added that this phenomenon isn't exclusive to the Maldives. “There's no single location to see bioluminescent plankton. They can be found anywhere with plankton, even in Britain,” she said.
However, there are ways to increase your chances of witnessing it. Lauren suggests night diving in plankton-rich waters. “The best way to see them is to get in the water when the plankton is dense and go night diving. It’s one of the most amazing experiences you can have.”
Visitors are advised to minimize the use of flashlights. Once in the water, move around to agitate the water and stimulate the plankton to glow.
Lauren recommends visiting the Maldives between April and October during the southwest monsoon season. During this time, ocean currents carry large groups of plankton towards the northeast of the country.
Vaadhoo Island is a popular destination for those hoping to see the “Sea of Stars.” This small island attracts many day trips, especially for this unique natural phenomenon.
Calm seas and nighttime are considered ideal for witnessing this spectacle, but it’s important to remember that the “Sea of Stars” isn’t a permanent fixture and doesn’t always appear.
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The magical glowing beach in the Maldives has no fixed location. Photo: ar.inspiredpencil |
The magical glowing beach in the Maldives has no fixed location. Photo: ar.inspiredpencil
The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, straddling the equator, with nearly 1,200 islands, though only 200 are inhabited. Its total area is almost 90,000 km2, but only 298 km2 is land. The islands are grouped into two rows, forming 26 atolls. Some islands have been developed into resorts, while others are used for industry and agriculture.
Anh Minh (DM, Visit Maldives)
