Sparkly blue lights gleaming in the ocean, glowing beaches, and scintillating fish scuttling beneath a kayak. This may sound like something straight out of a fairytale, but in fact, this is a natural phenomenon that occurs every summer in the (truly magical) Pacific Northwest. These underwater blue lights are called bioluminescence, nature’s aquatic fireworks.
i-stock photo
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence in Puget Sound occurs when saltwater algae (called dinoflagellates) are disturbed and produce light through a chemical reaction. While scientists are still studying the purpose of bioluminescence in nature, the result is a beautiful sight for those lucky enough to discover it. Usually visible as a light sapphire-blue glow or as tiny confetti sparks near the water’s surface, finding bioluminescence is an awe-inspiring and memorable experience.
When to find bioluminescence
Bioluminescence can be elusive, but the best chance to find it is on a warm, dark, clear night in the summer. The algae that produce bioluminescence thrives on plankton that prefers warmer, sunlit waters. In the Pacific Northwest, this means June through August are our most active months for bioluminescence, with less active periods in late spring and early fall.
Because the light produced by bioluminescence is typically quite faint, searching on the darkest possible nights is likely to produce better results. Even the light of a full moon can quench the lights of bioluminescence, so seek a night within one week on either end of a new moon. Searching late at night (at least two hours after sunset and more than two hours before sunrise) will also ensure the least competing light. Avoid nights with heavy cloud cover, as clouds can reflect light pollution. Calm nights without wind ensure happy algae hanging out near the water surface where they’re easier to find.
Photo by Mathew Nichols
Tips for finding bioluminescence
Finding bioluminescence requires a bit of know-how and patience, but with the right approach, anyone can have a successful hunt.
Nap for the little ones: Before you go, consider having younger children take a midday nap since bioluminescence hunting happens quite late at night, especially in the summer when darkness doesn’t fall until 10 p.m. or later. Bring comfort items like a cozy blanket and pillow for the late-night car ride home after your hunt.
Wear the right clothes and bring the right equipment: Having proper gear will ensure a safe and comfortable bioluminescence hunt. Bring a headlamp or flashlight to help navigate your way to the beach. Plan on wearing tall waterproof boots or water shoes for walking in the water, since the best views will be out a bit from shore. Use a waterproof phone pouch to hold your phone and car key while in the water, and pay attention to incoming tides if you leave any items on the beach. Bring towels and dry clothes to change into after the hunt, even if nobody plans on going in the water. Pacific Northwest coastal waters are frigid even in warm summer months, so have a plan for post-exploring warming.
Let the hunt begin! Heading to the water
When you’re ready to begin hunting, head down to–or into–the water. The first and most important tip for finding bioluminescence is “agitation.” In order to encourage the algae to emit their chemical reaction–visible as the elusive blue glow–they need to be gently disturbed.
Water agitation can be achieved in many ways: wading into the water a few feet and gently stirring it with a hand, stirring it with a stick or paddle from the shore, or even using a cup or squirt bottle to splash water over the surface. Remember that most bioluminescence in Puget Sound is not a bright glow visible from a distance but relatively tiny confetti-like sparkles that dance around in the water during agitation. The best viewing spots are usually knee-deep or further in the water, so don’t be afraid to get in and get wet!
From a boat
Try taking a boat or flotation device into the water for a different perspective. Bioluminescence is usually best seen further out from shore, so floating on a kayak or paddle board can provide an even better chance of finding it. Bonus: You may even get to see fish swimming through the glow.
A few notes if you choose to go out in the water: always bring a personal flotation device or life jacket for each person on the watercraft, and affix a small red light to the back of your watercraft for better nighttime visibility if any other boats approach your location, and consider wearing a wetsuit or drysuit.
Photo by Allison Peterson
From the shore and more tips
Sometimes, bioluminescence can also be found on shore as the tide recedes. Use a stick to scrape sand near the tide line or lift clumps of seaweed to see if little blue sparkles are emitted.
As always, with an adventure in nature, practice safety first. Although you’ll be busy fixing your eyes on the water, pay attention to your surroundings. Use wayfinding markers (a large tree, a pier, or even a lantern that you leave near your starting point) to be aware of where you are on the beach and to find your way back after hunting. Check tide schedules before you go, and make sure you always have enough beach area to safely exit any time. If strong winds or large waves appear, it may be time to exit the water. Keep an eye on children, and designate one adult to be the “lifeguard” whenever children are near water.
A community of bioluminescence hunters
Several Facebook groups and communities exist to share personal experiences and tips for successful bioluminescence hunting. The local Facebook group Bioluminescence Experience: PNW is an excellent resource for Pacific Northwest residents.
Capturing the essence of bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is incredible to behold with your eyes, but it is incredibly difficult to capture in a photo or video. Just enjoy the moment, treasure your memories, and then search for some professional photos of bioluminescence to help illustrate the experience for your friends.
Photo by Allison Peterson
Etiquette for bioluminescence hunting
Being respectful during bioluminescence hunts helps make this an enjoyable activity for everyone and ensures better success at finding the glow.
Follow the law at all times, including noise ordinances and parking regulations. Many public beaches and parking lots close after dusk, so parking may only be available on surrounding streets or other after-hours locations. Be mindful of noise levels, especially near a neighborhood or campground, since most people will be sleeping at bioluminescence-hunting hours. Avoid using lights or campfires on beaches as they make it difficult for others to see the glow.
Be respectful of the marine environment when hunting. Do not trample or pull up plants; use designated trails where possible. Do not throw rocks into the water, as they can destroy fragile marine environments below the surface. Remove all trash and debris you bring so the beaches stay safe and clean.
Where to find bioluminescence in the Puget Sound area
Bioluminescence is a saltwater phenomenon, so most beaches on Puget Sound are fair game when the conditions are right. Seek a beach as far away from city light pollution as possible, and let the hunting begin!
Here are a few local beach suggestions for getting started:
Carkeek Park (Seattle)
Golden Gardens (Seattle)
Olympic Beach Park (Edmonds)
Brackett’s Landing (Edmonds)
Mukilteo Lighthouse (Mukilteo)
Three Tree Point (Burien)
Owen Beach, near the boathouse (Tacoma)
For those seeking a bigger adventure, consider a drive or destination trip to the Olympic Peninsula, the San Juan Islands, Hood Canal, or Bellingham. All of these areas have excellent beaches for bioluminescence hunting.
Photo by Allison Peterson
Bioluminescence tour companies
For those who would like the assistance of trained professionals, many local tour companies specialize in summer bioluminescence tours. Guided bioluminescence kayak tours typically last about two hours, and prices start at about $100 per person. Most tour companies have requirements for age and/or experience, so this activity best suits families with older children or teens. Tours tend to book quickly, so check availability as early as possible.
Olympic Kayak Tours offers sunset and bioluminescence tours out of Fort Flagler near Port Townsend.
Hood Canal Adventures in Brinnon boasts a 100% success rate on their 2-hour bioluminescence tours over the last 4 years.
Whidbey Island Kayaking offers both individual pricing and private group tours from the south end of Whidbey Island.
Anacortes Kayak Tours takes guests through Deception Pass State Park, where they can view the sunset over the Olympic Mountains before the nighttime glow begins.
Several companies on San Juan Island offer bioluminescence tours, including Discovery Sea Kayaks, Sea Quest, Outdoor Odysseys, and San Juan Outfitters .
Launching from Larrabee State Park in Bellingham, Dragonfly Kayak Tours and Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures both offer excellent tours in the North Sound.
With these tips, you will surely have a memorable hunt for one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. Let the bioluminescence adventure begin!
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