Maldives is a truly heaven on earth for its white pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and mystical glowing blue waves and much more. This tropical nation comprises of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are consists of more than 1,000 coral islands. In addition to these, the glowing beaches of Maldives are truly magical and fascinating, something straight out of a fairytale. Here is all you might be missing about these mesmerizing beaches.
Bioluminescence – The Natural Phenomena Behind These Glowing Beaches!
Bioluminescence is the incredible natural phenomenon due to which the beaches glow in dark. The bioluminescent plant, bacteria or organism has a chemical “luciferin” in its body and an enzyme “luciferase”. Under suitable circumstances, the luciferin is metabolized and produces luminescence. Therefore, this is termed as the bioluminescence. For the reason, these beaches glow in dark and emit a bright blue light.
The Best Time To Visit Maldives!
If you want to experience and see the spectacular view of glowing beaches, you should wait for the right season. This is because, bioluminescence does not happen all the time, but only when the conditions are favorable. For instance, the particular kind of plankton, temperature, water currents and oxygen are required for bioluminescence. Moreover, the ocean-waters on these glowing beaches are saturated with these particular planktons. So, when it’s dark, this bright blue glow of these planktons becomes visible. The best time to see the bioluminescence is from mid-summer to winters. From June to October, the skies are dark during the warm summer months. Moreover, between Julys to December there is very little moonlight. Thus, in these months, the bioluminescent waves look even brighter creating and a sight to behold. Therefore, plan a trip during these months to enjoy the spectacular show of nature.
Not All These Maldives Beaches Glow!
Even though, there is a long list of stunning beaches in Maldives, not all of these show bioluminescence. Bioluminescence requires presence of bioluminescent organisms as well as suitable conditions. On the whole, there are more than 1200 beaches in Maldives that show this sunning phenomenon of bioluminescence given that all the conditions are suitable.
The Vaadhoo Island (also known as Mudhuhoo islands) is best spot for such glowing beach. This is also known as the “sea of stars” and is situated in the Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. Millions of marine microbes or the phytoplankton in the water glow together creating the sea of stars.
Initially this magical effect was believed to be the result of glowing or the bioluminescent planktons. However, researcher later found that this glowing effect is due to “ostracod crustaceans” rather than phytoplankton.
Why Maldives Has Such Glowing Beaches?
Bioluminescent organisms are generally found in warm waters. Maldives has the world’s warmest ocean as it is located in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the conditions are ideal for bioluminescent organisms to dwell in beaches of Maldives.
On the other hand, there are certain places where you can see this stunning phenomenon. Bali, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Japan also have bioluminescent beaches. The bioluminescent Toyama Bay near Japan Sea is due to the presence of firefly squid and bioluminescent phytoplankton. Therefore, it is sometimes referred as “the firefly effect”.
Some Of Best Resorts To Stay In During Your Visit To Maldives!
If you are planning to visit Maldives to see and experience the mesmerizing glowing beaches and other tourist’s attractions, make an advance booking. Between Octobers to December is peak time for tourism. Furthermore, make a list of affordable and best resorts in Maldives to make your trip comfortable and memorable. Here is a list of some of best resorts in Maldives for tourists:
- Adaaran prestige vadoo
- Velassaru Maldives
- Hurawalhi island resort
- Kuredu island resort
- Medhufushi island resort
- Meer island resort
- Veligandu island resort
Tips When Visiting Maldives Glowing Beach
- First plan a visit between Octobers to December. Then, choose a resort near beaches to have a great experience. Here are a few tips when visiting the glowing beaches:
- Make sure to bring your best cameras or smart phones to capture the moment
keep a jacket with you because at night temperature drops along with strong winds at bay - You can have a best and romantic candle light dinner at the gorgeous beach at Soneva Fushi
- The white-sand beach of Hulhumale is ideal for unwind while enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of blue waves.
Bottom line
Maldives is one of best vacation spots for beach lovers. The glowing beaches of Maldives are a sight to behold. So, if you want to see and experience this magical phenomenon, plan your trip during right season between mid-summers to winter. No matter, how well someone explains these glowing beaches, it will not do justice unless you see it yourself.