Lights of the Ocean: The Glowing Plankton Phenomenon

For those unfamiliar with diving, the idea of venturing into the sea late at night might be challenging.

For divers, encountering these radiant creatures is a cherished experience.

Scenes like these become treasured memories!
Though it might not happen every day, seeing glowing plankton is actually quite common.

It is no exaggeration to say that even though it is rare to see them on a large scale, you can always see these noctilucent insects.

Two ways to enjoy such phenomenon.

• From the Shore
  On nights when these glowing creatures are plentiful, as shown in the previous picture, you’re in for an amazing sight without any extra work. During such moments, a stroll along the shoreline will cast a deep blue glow around your feet! You might feel like jumping into the sea but… well, that’s not recommended due to safety concerns.Since divers spend so much time by the sea, they have countless chances to see these captivating sights! It can also be enjoyed on nights when there aren’t a lot of them in the sea. On those nights, seek out a spot with minimal light. A pier is an excellent choice. Settle onto the wooden planks and gather a handful of small pebbles scattered nearby. With a gentle toss, send them into the sea. Marvel as the water around the stones comes alive with a radiant glow! This delightful activity can be enjoyed whenever you’re spending the night by the sea.
  
• Exploring from Beneath the Waves
  This is a special thrill just for divers! For safety reasons it’s recommended to attempt this after enrolling in a Night Diving class. Reaching such level of experience, it well worth it since venturing into the night sea unveils a realm of mystery! Before you plunge into the enigmatic depths of the nocturnal ocean make sure you have a primary light and one backup light. Adjust your buoyancy control device (BC) to release air, allowing you to touch down on the ocean floor. After you have established neutral buoyancy, power down your light, immersing yourself in darkness. Gently sway your hands before your face, conjuring a mesmerizing display. In this instant, it’s as if you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairy tale, surrounded by the wonder of the underwater realm. No matter how many times you experience it, this world remains astonishingly beautiful! Experiencing the wonders beneath the waves is amazing. However, remember that it’s a special treat that’s accessible by for experienced divers only!
  
• What Exactly is Night-Glowing Plankton?
  Meet the bioluminescent dinoflagellates. It is also a crucial player in the phenomenon known as red tide. These tiny organisms are found in coastal areas and might seem unassuming at first glance. The reason they glow is because of a special chemical reaction they do with an enzyme called luciferin-luciferase. It is like the light-producing mechanisms in other bioluminescent creatures. Yet, their radiance isn’t a constant feature of the dark. Instead, it’s only a nocturnal spectacle. As if these plankton save their brilliance for the night, turning the waters into a magical canvas of light.