The Galician town of Carnota, one of the most popular and friendly beaches on the rugged Costa da Morte, is experiencing an unusual natural phenomenon these days: bioluminescence. At night, in areas with little light pollution, a blue light emerges from the dark waters, attracting locals and many tourists.
This phenomenon is produced by luminescent algae (Noctiluca scintillans) which, when they feel in danger, emit this blue flash. It is known as the 'Sea of Burning', so named centuries ago by fishermen, who thought that the water was on fire.
Many tourists have traveled to the area to see this spectacle of nature that usually occurs in summer and is seen in places with little light pollution. There are those who have even been encouraged to do reels about their experience: from those who have driven to Galicia from other provinces to those who have been encouraged to go out at night by boat and stroll through the different estuaries in the area. Many did not come out of their astonishment when they got into something and generated movement that bright blue light was seen.
When these unicellular algae feel threatened, they emit flashes of light. That is why sudden movements in the water generate postcards that travel the world through social networks. In addition to being present on the beaches of different countries, a similar process occurs in fungi and animals.
There are several places in the world where you can see this phenomenon. Mexico has several places to see this night scene and one of them is the island of Holbox, where bioluminescence can be appreciated throughout the year. Although it is much stronger from March to November, when the water temperature is warmer.
The Bioluminescence Festival has been held since 2016 and coincides with Earth Hour, in which all the lights on the island are turned off and the effect can be fully appreciated.
The Manialtepec lagoon, located 15 minutes from Puerto Escondido, in the state of Oaxaca, is also known for this phenomenon. Tourists are offered night kayaking to make the experience even more incredible.
In Japan bioluminescence is the product of a fungus. When the rainy season begins -at the end of June- a luminous mantle appears over the roots of the trees. In the forests of Mesameyama and in the Ogasawara archipelago, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, you can take guided tours.
Carnota is a well-known beach on the Galician Costa da Morte near Fisterra, where the lighthouse that for centuries has guided sailors in what was known in ancient times as the end of the world is still located.
