The ocean already has a kind of magic on its own… The soothing, almost therapeutic sound of the waves, its deep and mysterious blue, and all the fascinating creatures that live beneath the surface. But this phenomenon easily steals the spotlight, since very few places in nature can offer something as unusual as glowing waves.
While this phenomenon appears in a handful of places around the world (like Puerto Rico’s famous bio bays, Taiwan’s “Blue Tears,” and Australia’s Jervis Bay), luckily for us, California is one of the few places where you can see it as well.
The mysterious nature of bioluminescent waves
Bioluminescent waves are caused by microscopic marine organisms called dinoflagellates. These tiny plankton emit light through a chemical reaction when they’re disturbed by waves, swimmers, or even a passing kayak.
Think of it like nature’s glow stick: inside these organisms, chemicals (luciferin and luciferase) react with oxygen to produce light. Every time the water moves, it flashes bright blue.
This glow often appears during what’s known as a “red tide”, a large bloom of algae. During the day, the ocean can look reddish or brownish, but at night, it transforms into glowing blue waves.
Where and when to see them in California
The short version? With a bit of luck, darkness, and the right timing. Bioluminescent waves are most commonly seen along SoCal, especially around San Diego, Orange County, and parts of L.A. Hotspots include La Jolla, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach.
As for timing, the phenomenon can be a bit unpredictable, but there are patterns:
- Best conditions: Warm weather, recent rainfall, and signs of a red tide during the day
- Best season: Spring through late summer (sometimes winter if conditions align)
- Best time of night: After 9–10 p.m., when it’s fully dark