One of the most beautiful natural phenomenons that happens in San Diego a few times a year has started up again, and we’ve got all the information. If you’re curious how to see the gorgeous bioluminescent waves in San Diego and how it happens, keep reading.
Bioluminescent waves happen when tiny, glowing organisms are stirred up in the water by movement and produce a light as a natural reaction. There has to be many of them in the water for that to happen, and that can vary from year to year. Usually it’ll take place late spring to early fall, and people have already begun to capture this phenomenon as early as February!
If you go searching for bioluminescent waves in San Diego, there are a few things you should know.
These waves are more of a reddish-brown color in the day from the organism, called phytoplankton, which glow blue only during the night. It also has a distinct smellthat you can pick up in the air.
Early Spring bioluminescent waves usually happens in March or sometimes as early as February and late Summer bioluminescence happens in August or September. So those would be the best times to see them. Head out to the beach after sunset near a pier or at a beach break. Some great spots to see them are:
- Scripps Pier
- D Street
- Crystal Pier
- Ocean Beach Pier
- Blacks Beach