It’s May, which means that the ocean is putting on its famous neon-blue light show. If you haven’t seen our local bioluminescence yet, right now is prime time to start chasing the glow.
How to catch the bioluminescence
While these dazzling waves are never guaranteed, they’re absolutely realistic to catch if you know how to play the odds. The ultimate secret? Keep an eye out for a red tide during the day. When the microscopic algae that cause the glow are blooming in massive numbers, they turn the daytime surf a reddish-brown color. If you spot a red tide while cruising the coast, head back to that exact same beach after dark.
When to go
Timing is everything. Wait at least 2 hours after sunset to ensure the sky is completely pitch-black. Check the lunar calendar, too. Your absolute best odds are during a New Moon. The darker the sky, the brighter that blue is going to pop when the waves crash.
Where to look for bioluminescence around San Diego
You want to escape the city’s light pollution as much as possible. Here are a few reliable local hotspots:
- La Jolla Shores & Scripps Pier: The absolute classics.
- Torrey Pines State Beach: This stretch of sand stays incredibly dark, making the bioluminescence look more vibrant.
- Sunset Cliffs: The waves crashing against the rocky coastline create dramatic, glowing splashes (but be extremely careful navigating the bluffs in the dark).
- Mission Beach: Perfect if you want an easy, accessible sandy spot without driving out to the darker coves.
Happy glowing!
