Nature has truly blessed us with dreamy wonders one can only imagine witnessing in real life. And one such wonder is the 'sea of stars' phenomenon taking place in a tiny island named Vaadhoo in the Maldives where you can witness a natural light show, graciously put on by the bioluminescent phytoplankton in the waters surrounding Vaadhoo Island, that flash bright blue when conditions are right, creating a scene straight out of a storybook. Sea of stars is to Vaasdhoo what northern lights is to Norway, so you will spot this visual only if the conditions are right (and you are lucky enough), so learn about it here before planning your next trip the Maldives.
Sparkling Waters: Everything To Know About Sea Of Stars In Maldives
How Does Sea Of Stars Take Place?
Bioluminescence is phenomenon caused by microscopic plankton (all the organisms found in marine as well as freshwater, which are non-motile and cannot swim against the water current) known as dinoflagellates, which contain a chemical called luciferin that emits bright blue light to defend against its predators. But, at times is triggered by rough wave movement, resulting in mystical glowing waves washing ashore. When luciferin mixes with oxygen, the phytoplankton emit a neon blue light.
In short, it's a natural phenomenon because of which the ocean waves are lit with shimmering electric blue light by tiny marine organisms. Who knew something's literal defense mechanism could turn out to be a wondrous sight? Thankfully, the bioluminescence is not harmful to humans, and the water is safe to touch and swim in. However, the same can't be said for would-be predators. Animals that are unlucky enough to eat these microorganisms often start glowing themselves, attracting bigger predators that eventually consume them.
Additionally, depending on the species and water temperature, the colour of the plankton’s light can vary from blue to green. And just to be clear, they don't produce any heat when they emit their lightsaber like light to shoo away their predators, so nothing happens when you touch the water.
Where Does Sea Of Stars Happen?
This phenomenon can only be experienced in a few spots around the world, with Vadhoo island in Maldives being one of the greatest since the prominence is much higher than other spots. Many visitors come to the Maldives specifically to see the Sea of Stars and to experience the enchantment of the glowing beach. A few other beaches where it has been spotted are Leucadia in California, Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico and even the Lakshadweep Islands in India.
Vadhoo remains a hotspot for tourists wanting to view this fairytale-like visual in action. Called 'Redhan lun' by the locals, the phenomenon is also called 'sea of stars' in reference to its incredible resemblance to a starry night. Although this phenomenon can appear on several beaches around the Maldives, Vaadhoo Island is considered the prime location to view it. Unfortunately for visitors looking to get a glimpse of the Maldives' sea of stars, the event comes and goes at random so don't get your expectations too high since nature is as unpredictable as one's mood.
Best Time To Visit The Maldives To See Sea Of Stars
The ideal time to see the Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives is from late summer to early autumn (i.e July to November). During this time, the water temperature rises and the plankton population increases, enhancing the chances of seeing the spectacular light show. It’s absolutely essential to remember that the Sea of Stars’ exact timing cannot be predicted, and even when it’s at its best, there is no guarantee that it will happen every night so prepare for your trip to the Maldives accordingly.
Can You Swim In Maldives' Sea Of Stars?
Yes! The tiny plankton and their beautiful bluish green glow pose no threat to humans, so it's perfectly safe to swim in the sea of stars. In fact, swimming or just walking along the beach can omit a stronger glow around you since the water movement stresses the micro-organisms leading to more intense light.
How To Reach Vadhoo Island?
Vaadhoo Island is situated around eight kilometres away from the Male International Airport. Since Male is the capital city and a commercial tourist island, you can head to Vadhoo from there itself or, spend a night in Vadhoo if you feel like. You can hire a speedboat and reach the island within fifteen minutes from the airport or hiring a seaplane is another option.
