Maldives is known for its breathtaking beaches: warm white sand and the azure waters that rhythmically ebb and flow. Consisting of 26 atolls which are made up of more than 1000 coral islands, Maldives is the best island destination in Asian Pacific as recognized by Travel Weekly Asia Reader’s Choice Awards 2020.
The infamous “Sea of Stars” located in the Vaadhoo island is one huge tourist attraction. The glowing beach has captured the hearts of many visitors, as this natural phenomenon lightens up the beaches at night.
The phenomenon of bioluminescence happens when ostracod crustaceans use chemical energy and release it as light using a special compound called luciferin, which starts to glow when it gets exposed to oxygen.
Hence, an explosion of bioluminescent organisms make the beach look like its been hit by blue radioactive fairy dust. It is truly a sight to behold, so surreal, like stars that you can walk on.
The best time to witness this wonder in the Maldives is between mid-summer through to winter. However, there are no guarantees that you will see the beach come alight.