The Sea of Stars in the Sunny Side of Life

Photo by Mohamed Ahsan

As the sun dips below the horizon and the skies begin to darken, the turquoise waters of the Maldives transform into a surreal display of light and motion. The ocean comes alive, glowing with a radiance that seems almost otherworldly. It is as if the stars themselves have fallen from the sky and are now sparkling beneath the waves, casting their celestial glow across the water.

Bioluminescence is a unique and mysterious phenomenon that occurs in a variety of organisms in the natural world, including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, crustaceans, worms, fish, sharks, and even mushrooms. In the Maldivian waters, bioluminescence is caused by microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates. These dinoflagellates use a chemical called luciferin to emit a bright blue light as a defence mechanism against copepod grazers. The flashes of light produced by the dinoflagellates can disorient and confuse predators. The movement of the waves can also trigger this light emission, resulting in the mesmerising sight of glowing waves washing ashore in the Maldives. 

Photo by hobopeeba

The Maldivians call this phenomenon "Redhan lun," and there are many folktales and stories that suggest that the ancient Maldivians revered, respected, and perhaps even feared the powerful forces of nature that were on display in the glowing waters. It is unclear how the ancient Maldivians interpreted this dazzling display, but it is thought that they may have believed that it was an omen of some sort and a sign of the sea's power and majesty.

The Maldives welcomed the festive season in 2022 with a wave of bioluminescent plankton swarming through the atolls from the northernmost to the southernmost. This year, billions of glowing planktons illuminated the resorts, local islands, and even the capital city of the Maldives. Tourists in the underrated Greater Malé area were treated to a magical surprise with the plankton's arrival. 

It is a popular misconception that the glowing beaches are only visible on certain islands. Instead, the presence of bioluminescent plankton depends heavily on a variety of factors including water temperature, salinity, tides, and nutrient levels. Witnessing the bioluminescent plankton is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. 

Photo by Leina Sevele

Throughout the entire festive period and the New Year’s holidays, social media platforms filled with luminescent photos of Maldivian beaches. Both locals and tourists shared their awe-inspiring encounters with the sea of stars on social media, each one a unique display of the plankton's glow. Pictures with the plankton are one of the most iconic and special Instagram shots one can take in the Maldives. 

The bioluminescent plankton added an air of enchantment and magic during the festive season. For all lucky enough to have been in the Maldives this festive season, the sea of stars made the ending of 2022 a memory to last a lifetime. Last year was also the golden jubilee year of the Maldives tourism industry - and the plankton's arrival felt like the most fitting end to such a joyous and celebratory year. 

Photos by Westin Maldives

Bioluminescent planktons remain one of the most intriguing, mysterious, and beautiful elements found in the Maldives. Tourists from all over the world visit the Maldives to encounter these enchanting dinoflagellates, yet only the lucky will have this experience. 

Photo by Lasitha Gunawardana

The sea of stars elicit a sense of awe and wonder in all who witness it. For many, the bioluminescent plankton brings out a childlike sense of curiosity and wonder. It reminds us of the beauty and mystery of the natural world. If you are seeking an encounter with the bioluminescent plankton, perhaps visit the Maldives during the festive season again. You might just be one of the lucky ones!