BIOLUMINESCENCE
IN FLORIDA

Bioluminescence is a glowing spectacle that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime! Many people have heard of bioluminescence, but did you know it can be experienced right here in Florida? Off the east coast of Florida is where you’ll most likely experience bioluminescence during the summer months of May through October. This type of bioluminescence in Florida is known as dinoflagellates, and is what most people picture when they think of bioluminescence (we call this “dino bio”). Whether it’s a glowing wave, a dolphin gliding by in the glowing waters, mullet splashing into the bio, manatees illuminated underwater like a submarine, there’s many ways to experience the dino bio! However, you can actually experience some sense of bio year round via ‘comb jellies’.

The dino bio ignites with any movement in the water. When looking at the still water filled with dinoflagellates, you likely won’t see any glow. However, when you create movement in the water, you will illuminate the stunning Florida bioluminescence. This is what makes the bioluminescence so difficult to capture on videos or photos — there must be movement. Florida is quickly becoming a bucket list for bioluminescent enthusiasts from all around the world. There’s only a small handful of places in the world where the bioluminescence is continually predictable year-over-year, and the east coast of Florida is one of the brightest! The amount of dinoflagellates in peak bioluminescent season in the Indian River Lagoon are almost incomprehensible. There’s been reports of over 100,000 per liter.