Sparkling bioluminescence in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Walking along a tropical beach at night or sea kayaking after dark, especially the closer you get to the equator, often you will see sparkling lights in the water. It can seem as if the ocean is a liquid sky of blue stars. This is bioluminescence. “Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism as the result of a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted to light energy,” according to Science Daily. Bioluminescence occurs in a variety of marine animal species â€" bacteria, plankton, fish, jellyfish, squid and crustaceans. It also exists in some fungi, microorganisms and terrestrial invertebrates â€" think of fireflies and glow worms. Marine life depends on their bioluminescence for finding food, attracting mates and evading predators, according to Science Journal. Sometimes thousands of square miles of ocean shine with the light of bioluminescent bacteria or plankton. For instance, in Puerto Rico, there are three famous bioluminescent bays. Seeing the ocean light up and glow is a pretty neat experience. Generally the water glows when the microorganisms in it are agitated, and it is best to see when the sky is really dark with no moon or other lights. When you sea kayak, the water around you will illuminate and every paddle stroke is like fireworks. Why the lights appear blue and green is because those are the light wavelengths that can transmit most easily through seawater, reports Science Daily. Bioluminescence is a frequent occurrence at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in the Golfo Dulce. This southern Pacific region of Costa Rica by the Osa Peninsula is full of amazing biodiversity. Golfo Dulce is a critical habitat for migrating Pacific Humpback Whales, dolphins and sea turtles. On a non-rainy night with no moon, or enough clouds to hide any moon, go down to Nicuesa Lodge’s boat dock to see if you can observe any bioluminescence in the water. If it is a bioluminescent night, ask our guides about taking the kayaks out for a paddle close to shore to see the glowing illumination better. Sometimes you might even see dolphins eerily glowing in the bioluminescent water. About Playa Nicuesa RainforestLodge >Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge recently received the Ecological Blue Flag Award for the fifth time for having one of Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches. Bordering the Piedras Blancas National Park, the Costa Rica rainforest lodge holds the highest Sustainable Tourism Program rating, and offers nature tours in the rainforest and ocean adventure tours around Golfo Dulce. Article by Shannon Farley