The waters along the coast of California are putting on quite a nighttime show — and surfers are taking notice.
On Wednesday, we showed you footage of some seriously stunning dolphins appearing to glow in the dark as they swam through dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms in the ocean that “glow” when disturbed. But, those dolphins aren’t the only ones enjoying the bioluminescent scenes.
As ABC7 reported, surfers in San Clemente, California have been getting in the water after dark to paddle amongst the glowing algae and creating their own gorgeous scenes.
According to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, not all dinoflagellates glow, but those that do can put on a real show.
“Some red tides are luminescent; most in southern California create dramatic nighttime displays of bioluminescence in the wakes breaking on the beach,” the institution wrote. However, it’s incredibly hard to predict when and where the glow will occur, meaning it’s all about being in the right place and the right time to capture it.
But, at least a few people along the coast of California appear to have done just that.
“The bioluminescence has been insane the past few days! Hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced,” Instagram user Skylar Wilson wrote. “Here’s a little vid of @blairconklin hacking into some phytoplankton and lighting up the night.”
“My grandpa used to tell me nothing ever good happens after midnight,” famed Southern Californian photographer Bo Bridges wrote on his post.
“Social distancing tip: only go outside after midnight,” Instagram user Marion wrote alongside a gorgeous photo from San Diego.
The only thing to consider when seeing this scene for yourself is local social distancing rules. Since many of the state’s beaches are already closed to the public, it’s key to look up each area’s current coronavirus limitations and ensure you’re visiting a beach that is currently open to visitors. It’s important to note that California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all California beaches to close on May 1, so tonight may be your last shot.
The waters along the coast of California are putting on quite a nighttime show — and surfers are taking notice.
On Wednesday, we showed you footage of some seriously stunning dolphins appearing to glow in the dark as they swam through dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms in the ocean that “glow” when disturbed. But, those dolphins aren’t the only ones enjoying the bioluminescent scenes.
As ABC7 reported, surfers in San Clemente, California have been getting in the water after dark to paddle amongst the glowing algae and creating their own gorgeous scenes.
According to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, not all dinoflagellates glow, but those that do can put on a real show.
“Some red tides are luminescent; most in southern California create dramatic nighttime displays of bioluminescence in the wakes breaking on the beach,” the institution wrote. However, it’s incredibly hard to predict when and where the glow will occur, meaning it’s all about being in the right place and the right time to capture it.
But, at least a few people along the coast of California appear to have done just that.
“The bioluminescence has been insane the past few days! Hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced,” Instagram user Skylar Wilson wrote. “Here’s a little vid of @blairconklin hacking into some phytoplankton and lighting up the night.”
“My grandpa used to tell me nothing ever good happens after midnight,” famed Southern Californian photographer Bo Bridges wrote on his post.
“Social distancing tip: only go outside after midnight,” Instagram user Marion wrote alongside a gorgeous photo from San Diego.
The only thing to consider when seeing this scene for yourself is local social distancing rules. Since many of the state’s beaches are already closed to the public, it’s key to look up each area’s current coronavirus limitations and ensure you’re visiting a beach that is currently open to visitors. It’s important to note that California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all California beaches to close on May 1, so tonight may be your last shot.
