Do you want to be surprised with the wonderful experiences that nature gives you? Discover these 5 bioluminescent beaches in Mexico.
Amazing natural events can be found all over Mexico, the Monarch Butterflies sanctuary in Michoacán, the nights with fireflies in Tlaxcala, the humpback whale watching in Los Cabos, sea turtles on the Mexican coast, incredible landscapes and can not miss the spectacle of bioluminescence that promises to dazzle you.
Luckily there are several places to enjoy it and we will find out where we can find them…
What is bioluminescence?
If you haven’t heard of bioluminescence, we tell you that it is a natural phenomenon in which some living organisms that live in the water produce light, creating turquoise or green flashes that beautify the place.
The phenomenon occurs because these organisms have luciferin and luciferase, substances that when in contact with oxygen, produce light, which happens when you agitate the water.
There are few places in the world where this happens and Mexico is one of the privileged, it has several beaches that at different times of the year will allow you to appreciate the beauty of light in the sea.
Among the recommendations to enjoy this experience are to choose a day without moon or cloudy, you can wear shoes and water clothes, do not get frustrated if you can not get the perfect photo, usually the phenomenon is very difficult to be taken by cell phones or cameras photo and video, wear something white, a towel for example, say that the effect is very beautiful.
What are the bioluminescent beaches in Mexico?
1. Bioluminescent beaches of Holbox
This island is located in the state of Quintana Roo and is one of the most beautiful in the Mexican Caribbean, with a sea of transparent and calm waters that invite you to relax and enjoy.
It is in that paradise where the months of March to November, when the water temperature is warmer, is the most recommended time to appreciate the beauty of light in the sea.
You can ask the people who live there what is the best place to see it, it is said that in Punta Coco, in the mangrove area and away from the town light, is the ideal location.
In addition, there is a special day in which the Festival of Bioluminescence is celebrated and it is the same day in which the Earth Hour takes place, which proposes to turn off all the lights of the island and allows to see the bioluminescence in all its splendour.
2. Laguna de Manialtepec
The state of Oaxaca is one of the most renowned destinations for its beaches of light; just 20 minutes from Puerto Escondido, you will find another of the bioluminescent beaches in Mexico.
It is a mangrove area where you will have to go by boat to discover the beauty of the waters with bioluminescence, and if you have the opportunity, take a dip will be unforgettable. The sounds of the night will make the experience even more surprising.
The months of July to September are the best time to appreciate it.
3. Bucerias, bioluminescent beach in the pacific
Bucerías is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Pacific, ideal to make the most of the stunning natural scenery of the Riviera Nayarit.
It is in this beautiful natural environment where you can discover another of the bioluminescent beaches in Mexico; being the time that goes from late April to June the most recommended.
The beach is very quiet since it is part of the Bay of Banderas, you can ask for references to the locals of when and where it is possible to enjoy the bioluminescence; make sure that the night accompanies, without moon, it will surely be the day to take advantage.
4. Xpicob – Campeche
Xpicob is a somewhat different alternative, an ecotourism camp focused on environmental education, with a program to protect sea turtles and other endangered species.
A beautiful place that invites you to enjoy diverse activities such as bird watching, snorkeling, kayaking, cave tours, etc.
In addition to these proposals, seeing bioluminescence is one of his proposals and consists of a boat ride that takes you to the place of observation away from the shore; although it is a phenomenon that can be seen all year, there are months with greater intensity, cases from October to December and those of minors are from January to May.
The camp is in La Ensenada, you can get there by taxi or bus from Campeche, it takes about 15 minutes.
5. Lagoons of Chacahua
The Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is another destination to enjoy bioluminescence, very close to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. To get there you must go to Zapotalito, from where to board a boat to the indicated site.
There you find three bodies of water, Chacahua, Pastoría and Salinas, surrounded by mangroves, a site chosen by different species as their home.
At night, if the moon is hidden, it is the perfect time to discover the beauty of the water with thousands of lights; if you dare, the rainy days say that the experience dazzles twice as much.