The Maldives has always been a popular honeymoon destination, known for its crystal clear waters, gorgeous beaches and glamorous, resort-style accommodation. As if the area wasn’t romantic enough, at night there’s a breathtaking natural phenomenon that transforms its shores into glimmering waves of iridescent blue. One visitor who stumbled on the unbelievable sight likened it to the starry night skies of the Milky Way and took to the internet to find out the cause of the mysterious occurrence.
Taiwanese photographer Will Ho was blown away when he stumbled upon the glowing sand while visiting the Maldives. The photos he took show the brilliance of what’s known as Noctiluca scintillans, or more commonly Sea Sparkle, which is caused by a bio-luminescent phytoplankton.
The phytoplanktons emit light when they are disturbed, so the glowing effect is most noticeable when the water hits the shore, or during a surf or swim after dark.
Footprints in the sand also light up like a neon display.
The phenomenon isn’t unique to the Maldives, but it’s far more common here than in other parts of the world. Beaches in California and Sydney recently showed rare signs of bio-luminescence after an unusual red tide appeared during the day, indicating a high concentration of plankton, and you can even find these glittering drops of magic on beaches in some warmer areas of Japan.
If you want to surround yourself in an ocean of stars, you might want to put a trip to the Maldives on your bucket list because now they’re offering night dives into the blue waters. A romantic stroll on the beach may never be quite the same after a night like this in the Maldives!
Photos via Colossal
[ Read in Japanese ]
Chinese beach glows beautiful blue in the dead of night 【Photos】
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
Final Fantasy VII’s Sephiroth finds happiness in a canned cocktail[Video]
It’s like the samurai era never ended at this beautiful Japanese mountain town
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Samurai, ninja, and anime butlers join dinosaur staff at Tokyo’s “Weird Hotel”【Photos】
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says