Experience the mesmerizing bioluminescence phenomenon on thrilling boat tours along the coast. Witness the breathtaking display of glowing wildlife that illuminates the ocean at night. Secure your seats quickly as they are in high demand!
Organizers have planned trips for the upcoming days, depending on the duration of the red tide. However, the unpredictable nature of the algae blooms, caused by a glowing dinoflagellate, makes it unclear how long the red tide will persist.
The red tide has recently become more widespread along the Orange County coastline, making it the perfect time to embark on a night tour with Newport Coastal Adventure. Captain Ryan Lawler initially hesitated due to strong winds and sporadic sightings, which made tracking the red tide challenging.
However, Lawler decided to take a chance as ocean conditions improved and algae began blooming from Sunset Beach to San Clemente over the weekend.
In 2020, Lawler’s private night charters featured glowing dolphins frolicking in the sea, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. This time, they were fortunate to witness dolphins streaking through the ocean, their sleek bodies radiating as they searched for fish. The bioluminescence transformed the ocean into a dazzling electric blue hue.
While glowing dolphins cannot be guaranteed, passengers on Lawler’s first charter witnessed the glowing wake of the boat and some fish lighting up the sea.
They chanced upon a pod of common dolphins near midnight as they returned to Newport Harbor from Laguna Beach.
“Spotting dolphins in the daytime is difficult enough, let alone at night,” Lawler said. “We encountered an incredible pod of dozens of them. It was truly amazing.”
Lawler likened the experience to being on Space Mountain, where shapes are difficult to discern. “You see a glowing streak rushing towards you, like a missile,” he described.
The pod of dolphins they encountered was chasing a large school of fish, which also emitted an illuminating glow beneath the ocean surface. Lawler described it as a burst of light, resembling an explosion.
Torrance photographer Patrick Coyne, who has extensively photographed the bioluminescence since 2020, called the experience “phenomenal.” The video of the glowing dolphins from their previous trip in 2020 went viral, providing a much-needed moment of light and beauty during the pandemic.
Announcing their tours, Coyne and nature photographer Mark Girardeau quickly filled up their boats, with hundreds of people joining the waitlist. Due to the overwhelming demand, Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing have added larger boats for tours on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12.
“The intensity of the bioluminescence depends on the wind and currents,” Lawler explained. “We’re enjoying it as a pleasant surprise. If it continues, we’ll continue to offer this fun opportunity.”
Although the glowing water is visually captivating, it is advisable to refrain from entering it due to potential skin irritations and a strange odor. Some have reported respiratory issues, but no study has yet been released on adverse reactions.
If you plan to visit the beach to witness this extraordinary phenomenon, please be respectful of nearby communities during late-night hours.
In some areas, police are patrolling and removing people from the sand after curfew due to the growing crowds that gather to view the spectacle, according to Coyne.
“In my opinion, the more people who witness it, the better,” Coyne said. “This is a significant event, arguably the biggest since 2020. While I’ve seen it multiple times, I can never predict it. Mother Nature follows her own rules.”
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