Electric-blue waves light up WA beaches. Find best spots to see bioluminescence
When the weather grows warm in Washington state, the ocean glows with electric-blue light.
Bioluminescent plankton “cause the surface of the ocean to sparkle at night,” National Geographic said.
“This natural phenomenon transforms quiet bays and inlets into dazzling displays during warm summer nights,” State of Washington Tourism said on its website.
Washington state offers a number of spots where you spot this stunning sight in person.
Here’s what to know:
What causes waves to glow in Washington state?
In the summer, large numbers of microscopic plankton known as dinoflagellates gather in the waters off the coast of Western Washington.
“When disturbed, these tiny organisms emit flashes of light, creating a dazzling display beneath the water’s surface,” the Community Boating Center in Bellingham said.
According to National Geographic, many marine animals can be bioluminescent, including jellyfish, squid, angler fish and lanternfish.
On land, fireflies, railroad worms and certain types of millipedes also produce chemical reactions that result in a gentle glow, according to wildlife blog Wildlife Nomads.
What are best times to see bioluminescent waves?
Sophia Rouches, owner of Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures in Bellingham, said the best time to see the bioluminescence is “during the summer months when the plankton bloom in high numbers.”
“June, July, August and even September all have proven to be great months to view the glowing plankton,” Rouches told McClatchy Media in 2025, noting that the viewing season has gotten longer over time due to climate change.
According to State of Washington Tourism, you’ll experience the “best visibility in warm, calm water with minimal moonlight.”
“The key is to make sure the sky’s the darkest it can be,” said Rouches, whose company offers kayak trips to see the glowing plankton. “We typically recommend trying to see the bioluminescence at least an hour after the sun goes down, or even later into the evening.”
You should also head away from any light pollution if possible.
Rouches recommends waiting until the new moon, when the sky isn’t as bright.
“Full moon nights still offer bioluminescence, though it may appear subtler,” said the Olympic Outdoor Center, which offers bioluminescence kayaking tours of the Port Gamble Bay.
What’s the best way to see bioluminescence up close?
“Thanks to miles of coastline, there are plenty of places to experience bioluminescence in Washington,” State of Washington Tourism said.
The state tourism board recommends joining a guided paddle tour with a local expert for an “unforgettable after-dark adventure.”
“While sightings aren’t guaranteed, tours offer the best chance of seeing bioluminescence up close,” State of Washington Tourism said.
You can even spot bioluminescent plankton “right on the shoreline in really bright blooms,” Sara Welsh, director of community development at the Community Boating Center, told McClatchy Media in 2024. “Like even if you’re walking on the beach, the sand will start to glow and it’s like you’re walking on stars.”
What’s the best place to see glowing waves in Olympic Peninsula?
A natural fjord of the Salish Sea, Hood Canal separates the east side of the Olympic Peninsula from the Kitsap Peninsula
“Paddlers can soak in forested coastline and mountain views while enjoying calm waters,” State of Washington Tourism said, calling it a “fantastic place to see bioluminescence in Washington.”
Fort Flagler Historical State Park, on the Olympic Peninsula southeast of Port Townsend, offers “spectacular views” of the Olympic and Cascade ranges as well as the Puget Sound, according to the state tourism board.
Where can I find bioluminescence in Whatcom County?
In Whatcom County, popular places to view glowing waves include Teddy Bear Cove, Larrabee State Park. and Taylor Dock in Bellingham.
Welsh also recommended Clayton Beach and a section of Chuckanut Bay known as Mud Bay.
“The best places to view bioluminescence near Bellingham are calm, protected bays that are far from city lights,” Rouches said.
“Getting away from urban areas is key,” she said. “You’ll want to look for locations with minimal light pollution and still waters, which help enhance visibility of the glowing plankton.”
Does San Juan Island offer good bioluminescence viewing?
The Lonely Planet named the San Juan Islands one of the “best places in the world” to see “spectacular natural light shows.”
“The nutrient-rich waters of Garrison and Westcott Bays provide an ideal environment for bioluminescent microorganisms, creating a natural attraction that lures in travelers as the sun sets,” the travel guide said in 2024.
The San Juans are also among the best places to go whale watching in Washington state, according to State of Washington Tourism.
“Similar to San Juan (Island), Orcas Island’s sheltered bays provide the perfect place to view bioluminescence,” the state tourism board said.
State of Washington Tourism recommends exploring the Deer Harbor Waterfront Preserve for a chance to spot wild birds such as bald eagles, osprey and kingfishers.
Where else can I see bioluminescent waves?
State of Washington Tourism also singled out Port Gamble Bay near the mouth of Hood Canal as a “standout place to see bioluminescence.”
“Ensconced snuggly by land, the waters are calm and rich in salmon, herring and shellfish,” the state tourism board said.
Deception Pass State Park, on the north end of Whidbey Island, also offers plentiful opportunities for viewing bioluminescent waves.
Whidbey Island Kayaking described paddling around at night as “a truly memorable experience.”
“As you paddle away from shore and venture farther out into the dark, you’ll experience Mother Nature’s own light show of sparkles in the water beneath you with stars twinkling above,” the kayaking tour company said.