Separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from mainland Marin County, Tomales Bay is a gorgeous inlet of water that begs to be explored. The bay’s picturesque scenery has made it popular among nature lovers for all types of outdoor recreation. However, you’re in for an especially fantastic treat when you visit the bay at nighttime. On a seasonal basis, Tomales Bay lights up with bioluminescence after the sun goes down. The effect results in glowing waves of vibrant blue color! It’s definitely a unique sight to witness, so make it your mission to see this natural phenomenon with your own eyes.
There are a few rare spots along our state's coastline where the water takes on a luminous quality come nighttime. Tomales Bay in Marin County is one of them and you'll want to be sure to see its bioluminescent beauty for yourself.
The first thing you're probably wondering is what exactly makes the water at Tomales Bay glow brightly like this. The brilliant light show is the result of bioluminescent organisms called dinoflagellates that live just beneath the water's surface. These organisms emit a blue-green light as a defense mechanism against attackers.
Bioluminescence is best observed on dark moonless lights when the water is calm. At Tomales Bay, you can usually spot the glowing waters from spring through fall. The water typically isn't stable enough in winter for the organisms to settle and emit their glow.
You can see these chunks of glowing blue light from the shore if you're lucky, but nothing beats getting out there on a kayak to see it up close and personal. There are several companies in the area that specialize in nighttime kayak tours of Tomales Bay, including Blue Waters Kayaking at Point Reyes Station.
Blue Waters Kayaking boasts a wide variety of rentals, tours, and classes for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Tomales Bay. They offer all types of kayaking and hiking tours, but the Evening Bioluminescence Paddle is a must for those who wish to see the bay's vibrant glow-in-the-dark waters.
The dinoflagellates are known to put on an amazing show for kayakers who venture out into the bay's stark nighttime waters. Schools of fish often create a phosphorescent trail, like a giant glowing cloud in the water, and it's a stunning thing to witness.
Bioluminescence is actually quite common in marine life, but it's definitely not very often you get to see it like this! If you have yet to see this strange natural phenomenon at Tomales Bay, consider it the adventure you tackle next.
Did you know about the glowing waves at NorCal’s Tomales Bay? Now, this is something you simply have to see for yourself sometime. If you know of any other bioluminescent destinations, feel free to share them in the comments below.
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