Washington residents don’t have to travel far to see bioluminescence. The phenomenon that causes floating microorganisms in the water to light up when the surface is disturbed can be found around the state’s shores and waters.
But one spot in the state has been named among the best in the world for viewing bioluminescence, according to Lonely Planet.
On Dec. 11, the travel guide publication released its 2024 list of nine places around the world they recommend for seeing bioluminescence. The San Juan Islands were first on the list of spectacular locations around the world.
San Juan Islands top spot for bioluminescence
The Lonely Planet list highlights Garrison Bay and Westcott Bay, both on the northwest side of San Juan Island , as top spots to see bioluminescent plankton in the nutrient-rich waters. The islands’ location between the Salish Sea and the Strait of Juan De Fuca causes cross-currents and roiling waters, which bring bioluminescent microorganisms to the surface, according to the National Park Service . NPS describes the islands as “an extremely rich area of high biological productivity.”…