Page 73 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

On the Gulf Coast, it’s typically caused by microscopic marine plankton known as dinoflagellates. When these tiny creatures are disturbed by a splash, a boat’s wake or even your footsteps in the wet sand, they give off a flash of blue-green light. The result? A shimmering glow that feels almost otherworldly.
Here in Mississippi, we’re not as famous for these magical displays as places like Puerto Rico or Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. Species like Noctiluca scintillans, sometimes called “sea sparkle,” have been spotted along the northern Gulf. These organisms tend to bloom in warm, calm waters, particularly during the summer months.
So, what are your chances of seeing it this year? I can’t guarantee a full-on glowing shoreline, but the probability increases under the right conditions. Long stretches of warm weather (we’ll definitely have that), low winds (fingers crossed that we have this), and nutrient-rich water (we definitely have this) all help dinoflagellates thrive. And if you happen to catch them on a dark, moonless night, your odds get even better.
In fact, we have two new moons left this summer, July 24 and August 22. These are
your best bets for witnessing this phenomenon. Less moonlight means a darker sky and a brighter glow. You’ll want to head out just after sunset and give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the dark.
For the best viewing, choose a location away from the city lights. Quiet, shallow waters, just like what we have throughout the Coast, are ideal. Try dragging your hand through the water, throw a shell in or just watch where the tide laps against the sand. If bioluminescent plankton are present, you’ll know right away.
In my opinion, the best way to witness this is total immersion, I mean swimming in it. I’ve been lucky enough to do this, swimming along and leaving a glowing trail in my wake. But if you’re not up for night swimming in the Gulf, I completely understand. Kayaking is another great way to see it and stay relatively dry.
Unfortunately, bioluminescence is as unpredictable as it is cool. It’s part science and part serendipity. You won’t always find it when you go looking, but when you do, it’s unforgettable.
So this summer, consider a nighttime beach walk or launch your kayak after dark. You might witness the water come alive with light. And even if you don’t, you’ll still be rewarded with the quiet rhythm of the Gulf at night—a magic all its own.