The public is invited to take part in an ocean journey that will give them to chance to witness the glowing blue waters caused by seasonal algal blooms in Southern California.
The Ocean Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Dana Point, will host its popular Bioluminescence Night Cruises this summer along the Orange County coastline.
The popular night cruises, which are expected to sell out, will give guests the chance to see the dazzling natural display in person, as well as learn about the science behind the natural phenomenon.
“These cruises are one of the most magical experiences we offer,” said Sara Larrea, the Ocean Institute’s public programs and volunteer senior manager. “Guests not only witness the breathtaking beauty of the glowing ocean but leave with a deeper understanding of how these organisms fit into the larger marine ecosystem.”
The glowing light of bioluminescence is triggered by blooms of algae that light up when agitated by the water. Though it’s a beautiful, surreal sight, the blooms also serve as an important indicator of ecological conditions and environmental shifts, experts say.
The cruises include deploying a deep-sea net to collect plankton, observing marine life under a squid light, viewing glowing organisms under microscopes and engaging with educators about the role of bioluminescence in ocean life.
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These undated images provided by the Ocean Institute in Dana Point show some of the activities taking place during a nighttime bioluminescence boat tour. (Ocean Institute) -
These undated images provided by the Ocean Institute in Dana Point show some of the activities taking place during a nighttime bioluminescence boat tour. (Ocean Institute) -
These undated images provided by the Ocean Institute in Dana Point show some of the activities taking place during a nighttime bioluminescence boat tour. (Ocean Institute)
Cruises will take place between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on select nights from May through October. Tickets are $55 per person, with discounts for infants and toddlers.
The Ocean Institute says the vibrance and vividity of the bioluminescence will vary based on specific conditions each night, but the experience promises to be engaging and educational for guests of all ages.
For more information, click here.