Although Bioluminescent Bay, also known as Mosquito Bay, is not on the top ten list, many water enthusiasts agree that it should be. This magical body of water is located in Vieques, Puerto Rico, which is sometimes classified as the Spanish Virgin Islands for all its astonishing beauty. By day, the bay may seem normal to the ordinary eye, but by night, the glow of bluish-green light almost casts a spell on its audience. This light is the result of micro-organisms that thrive in an environment suitable to their needs. They release energy in the form of bright light. Half plant and half animal these peculiar creatures use their powerful force to overcome the water with a glow strong enough to read a book by.
As you might imagine, over 4,000 years ago, the organisms and the light they shed so prominently, were worshipped as if they were gods unable to be understood in their glory and yet providing food by day and green fire by night. The organisms are as tiny as 1/500 inch in diameter and they flash when agitated as a defense mechanism. The flashing light can be seen for miles in all directions.
Visitors to this quiet area come back home with a deep appreciation that is difficult to translate into words and photographs but they definitely make sure that they return.
Our ecosystem is fascinating in the manner in which it works. Mangroves guard the bay and their roots stretch deep into the waters. As these roots and falling leaves begin to decompose, the scavenging bacteria produce Vitamin B12 which is one of the essential nutrients required by these organisms. Luckily, there is nowhere else for the nutrients to go since the opening to the ocean is really too narrow. This works to the advantage of the organisms keeping them healthy.
It is such a thrill to jump into the bay and become surrounded by light or to swim and leave a dazzling and sparkling trail in your wake. Island Adventures Biobay Tours offers nightly excursions on an electrically powered double-pontoon boat. Amongst the peace and serenity of the quiet evening, the boat is parked so that you may watch what unfolds in front of your eyes. If a full moon is rising, there is almost a fierce competition between the magnificent moon and the outrageous organisms to light up the night. Who can do it better? The brighter the sunlight during the day, the stronger the light given off by these micro-organisms becomes at night.
As some put it, the Bioluminescent Bay is one of the brightest in the world with between 500 and 700 hundred thousand microscopic dinoflagellates per gallon of water that light up when touched. Just imagine a lake filled with Tinkerbell’s fairy dust. It is like nothing human that you can ever imagine.
Working in its favor, Bioluminescent Bay is somewhat off the beaten track away from the threats of busy civilization. Because it is far from all of the manmade development, power boats and harmful factors of the environment, it continues to amaze with an innocent and intrinsic quality. The Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust, founded in 1985, is working hard to preserve the Bioluminescent Bay and all of its splendor. Currently, there is also a campaign against gas-powered boats, reducing pollution from bilge water and leaking engines. This is the reason that although we may have begun with six or seven of these types of bays around the world, we are now down to less than a handful, sadly enough.
Bioluminescent Bay should be on every diver’s ‘must see’ list of destinations. It is nature at its very best and brightest.
Photo Credit: Pictures are from Google Images and used photos from www.greeblemonkey.com (scene of water with lights) and earth-phenomenon.tumblr.com (beach), www.landlopers.com(day scene).
