A full of stars sea is the perception of guests when contemplating the bioluminescence at the Caribbean sea of Hotel Las Islas in Barú, Cartagena, Colombia. An incredible night show is appreciated thanks to the blue smooth light flashes that show upwhile youplunged down in these warm waters.

When may I see the bioluminescence at Barú?

A full of stars sea is the perception of guests when contemplating the bioluminescenceat the Caribbean sea

For about an hour, between nineteen and twenty hours, when nightly darkness falls and weather conditions allows us, the guests that have booked this experience previously are taken, along with a specialized tour guide, to the swamp of Cholón for the purpose of enjoying the blue light flashes while snorkeling.

The guests will never forget this unconventional and bright experience. If you are willing to photograph the species, it is better to take a good professional camera, you may not be able to capture the plankton with your mobile phone.

How is the bioluminescence produced?

There are few places around the world that offer this scene of the sea

The bioluminescence stems from the Greek bios (life) and the Latin lumen (light) and is a natural phenomenon that can be appreciated in land as well as in maritime species, some of them inhabit in the deep sea.

This phenomenon is produced by a chemical reaction between the Luciferin protein and the Luciferase enzyme that, in the presence of oxygen, generate blue or green lights.
According to experts, these organisms create this light as a mechanism of defense that protects them from predators while reproducing and uses it also as lure that attracts their prey feeding themselves.
At the sea of Barú and in the middle of the night, this incredible sight take place due to a plankton or seaweed that twinkles a gentle blue light in unison with the water movements.
There are few places around the world that offer this scene of the sea, these include:

• Barú, Cartagena, Colombia
• Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica
• Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
• Krabi, Thailand
• Vaadhoo, Maldives
• Toyama Bay, Japan

Some species that light up

This incredible sight take place due to a plankton or seaweed that twinkles a gentle blue light

This natural phenomenon can also be found in some fungus and insects as fireflies, millipedes, beetles, marine worm, mauve stinger, Firefly squid, marine hatchet fish, lantern shark, deep-sea devil anglerfish and the ctenophores.

In land, the light specimens more known are the fireflies, this insect glow to attract its pair. Nonetheless, the great part of these beings is located at the sea, the ostracodsas a good example, are little animals tiny as a sesame seed that deliver light sparkles in their feet to breed.
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Other light producers are the dinoflagellates, their measures are similar to a dust particle and moves undulatingly, they release diminutive sparks and trails that can be seen when swimming or navigating at night.

Most of these luminous beings are found in the sea

These luminous beings may be observed in front row or you can share with them totally natural scenarios, lulled by the swinging of the soft waves or the delicate melodies that produce amongst the forest. 

​Hotel Las Islas invites you to pack your swimsuit and enjoy this exclusive and light-filled experience that offer a destination as Colombia.