Glowing beach in the Maldives: where is it located? Travel Ideas: Unusual Beaches of the World

On our planet there are still places that can greatly surprise. And one of these places is the beach in the Maldives.

This glowing fluorescent blue beach is not a photoshopped photo - it is a rather rare natural phenomenon that was captured on his camera by William Ho, a Taiwanese photographer. The glow of water near the surf is caused by tiny microorganisms called bioluminescent phytoplankton (Lingulodinium Polyedrum).

Phytoplankton reacts to water vibrations in a peculiar way, emitting light. As a result of this, each new wave takes on a bluish color. It is also very interesting to watch surfers who decide to go surfing at night. While floating on the water, their board leaves behind a luminous plume on the water. Also, your footprints in the sand begin to glow if you walk near the surf.

It should be said that scientists have discovered the secret of the glow of water. Light is emitted by microscopic plankton. Gathering in large clusters, it leads to the fact that the water begins to glow for quite a large area that it becomes even noticeable from space.

From a scientific point of view, the "luminous" apparatus of plankton functions as follows. With oscillatory movement in water in a unicellular organism, an electrical impulse is formed directed towards the vacuole located inside the cell. This vacuole is a kind of membrane filled with protons. In turn, scintollons are connected to the vacuole - special membrane chambers filled with a special fluorescent substance - luciferase. At the moment when the vacuole is affected by an electrical impulse, the so-called proton gate opens, which leads to the fact that hydrogen ions begin to move into the scintillon and lead to a reaction in it, due to which it begins to emit a blue glow.

Of course, at this time you can see a large number of wishing to look at this unforgettable spectacle, but surfers tend not to miss their chance and ride the luminous wave, although it is undesirable to do so, because. luminous plankton produces toxins harmful to humans, so it is still better to watch the beautiful glow from the shore.

Only one word Maldives causes us a storm of indescribable emotions. Favorite place of Russian and foreign stars. The resort is located south of India and consists of small islands. There are about 1200 of them in total. The story goes as follows: the Maldives was formed as a result of a thousand-year growth of coral reefs that died off and formed white islands. And they conquered the whole world.

Maldives as a place for beach and tourist recreation

The climate in the Maldives is maritime, mild and warm. beach season the resort starts from November to April. At this time, there is almost no rain here, the air temperature is 28-30 degrees, a light breeze slightly blows over the body. From May to October, the temperature drops by a couple of degrees. There are short but heavy rains.

Important! All the islands of the Maldivian Grenada are tiny, so one hotel can occupy whole island. Guests do not need to worry about the place - there is one for everyone.

The gentlest sea on the local beaches is shallow (up to the chest of an adult). So tourists don't have to worry about children here. They will be in complete security. Some beaches can be completely rented, where the tourist will be given bungalows and other "heavenly delights".

The main entertainment in the Maldives - underwater diving. And there is a good explanation for this. crystal pure water, extraordinary Coral reefs and the same underwater inhabitants. Such beauty cannot be found anywhere in the world.

maldives island

Other entertainment in the Maldives include:

• windsurfing;
• parasailing;
• water skiing;
• boats and canoes;
• dive into clear waters with mask and fins. No one will be bored here.

For wildlife lovers, there are charms worth seeing. These are huge and large palm trees and flowering shrubs, or coral reefs with blue, pink and crimson hues.

Of the attractions you need to visit the Friday mosque in the city of Mali (the capital of the Maldives). Built from reefs, it fascinates tourists. In the past - a pagan temple, now a church for Muslim pilgrims. It conquers with an unprecedented mosaic, which is not found anywhere else in the world.

Note! It is better to be in public places in long skirts (for women) and trousers (for men). Too "bare" may be misunderstood by the local population.

Which island is the most attractive for tourists? Among all, Vaadhu stands out in particular. about him and will be discussed further, what makes it remarkable.

Vaadhoo island on the map of Maldives

The description of Vaadhoo Island states that it is located in Raa Atoll ( administrative center Maldives). Time seems to slow down here. This is one of the most popular places at tourists. Only 500 people live on the island. To get to the resort, you must first fly to Mali airport. And from there, already on a comfortable boat or on a seaplane straight to " Paradise Island". The road to the island takes only 15-20 minutes.

Vaadhoo Island on the map

It should be noted that the rest on Vaadhoo is very expensive. At the height of the season, you will have to pay about $ 3,000 * for the tour (cost per person). A truly heavenly place where not everyone can go.

What is Vaadhoo Island famous for?

Vaadhoo Island is the most populated and interesting island in the Maldives. Tourists from all over the world come here. Indian Ocean rich in marine flora and fauna. There are many exotic fish that can only be seen in this place.

Glowing beaches in the Maldives

But the main attraction of the island is its unusual beaches. During the day, they are unremarkable, but with the onset of darkness, a "glow" begins, which is not found anywhere else in the world. As they say - "to see and die."

Interesting! The surrounding sea lights up with millions of "light bulbs". A spectacle that lasts from the onset of the first twilight until early morning.

The luminous beach on Vaadhoo is called the Maldives "Sea of ​​​​Stars" (Sea of ​​Stars). Scientists explain the phenomenon by the fact that millions of microorganisms live in the waters of the island. During the chemical processes in their body, energy is released that glows like fluorescent bulbs. Especially a lot of energy during the breeding season of plankton. Organisms multiply tens and thousands of times and begin to shine brighter and brighter. It is noteworthy that during the mating season of dinoflagellates, the glow is visible even from space. Amazing light effect!

Another interesting fact. Luminous plankton in the Maldives, which can be seen on Vaadhoo, is also observed on other islands. But here it is the brightest. That is why the island is so attractive for tourists. Not the whole Indian Ocean glows, but only it coastal zone. And this is due to the mechanical impact on phytoplankton. When waves roll on the shore, the organisms are excited. During the exit from the ocean, the feet of tourists leave a glowing footprint in the sand.

Additional Information! During the strong breeding of luminous plankton, scientists advise to refrain from swimming in the sea. The thing is that, multiplying, unicellular phytoplankton releases dangerous toxic substances. They can harm the human body. Despite this, even without swimming in the sea, you can enjoy incredible views of the glowing ocean.

Glowing beach in the Maldives

What tourists advise who visited the Maldivian resort

When relaxing on the island, it is important to remember that fishing is not allowed here (this can only be done on organized fishing trips). Do not pluck or lift corals from the bottom. There are sharks on the island. They are not dangerous, but you should not approach them. But who should be feared is the stingrays. They can really cause serious damage to human health.

Swimming nude on the Sea of ​​Stars is strictly prohibited. Muslim traditions are observed on the island. It's not easy with alcohol either. It can only be consumed in hotels. In the rest of the territory, it is better to refrain from alcoholic beverages.

When going to markets and shops, you can bargain with everyone. Sellers of souvenirs and other utensils are very overpriced. They know that tourists have money.

night island

Tipping in the Maldives

Officially, the tip is nowhere prescribed and is not discussed. Unofficially, a hotel employee is given $10 a week, a waiter - $5. Some hotels still include tips in the payment. Usually they are 10% of the cost of the services provided.

What water to drink on the island

Those who have already rested on the island are advised to drink only bottled water. After all, local water is desalinated sea water. At high temperatures, it quickly deteriorates. Important advice which will save you from diarrhea.

But these are all trifles, the main thing is rest. The Maldives is still one of the the best resorts peace. Although expensive, it attracts tourists with its wildlife. Rest here leaves an imprint for life. Forget about the sorrows of life, soak up the sun, swim with exotic fish. Royal rest for all 100%.

*Prices are current as of September 2018.

Plankton washed up on the beaches of Vaadhoo Island (Maldives) colors the shores with thousands of lights. The glow is explained by bioluminescence - chemical processes in the body of animals, in which the released energy is released in the form of light. Blue luminous waves seem to reflect the stars in the sky over the Maldives!!!

Luminous unicellular dinoflagellates trigger their illumination from movement in the water column: an electrical impulse resulting from a mechanical stimulus opens ion channels, the work of which activates the "luminous" enzyme.

Scientists have managed to finally solve the mystery of the glow of dinoflagellates - marine protozoa that make up a significant part of pelagic plankton. Some groups of these single-celled organisms, such as noctules, have the ability to bioluminesce. When gathered together, they can be seen even from space: the huge ocean surface emits a bluish light.

According to scientists, the bioluminescent apparatus of these protozoa works like this. When moving in the water column, mechanical forces cause an electrical impulse, which rushes into the cell, to a special vacuole. This vacuole, a hollow membranous vesicle, is filled with protons. It is connected to scintollons - membrane vesicles with a "luminous" enzyme luciferase. When an electrical impulse comes to the vacuole, a proton gate opens between it and the scintillon. Hydrogen ions flow into the scintillon and acidify the environment in it, which makes the bioluminescent reaction possible.

Best of all, the glow of these protozoa can be observed during the breeding season: the number of unicellular becomes such that sea ​​water resembles milk - however, it is too bright blue. However, admiring dinoflagellates should be done with caution: many of them produce toxins that are dangerous for humans and animals, so when there are too many of them, get aesthetic pleasure from glowing tide will be safer on the beach.

No comments, be the first! 7987 Fourth Estate July 04, at 19:13

Do you think it is possible to see a beach where the water off the coast glows at night, as if a million fireflies swim there? Moreover, the beach is not near the chemical plant, and you did not use drugs. The answer is you can! It is enough just to go to the Maldives, namely to the island of Vaadhoo.

Vaadhoo Island is a pleasant place that has become famous not only for its well-developed tourism infrastructure. It is here that the water off the coast of the ocean glows with an otherworldly, bright blue hue. A fabulous sight attracts tourists from all over the world to the island. If in the Black Sea such a phenomenon is very rare and not pronounced, then here you can literally enter the water column, which sparkles like a magic potion of wunshpunsh.

The water becomes like this magic potion because it is filled with plankton with a high level of bioluminescence. Each tiny creature actively emits bright blue light, and together they create an incredible effect, inimitable and unique. The glow of the water is best seen during the breeding season of plankton - then there is so much of it that the surf is completely painted in a bright blue color.

However, in this natural phenomenon there is also a small danger. It is known that a significant concentration of these small creatures in the water can pose a threat to humans. After all, many representatives of plankton are capable of producing toxins that adversely affect our health. Therefore, it is better to stay on the shore and admire how a fantastic blue wave covers the sand. At other times of the year, when plankton does not breed, you can swim on the beaches of Vaadhoo Island without worrying about your health.

It is worth visiting this island for those who are fond of diving or underwater photography. Indeed, in the waters of Vaadhoo, stunning corals and unprecedented animals are hiding from a person. Those who are looking for diversity from the usual flora and fauna often come here - Vaadhoo is famous for its unusually beautiful seabed. Of course, going to the island of Vaadhoo, you can confidently count on a variety of hotels with all the amenities and plenty of entertainment. Like all Maldives, this one is adapted to meet guests at any time of the year.

Unfortunately, we have to admit: to see the natural light show with your own eyes is an expensive pleasure. A tour to the Maldives purchased through an agency will cost a minimum of $3,000. But there is also good news: If you are a brave and confident enough traveler, you can cut the cost by going on a trip on your own.

Plankton washed up on the beaches of Vaadhoo Island (Maldives) colors the shores with thousands of lights. The glow is explained by bioluminescence - chemical processes in the body of animals, in which the released energy is released in the form of light. Blue luminous waves seem to reflect the stars in the sky over the Maldives!!!

Luminous unicellular dinoflagellates trigger their illumination from movement in the water column: an electrical impulse resulting from a mechanical stimulus opens ion channels, the work of which activates the "luminous" enzyme.

Scientists have managed to finally solve the mystery of the glow of dinoflagellates - marine protozoa that make up a significant part of pelagic plankton. Some groups of these single-celled organisms, such as noctules, have the ability to bioluminesce. When gathered together, they can be seen even from space: the huge ocean surface emits a bluish light.

According to scientists, the bioluminescent apparatus of these protozoa works like this. When moving in the water column, mechanical forces cause an electrical impulse, which rushes into the cell, to a special vacuole. This vacuole, a hollow membranous vesicle, is filled with protons. It is connected to scintollons - membranous vesicles with a "luminous" enzyme luciferase. When an electrical impulse comes to the vacuole, a proton gate opens between it and the scintillon. Hydrogen ions flow into the scintillon and acidify the environment in it, which makes the bioluminescent reaction possible.

Best of all, the glow of these protozoa can be observed during the breeding season: the number of unicellular organisms becomes such that sea water resembles milk - though too bright blue. However, one should be careful when admiring dinoflagellates: many of them produce toxins dangerous for humans and animals, so when there are too many of them, it will be safer to enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of the glowing tide on the shore.