Amazing glowing beach of vaadhoo island. Vaadhoo Island is a branch of heaven on earth. Maldives

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 organisms becomes such that sea water resembles milk - however, it is 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.

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's quite rare a natural phenomenon, which was filmed on his camera by William Ho (Will 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 observe a large number of people who want 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.

Vaadhoo Island is a branch of the starry sky on earth. Glowing beaches and the boundless Indian Ocean. Unique natural illumination in action.

Have you been lucky enough to get to the Maldives? Great! Boundless Ocean, classic tropics, a cozy hotel, well, in general, everything is as always. bathed in Indian Ocean, soaked up on the beach, dined at the restaurant. Anyway, let's drop these classes. Now you just need to visit the island of Vaadhoo.

We take a hydroplane or a boat and go. The distance from the capital of the Maldives, Male, is about 400 km. (if Google maps doesn't lie to us). You are in luck if the transfer service to Vaadhoo Island is already included. So, you've been rocked on a boat or seaplane, and here's the island in all its glory in front of you. By and large, during the day this island is not much different from the rest in the Maldives archipelago. The same palm trees, the same beaches, the same sand. But, the main intrigue awaits you in the evening, when the stars appear in the sky. They also appear in coastal waves.

And this is where the crazy light show begins. In the waves rolling ashore, a huge number of sea "fireflies" wake up, and the entire starry sky literally dissolves in water. All the beaches of Vaadhoo island literally start to glow. Against the background of twilight, the spectacle is unreal.

From the point of view of pundits, the phenomenon is quite common and is associated with the manifestation of chemical reactions in the simplest marine microorganisms. They are also called phytoplankton.

It should be noted that not the entire Indian Ocean glows, but only the coastal strip. It is known that the process of luminescence is closely related to mechanical action to phytoplankton, which, in turn, reacts by glowing to such irritation. That is why when the waves roll on the shore, you can see such beauty. This also explains the glowing footprints on the beach from your feet.

This phenomenon is typical not only for the island of Vaadhoo. On many islands of the Maldives you can see it. But it is on Vaadhu that the phenomenon manifests itself to the maximum extent.
You will certainly be drawn to swim in the starry sky, but, according to the people who have accomplished such a feat, this event is not entirely comfortable. The same “irritated” phytoplankton will bring you discomfort. Therefore, there are not so many who want to swim in the stars.

Well, it doesn't matter, you can just admire the embodiment of universal beauty and harmony. It will surely bring the same beauty and harmony into your life.

And in pursuit, when searching on the maps of this place, it turns out that there are two atolls with the name Vaadhoo among the numerous islands of the Maldives. And I have to admit that I'm confused. So if anyone knows on which of the two Vaadhus such fantastic phenomena occur, please let us know.

And also, if you suddenly saw this wonderful natural effect, send us photos and reviews. Mankind must know what amazing planet it lives.

A similar kind of glow can be observed even in the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand. There, unreal light comes from completely different living organisms. The vault of the caves looks more like a starry sky.

Video of glowing beaches of Vaadhoo Island

After watching this video, you will imagine what a luminous plankton is.

It is believed that beaches of the Maldives- the best in the world for beach holiday on the sea, and thanks to this, many people dream of going there to sunbathe and swim. The Maldives is Island state, which, as it is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the coast of India. This small Asian country includes 1196 coral islands which form an archipelago of 26 atolls volcanic origin. stunning Coral reefs, blue lagoons, convenient access to the sea and luxurious beaches(all the beauty of which is difficult to convey in the photo) on the islands of soft white sand with tropical vegetation complement the ideal picture of the Maldives as the best tourist destination. It is to the Maldivian beaches that you should go at any time of the year, because there is beautiful weather all year round, and prices for best hotels V low season become significantly smaller. Take, for example, one of the most famous resorts Kurumba, rest on famous beaches which tourists from all over the world come all year round (read our detailed article about it). And not in vain, because the most important thing about the beaches of the Maldives is that, unlike the beaches and, they are very clean and beautiful.

Sandy, white and virtually untouched beaches in the Maldives located on the shores of numerous coral islands and are today the main tourist attractions and their most important value. Indeed, because of the coral reefs, clean sea and the best beaches, the country is considered one of the most preferred destinations for a beach holiday. Thousands of people fly here every day from all over the world. This is because the beaches in the Maldives provide tourists with a very calm atmosphere, conducive to complete relaxation, and also provide an opportunity to enjoy the sea, sun, palm trees and tropical fruits.

basic information

In addition to stunning beauty and privacy, maldivian beaches they also have beautiful and well-maintained, and right on the shore of the island or close to it. Of course, the best beaches belong to the most expensive and, but 3 * budget guesthouses (for example, or) have all the amenities and opportunities to spend an unforgettable beach holiday in the Maldives comfortably.

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Tourists can simply relax in the tranquil setting of the beaches, take a walk around the island or have a bite to eat in the shade of tall palm trees. A delightful combination of white sand and shady palm trees makes beach holiday on the shore bright and memorable. No extraneous noise, only rustle sea ​​waves and total relaxation!

In addition, some Maldivian beaches have magnificent lagoons, such as Guraidhoo, located near the island. Cocoa Island, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a great beach holiday on the sand under the sun or in the shade of a palm tree. But a luxury hotel on the island of Rangali - Rangali Island(read it) boasts that its velvet sandy beaches located on two islands connected by a bridge!

The best beaches in the Maldives with a sandbar on the island of Cocoa Island

One of the most popular beaches in the Maldives is the beach Veligandu Island Delightful white sand adds a subtle touch to the beauty of the beach, surrounded by diverse marine life and amazing snorkeling opportunities. And one more best beach Park Hyatt Hadahaa located on a small isolated island surrounded by a beautiful closed lagoon and is considered truly exclusive.

In addition to limitless relaxation, the beaches of Male Atoll are also famous among the experienced for their stunning reefs, well suited for deep sea diving and scuba diving for the purpose of research marine life and enjoy interesting encounters with underwater inhabitants. One of the best is Kuda Huraa - Four Seasons Kuda Huraa located in the middle of a coral reef.

Read also:

In a hotel Four Seasons great house reef!

Features of the Maldivian beaches

Going to maldivian beaches it should be borne in mind that they are subject to a number of strict rules related to the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim country. So, here's what you need to know:

• In the Maldives - beaches and other public places are valid. You cannot bring alcohol into the country and buy alcoholic beverages in stores here. Drinking alcohol (as well as religious intolerance) can even land you in jail. An exception is made only for tourist restaurants where you can order alcoholic drinks to the table. There are also floating alcohol bars that ply the open sea, they can be reached by boat.
• Swimming in the nude is also strictly prohibited. On inhabited islands (where the local population lives), there is a ban even on being in a swimsuit, and you can’t even be naked on the beach. You also need to swim in the sea only dressed. Although usually on big islands one of the beaches stands out for tourists and you can sunbathe there.
• On the resort islands, it is allowed to be in a bikini, just sunbathe, and you can also swim on local beaches in a swimsuit. Although there are exceptions. It all depends on the hotel itself and its concept. Somewhere there are clear rules, but in other places everything is simpler. For example, in hotels family vacation bikinis may be banned. But on the local islands you can’t walk in a swimsuit. With the exception of .
• It is important to pay attention to the security policy environment held by the hotel. So, on the beaches of some of the islands included in biosphere reserve, it is only allowed to walk barefoot to protect the local ecosystem. It is also forbidden to bring pets with you to the Maldives.

You won't be bored on the beaches of the Maldives. Here, in addition to relaxing and sunbathing, tourists can also choose different water sports sports such as parasailing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, catamaran trips and even sailing. Separately, it is worth mentioning the excursions to neighboring islands and their beaches.

• About our experience of ordering excursions in the Maldives from Maafushi beach and their prices.

Right from the beaches in the Maldives, you can see the numerous inhabitants of coral reefs - crabs and various fish, turtles, rays and even small sharks. Swimming and fishing are also very popular among tourists. You can also participate in fishing from a boat and catch some big fish with a line. Believe me, it's incredibly interesting!

• Read more.

Glowing beach in the Maldives

At nightfall, some of the beaches in the Maldives are illuminated by thousands of bright neon lights. This phenomenon is called " glowing beach "due to the fact that some vacationers here did not expect to see such a bright and unusual glow right along the coast.

The secret behind this amazing picture is that at certain times of the year, so-called “bioluminescent phytoplankton” develop in the lagoons along Maldivian beaches, which are in a state of excitement (for example, when waves hit them against Sandy shore) starts to glow.

Very often this unusual glow on the beach can be observed from June to February, especially during the new moon. The dark sky makes it possible to observe the flickering light of these microorganisms as the brightest in almost any of the atolls of the Maldives, but experienced travelers talk about one of the best glowing beaches in the Maldives - Mudhdhoo Island .

Maldives - photo of Dusit hotel beach on Mudhdhoo island

Here I will show my photos of the beaches of the Maldives, which we visited personally during our holiday in the Maldives.

We saw the very first beach in the Maldives near the airport

This garbage beach back side inhabited islands in the Maldives

And here is the whole water center located on the beach

A beach holiday in the Maldives under a palm tree is the perfect picture of a dream

Maldives - beaches on the map of atolls with hotels and resorts

A detailed map of the beaches of the Maldives with the names of the islands and the hotels and resorts located on them (clickable, click for details)

What else is important to know about the Maldives and beaches

It is important for everyone who is going to relax on the beach in the Maldives to know the following information:

• About 80% of the land area in the Maldives is covered with sand. Therefore, high-heeled shoes or men's shoes are unlikely to be useful to you here. Unless for evening events in the most luxurious hotels, where it is possible to walk on a hard surface.
• When you go on an excursion to the island with local population dress appropriately - shoulders and knees should be covered with light clothing. Avoid interacting with married women for obvious reasons.
• Fishing in the Maldives is possible only on organized fishing in the presence of an experienced fisherman. Self-fishing for tourists is prohibited. However, you can silently stand on the sidelines and look at how the locals go fishing right from the shore.
• If you decide to go scuba diving, then in no case do not pick up or collect fragments of coral and other marine life from the bottom.
• In the Maldives, there are small coastal sharks that will not harm humans. However, it is better not to approach or touch them. As well as rays, which can cause serious injury. On the beach, watch your step to avoid stepping on a hermit crab or crab.

And in conclusion, I want to show our short video from the beach in the Maldives - a hammock under a palm tree over the sea:

Text: Sergey Babkin

Travel season is in full swing but even if you are not going anywhere yet, nothing prevents you from dreaming and making plans for the future. We are talking about several beaches where you really want to get to sooner or later - so spectacular that even opponents of a beach holiday will not resist them.

Glowing beach in the Maldives

Some species of plankton have evolved the ability to glow in the dark. They do this to distract the fish or to put them into a stupor of surprise - the same thing happens with people. When such plankton wash ashore, the entire beach begins to glow. You can see it in the Maldives. There, the season of glowing beaches lasts from July to February, and it is best to come during the new moon period: on the darkest nights, the spectacle will be most impressive. The beaches glow on all atolls of the country, but it is best to go to eastern islands archipelago.

Black Icelandic Vik Beach

black volcanic beaches there are many on earth, but Vik, the most south point Iceland deserves to be celebrated in a special way. The sand here consists of deep black basalt rock, and the beach itself is surrounded by rocks of a strange pointed shape of the same origin (according to Icelandic legends, they were once trolls). You can also see puffin colonies there, but it's best to be careful: the region is home to the Katla volcano, which has not erupted in over 100 years - and this may mean that it may soon become more active.

Penguin colony in South Africa

Icelandic puffins are very good, but now imagine penguins on the beach, and even South African ones. Boulders Beach is located near Cape Town - in national park Table Mountain - and is surrounded by granite rocks of bizarre shapes. Despite the fact that human settlements are not so far away, rare penguins can be seen there. The colony of several thousand birds are the descendants of just two pairs of penguins that were brought here in the 1980s. In general, to look at almost the most charismatic birds in the world, you don’t have to go to Antarctica. Moreover, having driven only a few hundred kilometers, you can also look at the typical African fauna.

Hot beach in New Zealand

There is a beach 200 kilometers from New Zealand Auckland Hot water. It is so called because of the hot springs that are located right next to the coast. A lot of tourists go there and local residents, whose favorite pastime is to dig holes in the sand for themselves. Water begins to seep into these holes at a temperature of up to 64 degrees, so that a natural bath is obtained, and even with a view of the ocean. True, in sea ​​water it is better not to swim there because of the strong current, which is quite capable of carrying away the swimmer: there were also victims.

Aircraft
in the Caribbean

On the island of Saint Martin, part of the Dutch province of Sint Maarten, which, however, is located not in Europe, but in the Caribbean region, there is Maho Beach, which is worth a trip to all lovers civil aviation. Located right next to the beach international Airport Princess Juliana, which links the island to the rest of the world. Because of this, planes fly close to the beach at a surprisingly low altitude. This has made Maho one of the most photogenic beaches in the world, where, however, you should take care of your safety. In certain places, air currents from aircraft turbines can blow people into the sea, so around runway a fence was installed, because of which it is not so easy to get very close to the equipment.

Pigs
in the Bahamas

Those who do not like the beach with airplanes can take a break from technology modern world in the company of wild pigs inhabiting the uninhabited (human) Big Major reef. The pigs were brought to the island by the sailors of a passing ship, who thought they would return for them, so that they could then be cooked and eaten. This did not happen, and in the meantime, the pigs began to actively breed due to the fact that the ships often dumped excess food into the water. There are springs on the island fresh water and there are no predators, so nothing threatens the pigs. They love to swim in clear sea water with tourists - which is much more interesting than swimming on a banana. True, it will not be possible to be here alone with the pigs: the popularity of the beach was added by the beloved by many "pig" instagram with 250 thousand subscribers.