I know that Newport Beach has truly spectacular bioluminescence. Are there other places on the coast of California where the phenomenon can be seen, particularly north of Newport Beach?
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It was spectacular in about April or May but nothing to see right now (at least where I am, on the same coast but in northern Mexico). So you might be out of luck if you're looking for something now, but I think we get it almost every year at the same time.– MidavaloAug 2, 2020 at 17:57
3 Answers
San Diego. https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2020-05-04/the-ocean-blue-bioluminescence-glows-along-sunset-cliffs (mirror):
In addition to Sunset Cliffs, the phenomenon has been particularly dramatic at Ocean Beach, the Scripps Pier area of La Jolla, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and off the San Elijo State Beach campgrounds.
La Jolla, San Diego:
(image source, author: Jesse Bowen)
Also present in Mission Bay, San Diego: https://www.instagram.com/p/ByL-EkKnDaf/
(image source, author: Jesse Bowen)
A video, still in San Diego: https://youtu.be/qlTCB_p3slY
More information on https://www.10news.com/lifestyle/exploring-san-diego/tips-on-enjoying-san-diegos-bioluminescence-waves-safely (mirror):
With the red tide along San Diego's shore, locals have been flocking to the coast nightly to catch a glimpse of bioluminescent waves.
The waves are created when phytoplankton, called "dinoflagellates," crash in the tide, reacting and causing bioluminescence when jostled
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1Note that "red tides" are seasonal (springtime) and are not very predictable as far as timing, duration, or intensity. If you plan a trip far in advance in hopes of seeing this phenomenon, you'll likely be disappointed. Jul 31, 2020 at 1:25
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I've been on a night time bioluminescence kayak tour in Tomales Bay, a bit more than an hour north of San Francisco. A couple tour companies run organized tours, or you can just bring your own kayak to the launch at Nick's Cove and paddle around Hog Island and back. While I thought the experience was very cool, when I went it wasn't nearly as spectacular as the videos and pictures usually show - it was more like some light sparkles for a short moment as your paddle or hand pushes through the water, not long trails of light. It definitely wasn't something that would be easily noticeable from outside the water.
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I know, I've been there too, that's why I specified "ocean" and "coastal". Probably the northernmost point in California where this happens though! Jul 31, 2020 at 2:55
San Clemente had strong bioluminescence due to "red waves" in May 2020, but it's gone now and currents are tough to track.