Bioluminescent Waves Put On A Show For Newport Beach Boaters

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Travelers aboard a Newport Coastal Adventure vessel were treated to a special sight Sunday evening: bioluminescent waves.

The waves were spotted during Newport Coast Adventure's Bioluminescence Night Cruise, according to Education & Communications Manager for Newport Whales Jessica Roame.

According to Roame, bioluminescence is caused by tiny phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, which are light-producing organisms that live in the ocean.

When the plankton bloom, they create luminescent waves on the water.

"It’s hard to predict when or where these tiny plankton will bloom, or how long it will stick around — which is one reason this is so cool to be happening right here within range of our boats," Roame told Patch.

Residents can grab tickets to Newport Coast Adventure's Bioluminescence Night Cruises online.