16/04/2026
If you come to Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Bahía Junquillal (a very good Surf spot around 35-40 min from Tamarindo) at La Cruz Guanacaste and notice this beautiful blue-green glow on the beach, you have had the privilege of observing the stunning marine bioluminescence! 🤩 🪼
This is a process that occurs when breaking the wave, swimming, walking where the waves break, pushing a paddle into the water or even swimming a fish, among others.
It is caused by a natural chemical reaction in microorganisms, mainly dinoflagellated when agitated by some of the aforementioned actions.
Three main elements are needed: luciferin (the light-producing substrate), luciferase (the enzyme that accelerates reaction) and oxygen (O2). In this sense luciferase catalyzes the reaction between luciferin and oxygen, creating oxyluciferin in an excited state. Upon returning to its base state, it releases photons of light providing this visual spectacle on our shores!
You only need the best conditions for this to happen as it happens in the case of Sector Junquillal of Área de Conservación Guanacaste which offers the necessary tourist services for your stay and enjoyment through AsoJunquillal.
📸: José Rodriguez
