The natural world is full of wonders, but is there anything more mesmerising than things that glow? Mother Nature adds this touch of whimsy to the environment in many different forms – animals, plants, fungi and celestial phenomena – and in many different places. You just have to know where to look.
No matter where you are, you’re probably close to some of these sparklers, so here’s a round-up of our favourite places to go for the glow.
Waitomo’s glowworms transform the ceiling of a cave into something that resembles a starry sky © MarcelStrelow / Getty Images
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
One of the most iconic examples of bioluminescence, the otherworldly glowworms of New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves make even the most experienced naturalists stop in their tracks. In a striking display, the worms dangle from stalactites reaching down from the caves’ ceiling, blanketing the surface in a bright blue glow.
Visitors can book a number of tours, including the main Glowworm Cave, at the nearby visitor centre.
Post-glow activities: Once you get your fill of the glittery critters, head over to the Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve and walk the trail loop, taking in views of the rocky gorge and limestone formations.
Mosquito Bay teems with microscopic creatures called dinoflagellates, which emit light when the water is disturbed © David Liittschwager / Alamy
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, the most spectacular of which is Mosquito Bay on Vieques, a small island off the east coast. Mosquito Bay has long held the title of the brightest bioluminescent spot in the world, and for good reason – millions of single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates glow bright blue when disturbed, creating a mind-blowing spectacle for those who venture out on the water via kayak. Watch fish jet out from under your boat like shooting stars, and elect for a glass-bottomed kayak to pretend you are in warp drive as you glide across the surface. Note that the phenomenon is notoriously difficult to capture on camera, so just enjoy the magic instead.
The glow was somewhat dimmed after Hurricane Maria, but the sparkling waters have bounced back to pre-hurricane levels. For the best view, book your trip on a new moon.
Post-glow activities: After soaking up the night-time magic of the bay, take advantage of the Caribbean sun – head to the mile-long golden arc of sand at Sun Bay to take in some vitamin D and admire the turquoise sea.
Synchronous fireflies dancing around the trees create a magical scene in the Great Smoky Mountains © Putt Sakdhnagool / Getty Images
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
You can spot fireflies in humid regions around the world. However, the Smoky Mountains are home to 19 different species of them, including the synchronous firefly. As one would expect given the name, these blinking bugs have a little trick up their sleeves – for a two-week period from late May to mid-June, they flick on and off in unison.
Evening access to this region of the park during prime firefly season is a hot ticket, and the park runs a lottery to avoid overcrowding.
Post-glow activities: Stick around the national park for another day and head south on the winding mountain roads to nearby Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains at 6643 feet (2024 metres). On a clear day, the peak offers views that stretch nearly 100 miles.
Head into the gloom of Alabama’s Dismals Canyon for a glowworm light show © Rommel Stribling / Alamy
Dismals Canyon, Alabama
Tucked away in a rural corner of Northern Alabama you’ll find Dismals Canyon, a National Natural Landmark home to the oldest accessible primeval forest east of the Mississippi River (ie a forest that has existed without any significant event, such as a fire or storm, affecting its growth). The canyon is a twisting ravine full of majestic flora and an array of wildlife, including the quirkily named Dismalites – glowworms.
These tiny worms line the moss-covered rocks of the canyon, and when night falls, they glitter blue in the darkness. The best time to catch the Dismalites is May through September, and you can book a guided tour with the canyon’s conservatory.
Post-glow activities: Spend the evening at one of the canyon’s cabins, and drive about an hour east the next morning to the Sipsey Wilderness, a section of the Bankhead National Forest that contains waterfalls, walking trails, horseback riding trails and canoeing routes. Motorised vehicles aren’t allowed within the wilderness boundaries, so sit back and enjoy nature at its purest.
Hallucinogenic in a good way: one of the light-emitting mushrooms of Hachijō-jima, Japan © Yuichiro Chino / Getty Images
Hachijō-jima, Japan
Glowing animals aren’t the only ones to shine – the bioluminescent mushrooms on Japan’s island Hachijō-jima make you feel like you are Alice in Wonderland. During the rainy season (which lasts from May to September), over seven different species light up the island’s forest floor. Hit the hiking trails or head to the botanical gardens to get a closer look at the fluorescent fungi.
Post-glow activities: Hachijō-jima is also home to two dormant volcanoes, photogenic beaches, and the top-notch Urami-ga-taki Onsen, a decadent spot with free entry that overlooks a waterfall.
Other glows
While bioluminescence often has us looking at the ground, other glows require you to look to the sky. When nights are clear, turn your gaze upwards for some heavenly light shows that are hard to beat.
The aurora borealis paints the sky with pulsing colours above Kiruna, Swedish Lapland © Johnathan Ampersand Esper / Getty Images
Lapland, Sweden
The landscape of Lapland, Sweden is impressive enough during the day, but head outside on a winter night for a psychedelic kaleidoscope of colour. The shimmering ribbons of the aurora borealis light up the sky with shades of green, white and purple, and the phenomenon is extra beautiful thanks to the region’s dry climate and lack of light pollution.
Post-glow activities: When your eyes get heavy from all that aurora-watching, rest your weary head on a bed worthy of an ice queen at one of the most unique hotels on the planet – Jukkasjärvi’s Icehotel.
Star trails in the night sky above Chile’s Atacama Desert © Tjalex / Getty Images
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama has been a stargazer favourite for years – thanks to the region’s arid climate and the constant Pacific winds, the skies here are among the world’s clearest. Casual viewing and stargazing tours are available (try Una Noche con las Estrellas in San Pedro), but we suggest getting nerdy and seeking out where the science happens – head to the ALMA Visitor Center, home to dozens of antennae for star-listening, or the La Silla observatory.
Post-glow activities: While the Atacama’s skies are beautiful, don’t forget to enjoy the area’s terrestrial offerings. Take a tour through the Martian landscapes of the Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte – the jagged mountains and orange-tinted sand will have you questioning which planet you are actually on.
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