Find Nature’s Brightest and Boldest Nighttime Displays

Vieques, Puerto Rico - Experience the magic of Mosquito Bay. The Guinness Book of World Records declared the largest bay in Vieques as the brightest on earth in 2008. Organisms named Dinoflagellates, or whirling fire, are responsible for this amazing natural phenomenon. When these “dinos” brush against another organism or are shaken, they produce a bright burst of blue light.

Southern Australia - Night hikers in Southern Australia or Tasmania just might find themselves immersed in natural illumination from the country's most famous glow-in-the-dark fungus called Omphalotus nidiformis or ghost fungus. They can be found on dead or diseased wood and often appear as a pale whitish glow at the base of eucalyptus trees. Though stunning to see, these mushrooms are toxic, so – ‘No Touching.’

Also read: Best Places to Visit in Australia

Toyama Bay, Japan - From March through June, firefly squid light up the waters of Toyama Bay in the central coast of the Sea of Japan. They're only a few inches long, however gathered by the millions, their bioluminescent blue glow makes for a spectacular sight. In Japan, these squid are considered a delicacy. The glowing firefly squid is so popular that its habitat is a tourist attraction with a dedicated museum and designation as a natural monument.

Also read: Japan Travel Tips—Especially if it's Your First Time Visiting

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives - Though the timing of the next bioluminescent event is hard to predict, tiny, bioluminescent creatures have been known to make a magnificent nighttime display lighting the waves on Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives. With the starry night as a backdrop, it's a natural occurrence that inspires many travelers.

Brazilian Rainforest – Intrepid travelers who venture into the Brazilian rainforest will be rewarded with a sighting of the Neonothopanus gardneri  bioluminescent mushroom—which shines brightly enough to read by. The mushroom was rediscovered in 2009 after last being spotted by researchers in 1840.

Also read: 7 Amazing Nature Vacations Around the World