As of today, out of season, returns ~July. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Sea sparkle is the visible bioluminescence produced when microscopic marine organisms, most commonly the dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans and occasionally other dinoflagellates, are mechanically disturbed by waves or movement.
Along UK coasts these blooms appear on warm, nutrient-rich nights in sheltered bays and estuaries, producing bright, ephemeral blue-green sparkles in surf and on breaking waves.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Porthleven Beach |
| Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire |
| + 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.