As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, in season, building toward peak (~August 1). Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Occasional nighttime displays of bioluminescence in St Ives Bay result from blooms of bioluminescent dinoflagellates, most commonly Noctiluca scintillans.
When the water is disturbed by waves or movement, the organisms emit a blue-green glow that outlines surf and splashes.
Events are seasonal and highly dependent on sea conditions, nutrients, and weather.
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 |
|---|
| Porthminster Beach |
| Porthmeor Beach |
| + 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.