North Carolina's Glowing Waves Are A Strange Phenomenon That Will Take Your Breath Away

Early fall at the beach is a wonderful time, with perfect temps, smaller crowds, and…glowing waves? Beach goers who decided to take a night stroll or sit on their porch and enjoy the view were treated to something out of this world this past week along the Outer Banks – blue, electric glowing waves. The magical nighttime sight has illuminated shorelines and is an especially rare occurrence.

Facebook / Matt Vaughn Photography

Sure, if you were strolling on the beach at night your first response might be shock, wonder, and ...um, what? No, they're not mermaid fairies (I have a big imagination) they're actually phytoplankton known as dinoflagellates. While they're more commonly found in warmer waters south of here, mainly Florida and Puerto Rico, they've made their way to our coastline.

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Facebook / Matt Vaughn Photography

Due to southeastern winds and waves, the magical sight has been pushed towards our shore. Locals and visitors marveled in the sight and many were completely unaware the OBX could be home to such a mesmerizing occurrence. Matt Vaughn Photography captured these mesmerizing pictures and they were shared on social media by thousands. Some have even made their way specifically to the OBX, in places like Kitty Hawk, to witness the phytoplankton illuminating the shore.

While the pictures are beautiful, the video below posted by Kenyon Productions on YouTube allows you to experience what it might be like to witness them in person. It’s SO beautiful!

The bioluminescent phytoplankton are still being spotted along the shore, but how long they will stay is unknown. Wow, North Carolina is sure full of magic! Have you seen them for yourself?

For another magical, glowing North Carolina occurrence that takes place on the opposite side of the state, in the mountains, read about the blue ghost fireflies.