Photos from Tonight’s Oceanic Bioluminescence in San Diego

Red Tide is caused by dinoflagellates. These phytoplankton turn the water red in the daytime, hence the term red tide, but at night is a completely different story. The whitewash from larger waves explodes in bursts of neon blue that is absolutely amazing. These photos were both taken around midnight tonight at South Torrey Pines State Beach.

Lifeguard Tower 3 at Torrey Pines State Beach

Nothing says romance like a natural oceanic light show.

The moon setting in red smog during the fire season mixed with red tide creates stark contrast to that fluorescent blue in San Diego waters.