In the middle of the Indian Ocean lies the sparsely-populated island chain nation of Maldives, including Vaadhoo Island. This island in particular is known for its amazing “Sea of Stars,” where the waters glow neon blue at night. A tiny microorganism—a phytoplankton called a “dinoflagellates”—reacts with oxygen under the water and is triggered to produce this blue glow when it feels movement. Therefore, waters where these small phytoplankton live sparkle as if mirroring or capturing the stars.
This can happen in the right conditions anywhere in the world, but the mystical beaches of Vaadhoo Island are known for their breathtaking displays. Maldives also boasts extraordinary experiences with these phytoplankton on the islands of Mudhdhoo and Rangali. The glow of the mysterious phytoplankton can be seen best on moonless nights.
Vaadhoo Island has a population of about 500, and its major industries are tourism and fishing. Many tourists make a stop at Maldives on their way to India or Sri Lanka. With nearly 1200 coral reefs and ancient underwater volcanoes, the island is a playground for tourists during the day in addition to its spectacular night light show.
As a tourist, it is also one of the most amazing interactive experiences you can have—stirring the glowing blue Sea of Stars. Although some dinoflagellates have been shown to produce a toxin that is dangerous to predators such as fish when the phytoplankton are consumed, people can swirl the water or stir the sand to increase the glowing effect and not suffer harm.
Things to Do in Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
Undoubtedly, the Bioluminescence or Sea of Stars phenomenon stands out as the most popular activity on Vaadhoo Island. Tourists rush to the seashore at night to witness glowing beaches. Other than this natural phenomenon, the resorts at the island offer villas and luxury facilities. Here, you will get an opportunity to assimilate and learn about the Maldivians and their culture on this rarely populated island.
Tourists can partake in the following other activities to experience island life:
- Scuba Diving: A reef protects the Vaadhoo Island, and the diving sites rank high amongst the world's top spots. At Maldives Atolls, scuba diving is a breathtaking and expensive activity. Underwater some larger fish and colorful reef fish venture, and people can see them closely.
- Kayaking: Kayaking is another draw for the visitors to Vaadhoo Island. It is fascinating after the sunset because you can witness the beautiful hues atop the waves. It also enables us to enjoy the sea of stars phenomenon after it turns dark. Kayak is a canoe-like boat or watercraft, and people propel it with a double-bladed paddle.
- Swimming: You can stroll along the beach and leave your footprint on the beach. You can swim in the water and brave the glowing waves lapping the seashore.
- Spa treatments: Experience a relaxing spa session with deep tissue massage, pedicures, specialized facials and body scrubs, and rejuvenate your body. Sip on immune booster juices and let the toxins melt away from your system.
- Candlelight dinner by the sea of stars: Delight your taste buds with local delicacies as you spend some romantic moments with your loved one, watching the waves turn fluorescent from eateries overlooking the beach.
- Nurture your soul with yoga: After consultations with expert therapists, practice yoga on the yoga pavilions of the spas. Or, you can connect with the surrounding natural beauty with a meditation session and break free from the stress of city life.
Best Time To Visit Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
The climate on this equatorial island is pleasant all year round, with temperatures averaging between the high twenties and low thirties in Celsius. December and January are the most popular months for exploring the Maldives, with the season lasting until April. However, June to October offer the best chances for viewing the sea of stars.
How to Reach Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
Vaadhoo Island is well connected to the rest of Maldives. When travelling from India, you can board a flight from any leading metro city like Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, or Mumbai. Some carriers offer direct flights while many provide connecting flights to the Maldives. You will arrive at the Gan Island Airport and then travel on to Male, the most prominent international airport in the Maldives.
Vaadhoo Island is situated around 8km (5 miles) from the Male International Airport at the capital of Maldives which is connected by all air from all parts of the world. You can hire a speedboat and reach the island within 15 minutes from the airport.
Why Should One Visit Vaadhoo Island?
Vaadhoo Island’s uniqueness lies in its “sea of stars.” The sea of stars refers to the beach around the islands glows a beautiful blue at night just as stars would. At night, the sand and the waves appear blue giving an impression of the sky and its stars sitting on the beach.
The reason for this glow, as scrutinized by Woodland Hastings of Harvard University, is quite simple. A certain kind of phytoplankton known as dinoflagellates is the one responsible for the glow. The dinoflagellates glow the magical blue after oxygen is introduced into the water. Interestingly, the glow is a defence mechanism against predators. Further, even if the phytoplankton are eaten by fish, the luminescence continues thus marking the fish as targets to other predators. The exact science of what happens involves electrical impulses inside the dinoflagellates, a change of pH in their bodies, and finally a chemical reaction that triggers the luminescence after the introduction of oxygen.
