Chasing the Bioluminescent Phenomenon: Capturing Cape Town's Red Tide

As a photographer deeply inspired by nature's fleeting wonders, I have been fortunate to capture a rare and mesmerizing event along Cape Town's coastline several times over the past six years: the bioluminescent red tide. This natural phenomenon, where the ocean's waves emit an ethereal blue glow, is both a visual marvel and a subject of ecological intrigue.

What Causes the Glow?

The bioluminescence during red tides is caused by blooms of tiny marine organisms called dinoflagellates, specifically Noctiluca scintillans. During the day, these blooms can make the water look reddish, but at night, they light up when disturbed—whether by waves, a passing fish, or even a hand running through the water. It’s an unreal sight, almost like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Not all red tides are harmless, though. Some algal blooms can produce toxins that harm marine life and even affect humans. While Noctiluca scintillans doesn’t produce toxins, large blooms can deplete oxygen in the water, which can have a knock-on effect on local ecosystems. 

How to Capture the Magic

Having photographed this event quite a few times now, I’ve learned that getting the best shots requires a bit of patience and the right camera settings. The glow can be quite faint, so using a longer exposure helps bring it out. However, to really capture the detail in the waves as they break, a shorter exposure of around 5-10 seconds works best. Shooting at f/2.8 (or lower, if your lens allows) lets in more light, while an ISO between 1600-3200 helps balance brightness without adding too much noise. A sturdy tripod is a must, as is a remote shutter or timer to avoid any camera shake.

An Unforgettable Experience

Every time I’ve been lucky enough to see this phenomenon, it’s been absolutely surreal. One of the most memorable nights was at Kogelbaai beach, where the glow was so strong that each wave lit up as it crashed. People were running through the shallows, leaving glowing footprints in their wake, and the whole scene had this dreamlike quality to it. Standing there with my camera, watching the ocean come alive with electric blue light, was a moment I’ll never forget.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Experiencing and photographing the bioluminescent red tide never gets old. It’s a reminder of how incredible and unpredictable nature can be. Every time I go out to shoot it, I find myself just as amazed as the first time. Through my photos, I hope to share that sense of wonder and maybe even inspire others to head out on their own nighttime adventures.

If you ever hear reports of bioluminescence along the Cape Town coastline, grab your camera, head to the beach, and take it all in. You won’t regret it! Oh, and let me know as well :)