It’s a rare occurrence but a magical sight along the Outer Banks — bioluminescent waves.
Local photographer Wes Snyder has captured images of blue, glowing surf twice in the last few months, both times at Coquina Beach across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
The phenomena is believed to be the result of tiny marine plankton known as dinoflagellates, which glow and light up the water around them. They’re more common in warmer, southern waters, but southeast winds can bring them here.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association says bioluminescence is usually blue because its light travels best through water.
