The rare sight is overwhelming on the California coast

In the midst of the pandemic, nature brought an unprecedented gift to night seafarers in Southern California, USA, a bioluminescent wave caused by algae blooms.

Ocean waves are a phenomenon that occurs only once every few years along the southern coast of California. Locals say the waves this year are sparkling and glowing more specifically than before, possibly due to the historic heavy rainfall in the area causing seaweed to bloom. (Photo: Zuma Wire).

For some people, this natural event is even more special this year because it happened just when California's beaches reopened after a blockade due to the Covid-19 epidemic. (Photo: Zuma Wire).

Oceanic luminescent waves occur when phytoplankton bloom. During the day, these creatures float on the water causing the sea to be reddish-brown, called the red tide. These microorganisms will emit light when they are affected by force, such as when the waves hit the shore or a board glides or the paddle hits the water. (Photo: AP).

This scene caught the attention of locals in Southern California. A San Diego resident living near the coast urged local officials to restrict people from accessing the beach, saying the crowd looked like they were celebrating Independence Day. (Photo: Zuma Wire).

Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego say the light show usually takes place at least two hours after sunset. (Photo: AP).

Activities such as swimming, surfing and boating were allowed in San Diego after a period of social isolation because of Covid-19. (Photo: AP).

This amazing natural phenomenon was first observed in 1901 along the beaches of San Diego. During the day, the algae bloom, making the sea red. Unlike some types of tides that are potentially harmful to humans and marine life, the red tides in San Diego are not harmful. (Photo: Zuma Wire).

For surfers, the glowing coastline offers them a rare opportunity. Night swimmers also enjoy this opportunity because they can relax in the glittering waves. (Photo: Zuma Wire).

Dale Huntington, 37-year-old pastor at a church in southeast San Diego, woke up at 3 am after the beach reopened to be able to surf on the waves. "I've been surfing for 20 years now but I've never seen a scene like this," Pastor Huntington told the Guardian. (Photo: Reuters)

Microorganisms are also present on the sand near the coast due to waves. So pedestrians can see the glittering ground as they walk the wet sand. (Photo: Reuters)

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