When stirred at night, these plantlike life-forms glow beautifully. Each gallon of Mosquito Bay water holds some 750,000 dinoflagellates. Their combined light creates spectacular evening shows. But here, the water glows brightly year-round. Each night Grasso shows off the natural beauty of the bay.
Passengers stare in awe as the tour boat leaves a glittering trail.
They dip their hands in the water, leaving greenish-blue trails of their own. Mosquito Bay's displays are threatened, however. Bright artificial light from nearby developments can outshine the natural glow. Pollution, destruction of mangrove trees, dredging, land development, and overuse of the bay's water can kill the fragile dinoflagellates. The magic of Mosquito Bay should live on forever.