The so-called ‘sea of stars’ is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
This phenomenon is caused by a natural chemical reaction known as bioluminescence, which occurs when a microorganism in the water is disturbed by oxygen. These microorganisms or marine microbes are called phytoplankton and there are a variety of its species that create bioluminescence seen in different parts of the world.
The images depicted on the internet are of Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll,​(not to be confused with Vaadhoo Island in South Malé Atoll)​ ​which requires a domestic flight transfer and a stay on either a local island or a resort island.
The bioluminescence can occur throughout the country’s 26 atolls​ in varying degrees. ​Visitors to the Indian Ocean archipelago say they have had the most luck seeing the blue glow from about July to February, especially during a new moon since the darkness of the sky helps intensify the light.