Night Sky & Bioluminescence
As above, so below…
Magic of the Night
When you visit Cabana Desolation Eco Resort to truly “get away,” one often-overlooked gift is the near-total absence of light pollution. Free from the glow of towns and cities, the night sky opens up to reveal the vast scale of the universe in which we live.
On a much smaller scale, those same dark nights unveil another wonder — the glowing dance of phosphorescent plankton. Though often associated with tropical waters, this bioluminescence thrives in the warm, nutrient-rich sea of Desolation Sound.
Guests often experience both of these awe-inspiring phenomena together, as darkness is essential for the full effect. Our guides expertly time and lead these experiences, creating a safe, comfortable atmosphere while sharing the science and stories behind what you see – whether you’re lying back under a blanket, gazing at the stars, or wading into water that shimmers like thousands of fireflies at your feet.
Our Place in Time & Space
On a moonless night, once the sun has well and truly set over Vancouver Island to the west, taking a careful stroll out to the point at Cabana Desolation Eco Resort can feel like walking into an observatory.
A vast tapestry of flickering stars, neighbouring planets, swirling constellations and distant galaxies span the entire sky overhead. As your eyes adjust, the milky way – direct evidence of our place in our own galaxy amongst the immensity of the universe can be seen directly above.
As you lie on your back or sit and look up from one our well-placed chairs and pull a blanket across your knees for warmth, the immense scale of our universe is revealed.
Learn all about common constellations, planets, and other interstellar wonders; and if you’re lucky – and especially if you time your visit to coincide with the annual Perseid meteor shower in August – make a wish every time you spot a streak of fiery light flash across the night sky.
Fireflies Beneath the Waves
Leaving the point and carefully heading down to the water, dark nights in Desolation Sound are the perfect opportunity to experience a truly surreal sight.
Most people have heard about ‘bioluminescence’, but many have never experienced for themselves. This magical phenomenon is explained by millions of minuscule phosphorescent plankton dancing beneath the waves like tiny fireflies.
At Cabana Desolation, we understand that half the experience is complete immersion in your natural surroundings. Well, swimming amongst this incredible display of light is as immersive as it gets!
Our guests often describe swimming amongst the illuminated water as a once in a lifetime experience akin to the Northern Lights. Whether you decide to swim amongst it or watch from shore, it is sure to be a memorable experience.
