SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — From glowing sand, seemingly electrified surfing and illuminated waves crashing along the San Diego shoreline, bioluminescence has been vividly present in recent weeks.

This is especially true in the area of the Scripps Pier in La Jolla.

On Thursday, UC San Diego photographer Erik Jepsen, once again, captured the phenomenon that continues to dazzle so many. This time, however, the cameraman worked his magic not on shore, but out at sea.

Images and video were captured from both the sky and aboard a small boat that launched off the Scripps Pier Thursday evening, offering new perspectives of the prominent bioluminescence.

The boat radiated neon blue, with a streaming trail so bright that it lit up the dark waters as night set in.

As explained by experts at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, bioluminescent red tides off San Diego are typically formed due to aggregations of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra (L. polyedra), a species well-known for its displays of light.

At night, when the phytoplankton are agitated by waves or other movement in the water, they emit that dazzling neon blue glow that so many go searching for.

According to Scripps staff scientist Melissa Carter, the current red tide off San Diego is made up of L. polyedra and another dinoflagellate species, Akashiwo sanguinea.

Scientists are not able to predict how long the current red tide will last, as previous events have lasted anywhere from one week to a month or more. 

For those hoping to experience the magic of bioluminescence, the sooner the better when it comes to your chances. Head to the shore at nightfall and neon blue may very well reflect in your eyes.

More information on red tides can be found here.