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The Rise of Noctourism

As daylight fades, a new world awakens. In 2025, luxury travellers are increasingly seeking to escape the daytime crowds and immerse themselves in nocturnal adventures. This growing trend, known as 'noctourism' offers unique experiences that unfold under the moonlight, from bioluminescent beaches to starlit safaris.
Whether it's swimming through glowing coral reefs in the Maldives, embarking on moonlit wildlife excursions in the Peruvian Amazon or enjoying outdoor cinema under the stars, the night reveals a side of the world often unseen.

Noctourism

Nighttime Snorkelling
For those wanting to experience a magical underwater paradise in the peace of the night, nighttime snorkelling is an unmissable activity, giving participants the chance to spot amazingly rare and beautiful sea life that doesn’t come out during the day.
COMO Cocoa Island offers UV night-snorkelling after dark in its house reef, where guests can swim through a sea of neon as corals emit stunning hues of fluorescent greens, yellows, reds, and oranges, transforming each snorkel into a journey through a vibrant, otherworldly landscape. For certified divers JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a nighttime diving experience where guests are whisked away on a Dhoni boat trip before being immersed in a dazzling underwater paradise.

Noctourism

Rare Wildlife Sightings by Night
For nature’s exquisite wildlife, the day does not end when the sun goes down, and nighttime wildlife excursions offer explorers the chance to spot rare nocturnal creatures and become engulfed by the wild of their surroundings.
Aqua Nera offers expertly guided dusk cruises along the El Dorado River, an Amazon experience like nothing else under the twinkling stars. Guests taking part are forced to surrender to the sounds of the eerie jungle with limited vision, a whole other side to the Amazon, whilst their guides hunt out beautiful creatures from rainforest frogs to Jaguars. Newport Beach in Southern California boasts ten miles of coastline where visitors can marvel at one of the most incredible natural wonders at nighttime – glowing plankton lighting up the water. The otherworldly sight is caused by a chemical reaction in a planktonic organism called dinoflagellates and guests can experience the mesmerising display of the sparkling blue-green algae being stirred by the boat's movements and possibly spot dolphins swimming in the glowing waves.

Noctourism

Night Swimming in Dubai
Known for its high temperatures, visitors to Dubai can cool off after dark at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s SAL beach club, which will extend its opening hours into the night throughout the summer season. Alongside pool access, guests can enjoy live DJ sets, drinks, and a selection of dishes from SAL’s poolside menu – an ideal way to experience one of Dubai’s most iconic locations away from the heat of the day. The luxury beach club is located on The Terrace, an expansive overwater platform stretching 100 metres out to sea, with picturesque views of the Dubai skyline, which glows brightly under the night sky.

Noctourism

Stargazing in the Maldives
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply love passing the time admiring the stars, stargazing is the perfect nighttime activity. Set in one of the most remote locations in the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi is renowned as one of the Maldives' top stargazing destinations, offering clear skies and minimal light pollution - perfect for admiring constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. During the dry season, guests can take advantage of the dark skies with experiences such as dining beneath the stars or night swimming under the glow of the sky. For a sky full of stars that’s completely yours, COMO Maalifushi, offers a castaway sleepover on the uninhabited neighbouring Island of Lavadhoo. Covered in palm trees guests can spend a night camping in total privacy under their very own nights sky.

Noctourism

Movies under the Stars
For those wanting to keep their evenings relaxed and stress free, but still enjoy a nocturnal experience, outdoor movie nights are the perfect option. Creating a refreshing change from traditional indoor cinema experience, outdoor screenings allow guests to relax and enjoy classic films under the dazzling sky, with the added benefit of fresh air whilst being immersed in their natural surroundings. Pemako Punaka offers bespoke outdoor movie nights under the twinkling stars in the heart of Bhutan – one of the world’s most peaceful countries – without any disruptions. For those seeking a cinematic experience closer to home, Amanté Ibiza offers starlit screenings on a breathtaking cliff-top overlooking Sol d’en Serra Bay, on the island’s unspoiled northern coast. With a relaxed, barefoot ambiance and timeless films like Lost in Translation and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Amanté provides the perfect setting to lose yourself in a great movie under the stars.

Posted 06/06/2025

I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.

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The Rise of Noctourism

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