Instagrammers capture incredible pictures of ‘electric blue’ beach phenomenon in Tasmania

Visitors to Tasmania expect to paddle in crystal clear waters, but this weekend’s colourful light display was something else entirely.

Areas of Tasmania’s north-west coast glowed electric blue overnight, making the waters look as though alien life form had washed up on the beach.

The dazzling effect happens because of a natural chemical reaction called bioluminescence, which occurs when a micro-organism in the water is disturbed by oxygen.

The twinkling lights come from marine creatures and algae suspended in the water. Much like fireflies flitting through the air, the sea life emit a glow whenever they are jostled.

Waves or a moving boat hull get the twinkling organisms to show their light off, sensing a threat from the moving waters.

Sensing a good photo opportunity, the glowing phenomenon did not go unnoticed by Instagramers, who took to the beach to capture the scene in all of its glory.

"How could you not get in the ocean when you get a pretty welcome home from some rare bioluminescence plankton and a pod of dolphins?," said one Instagrammer who witnessed the scene during her wedding day.

"It was worth the sandy feet and salty wet dress for the rest of the wedding," she added.

These incredible Milky Way-esque views don’t only happen in the Tasmania. There are a few other places where you could occasionally catch this rare sight, such as Puerto Rico, Jamaica and California.