This year, the surge in interest from UK travellers for ‘noctourism’ holidays continues to grow, with holidaymakers seeking to ditch the daytime crowds for midnight magic*. To maximise their time away, travellers are looking for experiences after the sky turns dark, to experience the destination in a whole different way. From nighttime wildlife excursions in the Peruvian Amazon and UV night snorkelling in the Maldives, to magical outdoor movie nights in Bhutan and renowned DJ sets at Yazz Collective in Turkey, we’ve rounded up the best nocturnal activities.
Snorkelling Under the Stars in the Maldives 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-snorkeling 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.
Rare Wildlife Sightings in The Amazon and Newport Beach 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 onboard their skifts 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.
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.
Magical Movie Nights in Ibiza and Bhutan 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.
Dance the Night Away in Turkey and Greece For guests looking to spend their nights filled with music and dancing, the most expected nighttime activity, find a hotel that never sleeps and enjoy DJ sets and performers from world-class musicians. The newly opened Zélia Halkidiki has a weekly evening entertainment program designed to enchant and delight esteemed guests. With weekly changes, the hotel provides unique experiences every night, including jazz, funk and soul, curated by the resident DJ. Offering an even more intimate experience, Yazz Collective, a secluded haven only accessible by boat in Fethiye, Turkey, features renowned DJ sets every weekend, including sundown sessions and live performances creating an eclectic atmosphere that continues long into the night.
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 neighboring Island of Lavadhoo. Covered in palm trees guests can spend a night camping in total privacy under their very own nights sky.
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