Jamaica is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations and for good reason. The island nation has some of the most beautiful beaches and pristine waters to be found in the world. There are also a variety of other activities to be had and natural wonders to be explored in the country as well. Among the most intriguing is the Luminous Lagoon which is just a short trip from all of the Jamaican hotels in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
The Luminous Lagoon, which is located in near the Martha Brae River in Falmouth, Jamaica, is one of only four locations in the world where you can experience the brilliantly lit natural wonder of luminescent microorganisms causing the water itself to shine after dark.
The lagoon stretches from the small town of Rock, along the Trelawny marshlands which border the Martha Brae River to the town of Falmouth. Falmouth was once one of the most important port communities in Jamaica, particularly during the 1700s when sugar exports were at their highest. Goods also made their way inland from the Falmouth port, where the lagoon received large sailing vessels from England. Once at the wharf in Luminous Lagoon, ships would be unloaded and goods would be placed on smaller vessels which would travel upriver to inland communities.
Rafting adventures are available day and night at the lagoon. Day cruises are also available during which you can enjoy the serenity of the lagoon's calm waters and partake in refreshments provided. The lagoon is surrounded by mangrove forests and if you're lucky, you will catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife.
While day trips to the lagoon are impressive, night tours are that much more amazing. The reflected moon and starlight off the calm surface of the water is beautiful and the additional luminous effect of the dinoflagellate microorganisms which reside in the lagoon is breathtakingly lovely.
This phenomenon is the result of the unique makeup of the habitat. The Martha Brae River, a warm freshwater flow meets the saltwater of the Caribbean Sea, creating the perfect living conditions for the dinoflagellate microbes. The flowing river waters and the passage of boats through the waters of the lagoon induce the microorganisms to move about and produce a green, almost neon-like light which illuminates the waters surrounding you.
Swimming is allowed in the lagoon and most tours will provide you the opportunity for a dip in this most fantastic of bodies of water. The otherworldly experience of swimming in shining green waters will be something you will never forget and provide you with some incredible vacation photographs to share as well.
Boats push off from the Glistening Waters Marina every half-hour after dark. The marina is also the location of a restaurant and nightclub where visitors can dine while taking in the natural light show of the lagoon.
Many of the boat tours available at the lagoon take place in glass-bottom boats, increasing your ability to appreciate the incredible scene below the surface of the waters. The lagoon is not only home to the amazing bioluminescent dinoflagellate but to a variety of beautiful fish as well.
Many visitors enjoy rafting down the Martha Brae River in the late afternoon, taking in the sites, appreciating the quiet excursion, and emerging into the Luminous Lagoon around dusk, just in time to take in the natural light show.
Guided tours of the river and lagoon are easily found and many will offer round-trip transportation to and from the various Jamaican hotels in the Falmouth area. Your tour guide will educate you on natural wildlife and plant life, discuss local folklore and history, all while you enjoy refreshments and the glorious scenery.
Lagoon tours in the day can cost as little as $15 per person and last anywhere between 45 minutes and several hours. River rafting tours that end in the lagoon at night are more costly but still an affordable adventure, lasting several hours.
The Luminous Lagoon of Glistening Waters is an attraction not to be missed if you're traveling to Jamaica. Over the years, it has drawn tourists from all parts of the world. It continues to be the single best location on the globe for scientists to study bioluminescent microorganisms, as more of these incredible little microbes can be found in this single location that in the other three known locations combined.
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