The Luminous Lagoon stretches along the marshlands of Trelawny from the small community of Rock to the town of Falmouth. In the 18th century when sugar was king, Falmouth was one of Jamaica’s most pivotal ports. Located at the eminent point where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea, the lagoon housed a wharf where large vessels from England unloaded goods onto smaller ships to be delivered inland up the river. Once inland, these boats would reload with sugar, rum and other Jamaican exports and carry them back to the harbor. Years after the decline of the sugar trade, scientists discovered the lagoon’s geographical location was important for another reason. It was the single best place to observe and study microorganisms called dinoflagellates, which thrive in the layers where salt and fresh water combine and glow the brightest in shallow, warm water.
Famous For:
Being home to millions of dinoflagellates. At night, the lagoon sparkles and glistens when disturbed, as these microscopic organisms produce an eerie glow, reflecting the outlines of fish and other objects in the water. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and most brilliant of four in the world, a fact that continually attracts and awes visitors and scientists from around the world.
Don’t Miss:
The natural phenomenon for yourself. Departing every night from the Glistening Waters Marina, crowded tour boats take visitors on a ride around the lagoon. The highlight of the 45-minute tour? The part where you get to jump out and swim, your body surrounded by the luminous green glow. And when you’re back on land, recount the magic with your friends over some fine Jamaican fare and a cocktail at the Glistening Waters Restaurant.
Say Hello To:
Jerry, who operates a tour of the Luminous Lagoon from the Glistening Waters Marina. During his tours, he gives an extensive account of why the water glows, and boasts to all of his customers, “I have never lost a client in this harbor…” Jerry is also working on his singing career, and will, upon request, perform covers of his favorite Bob Marley tunes.
-Article Taken from visitjamaica.com
