Luminous Lagoon

The Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon is one of the four luminous lagoons in the world where you can experience bioluminescence all year round. Located in Portland, Jamaica at the eminent point of where the freshwaters of the Martha Brae River meets the saltwater of the Caribbean sea, lies the unique attraction. The collision of the waters emits a hypnotic sparkling blue or green glow from the glittering microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. The lagoon is heavily impacted by the weather conditions. The rainfall in nearby hills can add slit and cloudiness to the water, sometimes diminishing its glow. The lagoon extends through the marshlands of Trelawny from the tiny community of Rock to the town of Falmouth. During the 18th century when sugar dominated, Falmouth stood as one of Jamaica’s key ports. After the decline of sugar trade, scientists discovered that there was more to this port than just trade – it was the ideal location for scientists to study dinoflagellates, which flourishes in places similar to the Luminous Lagoon. This rare phenomenon continues to attract scientists and tourists for its unique features.