Description
This lagoon, surrounded by mangroves, is home to microscopic organisms that emit a bio-luminescent light when agitated. The water glows a beautiful blue and becomes illuminated when these organisms are disturbed. As the fish in the lagoon swim and dart around, you can see their outlines as streaks of light, shooting around in the darkness of night. When it rains, the lagoon ‘lights up’ with the drops of water dancing on the surface. Truly an amazing experience!
Plan ahead and bring a towel and swimsuit so you can take a swim during the night-time tour on the Luminous Lagoon to illuminate yourself. You will experience the glow all around you as you splash and swim around. An experience like no other, so be sure to bring a swim suit and enjoy! The more you splash, the more you glow! the waters around you. Bucket list item, for sure…
The lagoon and bay is about 3-8 feet, or more, in depth. It’s relatively shallow for the area it covers.Your captain will explain the science behind this effect as well as the benefits of this mineral water to you while on the Luminous Lagoon boat tour.
The Luminous Lagoon stretches along the marshlands from the small community of Rock to the town of Falmouth, in the Trelawny Parish. Over the years, scientists from around the world have come to the Luminous Lagoon to investigate and research this phenomenon. Their studies show that the bay is one of the best places to see these microscopic organisms, called dinoflagellates or pryodinium bahamene, because of two reasons. First, there are literally millions of these tiny micro-organisms living in the lagoon. Second, the lagoon is formed at the point where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea, and the dinoflagellates thrive in the layers where the salt and fresh waters combine into brackish waters. These micro-organisms glow brightest in the shallow, warm water, and the overall depth of the lagoon is generally about 3-8 feet, or more, but not very deep at all.
SOURCE
This was the most amazing experience. The micro-organisms really light up your body with every movement. We were in the water for about 30 minutes swimming and floating beneath a star laden sky on a gorgeous night. The water was so warm and dinner at the restaurant was a treat. Then we enjoyed the local entertainment while we waited for it to become dark enough to go out on the water. A must do if you are ever in Jamaica.
Until next time, this is Sunscape...
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