Witness the natural phenomenon for yourself by taking a boat ride around the lagoon. The highlight of the tour is when you get to swim in the lagoon and watch your body surrounded by the luminous blue glow!
The biggest and most brilliant of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, Luminous Lagoon continues to attract and amaze scientists and visitors from across the globe. Read on for the essential guide to visiting Luminous Lagoon.
What is Luminous Lagoon?
One of Jamaica’s natural wonders, Luminous Lagoon is a bay surrounded by mangroves, which is home to millions of microscopic organisms that emit a bioluminescent light when the water is agitated.
Why is Luminous Lagoon Famous?
An unusual spectacle, Luminous Lagoon is one of the only 5 bioluminescent bays found in the world.
Moreover, Luminous Lagoon is the brightest of all the world’s bioluminescent bays thanks to its more consistent climate. The bay continues to amaze both scientists and visitors alike.
What Causes the Luminous Lagoon to Glow?
The glow at Luminous Lagoon is caused by a chemical reaction known as bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. It is a defense mechanism designed to ward off or evade predators, to lure or detect prey, and for communication between organisms of the same species.
Bioluminescent organisms belong to the plankton family and are known as dinoflagellates. These are tiny single-celled organisms that contain luciferin, a molecule which reacts with oxygen to produce light.
The microscopic organisms float under the water surface and flash a bright blue glow when the water is agitated, such as by waves breaking on the sandy shore, or even bare feet stepping into the wet sand.
What to Expect at Luminous Lagoon
During your tour of Luminous Lagoon, you can expect to go on a short boat ride around the lagoon at dusk. As the water is agitated, you will see an eerie blue light illuminating the surface.
You can also wave your hands or drag a stick in the water to make it glow in the dark. It is possible to swim in the lagoon waters and watch them light up all around you.
What is the Entrance Fee to Luminous Lagoon (or is It Free)?
No, Luminous Lagoon is not free. Visitors need to pay an admission fee in order to go on the 30-minute boat tour and swim in the lagoon.
Tourist admission rates for Luminous Lagoon are as follows:
- US $25 – Non-Resident Adult
- US $12.50 – Non-Resident Child (Under 12)
Does Luminous Lagoon take Credit Cards (Or is it Cash only)?
No, Luminous Lagoon is not cash only. In addition to cash, Luminous Lagoon accepts both credit cards and debit cards.
Visitors may pay the admission fee using Jamaican dollars, US dollars, credit cards or debit cards.
Be sure to bring some extra cash as there is a restaurant and nightclub on site.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Luminous Lagoon?
The best time to visit Luminous Lagoon is at night, at least 2 hours after sunset. This is when the bioluminescent displays are most lively.
For the most spectacular glow shows, try to visit during the New Moon when the night sky is at its darkest.
Can you Swim in Luminous Lagoon?
Yes, you can swim in Luminous Lagoon. In fact, swimming only adds to the magical experience of the lagoon tour.
Visitors can dive under the water and swim among the glistening microorganisms that glow when disturbed. Their bioluminescence is simply amazing.
Is it Safe?
Yes, it is safe to swim in Luminous Lagoon. The lagoon is very shallow with a muddy floor that has some algae. Just be sure to always keep floating while swimming in the lagoon or else you will sink. And also be on the lookout for jellyfish!
Are there Jellyfish in Luminous Lagoon?
Yes. There are jellyfish in Luminous Lagoon, some of which cause a stinging rash. That said, it is rare to encounter jellyfish at Luminous Lagoon.
What do I do if I get stung by a Jellyfish?
Should you get stung by a jellyfish, you will experience an intense pain followed by itching, rashes, and raised welts.
However, these symptoms are not life threatening, and are easily treated by applying topical antihistamines or just some basic vinegar. The pain should immediately go away.
How Deep is the Luminous Lagoon?
The water at Luminous Lagoon is only 5 feet deep. This depth allows you to move freely as you watch the tiny organisms light up in an electric blue glow around your body.
Where in Jamaica is Luminous Lagoon Located?
Luminous Lagoon is located within an estuary near the small community of Rock, about 1.6km to the east of Falmouth, on the north coast of Jamaica.
The lagoon is found at the point where the cool fresh waters of the Martha Brae River meet the warm saltwater of the Caribbean Sea.
How Do You Get to Luminous Lagoon?
To get to Luminous Lagoon, you will need to drive to the Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina. From there, you will board a boat that will take you to the lagoon. After your adventure in the illuminated waters, the boat will take you back to shore.
It is also possible to view the bioluminescent show from the Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina, while having dinner at the restaurant or drinks at the nightclub.
How Far is Luminous Lagoon from Ocho Rios?
The distance from Ocho Rios to Luminous Lagoon is 63.9km. It takes about 1 hour to drive to Luminous Lagoon from Ocho Rios via the A1 highway.
How Far is Luminous Lagoon from Montego Bay?
The distance from Montego Bay to Luminous Lagoon is 36.9km. It takes about 45 minutes to drive to Luminous Lagoon from Montego Bay via the A1 highway.
How Far is Luminous Lagoon from Negril?
The distance from Negril to Luminous Lagoon is 113.9km. It takes about 2 hours to drive to Luminous Lagoon from Negril via the A1 highway.
How Do You Get From Falmouth Cruise Port to Luminous Lagoon?
The distance from Falmouth Cruise Port to Luminous Lagoon is 3.1km, which is around a 10 minute drive from the cruise ship dock.
The best way to get from the Falmouth Cruise Port to Luminous Lagoon is by taking a taxi. You can catch a taxi from the port or pretty much anywhere in town. Be sure to negotiate and agree with the driver on the fare before you begin your journey.
What to Bring to Luminous Lagoon
Here’s what to bring to Luminous Lagoon:
- Swimwear
- Water shoes
- A change of clothing
- Insect repellent
- Night vision camera, waterproof if possible
- Money for entrance fee, food and drinks and a tip for your guide (optional)
What Do You Wear to Luminous Lagoon?
Here’s what to wear to Luminous Lagoon:
- Swimwear
- Water shoes
- Life jackets
- Insect repellent
