Thursday, February 18, 2010

Jamaica’s natural attractions: Luminous Lagoon

Jamaica is a visitor’s delight and those who come here, usually do so for relaxing in the sun, sand and sea. However, there is more to Jamaica than its exotic beaches. The country abounds in natural attractions, one of which is Martha Brae River and its spectacular Luminous Lagoon in the Montego Bay region.

A legend has it that the Spanish Conquistadores captured a local woman and forced her to disclose information about a gold mine. The woman finally agreed and took them to the mine’s cave where she used her supernatural powers to change the course of the river. The waters went crashing into the cave and drowned the Conquistadores.

The river is excellent for affordable bamboo rafting adventures. Per raft rates for day time trips are about US$30 per couple and one small child up to ten years of age. This includes a 4.5 hours trip with refreshments included. The rafting adventure provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural environment and view of Jamaica’s unique animal life.

You may well wonder why the name Luminous Lagoon. The best way to find an answer to this is to enjoy a rafting trip at night because under the moonlit sky, the “glistening waters” of the Luminous Lagoon really shine. You can book a special nightime rafting tour which would include a delicious seafood meal and then at sunset, you would be taken to a tour of the world-famous lagoon.

There is another reason, why the lagoon is so named. It is home to a rare phosphorescent microbe known as dinoflagellate that lives where the warm fresh waters of the Martha Brae River meet the salt waters of the Caribbean. The constant flow of the water of the river causes the microbes to move and glow with a neon-green color. The entire effect is nothing less than ethereal especially when you see the fish swimming in the water for they look more like moving stars. In fact this effect can be witnessed in just four places in the world and Jamaica is considered the best place to witness it.

During the cruise, you can also stop for sometime and swim in the shallower portions of the lagoon. Needless to say it is very romantic swimming amidst the ‘stars’ amdist the tropical ambience surrounded by the mangroves.

You can reach Luminous Lagoon Montego Bay & Ocho Rios. If you are staying in an all-inclusive Jamaican resort, the accommodating staff would also advise you on booking the tour.

1 comment:

Montego Bay Villas said...

Hello,

Jamaica is the land of sun, sand and sea and a perfect destination for those looking for a perfect tropical escape in the Caribbean. With its beautiful beaches, lush rain forests, spectacular waterfalls, and green mountains, it is one of the most beautiful islands. Thanks a lot...