Natural Site
Luminous Lagoon
Falmouth, Trelawny
A lagoon at Falmouth where the water lights up when it is disturbed, and one of a very small number of places in the world that does it.
Why go
The lagoon holds microscopic organisms in high enough concentration that movement makes the water glow. A hand, an oar or a swimmer leaves a trail of light behind it.
It happens because fresh water from the Martha Brae meets the sea here in a shallow, sheltered lagoon. The conditions are specific, which is why so few places on earth do this.
Where it fits
Falmouth is roughly twenty eight miles east of Montego Bay, about forty minutes. This is the evening half of a Trelawny day, with the Martha Brae in the afternoon.
It only works after dark, which makes it the rare thing on a Montego Bay list that is not competing with the beach for the same hours.
Good to know
It needs darkness
The glow is only visible at night. A bright moon makes it fainter, which is worth knowing when you choose a date.
The Martha Brae feeds it
The same river you can raft in the afternoon runs into this lagoon. Fresh water meeting salt in a shallow bay is what makes the conditions.
You go out on the water
The lagoon is seen from a boat, and swimming in it is usually part of the trip rather than the whole of it.
Several operators run trips
Access is through boat operators on the lagoon rather than through a gate. The lagoon is the thing; who takes you out on it is a separate decision.
Our take
Our view: this is the best evening within reach of Montego Bay, and it is better if you do not read too much about it first. Go on a dark night, get in the water, and let it be strange.
Guides that go here
More around Montego Bay
Explore from
Montego Bay A city on the water with the island's main airport in it. It can be a practical base for a first trip, especially when you want beaches, city access and the airport close together.Planning a Jamaica trip?
Tell us when you're visiting and what you're into. We'll send you ideas worth adding to your trip.