Luminous Lagoon / Glistening Waters

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Luminous Lagoon

Luminous Lagoon, Trelawny  






Luminous Lagoon - Trelawny parish, immediately west of Falmouth
Tel:- 954-3229 (Glistening Waters restaurant)

The Luminous Lagoon

The Luminous Lagoon is home to one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. The lagoon is home to billions of microscopic organisms which glow an iridescent blue / green colour when the water is disturbed. Boats run continuously from the Glistening Waters restaurant after dark. Just turn up and wait for the next boat to arrive to take you on the half hour tour. You'll see bright flashes of light in the water as fish swim around the boat and when the boat is moving the micro organisms leave a bright green glow in its wake. The boat will stop for you to take a swim if you want to and watch the water glow all around you with every stroke you take. If you're feeling adventurous make sure you bring your swimwear so that you can take a dip in the lagoon and see the water glow around you. The base of the shallow lagoon is silty and muddy so you may prefer to wear something on your feet if you swim. The guide will also give you some history of the Falmouth area and a scientific explanation of the bioluminescent phenomenon.

Glistening Waters Restaurant

On the bank of the Luminous Lagoon is the Glistening Waters restaurant, which overlooks the lagoon. Glistening Waters' speciality is seafood but other dishes are also available. Boat trips on the Luminous Lagoon launch from Glistening Waters and diners are entitled to a substantial discount on the price of the trip.

The Science Bit

The green glow is caused by the presence of a micro organism called pryodinium bahamene - a type of dinoflagellate. These microscopic creatures produce a tiny flash of light, known as "bioluminescence", when they are disturbed. The lagoon has such a dense population of these creatures that any disturbance to the water causes thousands of the organisms to move, creating a flash of light which is clearly visible to the human eye. This is why bright sparks can be seen as fish swim through swarms of organisms and the wash of a boat can produce a bright green glow.

These creatures are only found in three locations in the world and it is said that the world's greatest concentration is at the Luminous Lagoon. The organisms thrive in areas where sea water and fresh water meet. Also, the organisms are said to glow at their brightest in shallow warm water The lagoon provides an ideal location for viewing this phenomenon as it is shallow and situated where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea

Best Time to Visit

If you're planning a trip to the Luminous Lagoon, the best time to go is when the moon is at its least full; the bioluminescence appear brighter against a darker sky.

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