Blue Lagoon Jamaica is located on the northwestern coast, in the vicinity of Port Antonio, the capital of the Portland parish. The lagoon got its name after its water of unique nuances made possible by a depth of 200 feet. It is one of the most popular touristic destinations near Port Antonio, Jamaica.
What’s remarkable about this lagoon is the fact that the water changes its color throughout the day. Its nuance depends on the angle at which sun rays enter the sea. However, the extensive depth is also said to have something to do with it, and so is its high mineral content.
Blue Lagoon Jamaica: A Place You Will Not Soon Forget
Few places are as serene as the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the azure water is a combination of sea and fresh water from the nearby springs. However, this goes unnoticed by those who float across. Only tourists who dive will notice the differences between the warm Caribbean waters and the ice-cold streams that seep from the underground. This is an unforgettable experience but should only be reserved to more experienced swimmers.
In some areas, mineral water from underground finds its way to the surface and bubbles up, further increasing the novelty of this place. In fact, this could have very well been the source of many legends stating dragons live in its waters. The lagoon was also said to be bottomless until a few decades ago when divers estimated its maximum depth between 180 and 200 feet. The lagoon connects to the Caribbean Sea through a narrow channel that steadily brings in salty water.
The controversial movie with the same name was filmed in the Blue Lagoon Jamaica, which is another reason why this place is so popular today. Few people know this, but it was initially called the Blue Hole and changed its name after the movie became famous. Those who visit the old Blue Hole agree that it is even more enchanting in real life.
Costs
A boat tour to the Blue Lagoon costs about $30 from Porto Antonio. It only takes 20 minutes to go from Port Antonio to the lagoon. For those accommodated in Kingston or Ocho Rios, the trip will obviously be costlier. If this is your case, be prepared to spend about 2 hours on the way to the lagoon, and another 2 back to your hotel. Montego Bay is about 3-4 hours away, and Negril is almost 5. However, taking in the natural beauty of this place and swimming in its waters are completely free.
What to Bring with You?
During a day trip to the Blue Lagoon Jamaica, you should always come prepared with:
- Bathing suits.
- Some cash for tour guides & souvenirs.
- Sunglasses & hats.
- Mosquito repellent.
- A camera.
What Else to Do Here?
A few steps from the Blue Lagoon Jamaica, you can find an equipment rental center. Here, you can either book for a guide to take you rafting or kayaking on the turquoise waters. You can also rent snorkeling or diving equipment here.
Hike into the lush, tropical forest and observe unique species of plants and trees which host or feed indigenous animals and birds. At the moment of writing, no tour operators organized excursions inside the forest. However, you are free to go by yourself or ask a local to accompany you.
Accommodation Near Blue Lagoon in Jamaica
If these all sound well and you want to experience the lagoon for longer than a day, you might want to find yourself a place to sleep.
Blue Lagoon Villas Jamaica
Located a few minutes away and overlooking the lagoon, these 12 stylish villas are all you need to enjoy the unique scenery. However, they are administered by individuals and not a single company. Therefore, the luxury and amenities you find in each of them widely differ, and so do the prices.
Port Antonio Jamaica Hotels & Resorts
If these villas are not really for you, you will have a much wider range of resorts and hotels in Port Antonio. From the most basic to the most luxurious, there’s an accommodation option for everyone in this city. As mentioned before, the boat ride is only 20 minutes. However, you can also hike through the forest to get here in about an hour depending on your starting point. If you choose to spend a week in Port Antonio, you need to do this at least once.
Aerial View of Port Antonio, from where boats to the Blue Lagoon leave.
Dining
You can also have a meal at the local restaurant, famous for its seafood and traditional Jamaican and Caribbean dishes. You will eat the best jerk chicken, gumbo, and lobster of your life here. After dinner, you can also enjoy a plethora of tropical alcoholic and non-alcoholic tropical drinks. If you find yourself here on a Sunday night, you can participate in reggae events or just enjoy the laid-back Jamaican vibe.
What to Look Out For
Some vendors might become a bit aggressive or pushy when trying to convince you to buy souvenirs or pay for a photo taken by them. When dealing with such situations, you should be assertive but calm. Don’t forget that you should enjoy your vacation, so focus on the natural wonders around you.
As mentioned before, the lagoon is very deep in some areas. In addition, not many tour boats have special ladders for swimmers to climb on. Therefore, families with children and inexperienced swimmers should be cautious with the areas they swim in. your tour guide will know all the shallow and deep places of the lagoon.
If you visit our island, you should do your best to reserve at least one day for the Blue Lagoon Jamaica. Not only is it the largest lagoon on this island, it’s also a unique, unforgettable place that surprises tourists with its natural beauty. Given that it has been declared a part of Jamaica’s heritage almost 6 decades ago, it’s one of the most well preserved spots on the island.