GlISTENING Waters, also known as The Luminous Lagoon, is located in Falmouth Rock, Trelawny, on the bay where the Martha Brae empties into the Caribbean Sea. It is the only night–time attraction in Jamaica and one of the most incredible spots in the world.

The luminous water is caused by micro–organisms that emit a flash of light when disturbed. So what appears to be a large flash of light is actually the combined result of thousands of flashes, each generated by a single animal.

Jamaica’s luminous Lagoon is one of the three places in the world where these micro–organisms live and create this natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence. It is said that of the three luminous lagoons in the world, Jamaica’s Glistening Waters is the brightest.

The lagoon stretches along the marshlands from the small community of Rock to the town of Falmouth, Trelawny. Over the years scientists from around the world have come to Jamaica to investigate the phenomenon. Their research have shown that the lagoon is the best place to see these micro–organisms called dinoflagellates and pryodinium bahamene, reason being that there are literally millions of them living in the lagoon. Since the lagoon is formed where Martha Brae meets the Caribbean Sea, it provides the perfect environment for these micro–organisms that thrive in the layers where the salt and fresh water combine into brackish water. This popular tourist attraction is a must see for all Jamaicans. For a small fee you can take the tour of Glistening Waters which includes a boat ride out into the bay, while your well informed tour guide tells you more about the waters, a little history of the community and a few interesting myths as well. Visitors are even allowed to swim in the bay. When you get the time, gather your friends and family and go see the Glistening Waters.

— Di-Andra Brown