ONE of the most exquisite attractions in Jamaica, the Blue Lagoon in Portland has established itself as a haven for visitors seeking a relaxed day with nature.

The source of the 213feet- deep pool is said to begin in the Blue Mountains and continues beneath the earth to the point where it expels into the sea.

“It’s a very good place for tourists to come. The whole scenery here is great; the water is nice and clear, and there’s not much interference with the lagoon’s natural state,” fisherman Benton King, a member of the Blue Lagoon Alliance, said. The alliance is made up of rafters, craft vendors and fishermen.

King told the Jamaica Observer North East that tourists travel from as far as Montego Bay in St James to the attraction, where they go rafting, snorkeling, fishing or just for a swim.

President of the alliance, Collin Beckford, noted that on a “good day” the attraction sees between 80 and 100 visitors. A day like this, he explained, depends on the season, noting that there is a surge in visits during winter.

However, he said that between May and June, which he called the “tamarind season”, the attraction sees fewer visitors.

“During tamarind season we see like 10 to 20 people per day. But people really do enjoy it because most of the workers here have their families and this is where they earn an income. So that tells you that people are coming and that they are having a good time,” he said.

Leroy Williams, a rafter at the attraction, said business is good as tourists enjoy this particular activity.

“They say how the raft goes slow and they get to see the true beauty of the place and enjoy the sun. Sometimes dem jump off and swim and all of that,” he said.

He added that people visit because “it has a famous name” and because “quite a few movies have been made around here”.

The attraction, which is maintained by the alliance, is free to the public.