Blue Lagoon Jamaica has become famous with celebrity visits and movies. But what is it really like to go there? The striking blue water and thick surrounding jungle make it a must-see on your Jamaica travels. Here is everything you need to know about this unique and natural wonder.
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Table of Contents
What is The Blue Lagoon Jamaica?
The Blue Lagoon Jamaica is actually a large natural spring. Cool, fresh water comes up from the depths and mixes with the warm Caribbean Sea to make a truly beautiful mix of colour.
Is it a Blue Hole?
The locals actually call it the “Blue Hole” (which is its original name).
The site’s name changed after the Brook Shields movie “The Blue Lagoon” was filmed there and became popular in 1980.
“The Blue Hole” is in Ocho Rios
Nowadays, if you ask for the Blue Hole in Jamaica, most people will assume you are talking about the Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls) in Ocho Rios.
This is also an amazing destination to visit in Jamaica (though is much busier than the Blue Lagoon).
Is it really blue?
The Blue Lagoon Jamaica is really blue. The colour and shades actually vary throughout the day (depending on the sunlight). At some parts of the day it looks a little more jade-blue.
Regardless of the time of day, the water and surrounding jungle is beautiful.
Beware of big rains
After a big rainfall, water can come from the surrounding hills and wash down dirt. This can turn the Blue Lagoon into a green pond.
Pictures of Blue Lagoon Jamaica
Depth of Blue Lagoon Jamaica
It was originally considered to be “bottomless” however, divers have determined the depth to be approximately 180ft (55meters). The depth actually varies thought the lagoon which adds to the varying shades of blue colour.
How big is it?
It is a fairly big lagoon (approx. 230ft by 560ft /70m by 170m) but because the jungle surrounding the Blue Lagoon is so thick and close to the water (actually hangs over the lagoon in some parts) it feels enclosed.
Is there a beach?
There is a small beach inside the Blue Lagoon Jamaica, however it is small and not really a sandy ocean beach.
It is more like a riverbank beach. There are however, some of the best beaches in Jamaica nearby.
Where is Blue Lagoon Jamaica?
The Blue Lagoon Portland is about 15 minutes from the town of Port Antonio (East side of Jamaica).
Approximate travel times from:
- Ocho Rios = 2.5hours
- Kingston = 3 hours
- Negril = 5.5 hours
- Montego Bay = 4.5 hours
How to get to the Blue Lagoon Jamaica?
Driving yourself
The Blue Lagoon is easy to find if you are driving yourself.
- Take the Blue Hole Road turnoff (off the A3 – main road)
- Follow it along, past the beautiful villas until you get to a parking area (opposite the end beach – refer to the map below)
- Note that the beach (on your left as you arrive) is not the lagoon – this is the bay
- The area is public land (so there is free parking)
- There are some locals/guides at the turn off who may try to sell you a tour or even charge you an entrance/parking fee (however, there is no official fee, as the lagoon is a natural/public place)
Note that the roads around Port Antonio are pretty bad (lot’s of potholes) so be aware.
>> Click here for more information about driving in Jamaica and safety
On a tour bus
There are several tour bus companies on the island. And, depending on where you are staying, the hotel may even have their own bus/company they use.
However, to give you an idea of expected prices here is an example:
Blue Lagoon Jamaica Map
The following Blue Lagoon Jamaica map was made using Google Earth.
Blue Lagoon Jamaica Admission
There is no admission to the Blue Lagoon Jamaica. Even though you may be asked by some locals to pay.
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is free.
What to do at Blue Lagoon Jamaica
You can take your time and just relax by the water or swim, but the entrance to the Blue Lagoon is not all that nice (at the moment).
There are a few small stalls selling drinks/food and Jamaican trinkets as you walk towards the water. But the main business at the moment are boat tours.
There used to be a restaurant that overlooked the water, but since Hurricane Ivan, it has been shut. You can’t really access the site because of the fences, but you can see the remains (mostly concrete slabs and a few piles) of the once famous spot.
Swim off the dock
Once you walk past the stalls and get to the actual lagoon it is really just a wooden dock. There is no beach or “swimming area” on the entrance side.
You could jump in the water off the dock and swim across to the little beach/bank on the opposite side (around 230ft/70m).
This would be the cheapest option when visiting The Blue Lagoon.
Float on a bamboo raft
Hop on a flat, bamboo raft and slowly float your way around the lagoon. Your guide will point out some of the most beautiful spots that you can get out and swim.
There are several areas around the lagoon where jungle overhangs the water. Your guide can take you right up (and even under the thick foliage).
Various shallow areas around the lake are great for swimming and you can even stand up. This is where you will really see the different blue colours.
COST: Costs will vary depending on the number of people and for how long you want to do blue lagoon rafting. Usually, 2 hours would be enough time, and for two people this is approximately USD$50.
Take a boat across to the “beach” for a drink
Directly across from the entrance dock is a small “beach” (more like a river bank than an ocean beach). The beach has a small bar that sells cold beer and Jamaican patties.
You can sit under some trees and take in the surroundings or, there is a little path that you can follow up to a small lookout to get a better scale of the lagoon size (and colour).
COST: For the roundtrip across the lagoon it is around USD$5 per person
Take a boat tour
There are a few boat tour operators at the lagoon. You will be approached by all of them as you walk towards the water/dock.
They all offer the same thing and usually the prices drops the closer you get to the water.
The tour includes:
- A quick loop of the Blue Lagoon, then out into the bay
- Motor past the very expensive bay-front villas (where celebrities sometimes stay)
- Monkey Island
- Cocktail Beach (where part of the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail was shot)
COST: The boat tour lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours in total and will cost around USD$20 per person.
Tour Options
There are two options for the standard tour. They can drop you (and then come pick you up half an hour later from):
- Monkey Island beach
- The “Beach” inside the Blue Lagoon
You can choose which location you would prefer to hangout on the tour itself (the boat will go around the lagoon, out into the bay and past the Monkey Island, so you can see yourself before deciding).
Monkey Island Jamaica
This is also known as Pellen or Pellew Island. It is accessible by boat from the Blue Lagoon dock.
- The island is very small, yet very dense. It is not really possible to walk around it as it is mostly rock face with jungle on top
- There is a small beach on the bay side of the island
- Seagrass is throughout the bottom of the bay so some of it does wash up onto the beach
- At higher tides there is not much room (only a couple of people could actually sit on the sand)
It is remote, however. So, if there is no one else on it, you can have your own private beach/island for a brief amount of time. While it is not the best beach in Jamaica, it is a unique spot.
Be sure to have your own water/food if you choose to stop at Monkey Island (there is nothing else on the island besides sand and thick bush).
The Blue Lagoon Beach
If you don’t want to get dropped off at Monkey Island, you can choose the Blue Lagoon beach.
This has a bit more space to spread out, a bar that you can get drinks and if you want to stay longer than the half an hour you can, then simply wave your boat operator back (he will be back at the dock on the other side of the lagoon).
Blue Lagoon Tour Map
This map was created using Google Earth to give the user a better understating of how the layout works.
The extent of the boat tour is shown by the yellow line in the map below.
Where to stay Near the Blue Lagoon
There is no accomodation that looks over the lagoon itself. The Blue Lagoon Jamaica is completely surrounded by thick jungle.
However, there are accomodations very close. These accomodations vary significantly in price, style and value.
The accommodations below are highlighted for the immediate proximity to the lagoon. However, there are some amazing, unique Jamaica accommodations to choose from a short drive from the Lagoon.
Villas in Blue Lagoon Jamaica
The Blue Lagoon Villas are not actually on the lagoon. They are on the bay outside (still connected to) the lagoon. There are a handful of villas along the Blue Lagoon Road that face onto the bay.
Private Villas
These are individually owned though managed by brokers. Note, that the quality, price and service can vary significantly between them.
These are mostly luxury villas with multiple rooms, hot tubs and pools overlooking the sea and private boat docks.
This kind of luxury comes at a price.
One of the villas (Avalon) varies from USD$1,000 per night to USD$1,200 per night with a minimum of 5 nights stay (please check the website for exact prices).
Shared Villas
There is the option to stay in a waterfront villa without the private villa cost.
The Moon San Villa is a short walk to the lagoon and offers guests a villa experience in more of a resort style setting (charge out individual rooms). Rooms here go for around USD$120 per night.
Hotels in Blue Lagoon Jamaica
For those looking to stay close to the Blue Lagoon, without the private, waterfront villa budget there are alternatives.
Closets Hotel
Tropical Lagoon Resort is right next to the Blue Lagoon Jamaica and has a varying array of rooms from standard (USD$170 to superior suites at around $500 per night).
Cheaper Option
Tha Lagoon Spotz is a budget style hotel close by to the lagoon and has rooms for around USD$40 per night
Airbnb’s near Blue Lagoon:
Things to do near Blue Lagoon
The area around Portland Parish is beautiful! It is some of the lushest, jungle on the island and beautiful scenery.
Not far from the Blue Lagoon in Portland Jamaica, are some other natural attractions, perfect for any eco travel enthusiast or those who love a bit of adventure. These include:
Frenchman’s Cove
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. It is on the grounds of the Frenchman’s Cove Hotel (though seperate from the actual hotel itself).
Frenchman’s Cove is a small bay, with a white, sandy beach, and a crystal clear creek that meets the sea, and thick jungle
- You can order food and hire a deck chair
- US$10 entrance fee per person (includes parking)but it is well worth the money
- Approx. 5 minute drive from Blue Lagoon
Boston Bay
A beautiful, local favorite beach with music, food, and waves. Mostly young, local surfers hang out here (and keep the beach clean), however, you can hire a surfboard here and get lessons as there is a small breaking wave.
- There is a cafe/bar
- A few Jerk Chicken stalls nearby (home of the Jerk Chicken)
- Has music playing through the day
- USD$2 Entrance fee per person (includes parking)
- Approx. 10-minute drive
Reach Falls
If you are looking for a truly magic waterfall experience in the Jamaican jungle, head to Reach Falls.
- TRAVEL TIP: take the “local tour”. There are guides that sit at the turnoff to the falls and offer a personal guided tour.
- This takes you through private property to the creek downstream of the falls. From here you actually walk upstream through secluded swimming holes and jumping points to reach the main attraction!
- Local Tour is approx. USD$20 per person
- Approx. 40 minute drive from Blue Lagoon
Unique places to visit in Jamaica
If you have time to explore Jamaica, here are some notable places to visit:
- The Rockhouse Negril
- Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls)
- Relax in the Blue Mineral Hole, Negril
- Lime Cay in Kingston
- Go rafting along Rio grande
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