[Private] Blue Hole & Secret Falls plus Luminous Lagoon

BLUE HOLE PLUS SECRET FALLS: After the scenic drive east on the north coast you get into Ocho Rios and head directly to the Blue Hole and Secret Falls to meet your knowledgeable resident guide who will be your best friend for the next two hours until the end of the activity. Hidden on the border of Saint Ann and Saint Mary Parishes up in the mountains and away from the hustle and bustle of the busy towns is where you find this unspoiled, untouched rare gem. The Cool Blue Hole oasis offers an array of natural beauty and electrifying fun. Frolic in the gorgeous, bright blue water in the natural mineral pool surrounded by lush, tropical rain-forest. Have a blast jumping off the edge into the deep pool, swinging on Tarzan ropes or swimming up under the caves. Then, there will be a 5-minute hike through the woods to the amazing Secret Falls. You are in “awe” as you make your way through the magnificent, lush green vegetation up to the Secret Falls. There you can allow the cascading waters to hug you while you take amazing photo shots. Independent professional photographers are available to take photos (Optional) at a cost however, your resident guide will be happy to take photos for you. If you prefer to take your own camera, feel free to do so if it is waterproof.

LUMINOUS LAGOON: After lunch, the bus will make its way back to Falmouth in the late afternoon for the second activity of the day, the incredible Luminous Lagoon. The Luminous Lagoon is a very rare gem, so rare that this natural glistening water is only found in only four countries in the world – Indonesia, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. The Luminous Lagoon holds the record of been the brightest of the four. In 1964, Johns Hopkins visited Jamaica and did some studies in the lagoon which he discovered that the water contains phosphorus, small microorganisms that get their energy from the sunlight and then when the water is disturbed, by something like a paddle or a hand, they illuminate. The Martha Brae River also flows into the lagoon which assist in maintaining the perfect water temperature and other conditions. As soon as it gets dark your boat’s captain will be ready to take you out to see this natural wonder. Make sure to take you swimsuits because there is a brief stop for you to take a swim. After your magnificent evening at the Luminous Lagoon, your bus will transport you back to your hotel.

ROSE HALL GREAT HOUSE (Pass by without stopping): This Rose Hall Great House is an early 18th century plantation home that sits on a high elevation on thousands of acres in Rose Hall, Montego Bay. The Rose Hall Great House was once owned by the famous and certainly one of the wickedest plantation owners to walk the land of Jamaica, Annie Palmer. She owned hundreds of slaves. This house became haunted after her gruesome death in 1831. The house is scary to look at even in the daytime. There is no stop at the Rose Hall Great House on your way to Negril however, your tour guide will tell you the history and slow down so that you can take photos. Only persons traveling from Montego Bay & Grand Palladium will see this Great House.

GREENWOOD GREAT HOUSE (Pass by without stopping): The Greenwood Great House (Plantation home) was constructed in the early 18th Century. Like most, if not all the other Great Houses in Jamaica, the Greenwood Great House was built at high elevation. One could say that this was a strategy used back in the plantation era as a means of overlooking the plantation and also for security purposes. This house, unlike the Rose Hall Great House, is not haunted but of a more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The history and the architecture of the house is what will blow you away. As you pass by, feel free to take photos when your tour guide slows down.

COLUMBUS PARK : The town of Discovery Bay is where you will find Columbus Park. It was originally named Puerto Seco “Dry Harbour” by Christopher Columbus in 1494 when he and his men landed on the Island. It is said that could not find fresh water to drink. They later found fresh water in another area about 5 miles west of the town. The water was so good that they named the location where it was found Rio Bueno “Good River”. However, the town of Puerto Seco was later renamed in 1947 to Discovery Bay because Discovery Bay is where the Spanish, lead by Christopher Columbus landed when they invaded the Island on May 4, 1494. There is a park with several old relics and artifacts on display. There will be a brief stop to take photos and capture the rich history of this historic town.

RUNAWAY BAY (Pass by without stopping): This tour takes you through one of the most popular towns on the Island. Runaway Bay is naturally beautiful and is certainly one of the most scenic areas in Jamaica. It sits between the beautiful, crisp coastline to one side and the lush green mountains to the other. There is much debate as to how the town of Runaway Bay got its name. some people believe it got the name because that is where the last batch of Spanish soldiers ran away from when they were retreating from the attacking British Troops lead by Governor Ysassi right after the 1655 British invasion of Jamaica, while other argue that it was the point from which the Slaves from inland plantations used as an escape route to runaway to Cuba. Get your cameras ready to go as you make your way through this area.