Rafting on the Martha Brae: An exciting experience

Martha Brae River, near Montego Bay, offers an excursion for those looking to commune with nature; outdoor activities for all ages; and some exciting folklore to entertain those who visit. The river is located in Falmouth, Trelawney, and offers two main attractions—the thrill of bamboo rafting and the stunning Luminous Lagoon of Glistening Waters.

The river is home to a rare phosphorescent microbe that lives in the shallow warm place where salt and freshwater meet. Visitors will discover the Luminous Lagoon, where the river meets the Caribbean Sea. The constant flow of the river moves the microbes and causes them to glow. The water’s movement, along with the activity from boat tours and swimmers, enhances this effect. Luminous Lagoon has been named the best place on earth to view this rare occurrence, among only four other locations that host this phenomenon.

Daytime rafting along the river is popular and inexpensive. For approximately $30US, a couple and small child can enjoy a four and a half-hour trip in a raft, including refreshments. The daylight hours allow rafters to enjoy gorgeous natural scenery and wildlife, both of which Jamaica is famous for at this location.

An evening rafting trip can be a special experience as well. Begin your evening with dinner at the well-known Glistening Waters restaurant and marina, featuring delicious Jamaican seafood dishes. After dinner, the sunset cruises begin along the river. Plan to pay around $15 US per person, and you will depart from the restaurant for the Luminous Lagoon.

The best part of the trip is often when the boat stops so riders can enjoy swimming in the shallow areas of the lagoon. At its deepest, the river is about eight feet, but is closer to five feet deep in most locations. Swimmers can relax and bathe in the warm, tropical environment and se the water glow around them. Imagine the tale that surrounds the river, which says a local witch-woman was tortured by Spanish Conquistadors about the location of a gold mine. She finally agreed to take them there, but she disappeared and used her powers to redirect the course of the river, which filled the cave and killed her torturers. Spooky, beautiful and naturally enjoyable, the Martha Brae River is a relaxing yet adventure-filled spot you’ll want to enjoy.

The glow in the sea, Trelawny's Glistening waters

The Luminous Lagoon is home to one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. The lagoon is home to billions of microscopic organisms which glow an iridescent blue / green colour when the water is disturbed. Boats run continuously from the Glistening Waters restaurant after dark. Just turn up and wait for the next boat to arrive to take you on the half hour tour. You'll see bright flashes of light in the water as fish swim around the boat and when the boat is moving the micro organisms leave a bright green glow in its wake. The boat will stop for you to take a swim if you want to and watch the water glow all around you with every stroke you take. If you're feeling adventurous make sure you bring your swimwear so that you can take a dip in the lagoon and see the water glow around you. The base of the shallow lagoon is silty and muddy so you may prefer to wear something on your feet if you swim. The guide will also give you some history of the Falmouth area and a scientific explanation of the bioluminescent phenomenon.

Glistening Waters Restaurant
On the bank of the Luminous Lagoon is the Glistening Waters restaurant, which overlooks the lagoon. Glistening Waters' speciality is seafood but other dishes are also available. Boat trips on the Luminous Lagoon launch from Glistening Waters and diners are entitled to a substantial discount on the price of the trip.

The Science Bit
The green glow is caused by the presence of a micro organism called pryodinium bahamene - a type of dinoflagellate. These microscopic creatures produce a tiny flash of light, known as "bioluminescence", when they are disturbed. The lagoon has such a dense population of these creatures that any disturbance to the water causes thousands of the organisms to move, creating a flash of light which is clearly visible to the human eye. This is why bright sparks can be seen as fish swim through swarms of organisms and the wash of a boat can produce a bright green glow.

These creatures are only found in three locations in the world and it is said that the world's greatest concentration is at the Luminous Lagoon. The organisms thrive in areas where sea water and fresh water meet. Also, the organisms are said to glow at their brightest in shallow warm water The lagoon provides an ideal location for viewing this phenomenon as it is shallow and situated where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea

Best Time to Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Luminous Lagoon, the best time to go is when the moon is at its least full; the bioluminescence appear brighter against a darker sky.

Trelawny gives you the Outameni experience

The Outameni Experience is a must-see attraction for those wanting to experience the culture and history of Jamaica. The interactive experience transports guests through the history of Jamaica, from the Taino Indian origins through the plantation era to the modern day. Outameni is a Taino word meaning "Come Together", it is also very similar to the Jamaican national motto "Out of many one people".

On arriving at the Outameni Experience you'll be greeted by Jonkanoo dancers, dancing under a giant representation of Jamaica's coat of arms featuring a Tanio woman and a Rastafarian man.

The experience takes place over six architecturally designed villages, each representing a different set of people that have contributed to building modern day Jamaica. The journey begins in "Di Hut" where your guide or "time traveller" will welcome you and teach you the "follow back-a-me" song.

The first village you visit is that of the Taino Indians where a Taino lady will take a break from grinding cassava to tell you about her life in Jamaica. You will then pass through a Spanish village, English village, African slave ship and Asian village before ending up in a representation of modern day Jamaica.

In each village an authentically costumed actor will tell you about life in his or her era and a video will be shown, some villagers will also demonstrate their traditional dances from Flamenco to Kumina to Dancehall.

Also on the site
Outameni is built on the former site of the Orange Valley Sugar Estate. Also on the five acre site are the remnants of the old sugar mill, dating from 1793 and the Orange Valley Great House. There is also a garden with labelled examples of Jamaican trees and herbs such as breadfruit, lignum vitae, june plum and fever grass.

History
The Outameni Experience was in planning for over 10 years. It was originally conceived by Jamaican film producer Lennie Little-White (of Royal Palm Estate fame). He has worked together with respected architects, costume designers and actors to create the experience. Outameni first opened to the public on 30 September 2007.

Best of Jamaica on for ninth staging

The Best of Jamaica Festival is expected to carry on its legacy of being one of the most authentic Jamaican festivals even though it has switched locations.
The event which was usually held at the Gran Lido Braco has now moved to Breezes Runaway Bay, just a few miles from its former home. Speaking to Burchell Henry, Public relations Manager for Breezes, he noted that persons can still expect some of the great times that they have gotten used to over the years and look out for more.
He explained that an event of this magnitude could not be allowed to pass on and so it was decided by the hotel to carry on the tradition of Braco. He further mentioned that the support that they have gotten from the local populace has always been encouraging and so would like to see its friends from the western end come out and celebrate with them once again.
The event is expected to kick off on the 4th of October and will run for six days and five nights until the 9th where persons are expected to encounter the best of Jamaica’s culture. The festival will be divided into cuisine, dance, music and other Jamaican related activities that persons have come to love. He is convinced that it will be a good event and is anticipating over three hundred guests to be on property for this new staging.
The sponsors for this year include Red Stripe, Digicel, IGL, Nestle, JPS, Tastee, Pepsi, Jablum and Irie Ilse. A number of them have been with the company for over the nine years that the event has been going on.

Jamaica Roadside Dinner from the Big Flag Jerk Centre

Leaving behind a cold and wet London Gatwick airport, my flight landed on time in Montego Bay and I was outside the terminal by 5:00PM. Mysilversands sent one of the more popular drivers, Mark Lindsay, to pick me up. We journeyed East to Silver Sands as the sun began setting in the cloudy sky behind us.

The contrast between a first world country like England and Jamaica is hard to get used to even after a flight as long as nine hours. But the contrast between my last meal in Gatwick, all shiny glass, tile and chrome, and where I decided to buy my dinner would take anyone’s breath away.

Now a lot of visitors to Jamaica have heard of Scotchie’s, a popular jerk centre. Not many have heard of this place just outside of Falmouth, which is quite close to Silver Sands. The Big Flag Jerk Centre is a very rustic roadside cook shop, with zinc roof and zinc and bamboo walls. This is what the exterior of the Big Flag looks like - yes, you guessed it, there is a big Jamaican flag painted on the wall facing the road:


You are not likely to find any tourists there. You go up to the counter and peer into the dark interior and take in the smoky atmosphere. There is no menu, so just ask them what they have ready. I bought a quarter pound of jerk pork, two chicken leg-quarters, and a 12 ounce cup of red peas soup. All for J$1030 which is about US$12.
What a great price for a whole lot of freshly cooked delicious food!

You can add any amount of hot jerk sauce to suit your taste, and everything is wrapped up in foil for you to take away. You can also eat at the counter if you wish, but there isn’t much seating.

My red peas soup was cooked in this blackened pot on an open fire, and it had just the right amount of scotch bonnet pepper and smoky flavour (in Jamaican patois, “it ketch”):


A very friendly large lady, who appeared to be in charge, did not miss the opportunity to tell me that I should come back on Sunday morning when they do a big breakfast with lots of Jamaican favourites. I promised her that I would do my best to see her then.

In many countries, roadside food is just fantastic, and Jamaica is no exception. And unlike many places, unless you have a super-sensitive stomach, you can eat the food cooked on the roadsides in Jamaica without any fear of indigestion or illness.

Fancy restaurants and home cooked meals in Silver Sands are great. But so too are these very simple, very inexpensive roadside cook shops which you will find all over the island. Don’t miss out - ask your driver to pull over and taste the very local cuisine.

Dunns River, Jamaica's foremost attraction

Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's
national treasures. Globally, it is as well
known as reggae and equally stimulating.
There are few places where the Arawak
name "Xayamaca" - land of rivers and
springs - is more apt. The Spaniards called
the area "Las Chorreras", the waterfalls or
springs and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

A stone's throw from Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica's fastest growing resort centres, Dunn's River Falls is unique. Described as a living and growing phenomenon, it continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. This, combined with its location near to the sea, gives Dunn's River the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, if not the world.

The name "Las Chorreras" has degenerated over the years to "Ocho Rios" (meaning eight rivers), although there are actually only four rivers in the area - Cave River, Roaring River, Turtle River and Dunns River. These "Chorreras" are characterized by clarity, unending flow and swift descent, punctuated by rapid cascades and waterfalls which pour directly into the Caribbean Sea. Dunn's River Falls has an interesting history. It is believed to be the site of the famous battle of "Las Chorreras", fought in 1657 between the Spanish and the English for possession of the island. The English won, and under British rule "Las Chorreras" was first owned by Charles Pryce. It later became part of the 276 acre Belmont property, which was acquired by Government in 1972, to provide for future development of recreational and park facilities.

The Belmont property was entrusted to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) for the people of Jamaica. It is managed by the St. Ann Development Company (SADCo), a regional subsidiary of the UDC.

Together they have embarked on phased upgrading and development of the Dunn's River Falls Park, to the standard befitting a premier national attraction. Today, the new Dunn's River Falls Park is a mix of modern facilities with the rustic charm of a natural setting. New roads have been built for easier access to the upper reaches of the falls, increased parking and picnic facilities provided, as well as terracing and decks, which allow scenic views of the falls and the distant horizon.

Dunn's River Falls Park is the perfect environment for fun and relaxation for the entire family. There is a delightful new discovery around every corner.

Climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. Pause at the 'massage parlour' and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades to the sea. For the less brave - live vicariously. View the activities of the more intrepid from the "safe" vantage point of the terrace or deck.

Sun lovers can renew their pact with the Sun Goddess at the beach, on the golden sands lapped by the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Exercise buffs may jog on the beach or walk the property as part of theirroutine. And for those who enjoy mother nature's gifts, lose yourself in lush tropical foliage - ferns, bamboos, ginger lillies, crotons, orchids, a variety of palms and breadfruit trees. If you are a souvenir hunter with a genuine love for wood carvings, straw craft and intuitive art, browse through the shops in the craft park. Or, commission your own piece, climb the falls and collect it on your return.

The Cafeteria has savoury delights to please any palate - from spicy jerked chicken, pork or fish and curried goat to… delectable snacks. Or, bring your own vittles and take advantage of the several barbecue pits around the park. Spend a day and do it all.

Dunn's River Falls offers the chance for renewal. It's an unforgettable experience and a must for your holiday itinerary. Visit the falls once, and we offer a gilt edged guarantee… you will return.

The new DUNN'S RIVER FALLS & PARK … pure pleasure …

Falmouth port's opening celebrated in Jamaica

FALMOUTH, Jamaica — Hundreds of townspeople and throngs of dignitaries turned out Tuesday for the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Port of Falmouth, a project four years in the making that many believe is a game-changer for Jamaica tourism.

The port unofficially opened in mid-February.

The creation of the port and the redevelopment of the neighborhood around it was a joint project between the government of Jamaica and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Pullmantur.

The port enables Royal Caribbean to dock its two largest ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, in Falmouth, although not simultaneously. Oasis and Allure each carry 5,400 passengers.

"Royal Caribbean will bring 8 million passengers to Falmouth during the next 10 years," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "We’re proud of the role we played here, and other cruise lines will use the facility, too — Holland America Line, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line and others,” said Fain, adding that hundreds of sustainable local jobs were created.

"There were some choppy waters in the course of this achievement," he added.

The Falmouth port’s opening came nearly a year after its anticipated opening, due to construction delays. Fain said the project is still a work in progress.

Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding said the facility is a "fantastic example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships."

"It hasn’t been smooth sailing," he noted. "We had to build a seawall, acquire land, relocate people and get support from the community. There were environmental issues and many government agencies had to work together. If we had undertaken this project alone, without Royal Caribbean, it would not have happened."

According to John Tercek, Royal Caribbean's vice president of commercial development, the Port Authority of Jamaica invested $125 million to create the port. Royal Caribbean, he said, is renting the wharf, and the line’s investment is about $48 million.

The 11-acre wharf has several restored historical buildings, staging areas for excurions, shops and market kiosks, and walking paths for self-guided tours. A passenger terminal is still under construction.

Founded in 1790, Falmouth was a busy trading port until the mid-19th century.