10 Things to Know: Blue Lagoon, Jamaica

1. Entrance to Blue Lagoon
   According to the JNHT, entry is free for everyone. During my 2025 visit, parking was limited and a donation was requested at a now-decorated entrance point. Instead of a flat fee, patrons were asked to contribute a nominal entrance fee of their choice.

2. Community tourism
Blue Lagoon tours have been operated by residents for years. Craft vendors, souvenir stands, a lifeguard station, and an on-site bar line the small land space by the water. People at the lagoon could direct you to nearby residents who may offer tours not available on-site.

3. Water Activities
Blue Lagoon is so deep, it has been rumoured to be bottomless (it’s not). There is very limited standing space in the water before it plunges. Life vests and rentable kayaks are available for patrons to enjoy the electric-blue water.

There are also a number of locals providing boat and raft rides near Blue Lagoon. There used to be some at the site, but that changed somewhere with privatization issues. Though they may no longer be located at the attraction, there may be some nearby; my group met a boat captain less than a 3-min drive away to take us to Monkey Island in the distance.

4. Featured Movie Location
Portland is a long-establised Jamaican getaway for hollywood stars. The likes of Errol Flynn and Ian Fleming helped put the serene parish’s capital on the radar for visitors. Since then, Portland has gotten close ups for multiple scene locations.

The 1988 movie ‘Cocktail’ starring Tom Cruise was filmed at Jamaica’s Blue Lagoon. Though ‘Blue Lagoon’ movie starring Brooke Shields probably inspired the attraction’s name, contrary to popular belief it was not filmed at this spot.

5. There are restroom facilities

Blue Lagoon, Jamaica thankfully does have changing rooms and bathrooms now. This is a welcomed addition in recent years, coming from someone who previously learned the hard way that there was once none. Believe it or not, some public attractions don’t have this basic facility due to lack of resources and/or care.

7. Blue Lagoon, Jamaica is roughly 200ft deep
The water’s depth is said to range from 180 to 215ft, depending on who you ask. According to local folklore, it has been said to be a bottomless abyss, home of a sea serpent, mermaids, and a mystical golden table . I wasn’t able to confirm any of that though (sorry), but I do know it is home to numerous lost possessions.

8. Sudden Plunge
I did say it was ~200ft deep, and it gets deep very fast! From the water’s edge, it takes less than 10 steps to no longer feel the floor. If you’re not a strong swimmer, a life vest is strongly advised.

9. Marine Life

Blue Lagoon meets the open Caribbean Sea, so it’s not surprising visitors may cross paths with sea animals in the mostly-deep water. Turtles are often spotted popping up their heads from the water a safe distance from swimmers. It’s 1 of the most popular places to see turtles on the island. I also witnessed the shadowy silhouette of a large fish devour a school of small fish splashes away from where I swam.

10. Visit Monkey Island

An uninhabited islet lined with powdery sand is in view from Blue Lagoon and waterfront luxury villas adjacent to it. It’s known as Pellew Island, or more popularly as Monkey Island, and accessible by boat, kayak or raft. It is said to have gotten its nickname thanks to monkeys that once frolicked there, which belonged to an explorer staying at U.S. businessman Alfred Mitchell’s mansion (now known as Folly Ruins).

Popular activities at Monkey Island are limestone clay massages, swimming, snorkeling and swinging on the small beach. Located near a large reef, it’s encouraged to stay out of the seagrass surrounding the isle, which is likely populated with urchins, small fish and eggs.