Jamaica is best known for beaches and waterfalls, but the island’s inland waters—ponds, wetlands and a few lakes—support local communities, wildlife and agriculture. These waterbodies reflect varied origins, from coastal lagoons to inland sinkholes and worked landscapes.
There are 10 Lakes in Jamaica, ranging from Bauxite Lake to Wallywash Great Pond; for each entry you’ll find Type, Location (parish; lat,long), and Area (km2) listed below.
Are these natural lakes or man-made reservoirs?
They vary: some are natural lagoons or sinkhole-fed lakes while others result from human activity (mining, impoundments). Check the Type column in the list for each lake to see whether it’s natural, a reservoir, or another category.
Can visitors safely swim or access these lakes?
Access and safety differ by site—some are public and used for recreation, others are private, saline, or ecologically sensitive. Before visiting, confirm access and water quality with local parish offices or guides and respect any posted restrictions.
Lakes in Jamaica
| Name | Type | Location (parish; lat,long) | Area (km2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallywash Great Pond | lagoon | Saint Elizabeth; 17.9150, -77.8280 | 3.65 |
| The Great Salt Pond | lagoon | Saint Catherine; 17.9350, -76.8780 | 13.50 |
| Mona Reservoir | reservoir | Saint Andrew; 18.0167, -76.7458 | 1.20 |
| Hermitage Dam | reservoir | Saint Andrew; 18.0833, -76.7933 | 0.55 |
| Blue Lagoon | sinkhole | Portland; 18.1711, -76.3817 | 0.02 |
| Parottee Pond | lagoon | Saint Elizabeth; 17.9500, -77.8300 | unknown |
| Laughlands Great Pond | lagoon | Saint Ann; 18.4500, -77.2167 | unknown |
| Bauxite Lake | reservoir | Saint Ann; 18.4512, -77.3821 | unknown |
| Hope Reservoir | reservoir | Saint Andrew; 18.0333, -76.7550 | 0.08 |
| Salt Gut Pond | lagoon | Saint Thomas; 17.8500, -76.4333 | unknown |
Images and Descriptions
Wallywash Great Pond
Wallywash Great Pond is a coastal pond in Jamaica. It is a shallow, brackish waterbody that supports birds and fish. It serves as a local wetland and is listed among Jamaica’s named ponds and lagoons. Include it to show coastal and inland water features on the island.
The Great Salt Pond
The Great Salt Pond is a saltwater lagoon found along Jamaica’s coast. It holds dense bird life and often links to the sea by narrow channels. It illustrates Jamaica’s salt ponds and coastal wetlands rather than freshwater lakes.
Mona Reservoir
Mona Reservoir is a freshwater reservoir near Kingston and St. Andrew. It supplies municipal water and sits close to the University of the West Indies. It serves as a clear example of a manmade lake used for public water supply.
Hermitage Dam
Hermitage Dam is a dam-created reservoir in the Kingston metropolitan area. It stores water for urban use and irrigation. It appears on lists of Jamaican lakes because it forms a notable inland reservoir.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a deep, natural coastal lagoon in Portland parish. It shows vivid blue water and is formed by a collapsed limestone sinkhole. It is a famous tourist spot and a good example of a natural lagoon included with Jamaica’s lakes.
Parottee Pond
Parottee Pond is a small coastal pond and wetland in Jamaica. It supports local fishing and bird habitats. It represents the many small ponds and lagoons that appear in Jamaica’s shoreline and marsh areas.
Laughlands Great Pond
Laughlands Great Pond is one of Jamaica’s named ‘great ponds’ near the coast. It functions as a shallow lagoon and bird habitat. It fits the list by showing traditional coastal ponds used by communities and wildlife.
Bauxite Lake
Bauxite Lake is a manmade lake formed in areas of bauxite mining. It often appears where mining pits filled with water after excavation. It belongs on the list as an industrially created waterbody rather than a natural lake.
Hope Reservoir
Hope Reservoir is a small reservoir in the Kingston area near Hope River and Hope Botanical Gardens. It stores freshwater for local use and research. It is included as another example of an urban reservoir in Jamaica.
Salt Gut Pond
Salt Gut Pond is a coastal pond and estuarine pool in Jamaica. It links to tidal waterways and supports mangroves and shore birds. It represents Jamaica’s network of small salt ponds and tidal lagoons.
