Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay, located in Saint Ann Parish on Jamaica’s northern coast, is also known as Dry Harbour. The bay, named by Christopher Columbus, is notable for its lack of permanent rivers, though groundwater flows into the bay through deep limestone cracks, particularly along the geologic fault line. The area’s economy is driven by tourism and bauxite mining, with the St. Ann Bauxite Company operating a port for ore export. Nearby attractions include Puerto Seco Beach, the historic Green Grotto Caves, and Columbus Park. Discovery Bay also houses the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, founded in 1965, which focuses on coral reef research and tropical coastal processes. The town’s population of 2,700 is primarily of African descent, with the original Taíno Arawak inhabitants having been wiped out during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. February 17, 2023 11:32 pm