Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Excite the minds of your children and take them to one of Jamaica's blue holes. Have them revel in the shades of blues and get their toes wet in cool waters.

Blue holes, many of which serve as sources for municipal water supplies and have pump-houses, are among a country's wonders, said Stefan Stewart, chairman of the Jamaican Caves Organisation.

"Blue holes rise from underground rivers, and owe their blue colour to clay that is found in small amounts in the water. They are found in many places in Jamaica, but are more common in the west," said Mr. Stewart.

The Great Blue Hole in Belize and the Dean's Blue Hole in The Bahamas are at the top of the most popular within the Caribbean region.

Back in Jamaica, there are some impressive family friendly blue holes that will have your children splashing or swimming. Sadly, Blue Lagoon, in Portland, has been closed, or else it would have been at the top of the list. Pack the basket and head off to the blue hole that is closest to you and have a picnic.

Dornoch Head Rising

Location: North of Stewart Town, St. Ann. turn north-east at the main square in Stewart Town, about a mile's drive. ask anyone for directions.

There is a beach on one side from sand that was brought in, thus increasing its beauty as a place for picnics and swimming.

"Dornoch Head is the largest river rising in Jamaica, and provides the headwaters of the Rio Bueno. The colour is usually a beautiful blue, but can become somewhat muddy after heavy rains in the catchment areas," explained Mr. Stewart. Be careful as the road down to the blue hole is bumpy, especially when wet.

Black River Blue Hole

Location: North-east of Nassau Valley, St. Elizabeth. take the road north of Raheen, in Balaclava, and then ask for directions.

This is one of the bluest of the blue holes, being quite deep. Although swimming is possible, there are no shallow sections. It is, however, very beautiful to look at and a great venue for a picnic. A pump-house is located at the site and parents should keep children away from the machinery, warned Stewart.

Drivers River Rising

Location: Reich, Portland

This blue hole, also known as Waterhead, feeds into the Drivers River or Reich River, in Portland. It is upstream from the well-known Reich Falls, and may be found with the help of one of the local guides. The water rises here from a hole at the foot of a small outcrop into a large pool and then flows down a series of cascades. Splash, Splash! However, the hike to reach the pool may not be suitable for very small children.