Jamaica is a Caribbean island nation is residence to pristine seashores, lush rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and naturally conventional Jamaican meals. There’s at all times one thing for everybody in Jamaica, whether or not you’re searching for a quiet retreat or an action-packed journey.
From studying about its historical past to scenic raft excursions to swimming at a few of the most lovely spots on the island (and many extra!), let’s try one of the best locations, distinctive actions, and enjoyable issues to do in Jamaica.
1. Take a Tour at Appleton Estate (St. Elizabeth)
The Appleton Estate is a rum distillery situated within the coronary heart of Jamaica. The property’s rum crafting started with its first distillation in 1749, and at the moment it is likely one of the hottest manufacturers on this planet.
Whether you’re an avid rum lover or need to step into the world of Jamaican-style rums a go to to the property will probably be enjoyable! You can take a tour of the ability, be taught concerning the historical past of rum manufacturing, see how they make the spirits, and have a guided style of a few of their rums.
2. Take a Black River Safari (St. Elizabeth)
The Black River is one in every of Jamaica’s hottest vacationer sights and one in every of its longest rivers (measuring 33 miles/53.4 km.) And what higher option to expertise what this river presents than happening a safari boat tour!
The Black River Safari takes you on a ship experience by way of the waterlands, residence to American crocodiles and over 100 hen species like egrets and Jacana (Jesus hen).
3. Take a Rum Tour at Hampden Estate (Trelawny)
Jamaica is well-known for its rum ingesting tradition and what higher option to discover it than with a distillery tour? The Hampden Estate Rum Tour will sweep you off your toes proper from the palm tree lined entrance to the working distillery that was established within the 1750’s. Not to say their Rum Fire punch that can welcome you to the tour.
Take the time to discover these picturesque grounds, be taught the distillery course of and pattern a few of the finest rum round.
Book a Tour: Hampden Estate Rum Tour Reservations
4. Swim within the Blue Hole (Ocho Rios)
The Blue Hole is a vacationer paradise situated in Ocho Rios. It consists of a sequence of pure limestone swimming pools in a secluded space, which can be a brief hike from an exquisite waterfall.
The place bought its identify from the bluish hue of the swimming pools’ waters that rise up to a depth of 20feet, making them good for swimming and diving. You can take a easy swim, plunge into the water Tarzan type on a rope swing or, for the fun seeker, head over to the waterfall for a loopy cliff dive.
5. Raft the Blue Lagoon (Port Antonio)
There’s by no means a scarcity of picturesque sights in Jamaica, and the Blue Lagoon is one other proof of this. Located in Port Antonio, the lagoon is a mixture of freshwater from the springs and salt water from the open sea. It was as soon as believed to be bottomless, however has since been measured to be round 200 toes in depth at its deepest level.
While swimming is the primary apparent selection for having fun with the lagoon’s waters, one other option to expertise its magnificence is by happening board a bamboo raft. Be positive to have your cameras prepared for these Instagrammable pictures!
6. Visit the Bob Marley Museum (Kingston)
The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is devoted to the life and legacy of the legendary Jamaican reggae musician of the identical identify. The museum has a set of Marley’s belongings, together with his devices, clothes, and paintings. Plus, to make it an much more bucket checklist worthy expertise, the museum is housed within the former residence and studio of Marley, the place he wrote and recorded a lot of his songs!
7. Enjoy Booby Cay Island (Negril)
Booby Cay Island is a well-liked vacation spot for snorkeling, sunbathing, consuming recent seafood and picnicking on the white sand seashores. And one of the best ways to get there? Hop on one of many glass-bottom boats across the shores of Negril.
8. Take within the History at Columbus Park Museum (Discovery Bay)
The Columbus Park Museum overlooks Discovery Bay and is devoted to the historical past of the Jamaican individuals. The open-air museum reveals the historical past of the arrival of Christopher Columbus on the island, options Spanish-era ruins and totally different artifacts in Jamaica’s historical past (like Taino canoes, sugarcane mills, and cannons).
A bonus is that the park museum additionally boasts a bar and a well-liked genuine Jamaican restaurant known as Scotchies, the place you may get your jerk hen repair.
9. See the Plants at Coyaba Gardens (Ocho Rios)
Coyaba Gardens is stuffed with blooming flowers (just like the Blue Jade Vine and Torch Ginger), lush foliage, and the Mahoe waterfalls. All of which make it a terrific place to discover.
It’s simple to see why it’s named after coyaba, a phrase in Jamaica’s Taino language which suggests ‘paradise’!
10. Visit the Croydon Plantation (Montego Bay)
The historic Croydon Plantation is situated on the foot of the Catadupa Mountains, which is the rationale it’s identified for some fairly spectacular panoramic views of the mountains. But, that’s not all it has—it’s a working plantation identified for a few of the finest pineapples and low in Jamaica! So you’ll undoubtedly be in for a deal with.
11. Tour the Devon House Mansion (Kingston 10)
The Devon House Mansion was constructed within the early nineteenth century by Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Designated as a National Monument in 1990, the mansion has develop into one in every of Jamaica’s well-liked vacationer sights and one in every of its most photographed buildings within the county. The home is surrounded by a big backyard, and has an exquisite view of the Jamaican shoreline.
Visitors to the Devon House Mansion can tour the totally different rooms in the home and surrounding grounds. Plus, the Scoops Unlimited store on premise makes the well-known Devon House I-Scream (talked about by National Geographic as among the finest!), so don’t miss out on consuming a scoop.
12. Climb Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios)
Dunn’s River Falls will not be solely lovely, however you can too climb the 180-foot-high, 600-foot-long falls, which cascade down a sequence of terraces into the Caribbean Sea. The falls are surrounded by tropical vegetation, and there are a number of platforms alongside the best way the place guests can cease to relaxation and benefit from the views.
13. Walk Through Emancipation Park (Kingston)
Emancipation Park was opened the day earlier than Emancipation Day on July 31, 2002, serving as a tribute to the nation’s freedom. It is a well-liked spot for locals and vacationers alike, that includes an eleven-foot-high sculpture known as ‘Redemption Song’ by Jamaican artist Laura Facey. Adinkra symbols can be discovered in lots of locations within the park, just like the perimeter fence and benches.
Plus, the park is stuffed with beautiful tropical flowers and timber that nature lovers will certainly love!
14. Drive Through Fern Gully (Ocho Rios)
Nestled within the mountains of St. Ann is the Fern Gully, a nature lover’s paradise. This hidden gem is a haven for Jamaican birds and animals, and can be residence to tons of of fern varieties—therefore the identify.
The finest option to expertise the Fern Gully is by driving down its winding 3-mile street, which connects Ocho Rios and Colgate. As you drive your manner by way of the gully, you’ll come throughout a number of distributors promoting totally different fruits, greens, wood carvings, and sculptures.
Just a phrase of warning, in addition they have life-size male sculptures which are ‘well-endowed’ down there, so that’s one thing to remember in case you’re touring with the children!
15. Go Underground at Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay)
The Green Grotto Caves are a well-liked Jamaican attraction on the island’s north coast. It bought its identify after the inexperienced algae overlaying the caves’ partitions. The Arawak Indians as soon as inhabited the caves, abandoning numerous pottery and instruments, such because the adzes.
Portions of the caves are accessible to the general public, which embrace a big ‘lounge’ with tables and benches made from rock. Unique rock formations are additionally a delight for the eyes as you journey deeper into the caves, with an underground lake known as the Grotto Lake awaiting at its bowels.
16. Visit the Greenwood Great House (St. James)
The Greenwood Great House is a 1780s home in Jamaica constructed by Richard Barrett, a relative of the famend English writer Elizabeth Barrett Browning, to serve primarily as a visitor home. Located on the island’s North Coast within the St. James parish, it is likely one of the finest preserved homes of the plantation period. It was later purchased by Bob and Ann Betton in 1975.
Today, it’s thought-about a nationwide monument due to its historical past and Jamaican antiques. The guests can go for a tour (they solely take reservations), and the home’s kitchen serves as a bar the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some chilly refreshments.
17. Take the Heritage Beach Horse Ride (Montego Bay)
Looking to expertise Jamaica’s countryside and seashores in type? Then it’s best to undoubtedly check out their Heritage Beach Horseback Riding tour. The tour takes you on a guided horseback experience following scenic trails by way of the countryside, the place you’ll be taught concerning the island’s wealthy historical past, move by way of outdated sugarcane plantations, and go to different historic websites. It then ends on a white sandy seashore, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the coast on foot or horseback.
18. Stroll Through Hope Gardens (Kingston)
The Hope Royal Botanic Gardens was established in 1873, overlaying an space of roughly 200 acres.Because of its giant, inexperienced areas, particularly at their Sunken Garden, it’s a well-liked spot for vacationers and locals to get pleasure from picnics, walks, workout routines, and live shows.
19. Visit Indigenous Rastafarian Village (Montego Bay)
Situated simply exterior of Montego Bay, the Rastafari Indigenous Village is a reside cultural middle that goals to advertise, defend, and protect Rastafarian tradition. Visitors will get the possibility to find out about Rastafari philosophy and lifestyle. These embrace drumming and chanting ceremonies, consuming Ital vegan meals, studying concerning the totally different herbs of their backyard, and a standard manner of constructing drums.
20. Eat Jerk Chicken at Scotchies (Montego Bay)
If you’re ever in Jamaica, you HAVE to attempt the jerk hen at Scotchies. It’s significantly a few of the finest! The hen is marinated in a secret jerk sauce for hours, then slow-cooked over a hearth till it’s so tender it falls off the bone. The taste is out of this world – an ideal steadiness of spicy, candy, and savory. So whether or not you’re a sucker for good meals or simply searching for a novel Jamaican eating expertise, put Scotchies on the high of your checklist. Trust me, you received’t be upset.
21. See the Luminous Lagoon (Trelawny)
From the little settlement of Rock to the city of Falmouth, the Luminous Lagoon runs beside the Trelawny marshes. Falmouth was one in every of Jamaica’s most necessary ports within the 18th century when sugar was king. The lagoon, which was on the distinguished intersection of the Martha Brae River and the Caribbean Sea, contained a dock the place giant English ships unload cargo into smaller boats earlier than being transported inland up the river.
The lagoon is stuffed with tiny bioluminescent plankton that glows a blue mild when disturbed. You can take a ship experience out to the lagoon and swim within the glowing water. Now that’s one heck of a bucket checklist expertise!
22. Float Down the Martha Brae River (Trelawny)
Martha Brae River is one in every of Jamaica’s hottest vacationer sights, situated within the rural parishes of Trelawny and St. Ann. Thanks to its lush inexperienced forests and mild emerald waters, it’s thought-about among the finest locations on the island for river rafting.
Just head all the way down to the river the place bamboo rafts at Jamaica Rafting will probably be able to take you on the three mile experience. The experience on the 30-foot lengthy ‘2 person’ raft isn’t solely very enjoyable, but in addition informative in Jamaican wildlife and nature.
We noticed blue herons, bamboo, mango, banana and fig timber, plus a termite nest and a cool ‘sensitive plant’ that closes once you contact it. There are additionally stands alongside the best way promoting coconuts, work and different souvenirs.
TIP: Ask for a information who is ready to determine all of the crops and wildlife alongside the best way. This makes the expertise much more fascinating and informative!
Book a Tour: Cruise the Martha Brae River: Private Bamboo Raft Tour
Book a Tour: Jamaica: River Rafting and Waterfall Half-Day Tour
23. Have Fun at Mystic Mountain (Ocho Rios)
Towering at 700 toes above sea degree, Mystic Mountain presents breathtaking vistas of Ocho Rios and likewise adrenaline-pumping rides so as to add to your journey bucket checklist—like ziplining and wall climbing.
They even have their ‘Big 3’ rides, every with distinct and thrilling experiences you’ll absolutely get pleasure from: Sky Explorer, Bobsled Jamaica, and Raggamuffin. After hours of screaming your lungs out from all of the rides, you’ll be able to chill out and take within the views at one in every of their infinity swimming pools or get pleasure from a meal at their restaurant.
24. See the Art on the National Gallery of Jamaica (Kingston)
The National Gallery of Jamaica is a public artwork museum in Kingston Mall. The gallery is devoted to displaying the artwork of Jamaican and visiting artists, each previous and current. Though, one of many highlights is the everlasting assortment of artworks, from the Taino to current day.
25. Get Drinks at Pelican Bar (Treasure Beach)
Pelican Bar is a well-liked and distinctive spot in Jamaica for drinks and leisure, with a hut constructed on a sandbar simply off Jamaica’s South Coast and accessible solely by boat.
Being in the midst of the ocean, you’ll be able to get pleasure from lovely views of the seascape whereas sipping on rum punch or beer. You also can stuff your self with some scrumptious lobster and fish.
26. Tour Reach Falls (Port Antonio)
Tucked away within the river valley on the northern foothills of John Crow Mountain Range is a hidden gem known as Reach Falls. This cascade of waterfalls is likely one of the most lovely in Jamaica, enveloped by the wealthy vegetation of the encompassing forest.
You can chill out and funky off within the pool on the base of the falls, go on a guided hike as much as the legendary Mandingo Cave, and take within the views whereas having fun with a meal on the picnic space.
27. Eat at Rick’s Cafe (Negril)
Rick’s Cafe is a well-liked spot for each locals and vacationers in Negril, and it’s simple to see why. Located on West End Road in Negril, the eatery is a good spot to hang around for drinks, meals (check out their Red Stripe Beer Battered Shrimp and jerk hen!), and simply chilling. The bar is about on a 35-foot-high cliff and boasts a few of the most lovely sunsets within the nation.
28. Visit Rose Hall Great House (St. James)
Rose Hall is an 18th-century plantation home set on 6,600 acres of land and features a sugar manufacturing facility used to provide sugarcane. What made the Rose Hall Great House much more well-liked are the legends concerning the White Witch of Rose Hall, Annie Palmer.
You can take a guided day tour the place you’ll find out about its slave historical past and the Annie Palmer legend. Or go for the evening tour that delves extra into the White Witch’s haunting tales and is certain to be one hell of a hair-raising expertise.
29. Explore YS Waterfall (St. Elizabeth)
Most vacationers to Jamaica find out about Dunn’s River Falls, however YS Falls is a bit of lessor heard of. That can solely imply that it presents you little extra of a non-public, customized expertise that’s fairly frankly – unforgettable.
This 7-tiered waterfall presents an exciting zip-line, a spring-fed pool, picnic grounds and, most significantly, a enjoyable experience on the rope swing that can have you ever plunging into the refreshing water beneath.
Even although YS Falls is much less identified, it may nonetheless get a bit of crowded later within the afternoon, so I like to recommend arriving early.
Book a Tour: From Montego Bay: Black River and YS Falls Adventure
Book a Tour: YS Falls & Appleton Estate Rum Tour from Montego Bay
30. Find Your Favorite Beach
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Seven Mile Beach (Negril)
The clear water and powdery white sand of Seven Mile Beach makes it one of the well-liked locations in Jamaica. Located on the island’s western facet in Negril, the seashore will get its identify from its size.
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Drink Cocktails at Frenchman Cove Beach (Port Antonio)
With golden white sands and azure waters towered by emerald timber, Frenchman’s Cove is unquestionably not your typical seashore. Located in Port Antonio, Jamaica, this small however beautiful seashore presents a quiet spot for enjoyable and having enjoyable beneath the solar. It can be one of many few locations the place you’ll see a river assembly the ocean, which in itself is a sight to see.
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Enjoy Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay)
Doctor’s Cave Beach is thought for its clear turquoise waters and white sand seashores. Doctor’s Cave was first made well-known by a health care provider who claimed that the cave waters had therapeutic powers. Today, the seashore is a well-liked spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
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Relax at Boston Beach (Port Antonio)
Boston Beach is an exquisite sandy seashore situated on the northern coast island of Jamaica and is taken into account among the finest browsing spots on the island. The waves listed here are a few of the most constant on the island, making it a well-liked spot for each newbie and skilled surfers alike.
The seashore can be identified for its jerk hen/pork stands, and is alleged to be the birthplace of the jerk seasoning Jamaica is thought for.
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Hellshire Beach (St. Catherine)
Hellshire Beach is one other lovely Jamaican seashore, situated close to Portmore. The white sand and clear blue waters make it a well-liked spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
It can be well-known for its meals (particularly fried fish), with a number of eating places and jerk stalls serving up scrumptious Jamaican delicacies.
31. Eat a Beef Patty
Whether you’re arriving to Jamaica by air or coming in by way of a cruise port, make a pit cease both at Juici or Tastee for a style of Jamaican meals custom. These are the 2 well-liked eateries serving one of many Caribbean islands hottest avenue meals known as beef patties, which has similarities to an empanada. They have quite a few fillings from hen to beef and even salt fish which are stuffed right into a flaky pastry pocket.
On my go to to Tastee, I ordered a beef and cheese patty with coco bread, a dense bun made with coconut milk. The concept is to stuff the meat patty pastry contained in the coco bread. Double the carbs! The floor meat had a bit of little bit of a kick to it, much like taco seasoning. It is an journey within the native delicacies.
TIP: Offer your driver a number of patties of his personal and he’s positive to be happier about making that pit cease.
32. Toast Your Trip with a Red Stripe
No journey to Jamaica can be full with out having their native brew, Red Stripe. Brewed by Desnoes & Geddes, this 4.7% pale lager is sort of as well-liked as rum in Jamaica. It received’t be laborious to get your fingers on a bottle (or two) and simply stare into the sundown because the cool Caribbean breeze carries your troubles away—everybody sells them!
33. Enjoy the Luxury Service at Bluefields Bay Villas (Bluefields)
Resorts such because the Bluefields Bay Villas are an enormous a part of why individuals love Jamaica a lot. At Bluefields they provide six 5-star personal villas in one of the serene and fairly actually, surreal environments within the area. You can sit on the patio with a rum punch and take heed to the sounds of nature for hours. I did it simply that!
But, what actually units them other than the remainder is that you’ve got the chance to have a full employees together with a chef (who’s superb!), housekeeper and a butler, plus a nanny. We had all of it and had been handled like royalty throughout our complete keep! Our workforce stored us pampered, well-fed and ensured that we wished for nothing.
Our villa, Mullion Cove, had a seashore entrance the place we might kayak, paddle board or just sunbath. Just one more reason that once you go to Bluefields, you’ll more than likely by no means need to go away.
As if all that wasn’t luxurious sufficient, they even supply a helicopter switch from the airport!
Get Pricing & Book a Villa: Bluefields Bay Villas
34. Take a Sunset Boat Ride (Bluefields)
While staying at Bluefields, have them manage a sundown boat experience that you’ll always remember. The boat will take you alongside the water’s edge to see the road of pristine resorts (together with your individual), then park in the midst of the ocean whereas the sky turns an exquisite burnt orange.
35. Check into Half Moon Luxury Resort (Montego Bay)
True to their phrase, Half Moon Luxury Resort is a vacation spot in itself. What would you anticipate once you pair 400 acres of manicured grounds with two miles of pristine seashore appearing because the backdrop?
With 197 individually appointed rooms & suites; 31 villas (most of them supply views of the Caribbean Sea); an award successful spa; an 18-hole golf course and an equestrian middle that includes 28 horses, Half Moon Luxury Resort definitely over-delivers (if there’s such a factor when consolation and luxurious are involved).
If you thought that was an excessive amount of, wait till you dine on the ‘Sugar Mill’ (see beneath!) – awarded and lauded as one of the best restaurant in all of Jamaica.
Get Pricing & Book a Room: Half Moon Resort
36. Swim with Horses (Montego Bay)
What? Swim with horses? You didn’t learn that title unsuitable! At Half Moon Resort they’ve an spectacular equestrian middle and their Turf-n-Surf program is the spotlight: a horseback experience alongside the oceanfront, plus a swim with the animals. A particular bucket checklist once-in-a-lifetime!
37. Enjoy Dinner at Sugar Mill (Montego Bay)
Dining on the Sugar Mill restaurant is a luxurious expertise to savor with its beautiful out of doors seating amongst the foliage and distinctive twist on Jamaican delicacies. They concentrate on placing a spin on Caribbean flavors (like with the crispy jerk hen rolls with cho cho Slaw and sorrel-dark rum chutney).
A keep on the Half Moon Resort wouldn’t be the identical with no eating expertise right here.
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Jamaica is an ideal trip vacation spot for many who love the solar and the ocean. Whether or not it’s enjoyable beneath the solar in one in every of their beautiful seashores, exploring rivers and lakes atop bamboo rafts, or having fun with some jerk hen or Red Strip, there’s by no means a scarcity of enjoyable and memorable issues to do in Jamaica. Add to that the pleasant individuals and laid-back ambiance, and you’ve got your self a visit undoubtedly price taking.
Best Tips for Visiting Jamaica
Getting There: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios are main hubs and most airways will fly into them. You can simply test for one of the best fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘cheapest month’ because the departure to search out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. From the airport to the town middle, you’ll be able to take a shuttle or take a taxi.
Where to Stay in Jamaica: It’s finest to remain close to the town middle, public transportation or the realm that you may be spending probably the most time in. Rok Hotel Kingston Tapestry Collection By Hilton is a good selection within the Kingston district. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, attempt Da Fabio situated in Negril. For a lodge with a bit of extra extravagance, e-book a room on the The Cliff Hotel. Or search some nice offers on accommodations of your selection at Booking.com. If you’re searching for extra of a house ambiance (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each worth vary.
Getting Around: Driving in a brand new vacation spot could be a little bit of a problem, however in case you select to lease a automobile, RentalCars.com has nice offers. If you aren’t renting a automobile, there are many different choices. Taxis can be found everywhere in the metropolis. For a extra finances pleasant possibility, you’ll be able to take the general public bus, nevertheless needless to say it’s only accessible in Kingston and Montego Bay. You also can lease bikes which can be found all through the vacationer areas of Jamaica.
Best Tours in Jamaica: You can discover a few of the high excursions at Get Your Guide or Viator, and listed here are a few of the high ones. excursions:
Insurance: It’s at all times a good suggestion to journey totally insured so you’re protected in case of journey cancellations or medical emergencies. You can try pricing at Travelex Insurance.
Universal Adapter: Your American plugged gear will want an adapter. I exploit the Celtic Universal Adapter, which has introduced me all over the world with no issues.
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