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Top Things To Do
With 120 rivers, a vast underground network of caves, a 7,402 feet-high mountain, some mineral baths, and some truly stunning waterfalls, whether you're looking for your next adrenalin rush or relaxing stroll, Jamaica is a land for the mind and soul to reconnect with nature.
Rum tasting, river tubing, sunset gazing, sightseeing, zip-lining, or bob-sledding, whatever you decide to explore, the choice of pace is yours.
RIDING HORSE BACK ALONG THE COASTLINE
This family-friendly excursion will allow you to explore Jamaica's scenic countryside, white-sandy beaches and beautiful waterfalls. The gentle and experienced horses will allow you to ride along the coast and splash in the ocean for a truly memorable trip- this is absolutely one of the best things to do while on holiday on Jamaica island.
FLOWER FOREST & RIVER HEAD ADVENTURE TRAIL
This ecotourism site is set over 130 acres of tropical forest, of which 40 acres are landscaped gardens. A hiking trail takes you through the various fauna and flora along the Little River, to then lead to its cathedral-like source, where water rises from a 14-foot deep pool.
BOBSLEDDING AT MYSTIC MOUNTAIN
Despite not bringing home any medals, the Jamaican bobsledding team must be one of the most famous Olympic stories when they made their debut in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta; nobody believed residents of such a warm country could master the sport! Now you can have a go and experience the thrill of bobsledding under the warm Jamaican sun.
DEVON HOUSE
Originally spreading over 51 acres, this now 11-acre large property was built in 1891 and was the home of Jamaica's first Black millionaire, George Stiebel. The historical site is now a step back in time, with its magnificent displays of 19th century antiques, finely crafted wooden works, as well as an original English chandelier in the ballroom. These all retrace the lifestyle of a privileged West Indian society in the Victorian times, society that George Stiebel accessed after successfully investing in Venezuelan gold mines.
BOB MARLEY MUSEUM
Located in the original studios where Bob Marley recorded many of his songs, this museum retraces the life and career of the reggae icon.
LACOVIA
Once home to one of the island's largest Jewish communities, Lacovia is also Jamaica's longest village, and stretches over 5 miles on either sides of the Black River and South Coast highway. The Jewish heritage is still of great importance in the town, some traces of which can be found at the village's old graveyard.
ANIMAL FARM & NATURE RESERVE
This site offers tours through their large range of exotic birds and animals, as well as teaching visitors about alternative energy sources, such as solar and bio-gas generating plants. There is a walk-in aviary in which people can hand-feed birds, and the large gardens are a great picnic spot, with on-site out-door cooking facilities also available.
MILK RIVER
The Milk River area is composed of a town, mineral spring and river, the latter serving as the main source of irrigation to the Clarendon plains' agricultural regions, as well as being infested with crocodile and barely navigable.
WHITE RIVER VALLEY
Located seven miles outside of the busy Ocho Rios, this hidden piece of paradise welcomes you with a serene atmosphere, only disturbed by the sound of tropical birds, the trickling of the river, and the laughter of a few other visitors having fun in the river.
YS FALLS
Located in the St Elizabeth Parish, this site features an exciting seven-tiered cascading waterfall with wading pool created by underground springs, and onsite canopy rides and river tubing are also available, depending on weather conditions.
HIKING UP DUNNS RIVER FALLS
Dunn's River Falls are Jamaica's most popular attraction, both with tourists to the island and professionals who bring their cameras and film-making equipment here for the perfect shot. It was prominently featured in the first James Bond movie "Dr. No." and countless other films since.
GLISTENING WATERS
A night cruise takes you to the Luminous Lagoon where you'll be able to witness and experience this amazing natural phenomenon that is said to occur in only three places in the world, and that is caused by micro-organisms which, whenever disturbed, create a glistening light that makes the water glow.
CROYDON IN THE MOUNTAIN
Located in the foothills of the Catadupa Mountains, this working plantations offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as an enjoyable stroll around tropical gardens, taking you through the various locally grown fruits and plants. The tour also offers a barbecued lunch washed down with a cup of the world famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
BELLEFIELD GREAT HOUSE
This 300-year old Great House estate takes visitors back to the island's plantation past, through its mansion's classic family heirlooms, antique furnishing, lush tropical gardens and breathtaking views of the estate and its surroundings. Finish your tour with a taste of freshly-pressed cane juice, fine rums and spicy jerk chicken.
COFFEE FACTORY
A tour taking you through the processing stages of the famous Blue Mountain coffee, from the Blue Mountain Cherry Berries pulping to its final roasting, with the opportunity to enjoy a cup at the end of the 40 minute-tour.
FALMOUTH
With collections of edifices vouching for the town's past status as an international hub, it's no wonder that this Jamaican National Monument made it to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Renovated and collapsed building form the picture of a bygone era where Falmouth was regarded as the western world's most cosmopolitan city, being often described as the "Paris of the Indies".
BLUE & JOHN CROW MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The National Park is home to a 7 mile-long trail taking hikers to the Blue Mountain Peak, the island's highest point, rising at 7,402 feet. The walk is challenging and requires physical fitness and experience, but is famous for rewarding hikers with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. For a sunrise hike, start the trail around 2am, to benefit from incredible views over the island and beyond, once at the summit. On a clear day, hikers might even be able to spot Cuba, situated about 90 miles north.
KOOL RUNNINGS ADVENTURE PARK
make sure you don't miss the majestic Reach Falls on Portland's Driver's River. A popular spot with incognito celebrities, and an experience said to be so exceptionalthat words cannot describe it.
PORT ROYAL
Once famous for being ruled by pirates and outlaws, the old Port Royal city was often described in the 17th century as the "wickedest city in the west". However, most of the old city now lies underwater, following the destructive earthquake of 1692 that swallowed two-third of the town, whose population was challenged by a series of other natural disasters and diseases over the following centuries.
WINDSOR CAVES & WINDSOR ESTATE
Located at the heart of the Cockpit Country, the estate was once part of John Tharp's vast land holdings, who used it as a cattle farm in the 1700's. The estate's Great House was built in the late 18th century, at a location believed to have hosted a British military base due to its advantageous geographical position.
CLIFF JUMPING AT RICK'S CAFE
Since 1974, Rick's Café has been offering visitors to Negril, amazing views from their cliffside location. Unfortunately, two hurricanes have destroyed Rick's but its popularity made for quick re-builds each time, with the place getting bigger and better ensuring that its 30 year history as being the premier destination for gatherings and sunset gazing continues for years to come.
ZIP LINING
If you wish to discover the island from up high, take part in one of the island's zip-line canopy tours. A fun and adventurous way to discover Jamaica's beautiful wildlife with the added bonus of beautiful vistas throughout.
GREEN GROTTO CAVES
An hour-long tour taking you through the various chambers of Jamaica's inner world, their impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and other rock formations. Located on the north Coast, the caves are also rich in history, as they served as the home to Jamaica's first inhabitants, the Tainos, were then used as a shelter for runaway slaves in the 18th century, served as a hideout to the Spanish during the British takeover of the island in 1655, and used by smugglers during World War II, before being used as a rum storehouse in more recent times.
CAVE VALLEY
Located on the banks of the Cave River and named because of its proximity to the underground network of limestone caves that runs through the north and west of the island, this region is historically attached to the first Maroons, who used the valley as a stronghold against the British. The ruins of the British Cave Valley Regiment are still visible.
APPLETON ESTATE RUM TOUR
A tour taking visitors through the traditional rum-making process, featuring a demonstration by resident donkey Pax of how sugarcane juice was extracted in the 18th century. The tour includes a visit of the distillery and aging house, as well as a hands-on demonstration of the juicing and wet sugar boiling processes, and ends with a white rum sampling.
MALVERN
Standing at 2,300 feet above sea level, the town of Malvern has long time been famous for its ideal climate, described as dry and cool with crisp, unpolluted air. it's this same climate that gave the town the nickname of "Switzerland of the Caribbean", where wealthy European planters and landowners would often retreat to, seeking an escape from the mosquito-infested swampy areas of the Black River Morass.
STROLLING ALONG NEGRIL'S 7-MILE BEACH
The 7 mile beach in Negril is something you simply cannot miss on your Jamaica holiday. With miles of white sand, there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sun. Stroll along the beach and you'll find all-inclusive resorts, hotels, villas, beachfront restaurants, water activity vendors and a few locals selling their own merchandise to tourists; a polite "not interested" hand signal usually puts them at bay.
REACH FALLS
Make sure you don't miss the majestic Reach Falls on Portland's Driver's River. A popular spot with incognito celebrities, and an experience said to be so exceptional that words cannot describe it.
RIO BUENO
Between the parishes of St Ann and Trelawny, the small village is located within Jamaica's deepest harbour, the same where Christopher Columbus anchored for the first time on the island, Rio Bueno Harbour. Over the years, it became a way stop for sailors and overland visitors, and was famous for its quality taverns and inns.
ROCKLANDS BIRD SANCTUARU
Located in the parish of St James, this place offers visitors the chance to see and feed birds, such as the beautiful hummingbird, by having them perch on their fingers.
REGGAE STYLE MAYFIELD FALLS & VILLAGE
A tour that takes visitors through the lush Jamaican forest, to a Rasta Village made of huts and where local music, folklore, food and fresh juices can be enjoyed before heading to the magnificent Falls, with its 44 mineral pools and 21 natural Jacuzzis
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WATERSPORTS & GOLF
BAMBOO RAFTING
If you're looking to add a little touch of adrenaline to your Jamaican excursion, then why not head to one of the island's rivers and enjoy one of the many local operators' bamboo rafting or river tubing adventures? Your time will be spent enjoying the island's beautiful forest and waterfalls, refreshing river pools and exciting rapids.
CAYMANAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
A 1950s course enjoyable by players of all levels, regarded as Jamaica's finest and ranked amongst Caribbean's bests, and featuring a clubhouse, pro shop, chipping green, driving range and golf school.
HALF MOON GOLF CLUB
Located on the western Jamaican coastline, this world favourite has a reputation for being both challenging and breathtaking, and has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments including the Jamaica Open Golf Championship, the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas, and the Red Stripe Pro-Am.
THE TRYALL CLUB
Spreading over 2,200 acres on the island's North coast, this luxurious premier private club not only boasts a beautiful 18-hole course, but also nine tennis courts, a private beach with watersports facilities a complimentary kids club, and a series of wildlife programs. The site features a chipping green, driving range, golf school, practice bunker, putting green, teaching pro, as well as 73 luxurious estate villas and an 18th century Georgian Great House.
CATAMARAN TRIPS
For those wishing to take a wider look at Jamaica from the sea, head out to the island's finest snorkelling or fishing sites, or simply enjoy a picturesque sunset sails, operators around the island offer catamaran excursion to the country's various aquatic points of interest.
CINNAMON HILL GOLF COURSE
Located on the ground of an old sugar plantation, this 18-hole course is set in mountainous surroundings with beautiful sea views, and features a chipping green, putting green and driving range.
NEGRIL HILLS GOLF CLUB
A challenging multi-rise golf course set in beautiful sceneries and located just outside the resort town of Negril, featuring a golf school, driving range and putting green.
SANDALS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Sweeping views of the mountains and the sea and fine Bermuda grass make this course one of Jamaica's and the Caribbean's finest golf courses, featuring a pro shop, golf shop, driving range, clubhouse, and dining facilities.
DOLPHIN COVE
This marine park situated in St Ann offers the opportunity to swim with dolphin and other sea animals in their natural habitat, as well as other activities including glass-bottom kayaking, mini boat rides, snorkelling with stingrays, a shark show, and also features a beach.
CONSTANT SPRING GOLF
This 1920s course is located in one of Kingston's nicest residential areas and is one of the country's oldest courses. Originally a 9-hole, it was extended to an 18-hole in the 1930s, and offers a short course with stunning views at the 13th tee, and features an onsite golf shop, golf school, club house and bar.
MANCHESTER GOLF CLUB
You'll find Jamaica's oldest course in the historic resort town of Mandeville, at more than 2,000 feet above sea level. This 55 acres 18-hole course is also the oldest one in the western hemisphere, and is home to the Manchester Golf Club, which was founded in 1865.
THE WHITE WITCH GOLF COURSE
Located at the heart of the island's historic Rose Hall Estate, this 18-hole par 71 golf course is named after the estate's beautiful yet wicked mistress Annie Palmer, whose ghost is believed to still be haunting the grounds.
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festivals
KINGSTON - BOB MARLEY CELEBRATIONS
This week-long festival in February commemorates the life and achievements of the reggae icon through a series of events starting with a service at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and ceremonial laying of plaques at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, followed by music concert, as well as symposium, lecturers, karaoke contests, fashion show, movies and exhibitions, with many of the events taking place at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
KINGSTON - REGGAE MONTH
A celebration of the island's reggae music taking place throughout February and featuring live music, lectures, award ceremony, and a reggae village at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre
PORT ANTONIO - MARLIN TOURNAMENT
A week-long social event gathering participants from around the world, and counting around 300 to 400 participants daily.
PORT ANTONIO - FI WI SINTING FOUNDATION
Through this event, the foundation aims to preserve and cultivate the African heritage that is behind Jamaica's roots, showcasing traditions of story-telling, chanting, dancing, poetry reading, and music performances.
KINGSTON - INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY
24 hours of events celebrating reggae music and lifestyle and taking place on the 1st of July, recognized international reggae day.
KINGSTON - LIGUANEA ART FESTIVAL
Started in 2002, the Caribbean's largest outdoor festival showcases work of fine art and photography.
NEGRIL - BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY BASH
Taking place in February, this event is a celebration of authentic Jamaican culture through music, food and artistic expression, and featuring reggae artists performances in honour of Bob Marley.
OCHO RIOS - NYAMJAM
A festival showcasing the best of Jamaica's music and cuisine, taking place in November.
SOUTH COAST - MILK RIVER SEAFOOD & JERK FESTIVAL
A festival celebrating the various flavours and dishes that compose Jamaican cuisine, and taking place on Farqhar's Beach.
KINGSTON - JAMAICA FESTIVAL
Celebrating the island's independence, this festival features various events in Kingston and Montego Bay, including street dancing, live music, float parade, grand gala, as well as a church service.
KINGSTON - JAMAICA FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
Taking place at the end of October, this event celebrates the rich and colourful flavours of the island's culinary traditions.
NEGRIL - RASTAFARI ROOTZFEST STEPPING HIGH FESTIVAL
Both festivals are celebrative and educative events around the Rastafari culture, lifestyle and ideology, with nightly live music concerts by established and new reggae artists. Stepping High also features an exhibit of the island's finest herbs, highlighting their medicinal virtues.
OCHO RIO - SAINT ANN KITE FESTIVAL
An annual event with a great atmosphere where you can admire the impressive and colourful kites all day before enjoying the evening's live music concert.
SOUTH COAST - JAMAICA BEACH GAMES
A five day-event with athletes competing in Beach sports including Soccer, Volley Ball, Tennis, Triathlon and Open Water Swim, in the beautiful Jamaican settings and vibrant atmosphere.
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