Jamaica is a popular destination with cruise goers, beach layers and honeymooners around the world. With inexpensive and plentiful accommodations, this location is a great place to relax and enjoy the amazing weather year round. So if you’re looking for an amazing destination that will let you escape the cold weather, the rat race or the rest of your family, Jamaica is the place to go to unwind. While you’re there, you can easily spend an entire week on any of the amazing beaches. However, if you’re looking for a more varied vacation, check out our list of the best things to do in Jamaica!
Try a Water Sport
Because there is water surrounding the island and beaches aplenty, Jamaica is the perfect place to try a new water sport. There are numerous companies that offer options like snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, sailing and more. Try your hand at one while visiting Jamaica. We’re pretty partial to scuba diving. If you think you’re going to want to scuba dive, check out our post on getting scuba certified here.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is quickly becoming a hotspot for tourists in Jamaica thanks in large part to the beautiful Instagram pictures you’ll see of this destination. Amid a forest, you’ll find a large waterfall and a beautiful blue swimming hole to play in. However, you will need to pay admission to visit this area which includes a guide.
YS Estate
You can visit the YS Estate to catch a glimpse of the YS Falls and explore the forest nearby. Many attractions in and around the river have been built up here so you’re sure to find something fun to do. Admission prices vary depending on what things you want to do here.
Fern Gully Scenic Drive
Do your best to take a drive along this beautiful scenic road shaded by ferns. This three mile scenic drive leads the way out of Ocho Rios. The road is canopied in tons of different green plants and the road is often filled with vendors selling their Jamaican wares.
Bobsled at Mystic Mountain
Mystic Mountain is best described as an adventure theme park. You’ll find various adrenaline pumping activities here. However, the most unique attraction is the bobsled track made famous by the movie Cool Runnings. Here you can hurdle down the break controlled bobsled (similar to a roller coaster) after getting a great view of the island from the top of the track. Admission prices vary depending on the adventures you want to try.
Dunn’s River Falls
Exploring Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. This fall in Ocho Rios is a tiered waterfall which makes it the perfect spot for a waterfall climb. There are plenty of tour operators that will take you on guided tours of the falls for a fee. However, be aware that water shoes are required so make sure to pack some of be prepared to rent them there.
Raft Down River
Both the Rio Grand and the Martha Brae rivers offer rafting trips. This iconic Jamaican activity involves hopping on a bamboo raft and floating downriver. You can hire licensed river raft captains to ferry you down the river at rafters village. Be sure to know what your package includes as some do not include the price of the ride back to your car.
Ricks Cafe
Jump off the famous cliffs at Rick’s Cafe. This Negril bar is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. While the bar serves food and drink, the real reason to visit is to jump off the 35 foot cliffs into the sea.
Try Rum Punch
This iconic Caribbean drink is served at all the bars and resorts in Jamaica. While everyone makes it a little differently, rum is the main ingredient. Enjoy it before you leave but be aware of the punch it packs!
See the Glowing Lagoon
Make sure to explore the glowing waters of the north coast by night. The waters of the Glowing Lagoon glow when disturbed due to microorganisms living in the water. Many boat tours operate out of the Montego Bay area that will take you out to this lagoon and give you the chance to go for a nighttime swim. This is a rare natural phenomenon that is not to be missed.
Take a Rum Tour
Enjoy a tour of a rum distillery at Appleton Estates. Day trips are easily arranged to this distillery where you can walk through the process of making rum, the history of rum on the island and a fun tasting.
Enjoy the Beach
Let’s be honest. The top thing to do in Jamaica is sit and relax on the beach. It’s why a majority of visitors come. So make sure to set aside a day for yourself to sit, relax and soak up the sun on one of Jamaica’s amazing beaches.
Listen to Live Music
You can find live music on beaches and in town. However, one of the best ways to experience live music in Jamaica is a nighttime beach performance. Many local beach bars will host these, so be sure to ask around to find a live performance near you.
Visit the Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves line the north shore of the Runaway Bay area. These caves are steeped in Jamaican history. From native people, to slaves, to pirates, these caves have been used for various purposes. Today, they are a top tourist destination with their underground lakes and beautiful geological features.
Try Street Food
You’ll find street vendors lining the streets of town and the most popular beaches selling their tasty treats. Jamaican jerk chicken is the most iconic food in Jamaica and is a must-try for any visitor. Additionally, you’ll also find vendors selling tropical treats like fresh coconuts and frozen fruit juices to help you cool down.
Bob Marley Museum
You can tour the former home of the most famous Jamaican at the Bob Marley Museum. This reggae star was born and raised in Jamaica. The home that he lived in in Kingston has been refurbished and turned into a museum. This museum pays tribute to his life and musical career.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
You can take some time to swim in the Blue Lagoon. This 200 feet deep lagoon changes color from green to blue throughout the day. This beautiful work of nature also provides a unique swimming experience as it changes temperature throughout the day due to the mix of sea water and underground wells. Couples love to swim here to test if the rumor of the waters aphrodisiac properties are true.
Hike the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are Jamaica’s tallest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you get tired of relaxing by the sea, enjoy a hike in the mountains. You’ll find some new and exotic plant and animal life here. You’ll also find plenty of amazing views of the island from the peaks. Blue Mountain Coffee is also grown here and you can tour coffee plantations in this region.
The Pelican Bar
The Pelican Bar is one of Jamaica’s most iconic drinking joints. However, this bar can only be reached by boat as it is anchored to a sand bar at sea. Grab a boat from shore and head out for a drink with a view. You can spend all day here enjoying the sun, water and drinks.
Visit Seven Mile Beach
While you expect to spend time on the beach in Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach is not to be missed. It is often rated as one of the best beaches on the island and in the world! Explore this bustling beach that is close to Negril.
As you can see, Jamaica is a Caribbean paradise that offers something for everyone. We hope you’ve found some fun things to add into your Jamaican itinerary or ideas for excursions from your resort. With so many things to do in Jamaica, you’ll be coming back year after year to try them all.
