Choose from 49 Fun Things to Do in Jamaica
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 49 listings.
Club Kingston Airport Lounge
The Club Kingston Airport Lounge at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport gives passengers access to numerous lounge facilities on arrival and departure. This uniquely Jamaican first-class lounge experience allows you to escape the stress of security lines and busy gates to a place where you can relax or work undisturbed.
You can book a Club Kingston Lounge and concierge service as an arrival or departure service—or both. Upon arrival, you can take advantage of fast-track access through security, customs and immigration, and enjoy the convenience of being greeted by a Club Kingston representative holding a personalized sign.
If you’ve got time to kill before departing Kingston, the lounge gives you access to unlimited fresh fruit, bar snacks and drinks, plus complimentary WiFi, use of Samsung Galaxy tablets, shower facilities and duty-free shopping, all while immersed in typical Jamaican hospitality.
Insider’s Tip: The Club Kingston Lounge has a relaxed dress code, but asks that guests refrain from wearing baseball caps, football shirts and other sportswear, or clothing with offensive slogans.
Practical Info
To reach the Club Kingston Airport Lounge, head upstairs to the main departure lounge after passing through security. Pass the food court and take the elevator or escalator down to the mezzanine level. There will be signs to the lounge from here.
Address: Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica
Hours: 4am–9pm daily
Admission: From $25
From $ 25
Bob Marley Museum
Jamaica’s most famous son is Reggae musician Bob Marley, who came from the island’s capital of Kingston. And in the uptown part of the city, the Bob Marley Museum, which occupies the singer’s former home and recording studio, in the most popular tourist attraction on the island. Marley lived and recorded music in the colonial-era home from 1975 until he was killed in 1981, and the home-turned-museum remains much as he left it, including bullet holes in the wall from an assassination attempt. A visit to the museum includes an hour-long tour of the home, during which you can see Marley’s gold and platinum records hanging on the walls, articles of his clothing, and his favorite guitar still resting beside his bed. Behind the home is his recording studio where you can see photos of the legend and watch a short film. The on-site One Love Café serves some of Marley’s favorite food and drink, and you can pick up souvenirs in the gift shop.
Practical Info
The Bob Marley Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is $20 for adults, $10 for children.
Address: 56 Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica
Admission: Adults: $20; Children: $10
From $ 31
Doctor's Cave Beach
Set along Montego Bay’s famous Hip Strip stretch along Gloucester Avenue, Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Jamaica’s west coast. A jumping-off point to the pristine 15-acre (6-hectare) Montego Bay Marine Park, the beach offers easy and direct access to fun water-based activities.
The Basics
You can experience Doctor’s Cave Beach as part of a private or group half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour, some of which include sightseeing, shopping, a meal along the Hip Strip, or even a scuba diving excursion. The welcoming beach accommodates all travelers, from relaxing sunbathers to active adventurers. Zoom around on a Jet Ski, take flight on a parasail, cruise in a glass-bottom boat, swim in the warm turquoise water, or simply laze about on the sandy beach with a pina colada in hand. An on-site rental center offers umbrellas, beach chairs, and snorkel gear. When you’re feeling hungry, take a few steps to the beachside Sand Restaurant and Bar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Doctor’s Cave Beach is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.
- Admission includes access to some of the best reef snorkeling on the west coast. Rent gear or bring your own.
- Remember to bring sun protection.
How to Get There
Doctor’s Cave Beach is located on Gloucester Avenue, along the stretch known as the Hip Strip. It’s about a 5-minute drive north of the center of Montego Bay.
When to Get There
The beach and its facilities are open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Generally the peak times—and crowds—are mornings and afternoons during the high-season winter months. Arrive early to rent a small hut, as they go fast.
The Story Behind the Name
Though the cave no longer exists—a hurricane washed it away in 1932—the legend of the doctor remains. In the 1920s, noted British osteopath Sir Herbert Barker was so inspired by the curative powers of the waters here that he published a paper claiming that they restored him to good health and hold the potential to cure several ailments.
Address: Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, White Sands Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 42
Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue)
Buzzing with activity and music day and night, the Hip Strip is the beating heart of Montego Bay. This stretch of Gloucester Avenue—between Aquasol Theme Park and the airport—is the epicenter of tourism entertainment, where the town’s most popular shops, nightclubs, restaurants, bars, and beach hangouts pulsate with fun-seeking travelers.
The Basics
As the main hub of tourist activity in Montego Bay, expect jubilant crowds, thumping reggae music, free-flowing rum drinks and Red Stripe, and shopping galore, from high-end duty-free boutiques to trinket stalls. A popular destination is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, a double-decker bar with giant water trampolines and a 120-foot (37-meter) water-slide that plunges into the warm waters of the Caribbean. The Strip’s best bet for live music (and martinis) is the Blue Beat Jazz Lounge, where revelers have a romantic view of the sea.
Travelers have many options to experience the Hip Strip as part of half-day, full-day, group, or private tours that may incorporate a visit to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, a local artisan market, a nearby beach like Doctor’s Cave or Agua Bay, or a place to admire a panoramic view of Montego Bay. Other tours may include a Jamaican meal at a local restaurant.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hip Strip is ideal for party-goers visiting Montego Bay. It’s a lively area, so it might not be suitable for those looking for a mellow, off-the-beaten-track experience or for small children.
- With so many shops selling similar souvenirs and t-shirts, feel free to gently haggle for better prices.
- Along the Hip Strip are access points to popular beaches like Cornwall or Doctor’s Cave. Some beaches have small admission fees that would be included if visiting as part of a tour.
- While safer than the downtown area of Montego Bay, use your discretion and stay in the more populated areas, especially at night.
How to Get There
Montego Bay’s Hip Strip runs along Gloucester Avenue, from Aquasol Theme Park to Sangster International Airport. It is walking distance or a quick taxi ride from many nearby hotels (some of which offer free shuttles).
When to Get There
A hot spot day and night, the best time to visit the Hip Strip depends on whether you want to incorporate a stop at the beach or a night out on the town. The warm months of winter comprise the busiest time of the year.
Treasure Hunters Welcome
One of the best-reviewed Hip Strip souvenir shops is Tropical Treasures, where owner Sammie makes you feel at home—and has even been known to give discounts for smiling. Travelers say the prices here are fair and that his no-hassle attitude is a welcome pleasure.
Address: Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica
From $ 10
Coyaba River Garden and Museum
High above the sun-drenched beaches and bustling fray of Ocho Rios, the lush Konoko Falls and Park are filled with innumerable species of tropical flora and birds, and streams that tumble into gentle waterfalls. The excellent on-site museum traces the history and culture of Jamaica’s original inhabitants, the Tainos and Arawaks.
The Basics
At this park, formerly called Coyaba River Garden and Museum, enjoy a brief respite from busy Ocho Rios as you walk quiet trails past streams, casades, and pools filled with carp, turtles, and crayfish. For a stupendous panoramic view, climb to the summit, which sits about 420 feet (128 meters) above the coastline. Festooned with tropical plants, gurgling fountains, and hummingbird feeders, the garden’s museum is housed in a colonial mansion and features an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from the Tainos, Arawaks, and Spanish colonists.
You can visit Konoko Falls and Park as part of a half-day tour highlighting the best attractions of Ocho Rios, including a shopping excursion to the town’s eclectic markets and shopping arcades, a drive through the lush forests of Fern Gully, a relaxing moment at Turtle Beach, and a jungle hike and swim at nearby Dunns River Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Konoko Falls and Park is ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a deeper understanding of Jamaican cultural history.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water. If you would like to refresh yourself in the gentle cascades, bring swimwear and a towel, too.
- A wheelchair-friendly wooden walkway connects Ysassi’s Lookout Point, named after the last Spanish Governor of Jamaica, and the park’s cascade, Mahoe Falls.
- There’s an on-site boutique selling locally made crafts, a shaded courtyard café offering tasty lunches and locally grown coffee, and Columbus Cafe and Arawak Jerk Pit serving up delicious local specialties.
How to Get There
Konoko Falls and Park is on Milford Road, a 5-minute drive west of Ocho Rios. Catch a taxi to the park (easy to arrange through your hotel); if you are driving, there is plentiful parking.
When to Get There
The garden and the museum are open daily from 8am to 5pm year-round. Each season showcases a different array of blooming plants and trees. On Thursdays from 5:30pm to 12am there is a Moonshine Festival comprising a Jamaican buffet accompanied by African drumming and dancing to reggae music.
Locals Call It Coyaba
Konoko Falls and Park used to be called Coyaba River Garden and Museum, so if you ask a taxi driver to take you to Konoko, don’t be surprised if they are confused at first. Coyaba is a word the Arawak people used to convey heaven or paradise, and konoko meant rain forest or wooded area—either way, both words perfectly describe the place and the special experience awaiting you.
Address: Milford Road, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 51
Blue Hole
The Blue Hole—alternatively known as the Cool Blue Hole, Secret Falls, or Island Gully—is a natural limestone sinkhole near Ocho Rios. A deep cavern within the tropical mountains of Jamaica, the Blue Hole gets its name from the deep azure hue of the water. Travelers visit to swim, cliff dive, and make their way through the lush rain forest to Secret Falls.
The Basics
The Blue Hole features majestic waterfalls pouring into it from the sides and thick rain forest vegetation growing around its rocky perimeter. Since it's not an official tourist board attraction, the site lacks the vendor kiosks and organized queues typical to other natural attractions such as the busy Dunn’s River Falls. As such, the Blue Hole feels like a hidden gem. For thrill seekers, its blue waters are an excellent place to go swimming, try cliff jumping, or use the rope swing.
A tour guide can provide advice on the safest places for jumping and swimming, as well provide intel on local flora and fauna. Most travelers arrive on a group tour or shore excursion from Negril, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, or Montego Bay. The Blue Hole is often a stop on tours that include river tubing on the nearby White River, a visit to Dunn’s River Falls, or shopping in Montego Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A bathing suit and water shoes are a must. In order to enjoy the Blue Hole without worrying about your belongings, be prepared to leave phones and wallets in the tour vehicle or with your tour guide.
- Swimming and cliff jumping at the Blue Hole is not recommended for kids under 10 years old.
- There are land-based walk-around options for those who don't wish to jump the cliffs.
- Life jackets are available for loan at the site.
How to Get There
The Blue Hole is located on Thatch Hill Road, deep in the forested hills of St. Ann Parish. It is a a 20-minute drive from downtown Ocho Rios. It can be difficult to find, so most travelers arrive as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The Blue Hole and Secret Falls are open from 7am to 5pm. A popular destination for those staying in Ocho Rios, it can get crowded, so the best time to arrive to beat the crowds is first thing in the morning. Jamaica's rainy season, in May, October, and November can make the rocks slick and difficult to climb.
White River Tubing
Many tours that stop at the Blue Hole often combine the excursion with tubing on the nearby White River. This lazy river tubing experience is a great alternative to the cliff-jumping and swimming in the waterfalls at the Blue Hole. Even small kids and non-swimmers can enjoy a float down a river through the tropical rain forest.
Address: Negril, Jamaica
From $ 39
Greenwood Great House
Take a walk through an unique piece of Jamaican and literary history with a tour of the Greenwood Great House, built in the late 1700s by Richard Barrett, a cousin of poet Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, whose family was among Jamaica’s original colonial settlers. Nearby Rose Hall often overshadows Greenwood Great House, but in fact Greenwood is better preserved, with many of the original furnishings still intact, including the library, a collection of Dresden china, and haunting relics from the original owner’s slave holding past, like a 6-foot-long, steel man-trap for catching runaways.
Practical Info
Visitors can stop by Greenwood Great House any day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to join a guided tour led by docents dressed in period clothes. These tours offer an intimate look at the house, which was built primarily for entertaining, even cranking up the original polyphones so you can imagine the island’s Victorian-era elites waltzing in the ballroom.
Address: 435 Belgrade Avenue, St James, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily 9am-6pm
Admission: $20
From $ 66
Blue Mountains
The highest peak, the longest range, the best coffee—Jamaica’s Blue Mountains rightfully claim a handful of superlatives. The mountain range spans 28 miles (45 kilometers) across the rugged eastern portion of Jamaica and offers views of the island’s north and south coasts, and on a clear day, even all the way across the Caribbean Sea to Cuba.
The Basics
As with most mountain landscapes, the most obvious way to explore the Blue Mountains is on foot. Take a guided hike through the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn about the mountains’ ecosystem as well as their role in the Maroon Wars. Ambitious hikers will find reward on the 7-mile (11.3-kilometer) trail to Blue Mountain Peak—the highest point in all of Jamaica—while those wanting to skip straight to the view can drive up the mountain in just under an hour. Mountain biking tours take you past gushing waterfalls and over stone bridges, while coffee tours introduce you to the finest coffee in Jamaica from bean to cup.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Blue Mountains are one of the most popular natural attractions in Jamaica and a must-see for nature lovers.
- Temperatures are noticeably cooler in the mountains than at sea level; dress in layers.
- Although it’s possible to hike solo, it is recommended that travelers join a group for safety.
How to Get There
Thanks to Jamaica’s manageable size, you can easily get to the Blue Mountains from just about any part of the island. Guided tours leave from Ocho Rios, Kingston, Montego Bay, and more. If you have your own transportation, you’ll find it is an easy drive. You can also book a taxi or shuttle from Kingston.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Blue Mountains is outside of the island’s two rainy seasons: around May, and October through November. Dry days promise not only a more pleasant outdoor experience, but also warmer weather and clearer views.
Blue Mountain Coffee
Jamaica’s famous gourmet Blue Mountain Coffee—considered among the best in the world—is now cultivated on the lower slopes of the Blue Mountains, which were once completely forested. The 194,000-acre (78,509-hectare) Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park preserves the remaining forested areas.
Address: Jamaica
From $ 109
Club Mobay Departure Lounge
Start your Montego Bay vacation as soon as you get off the plane at Club Mobay, and then linger in island vibes until the minute you board your flight back home. This luxury lounge in Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport combines professional services with Jamaican hospitality, making your airport experience part of your vacation.
The Basics
Club Mobay provides its guests with a VIP airport experience—no matter your seat on the plane. Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi access, a fully equipped business center, complimentary food and drinks, tablet games, and free phone calls to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. A Club Mobay entrance pass lets you fly through security and immigration with preferential skip-the-line access, available for both arrivals and departures. Upgrades include meet-and-greet service with an airport representative to walk you through customs and immigration as soon as you step off the plane, arrival and departure bundles for club access on both sides of your flight, and private ground transfer to your hotel after arrival.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book in advance to guarantee access and ensure stress-free travel.
- Club Mobay lounge is available for arrivals, departures, and layovers.
- Kids can play games in a soundproof environment at Pickney Place, available only with Club access.
- The club also includes a spa, with beauty treatment packages available for purchase.
How to Get There
Club Mobay Departure Lounge is located in the departure terminal by Gate 9; you’ll see signs directing you down a flight of stairs, or you can take an elevator. For those booking an arrival tour, look for the Club Mobay Meeting Point when you step off the plane. Upgrade is available for meet-and-greet services at your arrival gate, as well.
When to Get There
Check when you book for the current hours for Club Mobay’s arrival and departure lounges. For departures, find the Club Mobay information booth next to the entrance for security and immigration after checking into your flight. For arrivals, find the Club Mobay Meeting Point after you step off the plane.
Food at the Club Mobay Lounge
Food options include fresh fruits, sandwiches, tapas, and Jamaican patties (flaky pastry stuffed with meats or vegetables), plus complimentary drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Address: Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Hours: Daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those arriving on a flight).
From $ 30
Dunn's River Falls
Dunn's River Falls is a spectacular White River waterfall near Ocho Rios in Jamaica, where cold mountain water cascades 1,000 feet (300 meters) down naturally terraced steps. Those interested in geology will be fascinated with the way the world-famous falls renew themselves via regular deposits of calcium carbonate and sodium, while movie movie buffs will recognize them from films such as ‘Dr. No’ and ‘Cocktail.’
The Basics
While there’s plenty of swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing opportunities at the falls, many visitors make it a goal to climb the 600-foot (182-meter) terraced falls. You can do so independently or with a waterfall guide on a Dunn's River Falls tour. Guided options are popular for the safety precautions and assistance provided by the local guides during the trek. Stop at one of the lagoons, admire the natural wonder from the top, and be sure to take a dip to cool off.
Families will enjoy the swim; the water is mountain runoff and fairly cold, which is perfect on particularly hot days. The site is also close to Ocho Rios' land and sea attractions, restaurants, and the Caribbean coast. Many Dunn's River Falls tours combine a visit to the falls and park with river tubing, a shopping tour in Ocho Rios, a party cruise, or a stop at the Blue Hole or Luminous Lagoon.
How To Get to Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn's River Falls are about three miles (4.8 km) from Ocho Rios and about 70 (112 km) from Montego Bay. While it's a rapidly growing resort area and a popular cruise line excursion stop, the falls are relatively unspoiled, the hiking is spectacular, and both the wildlife and the rainforest foliage are abundant.
When to Get There
First thing in the morning is your best bet at this popular tourist attraction. While partying vacationers are sleeping off last night’s tropical cocktails, you can get a jump on the hike to the top without huge crowds. If you can avoid a day when cruise ships are in town, you'll be glad you thought ahead.
The Basics
While there’s plenty of swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing opportunities at the falls, many visitors make it a goal to climb the 600-foot (182-meter) terraced falls. You can do so independently or with a waterfall guide on a Dunn's River Falls tour. Guided options are popular for the safety precautions and assistance provided by the local guides during the trek. Stop at one of the lagoons, admire the natural wonder from the top, and be sure to take a dip to cool off.
Families will enjoy the swim; the water is mountain runoff and fairly cold, which is perfect on particularly hot days. The site is also close to Ocho Rios' land and sea attractions, restaurants, and the Caribbean coast. Many Dunn's River Falls tours combine a visit to the falls and park with river tubing, a shopping tour in Ocho Rios, a party cruise, or a stop at the Blue Hole or Luminous Lagoon.
- Those who don’t wish to climb the falls can hang out at the observation deck, made for sunning and viewing.
- You’ll find a snack bar and souvenirs for sale on the premises.
- Wear water shoes or sandals suitable for the slippery rocks.
- Bring cash for entrance fees (if visiting independently) and a waterproof camera.
How To Get to Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn's River Falls are about three miles (4.8 km) from Ocho Rios and about 70 (112 km) from Montego Bay. While it's a rapidly growing resort area and a popular cruise line excursion stop, the falls are relatively unspoiled, the hiking is spectacular, and both the wildlife and the rainforest foliage are abundant.
When to Get There
First thing in the morning is your best bet at this popular tourist attraction. While partying vacationers are sleeping off last night’s tropical cocktails, you can get a jump on the hike to the top without huge crowds. If you can avoid a day when cruise ships are in town, you'll be glad you thought ahead.
Address: A3 Highway, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Hours: Daily 8.30am–4pm; opens at 7am on Cruise Ship Days (Wed–Fri).
Admission: Adults: US$15, Children (2-11yrs): US$12
From $ 41
Fort Charles
Originally built as Fort Cromwell in the mid-1650s, Fort Charles was one of the few structures that survived the 1692 earthquake that sent much of Port Royal into the sea. Reconstructed after the earthquake, it continued to be used as a British fort and a headquarters for the British Navy. Even Admiral Horatio Nelson did time as a lieutenant here during 1779. Today it houses the Fort Charles Maritime Museum, which includes a reproduction of Nelson's quarters, among other artifacts and exhibits. On the grounds is a former artillery storehouse now called the Giddy House because it was twisted sideways by another earthquake in 1907.
Practical Info
Fort Charles in the main historical attraction in Port Royal, which sits at the end of a long, narrow peninsula stretching around Kingston Harbour, just west of the airport. To get there, take Norman Manley Hwy to the end of the peninsula.
Address: End of Norman Manley Hwy., Port Royal, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:45pm
Admission: $3
From $ 62
Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
Venture onto the back roads of Montego Bay to reach this one-of-a-kind hillside gallery and garden 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level. Surrounding an eco-conscious mini-museum run by local artist and art collector Ras Natango is a garden filled with tropical plants and birds, and it offers views of the Jamaican countryside.
The Basics
Walk the property’s terraced hill and botanical garden to take in the views alongside a litany of colorful flowers, rare plants, and more than 50 species of fern. On your stroll, see as many as 18 species of birds. The gallery boasts a collection—all for sale—of vibrant acrylic paintings by owner and artist Ras Natango and other locals. Guided tours of Ahhh… include round-trip hotel transport, a welcome drink, and time to enjoy the property.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gallery and garden is suitable for all types of travelers, especially lovers of flowers, plants, and art.
- The admission fee includes a complimentary drink; lunch, water and other beverages are available for purchase at an additional cost.
- An on-site bar serves fresh juices, beer, and bottled water.
- Neither garden nor gallery are wheelchair-friendly.
How to Get There
Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is located in Jamaica’s Camrose District, about a 30-minute drive from Montego Bay. Travelers pre-arranging a guided tour enjoy a free roundtrip shuttle. If not, travelers can arrange for a taxi or drive. Parking is available.
When to Get There
Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Don’t Miss the Mozegg Mosaics
Beyond colorful paintings that focus on Jamaica, travelers encounter three-dimensional works the gallery calls “mozeggs,” which are mosaics made from eggshells. This unique craft was invented by resident artist, Tamika. There are also traditional crafts and jewelry for sale.
Address: 1 Ras Natango Way, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Columbus Park
Legendary explorer Christopher Columbus first trod upon Jamaican soil at Discovery Bay, where he landed in 1494. Columbus Park commemorates that momentous day in history with a museum that explores the history and impact of that landing, along with the pre-colonial history of Jamaica’s indigenous people.
From Arawak canoes to sugarcane milling, nautical relics and cannons, the open-air museum overlooking the harbor at Discovery Bay is littered with fascinating artifacts from Jamaica's past.
Practical Info
Columbus Park is in Discovery Bay in the Parish of St. Ann, west of Ocho Rios along the A1 highway.
Address: A1 Highway, St. Ann JMCAN10, Jamaica
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 66
Devon House
In the capital of Kingston, the 19th-century Devon House mansion is not only unique on the island, but also throughout the Caribbean, as it was the home of George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire, offering a rare glimpse of West Indian high society. When you visit the Georgian-style home, you can explore rooms furnished with 19th-century Jamaican and Caribbean antiques, along with original features like the English chandelier bought by Stiebel that still hangs in the ballroom. Today, the house sits on 11 acres of gardens within the city, and the surrounding buildings, including the stables and the kitchen, have been repurposed into shops, art boutiques and cafés. Don’t forget to stop in the courtyard, where you can find a sweet treat at the original location of the now-popular island chain Devon House I Scream.
Practical Info
The Devon House sits on Hope Road in the Uptown area of Kingston, about a half-mile west of the Bob Marley Museum. The house is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission costs $7 and includes a guided tour. It’s free to explore the grounds and shops.
Address: Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica
Admission: $7
From $ 49
Emancipation Park
Take a break from the hustle of Kingston with a visit to Emancipation Park, a seven-acre swath of green space in the New Kingston area of the Jamaican capital. It’s a popular spot for local to have lunch or walk the track around the park’s perimeter. Within the park you’ll find fountains and gardens of native and imported plants. Art pieces also dot the scenery, including the “Redemption Song” statue at the park entrance, honoring native son Bob Marley, and there are also African Adinkra symbols incorporated in the scenery, like the Futumfrafo, a two-headed crocodile, on the sides of the benches, and the Wafa Aba, seed of the Wafa Tree, decorating the top of the perimeter fence.
Practical Info
Emancipation Park is located in the New Kingston area of the city, near many of the tourist hotels. It sits at the corner of Oxford Rd. and Knutsford Blvd., just across the street from the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Address: Corner of Oxford Rd. and Knutsford Blvd., Kingston, Jamaica
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays through Sundays 5 a.m. to midnight.
From $ 65
Appleton Estate
Largely regarded as one of Jamaica’s best rum distilleries, Appleton Estate has been producing the liquor since 1749, making it the country’s oldest sugar cane estate and distillery. With its sprawling sugar cane plantations and modern facilities, the estate covers a vast 11,000-acre plot in the fertile Nassau Valley, hemmed in by the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Black River. Today, the historic estate produces about 10 million liters of rum per year, including a variety of gold, white and aged rums.
The Appleton Estate is open to the public, and touring the distillery makes for a popular day trip from Negril or Montego Bay. As well as tasting an array of different rums, visitors can gain insight into the traditional distillation methods using 200-year-old copper pot stills, try their hand at time-honored methods of cane-juicing and sugar boiling, visit the barrel houses where the rum is aged and sample fresh sugar cane juice, while learning all about how rum is produced.
Practical Info
The Appleton Estate rum distillery is located in the Nassau Valley, on Jamaica’s South Coast. It is open to the public by guided tour only.
Address: Appleton Estate, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 50
Falmouth Cruise Port
For many visitors taking a cruise to Jamaica, Falmouth Cruise Port is the first introduction to the island famous for its laid-back vibe. The port is right in Falmouth town, which is on the northern coast of Jamaica and located within one of the best-preserved colonial historic districts in the Caribbean.
The Basics
Founded in 1769, Falmouth, in Trelawny Parish, was named after then-Governor Trelawny’s birthplace in Cornwall, England. In the 1800s it was one of Jamaica’s busiest ports, trading sugar and rum, and it was also a place where plantation owners could buy and sell slaves. The town was meticulously planned, and many of the stately Georgian buildings still remain today. It’s a short walk from the cruise port into town to explore the historic center.
The cruise port opened in 2011 to accommodate a new breed of super cruise ships holding up to 5,400 passengers at any time. You’ll find everything from upscale jewelry shops to American chain restaurants and souvenir stores in the cruise terminal. Many cruise passengers choose to book island tours and shore excursions to make the most of their time in Jamaica, traveling to Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls, exploring the Rio Bueno river, or learning about the lasting heritage of reggae musician Bob Marley, one of Jamaica’s most famous sons.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The official currency on the island is the Jamaican dollar, however US dollars are widely accepted.
- Keep an eye out for the stone cage in Falmouth harbour, it was built to hold drunk and disorderly sailors.
- The port is the pickup and drop-off point for many island-wide tours.
How to Get to Falmouth from the Falmouth Cruise Port
The Falmouth Cruise Port is located in the town of Falmouth, 18 miles (29 kilometers) east of Montego Bay. Most people visit the port while on a cruise to Jamaica, although it is also walking distance from the center of Falmouth.
Port Information
The port terminal is open when there are ships in harbour (often Tuesday-Thursday). On these days it is open from 9am-5pm, although the bars and restaurants are usually open later.
Address: Falmouth, Jamaica
From $ 65
Green Grotto Caves
Time and tide have etched the limestone Green Grotto Caves, lined with the green algae that gives them their name. The caverns are home to bats and marine life, and over the centuries they’ve been a hideout for fugitives and runaway slaves.
Hidden away in an inner cavern is the crystal-clear Grotto Lake. Overhead, pockets in the limestone provide filtered light through the caverns’ forest of stalactites and stalagmites.
Practical Info
The Green Grotto Caves are on Jamaica’s north coast at Discovery Bay, west of Ocho Rios. They are 1.5 miles (3 kilometers) from Discovery Bay. To visit, you need to take an organized tour.
Address: A3 Highway, Discovery Bay JMCAN10, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily 9am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: US$20, Children (4-12yrs): US$10
From $ 88
Black River
The Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica and flows west for 33 miles until it empties into the sea. The name derives from the river’s dark riverbed, which has obtained its hue from thick layers of decomposing vegetation that has stacked up over the years beneath the water. The Black River is easily accessible from the popular vacation spot of Negril and provides several different activities to fill a day with fun during your vacation in Jamaica.
Tubing and kayaking down the Black River are adventurous ways to experience the rapids here, and with the thick rainforest trees and plants surrounding the water, you’ll feel like you’re twisting and dipping your way through a tropical paradise, all while getting an adrenaline rush.
In a calmer part of Black River, close to the Caribbean Sea and the actual town of Black River, crocodile spotting is a popular pastime, and boats with expert guides take travelers out to the spots where crocodiles typically spend their days. See just how many you can spot of the hundreds that call the riverbed home.
YS Falls is also along the river and is made up of multiple levels of waterfalls with swimming holes at the bottom of each.
Practical Info
The most convenient way to reach the Black River is via an excursion, which will pick you up from your hotel, provide you with what you need for the day’s activities and then drop you back off at your hotel. If you’ve rented a car, it is also possible to explore the Black River on your own.
Address: Negril, Jamaica
From $ 50
Fern Gully
Take a step back into the wilds of Jamaica with a drive through the incredibly lush and tropical Fern Gully. A towering tunnel of ferns and tropical overgrowth, this rainforest is so full and green that it has become one of the most noteworthy attractions in all of Jamaica.
See water falling over canyons, beautiful gorges, tropical birds of paradise and more than 300 varieties of fern. Along the way visitors can stop to haggle with roadside vendors for wooden arts and crafts, or, if they’re lucky, they’ll spot Fern Man, who wears a robe of pure fern. With so much green vegetation, this shady forest canopy is a great spot for a quick drive or a leisurely walk.
Practical Info
This three-mile-long stretch of road runs south from Ocho Rios to Colgate.
Address: Fern Gully, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Hours: Daily
From $ 40