Choose from 49 Fun Things to Do in Jamaica
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Montego Bay Cruise Port
Montego Bay is the capital of Saint James Parish and is the second-largest city in Jamaica. The Caribbean city offers an array of water activities, as well as duty-free shopping and plenty of shore excursions bound for other parts of the island.
The Basics
Shore excursions are plentiful and varied; many focus on the natural wonders of Jamaica such as Dunn's River Falls, the white sands of Doctor's Cave Beach, the Green Grotto Caves, or the Blue Hole. Water sports include river rafting, river tubing, or kayaking on the Martha Brae River. Other popular adventurous options are horseback riding on the beaches lining the Caribbean and zipline tours through the rain forest canopy. For history buffs, the Rose Hall Great House is a must-see; tours fill visitors in on the history and ghostly presences said to haunt the hallways there. Foodies can kick back at one of Montego Bay’s renowned restaurants for Jamaican seafood treats or try a world-famous Jamaica rum punch for an authentic island taste.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Montego Bay shore excursions typically include round-trip transportation from the port, which makes for a seamless experience and eliminates the hassle of arranging transportation.
- Visits to other parts of the island, such as Negril or Falmouth, are usually full-day excursions.
- The port can get quite crowded and sometimes sees as many as four cruise lines docking in a single day. Booking a private tour is a good way to get out into the country quickly and beat the crowds.
How to Get to Downtown Montego Bay from Montego Bay Cruise Port
Montego Bay is a bustling cruise ship port, located three miles (five kilometers) from downtown. Taxis and group vans are readily available when cruise ships dock. Cruisers should make sure their cab is a licensed JUTA taxi in order to avoid being overcharged.
Port Information
The official language of Jamaica is English (with that characteristic accent) and the currencies are the Jamaican dollar and the US dollar. Vendors around Montego Bay are notorious for their persistent tactics, so visitors shouldn't be hesitant in their refusals. It’s also wise to limit the number of valuables carried with you.
Address: Freeport Peninsula, Montego Bay, Jamaica
From $ 55
Martha Brae River
The Martha Brae River, a 20-mile (32-kilometer) stretch of turquoise water winding through Jamaica’s tropical inland rain forests, is an essential stop for nature lovers traveling through the Caribbean island. Though primarily a stopover for a quick rafting trip, the river’s prime location near other natural attractions and its wide diversity of wildlife makes it a worthwhile addition to any Jamaica vacation.
The Basics
Whitewater rafters can leave their need-for-speed behind—rafting tours on the Martha Brae River float along on island time. Board a traditional bamboo raft for a calm ride led by raft captains who paddle and steer using long stalks of bamboo, leaving you free to focus on the diverse wildlife lining the shores. For a more active outing, combine a rafting trip with visits to nearby attractions such as the Luminous Lagoon, flush with bioluminescent phytoplankton that cause the water to glow at night, or the climbing course and natural water slide at Dunn’s River Falls. Most guided tours include refreshments, lunch, and round-trip transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Martha Brae River is a must-see for nature lovers.
- The disembarkation area offers amenities such as a restroom, lounge area, and bar.
- Luminous Lagoon is best seen after dark, so plan for a late-afternoon start if you want to see both attractions in one trip.
- Private Martha Brae river-rafting tours offer a romantic and personalized experience.
- Miss Martha's Herb Garden, located at the embarkation point at Rafter’s Village, makes for a quick but informative stop to learn about Caribbean traditional medicinal and culinary herbs.
How to Get There
The small coastal town of Falmouth is the closest city to the Martha Brae headwaters, located just three miles (four kilometers) away. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are each roughly an hour’s drive.
When to Get There
Jamaica’s year-round warm temperatures make it easy to plan a trip during any season, with the exception of May and October through November, which bring rain and hurricanes.
Address: A1 Highway, Falmouth, Jamaica
Hours: Open Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 60
Mayfield Falls
The Mayfield Falls are a series of waterfalls situated on the Mayfield River in the parish of Westmoreland in Jamaica. The falls feature 21 cascades in total. The tallest, nicknamed the ‘Washing Machine’ and reaching around three meters in height, is large enough for visitors to get behind and play in the jets of water. The jungle setting of the falls is abundant with lush plantlife, as well as a variety of exotic species of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife native to Jamaica.
Most people set off to the Mayfield Falls with a guide. The level of physical activity here is moderately demanding and involves quite a walk through the water and across rocks to explore the falls in their entirety.
Practical Info
Tours with a guide usually last an hour and a half and operate between 8am and 4:30pm. Water shoes are available to rent as the rocks are slippery, and there are also lockers to store any belongings in. There is a café on-site that serves local Jamaican cuisine.
Address: Glenbrook, Westmoreland, Negril, Jamaica
From $ 76
Nine Mile
A visit to Nine Mile, a sleepy town high in the Jamaican mountains of St. Ann Parish, is a must for die-hard Bob Marley fans. Home to the birthplace, house, and mausoleum of the legendary king of reggae, Nine Mile offers visitors insight into Bob Marley’s everyday life and his music, and a deeper understanding of his roots.
The Basics
The core of any trip to Nine Mile is a tour of Bob Marley’s home, which remains untouched from the days he lived there. Walk through for a look at the intimate details of his daily life, such as his favorite clothing and chair. Rastafarian guides fill you in on Marley’s childhood, career, and Rastafarian culture as you go, making the most of every display. Most tours also include a trip to Mt. Zion Rock, Marley’s frequented meditation spot and home to the rock “pillow” mentioned in his song “Talkin’ Blues,” as well as to his final resting place and mausoleum. Reggae lovers can enjoy the displays at a more leisurely pace by visiting as part of a private tour, which also makes for a comfortable journey up the rugged mountain roads to Nine Mile. Or bundle a visit to Nine Mile with other area attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls, the Luminous Lagoon, or the Jamaican restaurant owned by another local legend: Olympian Usain Bolt.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Bob Marley Nine Mile tour is a must for reggae fans.
- The drive is bumpy—be prepared if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- Tours depart from Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Negril.
How to Get There
Nine Mile is located high in the mountains of St. Ann Parish, roughly a 2-hour drive from the coast. If you’re not visiting as part of a guided tour, you can rent a durable car and make your own way up the windy mountain road.
When to Get There
In general, Jamaica is most visited from mid-November through March, when the weather is warm and sunny. If you are driving to Nine Mile, leave early so you don’t have to make the long bumpy drive back in the dark.
Reggae Origins
Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the 1960s, but has since spread throughout the Caribbean, United States, and the rest of the world. Reggae is greatly influenced by jazz, blues, ska, and other music genres.
Address: B3 Highway, Nine Mile JMCAN06, Jamaica
Admission: Free
From $ 90
Rick's Caf e
High on the cliffs outside Negril, Rick’s Cafe is one of Jamaica’s most enduring institutions. Negril was a sleepy fishing village when Rick’s opened in 1974, and travelers and locals alike still make a pilgrimage to the restaurant and bar for strong cocktails, tasty Jamaican dishes, death-defying cliff divers, and sunset viewing parties.
The Basics
Outside on the expansive cliffside patio, watch in awe as local professional cliff divers and courageous tourists leap some 30 feet (9 meters) into the deep sea waters below. Dining at the restaurant is semiformal, with the chef making authentic, mouth-watering Jamaican dishes like ackee and salt fish, callaloo, oxtail and butter beans, and curry goat.
You can experience Rick’s Cafe on your own, or with a private or group half-day or full-day tour that leaves from Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios. Tours incorporate the highlights of whichever area you choose, and many also feature fun activities like a catamaran cruise to the famous Negril Cliffs, stops at the best snorkeling spots, scenic coastal drives, and swimming and relaxing at postcard-pretty beaches along the way. Most tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel, gear rental, and some food and drink.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rick’s Cafe is a popular stop with first-time visitors to the area, especially at sunset. Families with small children are welcome, though mind them closely around the cliffs area.
- Remember to bring your swimwear, sunscreen, towel, and camera for sunsets and cliff jumps.
- There are reports of travelers sustaining serious injuries from jumping off the cliffs. Dive at your own risk.
- Rick’s Cafe is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Rick’s Cafe is west of central Negril along West End Road, easily accessible by taxi or shuttle bus from many Negril hotels.
When to Get There
Rick’s Cafe is open from 12pm to 10pm daily year-round. Nightly live music and sunset parties get going around 5:30pm. During the off-season (May through November) there are smaller crowds here and throughout the island.
Seven Miles of Heaven
Chances are if you’ve seen postcards of Jamaica, you’ve gazed upon the creamy white sands of Seven Mile Beach. Along the coast next to Rick’s Cafe, this stretch is a popular destination, not only for its stunning beauty but also for activities. At the beach you can snorkel the reefs, play volleyball, kayak, take a glass-bottom boat ride, or go for a horseback ride in the surf.
Address: West End Road, Negril, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily 12pm - 10pm
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Margaritaville Caribbean Montego Bay
More than just a bar and restaurant, Montego Bay’s version of the Margaritaville chain is a Jamaica attraction in its own right. Situated on the Caribbean along the Hip Strip of Gloucester Avenue, the Jimmy Buffett–themed hot spot has a variety of water sports, a bustling nightlife scene, and island cuisine.
The Basics
Margaritaville visitors love the 120-foot (37-meter) waterslide that plunges into the ocean, as well as the collection of water trampolines and other fun floating structures, all watched over by lifeguards. Both bar decks feature nonstop entertainment, including music, dancing, and sports on big-screen TVs. The restaurant and bar serve the usual lineup of “cheeseburgers in paradise”—and no visit is complete without sampling the lineup of colorful tropical drinks.
Day tours in and around Montego Bay often stop at Margaritaville for a drink or a meal, and can be combined with stops at the popular Doctor’s Cave Beach, or shopping on the Hip Strip. Shore excursions from Ocho Rios, Falmouth, and Negril often include Margaritaville with other area activities.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Children are welcome at Margaritaville during the day; at night, the location transforms into a nightclub and is open only to those over 18 years old.
- No reservations are needed at Margaritaville, unless you are traveling with a large group.
- Margaritaville admission is free, though you are encouraged to purchase food and drinks.
- Margaritaville is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Margaritaville Montego Bay is located on the south end of Gloucester Avenue, about 10 minutes by taxi from the cruise ship pier.
When to Get There
Margaritaville is one of the most popular spots on the Hip Strip, so expect a crowd, especially after 10pm, when the restaurant closes and converts to a nightclub. It's best to call or email ahead for reservations if arriving with a large group.
Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett is an American musician turned businessman and philanthropist. His most famous songs—such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Grapefruit–Juicy Fruit,” and of course “Margaritaville,” after which his chain of restaurants is named—evoke a laid-back, island-style attitude. With Margaritaville locations all over the Caribbean, his spirit and whimsy can be felt at each one.
Address: Hip Strip/Gloucster Ave., Montego Bay JMCJS12, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is the ultimate gateway to a plethora of sightseeing and cultural experiences on the north coast of the island. Originally a fishing village, Ocho Rios has grown into a well-known port of call for cruise ships with its bustling economy surrounding the port.
The Basics
Most shore excursions from Ocho Rios head for the north coast. Popular day tour destinations include the terraced Dunn’s River Falls, which visitors can climb in the company of a guide for views over the surrounding area. Horseback riding tours allow travelers to enjoy the Caribbean Sea while learning about marine life and the ecosystem. Cruisers can pay tribute to the iconic film Cool Runnings by checking out the bobsled and rain forest canopy chair lift ride at Mystic Mountain. Ocho Rios’ Green Grotto Caves are full of geologic wonders and subterranean history, and the nearby Blue Hole is a popular stop for its azure waters and rock formations. Other Ocho Rios shore excursions include water sports such as river rafting and tubing, catamaran cruises, and kayaking outings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Ocho Rios shore excursions include round-trip transportation from the port.
- If you’d like to visit farther Jamaica destinations from Ocho Rios, such as Falmouth or Bob Marley's home at Nine Mile, expect a full-day tour.
- Booking a private tour ensures cruisers can make the most of their (often short) time in port.
How to Get to Downtown Ocho Rios from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port
From the cruise port, it’s possible to walk to downtown Ocho Rios, where you’ll find six shopping plazas and an abundance of bars and restaurants. Taxis are plentiful in the area.
Port Information
English is the official language of Jamaica, and the currencies are the Jamaican dollar and the US dollar.
Address: Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
From $ 44
Negril Cliffs
Even by themselves, the black hued cliffs outside of Negril are natural sites to behold. Rising 40 feet above turquoise waters and pockmarked by sea caves and coves, the cliffs form a defining natural icon for Jamaica’s far western coast. It isn’t just their beauty, however, that draws visitors here in droves. Rather, it’s the deep waters immediately offshore and the presence of cliffside beach bars—which all combine to form perfect conditions for throwing yourself off the edge. The cliff diving here on Negril’s cliffs is some of the world’s most famous, where locals and visitors regularly drop over 40 feet down to the sea. Professionals will often put on shows and perform daring flips and flops, and occasionally visitors will join in the show in a fit of Caribbean bravado. The cliffs are a popular spot for snorkeling tours to stop en route from the dive site, and are a short distance from the laidback guesthouses towards the southern end of Negril. After a long day of snorkeling, diving, suntanning, partying, laughing, and jumping, gather with dozens of other travelers to watch the fiery, west-facing sunset that illuminates the cliffs each night.
Practical Info
The Negril cliffs are on the south end of Negril away from the large scale beach resorts. There are a handful of guesthouses and smaller hotels that accompany the clifftop bars, and the closest airport is Montego Bay approximately 90 minutes away.
Address: Negril, Jamaica
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 16
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in Montego Bay is home to thousands of native and migrant birds, with various types of hummingbirds, American Redstarts, Jamaican Orioles, Caribbean Doves, Northern Mockingbirds, and a whole host of other species coming here to feed.
The sanctuary itself is set in the simple yet beautiful gardens of a rustic country home. It was founded and run by bird-lover, Lisa Salmon, until her death in 2000, and is now run by her nephew. It’s a peaceful and relaxing setting where the birds feel comfortable enough for visitors to feed them by hand. Some, such as the hummingbirds, are so tame that they will sit on your finger while feeding from a bottle of sugared water.
Practical Info
There are a number of organized tours that provide round-trip transportation to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary from Montego Bay. If self-driving, take the main road west out of the city towards Lucea and Negril until you reach the town of Reading. Follow the signs to the sanctuary from here along the road leading inland.
Address: Rocklands Road, Wiltshire, Jamaica
Admission: US$20
From $ 50
National Gallery
Jamaica’s National Gallery is the biggest and oldest public art museum in the British Caribbean. Opened in 1974, the gallery features an impressive collection of Jamaican art. Visitors explore the works chronologically, starting with exceptionally rare woodcarvings from the Taino people who lived in the Caribbean before Columbus, moving through the colonial eras into the modern day. There’s an entire exhibit devoted to the works of sculptor Edna Manley, considered the mother of modern Jamaican art. Temporary exhibits showcase contemporary artists.
Practical Info
The National Gallery is located right near the waterfront just steps from Port Royal St. Visitors can explore the gallery on their own for just a few dollars, while those interested in a more in-depth experience can hire a guide for about $16 and take a 45-minute tour.
Address: 12 Ocean Blvd, Kingston, Jamaica
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs, 5am-11pm; Fri-Sun 5am-midnight
Admission: Adults: $3; Children: Free
From $ 65
Mystic Mountain
Set in the lush rain forest outside Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is a nature theme park featuring thrill rides, gardens, and pools. Adrenaline junkies can zip through the jungle on ziplines and bobsleds, while more laid-back visitors can enjoy panoramic views on a chairlift canopy ride.
The Basics
Race through the canopy at Mystic Mountain’s zipline course, which features a variety of platforms and cables up to 550 feet (168 meters) in length. The Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica ride allows you to control your own speed, accelerating for a wild ride or slowing down to enjoy views of the rain forest and Caribbean Sea. Finally, opt for the Sky Explorer: a chairlift that travels high above the treetops for incredible views of Ocho Rios and the nearby Dunn's River Falls. You can enjoy all three activities in one tour, with guaranteed admission during sold-out days, along with access to the butterfly garden, lookout tower, waterslides, and infinity pool.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If Mystic Mountain closes due to inclement weather, tickets are not refundable but can be applied to another day.
- The Sky Explorer has no age or height restrictions, passengers on the bobsled must be 46 inches (117 centimeters) tall, and zipline participants must be 6 years of age.
- The Sky Explorer is the best option for those with physical limitations or who don't meet the height or weight restrictions of the other rides.
How to Get There
Mystic Mountain is centrally located in Ocho Rios, just five minutes away from the city’s main cruise ship port. While it’s possible to arrive by taxi or private vehicle, most tours include round-trip transportation from the cruise port or downtown.
When to Get There
Inclement weather is the biggest threat to a Mystic Mountain visit. Jamaica's hurricane season spans from June 1 through November 30, and the rainiest months are May, October, and November. The nature park is popular with cruise line passengers—to avoid crowds, check the cruise ship schedule and pick a day when no ships are in port.
What to See Near Mystic Mountain
Climb up the tiered Dunn’s River Falls for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Ocho Rios itself. Another must-see attraction is the Blue Hole, a limestone sinkhole filled with aquamarine water.
Address: Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 44
Kingston
Jamaica’s capital city is best known as the epicenter of reggae music, thanks to native son Bob Marley, but modern-day Kingston has the power to impress from most any angle or metric. Overlooking the world’s seventh largest natural harbor from the foot of the jungle-covered Blue Mountains, Kingston is a city divided along economic lines, with the older and more rough-and-tumble parts found downtown, and the more affluent side of the city—including most hotels and high-end restaurants—found uptown in the area also known as New Kingston. Sights to see uptown include the Bob Marley Museum, which was the legendary musician’s home and recording studio, still preserved including bullet holes from an assassination attempt, and the Devon House, built by Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Venture to the waterfront downtown to see Jamaica’s artistic heritage at the National Gallery and head to St. William Grant Park, known locally as Parade, to see the historical buildings and brave the bustling street markets.
Practical Info
To reach Kingston from off-island, you’ll most likely fly in at Norman Manley International Airport, which sits just across the harbor on Palisadoes Peninsula, about 30 minutes from the city.
Address: Kingston, Jamaica
From $ 165
Port Royal
In the late 1600s, Jamaica’s Port Royal was second only to Boston as the largest European city in the New World, but it also had a reputation as the “most wicked and sinful city in the world,” a hot bed of pirates, rum and brothels. The settlement is at the end of a spit of land wrapping around Kingston Harbour, and in 1692, a devastating earthquake sent much of the town into the sea, where it still lies underwater. Today, visitors can take walking tours of spots built in the same locating, including Fort Charles and the Giddy House, which rests at an odd angle from another earthquake in 1907.
Practical Info
Port Royal is at the end of a long, narrow peninsula that stretches around the outside of Kingston Harbour, just west of the airport. To get there, take Norman Manley Hwy to the end of the peninsula. Walking tours are available of Port Royal’s historic sites.
Address: Kingston, Jamaica
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs 5am-11pm; Fri-Sun 5am-midnight
From $ 62
Puerto Seco Beach
Puerto Seco is a long white-sand beach stretching off to palm trees in the distance, lapped by calm shallow water.
A beach hub for families, it's lined with snack bars and vendors hiring boats and skis. A waterslide and playground for the kids adds to the fun.
There are changing facilities at the beach, thatch huts for shade, food vendors and snorkel hire.
Practical Info
Puerto Seco Beach is right in the center of Discovery Bay, on the eastern side of the harbor, a 30 minute drive west of Ocho Rios.
Address: A1 Highway, Discovery Bay JMCAN10, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 59
Montego Bay Craft Market
A popular stop for visitors, the Montego Bay Craft Market stretches for several blocks along Harbour Street and lets shoppers interact with the local artisans who run the narrow network of stalls. Come to pick up handmade Jamaican crafts, including custom woodworking, colorful paintings, and beads.
The Basics
There are many spots to buy crafts in Montego Bay, but the Craft Market on Harbour Street is one of the best. Here shoppers find handcrafted souvenirs including hats, musical instruments, dolls, and novelties made of leather, wood, beads, and straw. Visit independently or as part of a Montego Bay tour that often includes sightseeing and shopping highlights, in addition to sunbathing, a visit to a local reggae bar, and a stop at Richmond Hill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Montego Bay Craft Market is suitable for solo travelers, couples, and shoppers of all ages.
- Admission is free, but bring cash and small bills if you plan to buy something.
- There are no restaurants or bars on the street, but there are plenty of options on the nearby Hip Strip of Gloucester Avenue.
- Don’t be intimidated by aggressive vendor sales techniques. Haggling is normal, and you are not obligated to buy. Avoid hassle by not touching merchandise until you are ready to buy.
How to Get There
Montego Bay Craft Market is located at the corner of Howard Cooke Highway and Harbour Street in Montego Bay, just off the Hip Strip stretch of Gloucester Avenue. If you are visiting as part of a tour, round-trip hotel transfers are usually included.
When to Get There
The market is open daily, 7am to 7pm. For fewer crowds, come on days when cruise ships are not docked. Early mornings tend to be less crowded.
Don’t Miss the Hip Strip
From the craft market, it’s an easy walk to Montego Bay’s main touristic center, the Hip Strip stretch of Gloucester Avenue. From here, visitors head to sandy beaches such as Doctors Cave or Aqua Bay Beach, shop local wares, or have a cocktail and a dance at the famous, rolicking Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant.
Address: Howard Cooke Highway and Harbor Street, Montego Bay, Jamaica
From $ 65
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a massive river in eastern Jamaica that curves through the lush rainforests of the island. The river is fed by tropical rainwater, much of which flows down to the river from the top of the Blue Mountains. Journeying down the river provides views various shades of green dotting the mountainside and springing up from the Rio Grande river valley. You’ll see a variety of flora and fauna, including banana groves.
Locals still use the river to transport food – especially bananas – and supplies via bamboo rafts. Visitors can also experience this way of life on a raft excursion along the Rio Grande. The bamboo rafts are thin and narrow, but surprisingly buoyant. You’ll board the raft and sit on the back of it. Up front, a skilled raft captain will stand at the bow of the raft and guide you down the Rio Grande with powerful strides from a long paddle.
Practical Info
If you’re interested in visiting the Rio Grande, first make your way to Port Antonia, the seaside capital city of the Portland Parish area of Jamaica. From there, you can drive to the river or take an excursion that will transport you to the river for a raft ride.
Address: Port Antonia, Jamaica
From $ 129
Rio Bueno
Rio Bueno is a small village located 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) east of Montego Bay on the island of Jamaica. The Rio Bueno Harbour is the deepest harbor in Jamaica and the site where Columbus is believed to have first touched land in Jamaica. Visitors to Jamaica flock to this small fishing community to experience one of the most exhilarating excursions on the island: adventures along the Rio Bueno River. The river is situated in a beautiful tropical setting and movie buffs may recognize it as the location of the classic 1964 film, A High Wind in Jamaica, starring Anthony Quinn and James Coburn.
Visitors to the village of Rio Bueno can tour the ruins of a fort that dates to the 18th century and several historic buildings and churches that overlook the Caribbean Sea. The main attraction in Rio Bueno, however, is the Rio Bueno River, a favorite destination for kayaking, rafting, tubing and river boarding. The swift currents of the river make for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that’s exciting yet tame enough to bring the entire family. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pools, relax on the river bank and admire the spectacular jungle scenery and natural beauty of the region.
The Rio Bueno River eventually spills out into the Caribbean Sea where visitors can spend the afternoon sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the warm waters of Bengal Bay in Jamaica. Rio Bueno can be easily reached from Montego Bay, Falmouth and Ocho Rios. Taxis are readily available, and another great way to see the region is on shore excursions. Rio Bueno can be visited year-round, though the winter months are generally the most popular and crowded time to visit the island of Jamaica. Visitors looking to escape the crowds should head for the nearby resort at Runaway Bay.
Visitors to the village of Rio Bueno can tour the ruins of a fort that dates to the 18th century and several historic buildings and churches that overlook the Caribbean Sea. The main attraction in Rio Bueno, however, is the Rio Bueno River, a favorite destination for kayaking, rafting, tubing and river boarding. The swift currents of the river make for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that’s exciting yet tame enough to bring the entire family. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pools, relax on the river bank and admire the spectacular jungle scenery and natural beauty of the region.
The Rio Bueno River eventually spills out into the Caribbean Sea where visitors can spend the afternoon sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the warm waters of Bengal Bay in Jamaica. Rio Bueno can be easily reached from Montego Bay, Falmouth and Ocho Rios. Taxis are readily available, and another great way to see the region is on shore excursions. Rio Bueno can be visited year-round, though the winter months are generally the most popular and crowded time to visit the island of Jamaica. Visitors looking to escape the crowds should head for the nearby resort at Runaway Bay.
Address: Rio Bueno, Jamaica
From $ 70
Luminous Lagoon
The name says it all—located off the bay of Falmouth, the site of Luminous Lagoon becomes illuminated every night seemingly by magic. But there’s no sorcery involved when it comes to this glowing turquoise hue; it’s instead millions of microorganisms called dinoflagellates.
These special creatures flock to the Luminous Lagoon for its combination of both salt and freshwater, and they emit a phosphorescent light when disturbed. The Luminous Lagoon is one of only three places in the world you can see this type of phenomenon. And don’t worry—you won’t see any tiny organisms floating around. All you’ll see is iridescent blue.
The warm, shallow water of the lagoon makes it an ideal spot for swimming, and a boat ride through wouldn’t be complete without a stop for just that. Swimming here is often a highlight of an excursion, as you get to paddle around in water that is shimmering in shades of bright blue all around you.
Practical Info
To access Luminous Lagoon, you must head to Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina in Falmouth. From there, you’ll board a boat that takes you to the lagoon.
Address: Luminous Lagoon, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
National Heroes Park
Kingston’s largest green space is National Heroes Park, a 50-acre former horse track that now features monuments to important figures from Jamaican history. Among them are monuments and tombs to people like Marcus Garvey, Normal Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante, among many others. There’s also a war memorial to Jamaicans who died in WWI, which was relocated here from an earlier locations, and it’s the site of memorial gatherings on Remembrance Day.
Practical Info
National Heroes Park is in the Allman Town neighborhood of Kingston just a mile east of Trench Town. Visitors can walk the park ground and take moments of reflection at the monuments to Jamaica’s national leaders, and to those citizens who sacrificed for their country.
Address: National Heroes Circle, Kingston, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
From $ 70
Port Antonio
A former banana-port town on Jamaica’s northwest coast, sleepy Port Antonio is an off-the-beaten-path destination. Away from the busier Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Port Antonio is marked by craggy shorelines and hilly jungle rife with rivers and lagoons. It’s clear why Errol Flynn, aka Tarzan, built a Hollywood escape here in the 1940s.
The Basics
There are many ways to experience Port Antonio, the capital of Portland Parish, either independently or during half-day or full-day tours from Ocho Rios, Negril, or Kingston. The laid-back town center holds its own interest, with lovely Georgian-era buildings leading to a stretch of shore immortalized in the 1980s film The Blue Lagoon. Nature adventures abound, with options including floating on a bamboo raft down the jungle-fringed Rio Grande to Monkey Island; lunching at a rustic riverside restaurant famous for its award-winning Jamaican dishes; sunbathing at secluded Bikini Beach; driving along the coast past Firefly, Noël Coward’s estate; and of course, swimming in the magical waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Typically tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, local guides, entrance fees, and lunch. Alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and additional activities may be extra; check each tour for specific details.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Port Antonio is ideal for outdoor adventurers and those seeking a day trip from the more popular tourist centers of Jamaica.
- Remember to bring a camera, sun protection, towel, swimwear, water shoes, and cash in small denominations. A change of clothes and a spare bag for wet clothing might come in handy too.
- Rafting activities are not recommended for travelers with back, motion sickness, or mobility issues.
How to Get There
Port Antonio is a 2-hour drive from Kingston Norman Manley International Airport. Private charter flights are available from Kingston to Port Antonio.
When to Get There
Port Antonio and the nearby attractions are year-round destinations, with most visitors coming during the high-season winter months.
For Lovers of Nightlife
If you’re looking for some Jamaican groove along with nature encounters and adventure, you’ve come to the right place. From Ochos Rios, tours include a stop at the Blue Lagoon for a guided boat ride around the waterfront and a swim at Frenchman’s Cove, a natural ocean inlet protected by rugged cliffs. All this activity prepares you for a proper island jam at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville to feast on jerk chicken, margaritas, and reggae music records spun by local DJs.
Address: Port Antonio, Jamaica
From $ 129