Choose from 49 Fun Things to Do in Jamaica
ShowingFilter 41-49 of 49 listings.
YS Falls
YS Falls comprises seven waterfalls on the YS River, located in St. Elizabeth Parish on the lush south coast of Jamaica. Often overshadowed by Dunn’s River Falls, YS is worth a visit for its more secluded location and the promise of a less-crowded experience of Jamaica’s natural beauty.
The Basics
YS Estate is a working cattle farm where you can catch a glimpse of Jamaican countryside farm life as you make you way to YS Falls, which are on the property. Tours involve a jitney tractor ride to YS Falls; along the way you’ll encounter natural swimming pools adjacent to the cascading falls, as well as the surrounding tropical jungle, which provides opportunities for ziplining. There are wooden walkways along the riverbank for those who would rather walk than zipline, and the property provides other activities such as river tubing down the small rapids and a turn on a rope swing.
Tours depart frequently for YS Falls and the south coast of Jamaica from Falmouth, Montego Bay, and Negril. Many tours combine a YS Falls visit with other nearby highlights such as a Black River safari or sightseeing cruise, and a visit to the famous Appleton Rum Estate.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring a bathing suit and water shoes, must-haves for safely exploring the falls and for swimming in the natural pools.
- Some pools are deep enough to require decent swimming ability, but some are shallow enough for children to wade in.
- A kiosk at the falls sells light snacks and hot dogs.
How to Get There
YS Falls is located 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Montego Bay and 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Negril. Most visitors arrive at YS Falls on guided tour with transportation included from Negril, Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios.
When to Get There
YS Falls and the YS Estate are open from 9:30am to 3:30pm Tuesday through Sunday; they are closed on Mondays, and on local and public holidays. Getting there first thing in the morning means less crowds. Jamaica’s rainy season is in October through November; visiting during that time may mean slippery rocks and strong currents.
Stud and Cattle Farm at YS Estate
In addition to hosting the spectacular falls, YS Estate is home to a stud farm breeding thoroughbred horses for racing on Jamaica’s only racetrack. The farm also raises Jamaica Red Poll Cattle, a pedigreed herd farmed for beef. Animal-loving visitors can view and learn about both herds on a YS Estate visit.
Address: YS Falls, Cornwall, Jamaica
Hours: Tues-Sun: 9am - 3:30pm
Admission: Adult: $19 Child: $10
From $ 85
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is located along the scenic northern coast of Jamaica in Saint Ann Parish, west of Ocho Rios and east of Discovery Bay. A quiet resort destination, Runaway Bay attracts visitors looking to escape the crowds in the busier port cities of Ocho Rios, Falmouth and Montego Bay. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and tranquility at Runaway Bay is to spend a few days at one of the resorts. If you’re pressed for time, shore excursions are a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time and often visit Runaway Bay en route to other island attractions.
Runaway Bay is home to excellent beaches and it’s one of the top snorkeling destinations on the island of Jamaica, due in large part to the coral reef that’s located just offshore. Visitors to Runaway Bay can enjoy a variety of watersports including windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm, clear Caribbean waters. Glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding on the beach and golf at the nearby resorts are also popular activities. Paradise Beach and Cardiff Hall Public Beach are two of the nicest beaches in Runaway Bay. Clothing is optional along select stretches of beachfront, so you’ll want to check first before taking the kids.
In addition to the beaches, there are several interesting attractions and things to do in and around the village of Runaway Bay in Jamaica. Visit the Columbus Park Museum, a large open-air park and museum space situated along the coast; the Seville Great House; and the nearby village of Nine Mile, once home to the legendary Reggae singer and Jamaican native Bob Marley. Other area attractions include the Pear Tree River and the Rio Bueno River for kayaking, rafting and tubing adventures along the rapids. Finally you’ll also want to check out the Green Grotto Caves, the largest and most accessible caves on the island of Jamaica and home to stalagmites, stalactites and a small underground lake.
Runaway Bay is home to excellent beaches and it’s one of the top snorkeling destinations on the island of Jamaica, due in large part to the coral reef that’s located just offshore. Visitors to Runaway Bay can enjoy a variety of watersports including windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm, clear Caribbean waters. Glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding on the beach and golf at the nearby resorts are also popular activities. Paradise Beach and Cardiff Hall Public Beach are two of the nicest beaches in Runaway Bay. Clothing is optional along select stretches of beachfront, so you’ll want to check first before taking the kids.
In addition to the beaches, there are several interesting attractions and things to do in and around the village of Runaway Bay in Jamaica. Visit the Columbus Park Museum, a large open-air park and museum space situated along the coast; the Seville Great House; and the nearby village of Nine Mile, once home to the legendary Reggae singer and Jamaican native Bob Marley. Other area attractions include the Pear Tree River and the Rio Bueno River for kayaking, rafting and tubing adventures along the rapids. Finally you’ll also want to check out the Green Grotto Caves, the largest and most accessible caves on the island of Jamaica and home to stalagmites, stalactites and a small underground lake.
Address: Runaway Bay, Jamaica
From $ 73
Rose Hall Great House
The Rose Hall Great House is a grand estate built in the late 18th century in Montego Bay, Jamaica. One of the area’s most popular historic attractions, the Georgian mansion is the centerpiece of a 650-acre (263-hectare) plantation that is most notable for its famous occupant, Annie Palmer—better known as the White Witch of Rose Hall.
The Basics
The greatest of Jamaican great houses sits high on a hill with views of Montego Bay and beyond, serving as a testament to the wealth, pomp, and grandeur of plantation-era Jamaica. Learn about Rose Hall’s slave history while taking in its antique splendor and original fittings, originally built by owner John Palmer and restored in the 1960s.
While daytime tours of Rose Hall Plantation focus on plantation history and historic insight into Jamaica’s era of slavery, night tours recount eerie tales and chilling stories involving murder, ghost sightings, and countless lovers. Said to have dabbled in black magic, Annie Palmer allegedly poisoned three husbands while living there, and her activities are the crux of the haunted night tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes, as plantation tours involve lots of walking and stairs.
- Children under 4 years old enter free of charge; kids aged 4 to 11 years old get half-price admission.
- No photos or videos are allowed inside the house.
- Tours are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
Rose Hall Great House is located off the A1 on Rose Hall Road. Some tours include transportation from downtown Montego Bay; if you’re driving, you can park on the property.
When to Get There
The plantation is open during the day for tours from 9am to 5pm. Great House night tours focusing on Annie Palmer take place after 6:30pm.
The Legend of Annie Palmer
Stories allege that, after the murder of her three husbands, Annie Palmer routinely took slave lovers and had them killed when she grew tired of them. Allegedly a vengeful slave smothered her to death with a pillow in her bed in the 1830s. Musician Johnny Cash recorded a song about the legend, “The Ballad of Annie Palmer.” If you need to steady your nerves and quell your goose bumps after a candlelit night tour, the on-site Annie’s Pub serves up the famous rum cocktail Witches’ Brew.
Address: Rose Hall, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Trench Town
The Trench Town neighborhood of Kingston is most famous as the origin of reggae legend Bob Marley, who grew up here as a kid, and continued living here as a singer and songwriter. But the low-income neighborhood is also the birthplace of reggae writ large, with many other artists originating here as well. Most visitors to Trench Town will want to visit the Trench Town Culture Yard, a public housing block called a government yard where Marley lived, wrote songs and former the Wailers.
Practical Info
Trench Town Culture Yard was designated national heritage site in 2007. On display here are Bob Marley’s bedroom, complete with his bed, first guitar and the remains of his Volkswagen van. A museum has exhibits about the history of Trench Town.
Address: Corner of Spanish Town Rd. and Collie Smith Dr., Kingston, Jamaica
From $ 70
Croydon Plantation
While in the Montego Bay area, spend a day at the Croydon Plantation, the birthplace of national hero Samuel Sharpe and one of the last working plantations in Jamaica. Trading beachy coastline for sumptuous rain forest, journey into the Catadupa foothills where delicious sugarcane, coffee, honey, citrus fruits, and pineapples are grown.
The Basics
Jamaica's Croydon Plantation has won the coveted National Champion Farmer Trophy three times so far. You can explore the historical plantation as part of a fun-filled day trip from Montego Bay, including a tour of the expansive property during which a local guide enlivens the plantation's fascinating history with memorable stories. As you learn the intricacies of sugarcane, coffee, honey, and pineapple cultivation, sample the freshest picks off the trees. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Jamaican barbeque lunch on property"”topped off with a cup of famous, locally grown Blue Mountain coffee"”and relax in the gardens, taking in the sweeping views of the lush countryside.
Tours to the plantation typically include round-trip transportation from Montego Bay hotels as well as lunch.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Croydon Plantation is ideal for those who want to dive deep into Jamaican history.
- The road from Catadupa to the plantation is beautiful but can be bumby and windy, so if you suffer from motion sickness, come prepared.
- Though the plantation is in the mountains, remember to bring sun protection.
- The plantation is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Croydon Plantation is in the foothills of the Catadupa Mountains in St. James Parish. If driving from Montego Bay, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, expect about a 45-minute trip; inquire at your hotel about the best route. Alternatively, take a tour with transportation included.
When to Get There
The plantation is open year-round, with tours usually offered between 10:30am and 3pm on Tuesday to Friday only. The off-season spring and fall months typically bring more rain and smaller crowds.
Who Was Samuel Sharpe?
Jamaican hero Samuel Sharpe was born a slave and subsequently worked and lived on the 132-acre (53-hectare) Croydon Plantation. After gaining his freedom, Sharpe became a Baptist preacher who led the revolt of plantation slaves during the Baptist War of 1831. His powerful rebellion contributed to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833.
Address: Catadupa, Jamaica, Jamaica
From $ 70
Seven Mile Beach
Swaying palm trees, gentle azure waves, and dazzling white sands make Negril's Seven Mile Beach a postcard-pretty classic. With a nearly permanent spot on myriad "best beaches in the world" lists, you won't be alone in paradise"”but with miles of beach and nearly every water sport available, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
The Basics
There's much more going on here than just miles of white sand. Many of Negril's main resorts line the beach, and private operators abound offer activities such as snorkeling, water-skiing, parasailing, and glass-bottom boat rides. Breezy open-air restaurants and beach bars are plentiful for delicious beachfront meals and drinks.
You can experience Seven Mile Beach on your own, or with a group or private half-day or full-day tour leaving from Falmouth, Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios. Depending on your departure city, tours may include time at the beach for sunbathing and water activities along with highlights of the chosen area, including a stop at local institutions like Rick's Cafe or Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville for sunset jams. Tours typically include round-trip transportation but not rental fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Seven Mile Beach is a must-do for sun and sand lovers, including families with small children.
- Remember to bring sun protection and swimwear. Snorkeling and other water-sports gear are available for rent, as are umbrellas and beach chairs.
- Restaurants and bars dot the beach and serve up casual fare.
- Note that there may be partially or fully nude sunbathers.
- Hustling hawkers of various trinkets and services may feel aggressive at times.
How to Get There
Seven Mile Beach is directly north of Negril's center along Norman Manley Blvd. You can access the beach outside of the all-inclusive hotels, which restrict their sands to their guests. Have a taxi drop you off at the stretch called Bourbon Beach, which also has public bars and restaurants.
When to Get There
Seven Mile Beach is a popular destination year-round. High-season winter months see the most visitors, but the beach is long and wide, so it never feels too crowded.
A Beach Beacon
Visible in the distance from Seven Mile Beach is the lovely Negril Lighthouse. Standing 65 feet (20 meters) tall at Jamaica's most westernmost point, it is one of the earliest concrete lighthouses and has been guiding ships away from the craggy promontory since 1894.
Address: Alice Eldermire Drive, Negril, Jamaica
Admission: Free
From $ 69
White River Valley
White River Valley prides itself on its eco credentials, offering all manner of outdoor adventures.
The white limestone rocks give the White River its name, causing the water to tumble over rapids and forming tranquil lagoon pools for rafting.
You can go tubing or kayaking in the White River, or even saddle a horse for a ride along trails leading through tropical rainforest! Visit the landscaped Village of Flowers, and seek out the old Spanish Bridge dating back to the 1600s.
Practical Info
White River Valley is 7 miles (11 kilometers) inland from Ocho Rios, between the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann. The river mouth is in Ocho Rios.
Address: A1 Highway, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 50
Sam Sharpe Square
Named after the abolitionist hero, Sam Sharpe, who encouraged a non-violent means to ending slavery, Sam Sharpe Square in downtown Montego Bay now serves as a point of interest for all who come to learn about Jamaica’s rich history or simply enjoy the pastime of people watching.
Here you’ll find the Montego Bay Civic Centre, a reconstruction of the 1803 Montego Bay courthouse, The Cage, and the fountain. At the northwest corner you’ll also find the bronze sculpture that is the National Heroes Monument, honoring the leaders and the fallen of the Christmas Rebellion of 1831.
A busy hub of the popular and charismatic Montego Bay, Sam Sharpe Square is the perfect meeting place to jump off your excursion into this fascinating and party-driven city.
Address: Market Street & James Street, Montego Bay, Jamaica
From $ 50
Turtle Beach
Also known as Ocho Rios Bay Beach, busy bayside Turtle Beach is just off Main Street, and is the main beach of Ocho Rios. Despite its proximity to the cruise ship port, the crescent-shaped sandy stretch is clean, and the crowd is mostly locals with a smattering of travelers who come for a release from the ship to kayak and jet-ski.
The Basics
Turtle Beach, lined with palm trees and high-rise hotels, has a host of well-maintained facilities such as changing areas and showers to make your visit fun and easy. Watersports like kayaking and jet-skiing are available, and the shallow waters go out several yards—a bonus for waders and parents with small children.
You can visit Turtle Beach solo or as part of a half-day tour highlighting the best attractions of Ocho Rios. Tours typically include a shopping excursion to the town’s eclectic markets and shopping arcades, a drive through the lush forests of Fern Gully, and visits to Konoko Falls and Botanic Garden and/or Dunns River Falls for a jungle hike and swim. Most tours include round-trip transportation and admission to Dunn’s River Falls and Konoko Falls and Botanic Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Turtle Beach is suitable for everyone, and families with small kids will especially appreciate the shallow water.
- For a small entrance fee, you have access to the beach, changing rooms, and showers. Rental sunbeds, umbrellas, and lockers are extra. Bring cash.
- Small vendors serve simple truck-style food and drink. Alternatively bring your own snacks or picnic lunch.
How to Get There
Turtle Beach is in the center of Ocho Rios, off Main Street. Ask at your hotel about a shuttle bus to the beach or hiring a taxi. If driving, there is free parking in the Super Foods parking lot.
When to Get There
This public beach is open and busy year-round. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Turtle River Falls and Gardens
Worth a visit before or after the beach is Turtle River Falls and Gardens, a 14-acre (5.6-hectare) tropical park just across the way. Take your time in the diverse nature of this heavenly oasis among 14 waterfalls, a koi pond, and an aviary where friendly exotic birds like peafowls, red macaws, and budgies feed from your hand. If you’re tired of the crystal turquoise sea, there are a pool and deck area for swimming and relaxing.
Address: Main Street, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Admission: Free
From $ 51