Many of us have been on countless tropical vacations in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, but if there was one island nation who knows how to earn an A+ in all the travel categories it would be Jamaica. Why you say? You can find white sandy beaches, rich history and culture, adventure, great people and hotels, and mouth-watering food in every corner of the island. Plus, ask any of your family or friends who have spent time in the reggae nation and they’ll tell you they had an amazing time and can’t wait to return.
There are countless activities and places to visit on the island that will keep you busy from dusk to dawn, so we’re sharing our 10 favourite things to see and do in the reggae nation.
Activities
- Climbing Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios) – if there’s one activity you have to take part in when you visit Jamaica is you MUST climb Dunn's River Falls. This naturally formed, terrace-shaped waterfall is a popular site for adventure seekers of all ages and levels. dunnsriverfallsja.com
- Rafting on the Martha Brae (Montego Bay) – for a more laid-back form of adventure seeking you can sit back and relax as you glade down the Martha Brae River, which makes for a romantic activity for two. There’s no white water here that’s for sure! islandroutes.com
Beaches
- Seven Miles Beach (Negril) – if you’re in Negril you can’t pass up spending some time on Seven Mile Beach. It has a reputation that precedes itself; a pristine stretch of white sand and crystal clear water that makes the thought of leaving it and return home unbearable.
- Doctor's Cave Beach (Montego Bay) – are you ready for more beach time? Of course you are! Next is Doctor’s Cave Beach, a famous sandy spot for locals and tourists known for its mineral-rich and turquoise coloured waters.
Cultural & Historical
- Bob Marley Museum (Kingston) – this museum is another must-visit when you come to Jamaica; one cannot think of the country without acknowledging its most famous and loved citizen – one love. bobmarleymuseum.com
- Devon House Heritage Site (Kingston) – formerly the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, the Georgian style great manor is one of the many well-known national sites of the country, set in the middle of its capital Kingston. Visitors can tour the stately house, shop local goods, as well as feast on culinary fare in the fine dining establishments on the grounds. devonhousejamaica.com
- Rose Hall (Saint James Parish) – fans of the paranormal can travel 20 minutes from Montego Bay to the infamous Rose Hall house; a former plantation where the legend of the White Witch, Annee Palmer, was born. Here, she practiced black magic and offed three of her husbands and several male plantation salves. It's said that her ghost haunts the plantation to this day and is sometimes seen. rosehall.com
Food
- Rick’s Café© (Negril) – if you’re looking to capture a picture perfect sunset on camera, then Rick’s Café© is the place. The well-known eatery is a hot spot for many with its menu of local and international cuisine, lively musical entertainment and cliff diving. Yes, this is the place you’ve seen in postcards where only the brave jump off of platforms, as high as 35 feet, and into the waters below. rickscafejamaica.com
- Appleton Estates (St. Elizabeth) – one can’t think of Jamaica without its famous Appleton rum coming to mind. Appleton Estates host guided tours where you can see the workings of the distillery and, of course, sample its spirits. appletonestate.com
- Boston Bay Jerk Centre (Port Antonio) – looking for the real jerk? Head over to the northeastern side of the island and then 20 minutes east past Port Antonio to Boston Bay, the birthplace of jerk cuisine. This hard to miss, roadside spot will have your mouth watering once you encounter the various meats being cooked on its open pits. Arrive with an empty stomach.
For more information go to visitjamaica.com.
