Country guides
Caribbean
Things to do in Jamaica
Jamaica has a fascinating and diverse range of attractions. Visitors can take in the sights of Spanish Town or visit the former home of Bob Marley. Across the bay lies Port Royal, a notorious pirate haven from the 17th century, once renowned as the 'richest and wickedest city in the world'. Boat trips to the coral reefs at Lime Cay leave from the port, while adventurous souls can also take a predawn hike up Blue Mountain for an unmissable sunrise.
Montego Bay is home to the clear turquoise waters of Doctor's Cove Beach. Visitors here can experience a true taste of local culture in the busy, noisy bustle of downtown life. Further east lies Ocho Rios, where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels. This popular destination for cruise ships also lies close to Dolphin Cove, the incredible Dunn's River Falls and the Green Grotto Caves.
Tucked away on the east of the island is Port Antonio, the secluded retreat of the rich and famous. Navy Island boasts gold sands and its very own rainforest, while fans of the movie Blue Lagoon will find the actual site near Port Antonio.
To the west lies the beautiful town of Negril, with its famous Seven Mile Beach stretching up the coast. Perched up on the cliffs is Rick's Cafe, one of the top bars in the world, serving great food, rum cocktails and a truly homegrown reggae vibe.
Rose Hall
Legend has it that plantation-owner Annie Palmer was murdered at the Rose Hall Great House in 1831, but not before she had rid herself of three husbands (allegedly by using voodoo …
Rose Hall
Legend has it that plantation-owner Annie Palmer was murdered at the Rose Hall Great House in 1831, but not before she had rid herself of three husbands (allegedly by using voodoo magic). Palmer was killed during a slave uprising on the estate, brought about by her battle with a slave for the love of the estate supervisor. She is now known as the 'White Witch of Rose Hall'. The house, originally built in 1780, was abandoned for many years but has now been restored. A gift shop and pub are in operation in the dungeon, where the white witch is said to have imprisoned and tortured victims. The story endures powerfully in the local imagination and makes exploring this wonderful house quite spooky, especially on a night time candlelit tour.
Website www.rosehall.com
Montego Bay Marine Park
The Montego Bay Marine Park protects some of Jamaica's best coral reefs and marine resources, divided into zones where different activities are allowed or restricted. The park's re…
Montego Bay Marine Park
The Montego Bay Marine Park protects some of Jamaica's best coral reefs and marine resources, divided into zones where different activities are allowed or restricted. The park's resource centre is found at Pier One Marina on the waterfront in downtown Montego Bay, providing information about the park and ecological presentations. Private operators also run undersea submersible tours of the reefs, while the marine park offers wonderful scuba diving and snorkelling. A really fun way to explore is to swim or snorkel out from Doctor's Cave Beach or Sunset Beach. This should only be attempted by experienced swimmers, who should have either a diver's flag or a bright life vest.
Dunns River Falls and Dolphin Cove
Near the centre of Ocho Rios lies the popular beach and waterfall attraction of Dunn's River. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m), forming cool pools among slippery rocks. A f…
Dunns River Falls and Dolphin Cove
Near the centre of Ocho Rios lies the popular beach and waterfall attraction of Dunn's River. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m), forming cool pools among slippery rocks. A favourite tourist pursuit is to climb to the top of the falls with a guide, enjoying the clear mountain water en route. Alongside the Dunn's River Falls is Dolphin Cove, where visitors can swim with a family of bottlenose dolphins. The natural cove is surrounded by four acres of lush tropical rainforest, and is also home to species such as rays, eels and sharks, as well as tropical birds such as macaws.
Website www.dolphincoveja.com
Green Grotto Caves
One of Jamaica's most prominent natural attractions, the labyrinthine limestone cave is 5,000 feet (1,524m) long and is characterised by stalactites, stalagmites and overhead ceili…
Green Grotto Caves
One of Jamaica's most prominent natural attractions, the labyrinthine limestone cave is 5,000 feet (1,524m) long and is characterised by stalactites, stalagmites and overhead ceiling pockets, along with numerous chambers, light holes and a subterranean lake. The caves have played an important role in Jamaican history: the island's original inhabitants, the Arawak Indians, used them for shelter; they were used as a hideout by Spaniards during the British takeover; they were a natural haven for runaway slaves; the Jamaican government used them to store barrels of rum during World War II; and they were even used as a den for smugglers running arms to Cuba.
Website www.greengrottocavesja.com
Seven Mile Beach
The reason for Negril's recent boom as a tourist destination is centred on this seven mile (11km) stretch of beautiful shoreline, which is dotted with palm trees and carpeted with …
Seven Mile Beach
The reason for Negril's recent boom as a tourist destination is centred on this seven mile (11km) stretch of beautiful shoreline, which is dotted with palm trees and carpeted with pristine white sand. Development has been restricted to palm-tree height and, despite the proliferation of guesthouses and hotels along the strip, the natural beauty of the beach has not been compromised. There are lots of restaurants, resorts and shops along the beachfront but thankfully the length of the beach usually prevents it from becoming too crowded. There are myriad activities and watersports available at the beach and the snorkelling is wonderful too.
Rain Forest Adventures
Rainforest Adventures (or Mystic Mountain Amusement Park) offers a number of different things to do. Visitors can zip-line through the treetops; take the Sky Explorer chairlift for…
Rain Forest Adventures
Rainforest Adventures (or Mystic Mountain Amusement Park) offers a number of different things to do. Visitors can zip-line through the treetops; take the Sky Explorer chairlift for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and beaches; enjoy an infinity pool and water slide; and wander through the Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Garden for a rest from thrills. For a bobsled ride with a difference, Bobsled Jamaica offers visitors a plunge through the rainforests with wonderful twists and turns. The park offers a great variety of activities, and visitors to Jamaica should definitely reserve a full day for this fun-filled attraction.
Website www.rainforestadventure.com