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Because the smooth sounds of Bob Marley is blasted out the stereos of your taxi from Montego Bay Airport, singing c’mon and smile (in Jamaica), you’re in the appropriate place. Jamaica is a Caribbean island paradise the place the solar rises heat, the locals meet you with a smile, and the air is stuffed with spice and spirit. You don’t merely go to Jamaica; you really feel it.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Jamaica, you’ll discover it troublesome to pack your baggage to go away. One second you’re chasing mist at Dunn’s River Falls, the subsequent, you’re sinking into the gradual burn of a seaside afternoon ingesting rum out of a coconut.
From the Blue Mountains, steeped in espresso and clouds, to the neon lit avenue corners of Kingston, Jamaica affords a plethora of sights that showcase the distinctiveness of this nation. Its historical past runs deep and sophisticated, it’s music is extra than simply reggae, its meals crackles with flavour, and the pure magnificence is in abundance.
Seize your flip flops and sense of journey, it’s time to say “Wah Gwaan” to Jamaica!
1. Go to Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn River Falls is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations in Jamaica. The falls are a sequence of terraced waterfalls flowing over limestone cliffs which might be about 620 toes excessive.
You possibly can go to Dunn River Falls by yourself or you possibly can ebook a guided tour that can choose you up out of your lodge. As a bunch you’ll be taken right down to the bottom of the falls after which climb your approach up, holding arms alongside the way in which that can assist you keep regular. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cease for picture ops and to take a plunge into the water.
Leaving the falls, you’ll undergo an space stuffed with souvenirs the place they use very excessive strain gross sales ways we all know a number of individuals have fallen for, so simply stroll by shortly if you happen to aren’t serious about shopping for one thing. And bear in mind, nothing is free.
2. Go zip-lining by the jungle cover
If you’re on the lookout for an adrenaline rush, then it’s good to expertise zip-lining! You possibly can soar by the treetops with the plush inexperienced panorama under in a number of areas.
In the event you mix a ziplining tour with a visit to Dunn River Falls or YS Falls (my advice) the traces will provide you with a singular view of the falls from above.
3. Take a tour of the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston
In the event you’re a fan of reggae music, then it’s good to add the Bob Marley Museum to your listing of must-see sights when visiting Jamaica.
This museum is devoted to the life and work of Bob Marley, probably the most iconic figures in reggae music historical past. Inside, you’ll discover reveals that showcase Marley’s life and profession, in addition to memorabilia from his private assortment.
4. Calm down on the seaside
Jamaica is understood for its laid-back vibes and is ready as much as allow you to calm down. You’ll discover white sand seashores and brilliant blue waters of the Caribbean sea to take pleasure in the place you possibly can take pleasure in swimming and snorkeling.
Lots of the resorts are all-inclusive with meals and drinks out there for visitors lounging on the seaside. Once we have been at Sandals Negril, one of many finest Sandals Resorts, a server was consistently ensuring that our drinks have been stuffed and took our lunch order as effectively, making for an ideal day on the seaside.
5. Pattern native cuisines
You possibly can’t go to Jamaica with out attempting some genuine native meals. Within the mixture of meals, you’ll discover ties to India within the staple, curried goat, jerk hen which comes from the Arawak tribe in Peru, and ackee and saltfish introduced over from Ghana to feed enslaved Africans.
We beloved the Jerk hen and pageant, which has a style just like cornbread, however extra dense and fried.
6. Benefit from the facilities at your All-Inclusive Resort
A lot of Jamaica’s rising reputation comes from the all-inclusive resorts. Whereas we love working round, seeing, and experiencing as a lot as attainable, if you end up in Jamaica you need to spend a while on the resort. Past the seashores and swimming pools are tons of actions.
Most resorts embody water sports activities like kayaking, whereas others embody motorboat sports activities like tubing and snowboarding. We benefit from the tennis clinics and doubles tournaments provided at some resorts as effectively.
7. Bamboo rafting at Martha Brae River
Wanting on the vegetation in Jamaica you will see a number of bamboo. A method the locals have used it’s by creating rafts that can be utilized to go down the Martha Brae River. The water and luxurious surroundings make for an exquisite backdrop as you paddle your approach down the river.
8. Go on a Catamaran Tour
A catamaran cruise is an ideal strategy to discover Jamaica. You’ll have the ability to take in the solar and revel in refreshing drinks whereas sitting again and taking within the lovely surroundings. Many catamaran excursions embody a meal with jerk hen and different Jamaican culinary staples.
We suggest the sundown catamaran excursions that depart from Negril and go to Rick’s Cafe and the excursions that depart Ocho Rios, stopping at Dunn Rivers Fall.
9. Go snorkeling
Whether or not you’re an skilled swimmer or a newbie, snorkeling is an effective way to discover the gorgeous marine life in Jamaica. You possibly can simply discover tools to hire or borrow out of your resort and there are many nice spots to take a look at.
This can be one thing you ask your resort about earlier than reserving to see what the price can be or whether it is included.
10. Go to the Luminous Lagoon, Trelawny
The Luminous Lagoon on the North coast is a pure marvel the place the water is a brilliant shade of turquoise when touched. It will get its uncommon colour from microscopic organisms that end in an ethereal, otherworldly sight.
One factor to bear in mind is the gap to get to the Luminous Lagoon. Test with the tour operator to see how far it’s for you.
Ocho Rios for instance is about 90 minutes from the Luminous Lagoon and we don’t suppose it’s value that size of time driving.
11. Go cliff leaping at Rick’s Cafe
Rick’s Cafe is greater than a spot to seize a chunk to eat, bask in a cocktail or pint of Pink Stripe Beer. This cliff-side bar and restaurant’s essential attraction is cliff diving.
It’s situated on the west finish of the island and has a number of spots you possibly can cliff soar from and you’ll watch the native daredevils soar from even larger cliffs.
12. Go to YS Falls
YS Falls is a hidden Jamaican gem that could be a lot much less busy than the blue gap or Dunn River Falls as a result of it’s a bit additional away from the principle vacationer areas.
You’ll discover seven waterfalls with a number of areas to leap into swimming pools and cord swings to take pleasure in as you hike up the falls. After exploring the falls you possibly can calm down within the spring-fed swimming pools till your tour ends.
13. Go swimming within the Blue Gap
The Blue Gap in Ocho Rios can consult with a number of swimming pools created by erosion from a sequence of waterfalls close to Ocho Rios.
No matter which firm you go together with, you’ll possible get an identical expertise the place they’ll take you to a spot alongside the falls to leap in and likewise discover a rope swing or two.
Probably the most common sections features a waterfall and a blue gap the place there’s a platform set about 15 toes above the pool and a rope swing that you’ll find after strolling down the falls a number of yards.
14. Go River Tubing
After going to the Blue Gap you possibly can go river tubing about 10 minutes away. A guided tour will take you down a peaceful space of a river with clear water till you make it to some bumpy rapids.
This was most likely our favourite tour throughout our journey as a result of being with a enjoyable group of individuals and enthusiastic guides. One shock was the distributors alongside the river who would promote you run punch if you happen to needed some.
15. Having fun with an exciting ATV Experience
You possibly can go on an ATV experience anyplace, however one distinctive expertise is happening an ATV experience in Jamaica after current rain. Deliver some garments you don’t thoughts getting soiled and take your ATV for some tight turns for a enjoyable expertise on the island.
16. Calm down on Negril’s 7 Mile Seashore
The attractive Negril Seashore in Jamaica is a good place to calm down and take in the solar. The white sand and clear water make for an ideal seaside day.
There are many retailers and eating places close by if it’s good to seize a chunk or choose up some souvenirs. That is additionally probably the greatest locations to see the sundown on the Island.
17. Go to the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains in Jamaica are nonetheless pretty undiscovered. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is house to among the most beautiful surroundings on this planet, together with rainforests, waterfalls, and unimaginable views from the peaks.
There’s lots to do right here too, from mountain climbing and biking to exploring native villages and sampling scrumptious Caribbean delicacies.
18. Go to Rose Corridor Nice Home
Rose Corridor in Jamaica is a grand property that was as soon as house to Annie Palmer, a infamous mistress who was often called the “White Witch of Rose Corridor.”
As we speak, guests can tour the corridor and study its haunted previous. Palmer is alleged to have tortured and killed her slaves, and three of her husbands met their dying at her arms, and a few imagine her ghost nonetheless resides there.
Whether or not or not you imagine in ghosts, Rose Corridor is certainly value a go to! The historical past is harrowing, nevertheless it gives an intimate look into Jamaica’s troubled previous and vibrant tradition.
19. See the Appleton Property
The Appleton Property has been crafting world-renowned rum for over 250 years, and you’ll take a tour that reveals you the historic manufacturing strategy of Appleton Estates’ Rums.
You’ll study the early strategies used to course of the sugarcane and the distillation course of, and see the barrel home the place the rum ages.
In fact, visiting a well-known run producer wouldn’t be full with no tasting. Initially of the tour you get a glass of rum punch and on the finish, you possibly can style a number of differing types.
20. Discover the Inexperienced Grotto Caves
The Inexperienced Grotto Caves are a sequence of limestone caverns situated in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. These caves have been used as a hideout for pirates and different outlaws within the seventeenth century, and at the moment they’re open to the general public for excursions.
The cave system is made up of greater than 12 miles of passages and chambers, and there are a number of underground waterfalls and swimming pools to discover.
21. Discover Attain Falls, Port Antonio
One other serene and tranquil waterfall to not miss is Attain Falls, within the Port Antionio area within the north. There’s a beautiful hike upstream, which takes you to the crystal-clear pool under Attain Falls, the place you possibly can swim and funky off. There are additionally some caves right here to discover.
22. Go on a Black River Safari
Cruise alongside Jamaica’s longest river, Black River, and search for crocodiles of their native habitat. The 4-mile boat tour additionally takes you to a Crocodile Nursery, devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of crocodiles.
After your Black River Safari, take a ship experience out to Floyd’s Pelican Bar for a singular expertise while watching the sundown. It’s situated in the course of the ocean, constructed on stilts, and might solely be accessed by boat.
It’s money solely, and has wonderful 360 diploma views of the Caribbean Sea. Go to Sheldon’s Boat Excursions to ebook a ship.
23. Hunt for secluded coves in Treasure Seashore
Treasure Seashore is a sequence of 5 seashores in Jamaica recognized for having secluded coves and hidden bays. It’s run by “Neighborhood Tourism” which implies there are not any all-inclusive institutions or touristy high-rises right here. They don’t enable giant accommodations to develop right here, and the seashores are all public – and plenty of of them are quiet and secluded. Sounds bliss, proper?
The place to remain in Jamaica
Jamaica is well-known for its polished seaside resorts and soulful cities, and maybe the most effective place to remain is in Montego Bay, the full of life and sun-soaked entry level to Jamaica. It has a variety of resorts and among the finest seashores, making it ultimate for first-time guests.
Ocho Rios is completely positioned for among the island’s headline sights akin to Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain and the zip traces.
Kingston is uncooked, actual and relentlessly artistic. It’s the place reggae was born and the historical past runs deep. Keep right here for museums, music, avenue meals and a deeper understanding of recent Jamaica.
You possibly can view lodging choices in Jamaica within the following interactive map:
Greatest time to go to Jamaica
Jamaica is an island made for solar anytime of yr, however the preferred time to go to is December to April. Temperatures typically hover within the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F), making it excellent for lounging on the seashores.
The wet season is June to October, which brings hotter temperatures and the next threat of hurricanes, particularly between August and October.
Getting round Jamaica
Getting round Jamaica is a part of the island expertise. It’s finest to ebook excursions, as taxis and ride-sharing apps can usually result in scams, and driving in Jamaica will be sketchy – highways are typically in good situation, however some rural cities have pot holes and slender lanes. Plus locals are notoriously quick drivers.
Some streets aren’t secure to drive down, so it’s finest to have an area drive you so which roads to keep away from.
In the event you’re pressed for time, home flights hyperlink Montego Bay, Kingston, and Negril. Airways are restricted, however flights are fast and scenic.
Ideas for visiting Jamaica
Earlier than you go dashing off to Jamaica, there are only a few issues it’s good to learn about earlier than visiting…
- Deliver your sufferers, issues run slower in Jamaica so it’s finest to be ready for lots of ready.
- Take a number of small payments. Everybody can be asking for a tip, so it’s finest to be ready with a number of denominations so you possibly can tip no matter you are feeling snug with.
- Deliver sunscreen, bug spray, and water footwear. I additionally wish to take fast dry shirts for comfort and solar safety.
- Know the place to not go to. There are some elements of Jamaica that aren’t pleasant to vacationers. Keep away from going off the crushed path and know the place to keep away from.
Closing ideas
When individuals consider Jamaica, they consider solar, white sand seashores, and reggae music – however there may be a lot extra to Jamaica than this.
In actual fact, there are all kinds of issues to do in Jamaica, from exploring the jungle to swimming within the rivers.
If you’re trying to calm down, there are dozens of all-inclusive resorts the place you possibly can lounge by the pool and seize a pina colada or Jamaican Smile, or in case you are on the lookout for an journey, you can also make your strategy to some refreshing waterfalls or go snorkeling within the ocean.
After spending 3 weeks in Jamaica, now we have some high suggestions for anybody who’s undecided what to do in Jamaica and nonetheless determining easy methods to spend their time on their trip.
But when that’s all you need to do, go for it! Jamaica is without doubt one of the finest locations for seashores and has a few of these lovely turquoise Caribbean waters. Whoever you’re touring with, and everytime you go to, we hope you might have the most effective time exploring the most effective sights in Jamaica.
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