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Jamaica, spanning over 4,200 square miles in the Caribbean, is a unique island with a rich history and vibrant culture. From the food to the people, you’ll experience the island’s charm everywhere. As you choose your villa in Jamaica for your vacation, let’s explore some of the top attractions in Jamaica. With a plethora of activities and sights to see, there’s something for everyone on this enchanting island.
18 Things to do in Jamaica
- Visit Montego Bay
- Golfing In Jamaica
- Go River rafting
- Taste Jerk Cuisine
- Visit Great Houses
- Enjoy Rum Tours
- Explore Fruit Plantations
- Tour Historical Sites
- Visit Adventure Parks
- Go River Tubing & Ziplining
- Enjoy Reggae Rafting
- Stop by Johnny Cash’s House
- Check out Four Adventures Fun
- Take a trip on a Catamaran Party Cruise
- Explore White River Valley Trio
- Visit Stush in the Bush
- Take a Black River Safari
- Spend time at YS Falls
Montego Bay
The capital of tourism in Jamaica is absolutely Montego Bay or MoBay, as the locals like to call it. If you are basing yourself at one of the spacious private villas near this lively town, you will find beautiful beaches, restaurants, bars, an amusement park, snorkelling and diving within the protected Marine Park, all on your doorstep. Read more here on some of the best things to do in Monetgo Bay.
Golfing In Jamaica
Golf enthusiasts will find paradise near Montego Bay with courses like White Witch, Cinnamon Hill, and Half Moon. These courses offer stunning views that might just distract you from your game. The Tryall Club also provides a world-class golf experience with its scenic course set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. If some in your group prefer relaxation over golf, Half Moon also features a luxurious spa for a day of pampering. Enjoying a round of golf in these settings makes for an unforgettable blend of sport and scenery.
River Rafting
Explore Jamaica’s lush interior with the Martha Brae Bamboo Raft river tour. This 90-minute guided tour on stable bamboo rafts offers a relaxing way to enjoy nature and learn about local flora and fauna. The gentle flow of the river and the serene environment make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our pilot George guided us gently along the river, regaling us with some fantastic stories about the area as well as giving us wonderful local knowledge about flora and fauna. I wished we could have pottered around on our bamboo raft for longer. It’s lovely getting so close to nature but having to endure very little hardship while doing so!
I recommend this as a must do in Jamaica.
Taste Jerk Cuisine
Jerk cuisine is a must-try in Jamaica and one of the best things to do in Jamaica. Forget commercial spice rubs; authentic jerk is a smoky, spicy, and meaty delight best enjoyed at family-run shacks. One favorite spot is 3Dives in Negril, where you can enjoy jerk chicken, fresh seafood, and live music. This family-run restaurant is the most laid-back, casual place to enjoy not only jerk but some fabulously fresh seafood. The experience of eating jerk in Jamaica is an explosion of flavors that you’ll remember long after your visit.
If you leave Jamaica without having the jerk experience, it would be like a trip to the beach without a swim. So dive right into one of the top things to do in Jamaica and experience a taste sensation like no other!
Great Houses
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” … This could really be the rhetorical question you ask yourself as you lounge by the private pool of your Exceptional Villa. Of course, I have borrowed this poetic line from the famous Elizabeth Barrett Browning. If you want to travel back to Jamaica’s colonial past, you can visit Greenwood Great House. Mrs Barrett Browning, herself, never lived at this property but this well-preserved, fully furnished museum house was the Barrett ancestral home on Jamaica for many centuries.
Another plantation museum to visit on Jamaica is Rose Hall. This beautifully appointed Georgian style mansion offers visitors a broad-ranging tour that takes in the history of its sugar plantation and slave ownership. As well, there is a rather gory history about a white witch, known as Annie Palmer. Mrs Palmer was said to have murdered three husbands. Quite a busy lady, it seems. According to the legend of the house, she is still at work haunting the property and sending shivers down the eager spines of visitors who take the Haunted House night time tour! This is one of the most unusual tourist attractions in Jamaica and very entertaining.
Rum Tours
Jamaica is famous for its rum, and visiting a rum distillery is one of the top things to do in Jamaica. There are various rum tours to be enjoyed. I’ve been privileged to try a few but I can, without doubt, vouch for the overall experience to be had at Appleton Estate. This is considered the oldest fully-working sugar plantation and rum distillery in Jamaica. On the edge of Cockpit Country about a 90 minute drive from Montego Bay, you will be transported through the incredible world of rum manufacture. With some of their exceptional rums aged to 50 years, the product they produce is world-class. Your trip to Appleton’s will allow you to do some very authentic Jamaica sightseeing as you travel through the very unspoiled county-side that leads to this inland treasure.
Fruit Plantations
The tropical climate of Jamaica creates the perfect conditions for cultivating some of the most exotic fruits in the world. If, like me, you live in a cool, North European location, the opportunity to see tightly packed bunches of bananas and pineapples flourishing in their natural habitat, is one not to be missed.
Sun Valley Plantation, a family run botanical farm, offers informed and delicious tours through their vegetative Eden. Did you know that Pineapples are actually groups of small berries fused on a single stalk, so are actually considered a berry. The same is true of the banana. Who knew? Pineapples are native to Jamaica but bananas were brought from Asia by the Spanish sometime in the 16th century. It would be impossible to think of Jamaica without the ‘yellow gold’ that is the banana. In its plantain state, it forms the basis of some of the famous and traditional cuisine of this island. In a way it’s like the potato to us NW Europeans – an interloper that has become the foundation stone of our daily diets!
Sun Valley’s tour was informative as it was pleasant. This working plantation has so many species of plants, fruits and spices. The medicinal and health properties of these plants are explored during the tour followed by a delicious feast of seasonal natural goodness. It’s one of the best things to do in Jamaica.
Historical Sites
Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica in 1494, marking the island’s place in history. The Spanish and later British influences can be seen in place names and architecture. Today, Jamaica’s motto “Out of Many, One People” reflects its diverse heritage. The island’s history is rich with stories of exploration, colonization, and cultural integration. Visiting historical sites like the Spanish Town Square or the Port Royal ruins provides a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s past. The blend of African, European, and indigenous influences has shaped a unique and vibrant culture that is evident in every corner of the island.
Adventure Parks
For an action-packed day, visit Jamaica’s seaside adventure park, one of the exciting tourist attractions in Jamaica. Enjoy activities like horseback riding, ATV safaris, ziplining, and catamaran cruises. The variety of activities ensures that there’s something exciting for everyone to enjoy. The adventure park also features beautiful coastal views and opportunities to see local wildlife. With so many thrilling activities in one place, it’s perfect for families or groups looking for a day of fun and adventure.
River Tubing & Ziplining
Explore the jungle with a combination of horseback riding, ziplining, and river tubing. The Great River area offers beautiful scenery and an unforgettable adventure. This thrilling combination of activities allows you to experience Jamaica’s natural beauty from multiple perspectives. As you zipline through the canopy, float down the river, and ride through the jungle, you’ll see a side of Jamaica that’s both wild and wonderful. The guides are knowledgeable and ensure a safe and exciting experience for all participants.
Reggae Rafting
Immerse yourself in Jamaican culture with a bamboo raft ride in Lethe, complete with reggae music, a limestone foot rub, and a drink. The rhythmic sounds of reggae and the gentle river flow create a truly relaxing and immersive experience. This unique tour combines the soothing effects of nature with the soulful sounds of Jamaica’s most famous music genre. The limestone foot rub, a local tradition, adds a touch of luxury to the experience, making it one of the most memorable things to do in Jamaica.
Johnny Cash’s House
Johnny Cash fans will love the opportunity to journey into the lives of Johnny & June and experience the home they once owned, frozen in time to best capture the essence of who they truly were, not as superstars, but as the warm and real individuals that they were. Johnny & June spent much of their later years at their beloved home in Cinnamon Hill. A poignant house tours features the house literally as they left it, with family photos, June’s clothes and even, Johnny’s slippers. The house is not always open to the public, but we can arrange a private tour for you.
Four Adventures Fun
This incredible action-packed day will include a total of four exhilirating adventures. Chose to climb Dunn’s River & Zipline over the Falls or visit the Adrenaline Outpost for Zipline & River Tubing. Pair either of these experiences with 2 more adventures – choose from ATV & Cliff Jump, Horseback Ride ‘N’ Swim or Power Snorkel & Cliff Jump.
Catamaran Party Cruise
Enjoy a 65-foot catamaran cruise, snorkeling, and climbing Dunn’s River Falls, followed by ziplining over the falls. This excursion combines relaxation and adventure, perfect for a memorable day out on the water. The cruise offers stunning views of the coastline, while the snorkeling reveals vibrant marine life. Climbing the falls and ziplining add a dose of adventure, making this tour a comprehensive and thrilling experience. It’s one of the best things to do in Jamaica for those who want to enjoy the sea, sun, and scenery.
White River Valley Trio
Visit the iconic Irie Blue Hole, and pair the experience with two other adventures like ATV rides, horseback swimming, or river tubing. The Blue Hole’s pristine beauty and thrilling activities make it a top attraction in Jamaica. The clear blue waters and surrounding greenery create a picturesque setting for adventure. Each additional activity, whether it’s an exhilarating ATV ride or a peaceful horseback swim, adds to the day’s excitement and enjoyment. This trio of experiences offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Stush in the Bush
A 15 acre organic farm in the hills of Free Hill, Bamboo, Primarily an organic vegetarian restaurant, but a trip here will include a tour of the Zionites farm with stunning views down to the coast as well as across the valley. A winning combination of Rastafari Ital farming, exotic vegetables and a love of fine dining has been rolled into a sustainable business that illustrates how organic, farm-to-table is a growing movement in developing nations and a way of life for those looking for a sustainable lifestyle. Truly unforgettable. Pre-booking is a necessity. We will be happy to book your visit for you.
Black River Safari
Take a cruise on a Safari Boat up the Black River past giant Red Mangrove trees. See the rare and endangered American Crocodile in it’s natural habitat and view some of the 100 species of exotic birds in unspoiled wetlands. A tour on this nature lovers paradise will take you three miles up the river and back.
Note: You will need a full-time van/ driver to take part on this tour. Also this can be combined with Appleton Rum Tour.
YS Falls
Nestled within a secluded valley on the less traveled South Coast of Jamaica, YS Falls is located on a working cattle and horse farm. It is a nature-based attraction offering the opportunity to experience the beauty of the waterfalls surrounded by lush gardens and magnificent trees. You can take an exhilarating canopy ride, gliding from the top of the falls to its base, accompanied by experienced guides to take care of you along the way.
In conclusion
Jamaica is probably the most popular of the Caribbean island destinations. It’s no surprise that its fame as a welcoming and warm nation continues to woo generation after generation of new visitors who come in search of the essence of Caribbean courtesy and relaxation. This enchanting land is an ideal location to plan your very special wedding, with many of the properties being designed as wedding villas in Jamaica.
The glorious beaches, the vast tracts of unspoiled tropical rainforests, waterfalls, mountains – so many Jamaica activities to choose from. From reggae to Rastafarian culture, salt cod to jerk chicken, old colonial houses to modern plantations, Jamaica is a ripe, flavourful, spicy package that allows visitors to create unique and memorable experiences as they travel through the centuries of Jamaican history. Layer by layer, Jamaica reveals its story while at the same time showing its new and multi-cultural face: a face that is both beguiling and smiling. Come see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!
About Mairead Moriarty
Born and raised in Co Kerry, lived in London, New York, San Francisco, Dublin. Owner of one very battered suitcase, a well-worn passport and a million memories.
It seems very fitting for a travel writer that my surname translates as ‘Skilled Navigator’. Apart from an occasion when, aged 3, I got lost in a Supermarket in Tralee, I have managed to live up to my name!
Curiosity is probably the driver that has sent me on magical mystery tours around the world. I want to ‘feel’ a place. I want all my senses to be engaged: from the history and geography that has influenced a country or city, the arts and achievements of its natives, anything and everything really.
Regardless of whether I am on a local train travelling through Morocco, or poking around in Marconi’s study in Bologna or on a canal boat weaving through the heart of the English countryside, the same rules apply - ask questions, talk to locals, eat what they eat, sit quietly with nature and simply be.
Assimilate as much as is possible so as to understand the soul of a place. That is my passion. That is the compass by which I navigate.