As the cultural capital of the Caribbean, there are a lot of things to do in Jamaica. The island is home to breathtaking beaches, unspoiled water wonders, reggae music, and the world-famous jerk chicken.
5 Top Reasons To Go To Jamaica
With a land area of 4,240 square miles, Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean. It’s located 90 miles south of Cuba and around 100 miles west of Haiti.
Your Jamaican holiday will surely be one for the books, and here are the top reasons why:
- Warm Weather, Warm People: Having one of the warmest weathers across the region, it’s no wonder why many tourists put Jamaica on top of their must-visit Caribbean destinations. You will feel at home as the locals are friendly, warm, and welcoming.
- A Bounty Of Beaches: Jamaica has around 560 miles of stunning coastline. It has plenty of beaches, with Seven Mile Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach, and Aqua Sol Beach among the most popular.
- Music, Music, Music: This art form runs through the veins of Jamaican people. The island is where reggae and dancehall originated and is the birthplace of reggae icon Bob Marley.
- Culinary Adventures: Jamaica is not known for its jerk chicken, curry goat, ackee and saltfish.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: The Jamaican culture is a blend of African and European influences. As a nod to its multiracial roots, the island has this motto: “Out of many, One people.”
Things To Do In Jamaica: Top Destinations, Activities, And More
Most Caribbean islands have something in store for every kind of traveler. We’ve got your back if you’re visiting this part of the region. Here are some of the best things to do in Jamaica.
Romantic Getaway In Jamaica For Couples
1. Doctor’s Cave Beach
On Jamaica’s west coast, you can find one of the island’s most pristine beaches. It has a gorgeous expanse of powdery sands and calm waters — where you can spend quality time with your partner or do some exciting aquatic activities together.
2. Blue Lagoon
Located in the secluded Port Antonio, Blue Lagoon is a romantic and intimate destination for lovers. If you’re listing down things to do in Jamaica for couples, consider taking a boat ride or going on a raft tour on the lagoon’s mesmerizing waters.
3. Martha Brae River
Sightseeing and rafting through the serene waters of Martha Brae River is a great Jamaican romantic date idea. Sweeten your experience further by buying fresh fruits and drinks along the way.
4. Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place to be for the nature-loving couple. You can enjoy majestic views while sipping a warm cup of Blue Mountain coffee. If you want to be more adventurous, you can also go hiking or camping there.
5. Appleton Estate
Want ideas for unique things to do in Jamaica as a couple? Take a guided tour of this famed rum distillery. It’s an estate where you can learn more about and taste different kinds of the sugar cane-made, Caribbean original beverage.
Fun Things To Do In Jamaica For Families With Kids
6. Seven Mile Beach
Easily one of the best beaches in Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach is a stretched-out beach paradise that boasts pristine waters. You and your family can bathe in the sun, go for a swim, or rent a kayak or sailboat. There are also plenty of great resorts, including Beaches Negril and Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa.
7. Aqua Sol Theme Park
Aqua Sol Beach has a kid-oriented theme park where youngsters can enjoy playing at inflatable water slides and water trampolines and do different water activities. Families can also make many memorable memories as the theme park has a go-kart area, beach volleyball, and table tennis courts.
8. Columbus Park Museum
Having a family vacation in Jamaica? Offering a great overlooking view of Discovery Bay, the Columbus Park Museum is an open-air tourist attraction steeped in history. It’s where explorer Christopher Columbus first landed on the island.
9. Mystic Mountain
Situated in the northern town of Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is an eco-friendly attraction that offers various outdoor activities for both the kids and the kid-at-heart.
10. Boston Jerk Centre
Jerk chicken is a dish made by marinating the meat in an allspice and scotch bonnet and smoking it over an open fire. Going to Jamaica? Be sure your family visits the Boston Jerk Centre — it specializes in the jerk cooking technique and has live music.
Best Things To Do In Jamaica For Backpackers
11. Blue Hole Mineral Spring
Mineral springs. Mud baths. A deep swimming cave. If you’re looking for a soul-searching adventure in Jamaica, the Blue Hole Mineral Spring has the tranquil, ethereal appeal you’re looking for.
12. Luminous Lagoon
Add something one-of-a-kind to your family’s itinerary by visiting the Luminous Lagoon. It’s a sanctuary for millions of dinoflagellates that, when disturbed, can make the lagoon glow enigmatic blue at night.
13. Rastafari Indigenous Village
If you’re a solo traveler Jamaica, this indigenous village is one of the best places to learn more about the Jamaican people. Get friendly with the locals and see first-hand their well-kept traditions.
14. Floyd’s Pelican Bar
Loosen up and chill out in the Middle of the Caribbean Sea. Floyd’s Pelican Bar is one of the most distinct bars in the world, and it’s a thatch-covered structure you can go to by boat. Once there, you can enjoy fresh seafood and some Caribbean rum. You can even see Pelican birds hanging out near the beach if it’s your lucky day.
15. Cockpit Country
Want to go off the grid? Try living a rural life at Cockpit Country. It’s a vast area sitting on 500 square miles of land that can get hilly in some parts. Apart from breathtaking landscapes, it offers diverse flora and fauna.
Best Things To Do For Your Budget Jamaica Travel
16. Boston Beach
If you’re on a budget travel Jamaica, Boston Beach is one of the cheapest places you can go. Offering a laidback vibe, the beach has a long stretch of fine sands and crystal-clear water where you can catch waves and surf to your heart’s content.
17. National Gallery of Jamaica
Take a closer look at the unique Jamaican culture when you visit its national gallery. It is conveniently and strategically located at Kingston Mall in the island’s capital city of Kingston.
18. Rose Hall Great House
Looking for a different kind of museum? The Rose Hall Great House is a horror attraction that was formerly a plantation house. Legend has it that Annie Palmer — the White Witch of Jamaica — used this home for torture.
19. Rick’s Cafe
Opened in 1974, this cafe should be on every traveler’s Jamaican bucket list. It offers authentic local cuisine, strong cocktails, and a jaw-dropping sunset view (it’s located on a 35-foot high cliff) — minus the hefty price.
20. Bob Marley Museum
The former home of the music legend, the Bob Marley Museum houses his personal treasures and rare photo galleries. Even if you’re not the biggest reggae fan, you and your partner will have a great time touring the area. It also has a record shop, an in-home theater, and a cafe.
Fun Adventure In Jamaica For Adrenaline Junkies
21. Dunn’s River Falls And Park
With a number of nature trails to hike, it’s no surprise why this natural wonder attracts many outdoorsy tourists.
22. Montego Bay
Flyboarding is a relatively new watersport. If you want to enjoy Montego Bay in a different way, try this activity and soar past its turquoise waters.
23. Blue Mountains
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich with beautiful landscapes and rocky caves. If you want to go beyond sightseeing and birdwatching, challenge yourself and hike through the highest mountain peaks on the island.
24. Reggae Marathon
Held every December in Negril, this is the event for runners. It’s considered one of the best marathons on the planet. And with scenic landscapes serving as the participant’s background, it’s hard not to see why.
25. Runaway Bay
For an adrenaline junkie like you, horseback riding through — not just along — the Runaway Bay is one of the best things to do in Jamaica. Saddle up and soak up in the pristine waters of this Caribbean paradise.
