Compared to other popular destinations around the globe, Jamaica has always somehow managed to punch above its weight, culture-, sports-, and music-wise. Sitting comfortably among impressive mountain ranges, exotic sugary beaches, emerald waters, breath-taking waterfalls, craggy ridges, historical architecture, music festivals, unique ecosystems, and great food, Jamaica is undeniably a top vacation island that invites visitors to experience a whole lot, just a few of which are highlighted in this illustrative guide.
The most accessible waterfall in Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls, which receives tons of tourists. However, the waterfalls on the eastern coast are much more stunning and spellbinding and also get much thinner crowds. Reach Falls is, hands down, a must-stop, and, with the help of a local guide, you can walk up the river, take snapshots of the idyllic landscape, splash in the emerald waters of the pools, wander around lush vegetation, get refreshing “smacks” from the water jets in the Washing Machine, and climb up limestone crags or even all the way up to the Bat Cave.
The music event of the year is Reggae Sumfest which lasts for seven days and starts with a huge beach party in Montego Bay (on Walter Fletcher Beach) that is followed by several days of non-stop fun and partying at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre. The festival welcomes some of the biggest names in dancehall and reggae music, such as Alicia Keys, The Mighty Diamonds, Beenie Man, and more, and usually gives way to only short naps (during this 7-day period) on the sand around sunrise!
Another equally exciting reggae festival with a more old-school vibe is the 2-day Rebel Salute festival that invites everybody at Plantation Cove near St. Ann’s Bay in mid-January. Expect night-long parties and celebrations taking place with a distinguishing scent of a particular “herb” swirling in the air.
Treasure Beach is the dreamiest seaside destination in Jamaica to experience mellow vibes and largely deserted shores that you can have almost all for yourself. Located on the southern coast of Jamaica, it is a welcoming antithesis to the noisy resorts of Ocho Rios, Negril, and Montego Bay.
Here, it will feel as if time has slowed down significantly, giving you the chance to explore all four amazing coves nearby, the Great Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Billy’s Bay, and Calabash Bay, which are basically small communities of bohemians and fishermen.
As for the things you can do at Treasure Beach, they range from taking boat rides to the infamous Pelican Bar, dining on delicious seafood at Alligator Pond, staying at charming locally-owned guesthouses, partaking in the Calabash Festival, or opting for a walking tour with a local historian, to name a few!
If you are an avid hiker or love hiking, then the ascent of Blue Mountain Peak is a must-do in Jamaica. To reach the 2256-metre-high (740 feet) mountain top, the highest in the country, you will first be introduced to a hearty home-cooked meal at a hamlet in the foothills of the mountain range usually featuring oxtails, curry goat, and beans. The challenge begins early in the morning (around 2 am) so you can reach the summit by sunrise.
As you conquer higher spots, you will notice that the jungle vegetation is replaced by evergreens, ferns, lichen, and pine trees, while kittyboo or fireflies will twinkle for you until you lay eyes on perhaps the most spectacular sight human eyes could ever see – the first rays of the sun peeking from behind the mist-shrouded mountain as Cuba’s faint outline waves in the distance.
One of the most exciting and popular ventures you can have on the north coast of Jamaica is floating downriver on a traditional bamboo-made raft and propelling through the passages of grassy vegetation along Martha Brae and the Rio Grande. On the same raft, it will be you, a loved one, and a “captain”, who will “steer” the raft using a long pole to give you the most fulfilling experiences. Or stop at popular swimming spots so you can have a revitalising endeavour in the refreshingly cold waters.
The Great Morass is a fantastic mangrove maze and salt marsh on the south coast, and also a place hundreds of American crocodiles like to call home. You can hop on a small boat departing from the former Black River port and admire a unique ecosystem that has more than 100 bird species on its loving laps, including whistling ducks and herons, through a 60-minute (could also be longer) boat tour. As you sail down the waters of the Great Morass, you may spot locals tending to their crayfish traps using the precise way chosen by their ancestors, or even take a dive in safe, designated areas your guide(s) will point out for you.
Jamaica is a particularly family-friendly destination and although you may try almost everything from the list above with the little ones, some specific activities are definitely children-oriented and super fun, such as:
