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10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jamaica
Known as the "birthplace of reggae," Jamaica offers tourists a treasure trove of natural attractions and a colorful African vibe. Golden beaches; lush, green mountains; turquoise seas; coral reefs; rainforests; and rivers are just some of the island's enviable assets. Nature lovers will find plenty of things to do in Jamaica. You can hike and bird-watch in the jungle, or dive and snorkel along the fringing reefs. Jamaica is also renowned for its many historic plantations, where you can sample tropical fruits and tour the property. You'll also find some of the Caribbean's most luxurious all-inclusive resorts here.
1. Blue Mountains A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Jamaica:
Why it’s awesome: Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, is a great place to base yourself on your trip. However, after a few days you may feel the need to get away from the city hustle and bustle. And although your choices are seemingly unlimited when it comes to beaches, you may not fancy that! Happily, an alternative is the Blue Mountains, one of the best places in Jamaica for outdoor enthusiasts! Friendly locals and quaint villages are side by side with stunning nature and fabulous views. Don’t miss them off your Jamaica itinerary!
2. The Bob Marley Museum, Kingston:
Why it’s awesome: Let’s kick off with one of the most famous places in Jamaica. Everyone will have heard the music of Bob Marley at some point. He’s more than just a musician, the world’s most famous reggae artist is a symbol of peace, hope, and love too. So, even if you’re not his number one fan, visiting his former home is a Jamaica must see! Six years after his death in 1981, his wife converted this into the Bob Marley Museum. Still going strong more than 30 years after his death, it’s a great place to spend the day in Kingston.
3. Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios:
Ready for an adrenaline fix? Head to Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. Here, you can zoom down the mountain on Bobsled Jamaica, a single-person roller coaster ride through the forest, or glide through the treetops on ziplines.You can also enjoy panoramic views of the town and sea on the Sky Explorer, a chairlift ascending the mountain.
Other attractions here include guided nature walks, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, a ropes course, rides, an infinity pool and waterslide, and a climbing wall.
4. Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios:
Why it’s awesome: Fondly thought of as a national treasure, Dunn’s River Falls is one of the only travertine waterfalls in the world that runs off straight into the sea. It’s just a stone’s throw from the resort town of Ocho Rios (famous as a James Bond filming location) and really should be high up on your Jamaica itinerary! It’s not just the falls themselves that are beautiful, the surroundings are too. Lush green trees flank the natural staircase of the falls which are 180 metres long and 55 metres high. After you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, head to the white sand beach and catch some rays!
5. Port Antonio:
Set between mountains and a double harbor, Port Antonio exudes the relaxed charm of a sleepy fishing village. Once a center for banana export, the area is distinctly less commercial than the other resort towns.
Activities: Popular things to do in Port Antonio include hiking jungle trails, rafting the Rio Grande, taking a tour to Reach Falls, and snorkeling and diving the coral reefs. A favorite swimming spot is the beautiful 60-meter-deep Blue Lagoon, fed by freshwater springs.
Other highlights of the area include the 18th-century British stronghold of Fort George and beautiful Frenchman's Cove, where a fish-filled river flows into the sea. Port Antonio beaches are a wonderful mix of white sand, shallow waters, and lush outcroppings of land. But if you prefer to take a dip in freshwater, the nearby Daniel's River plunges through a gorge of natural rock in a series of cascades and pools known as Somerset Falls.
6. Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay:
Built in 1770, Rose Hall is a restored plantation house with beautiful ocean views. Legendary Annie Palmer (the White Witch) ruled here with cruelty, and met a violent death. Today, her home is adorned with period furniture.
Rose Hall offers several tours. You can choose a day tour, but if you're a fan of ghost stories, opt for the spooky evening tour by candlelight. Guides dressed in character share plenty of spine-chilling tales of ghost sightings, and they'll definitely keep you on your toes. Who knows, you might even see the White Witch herself!
7. Black River Safari Boat Tour and YS Falls:
Fringed with mangroves, the Black River is the longest river in Jamaica, and you can tour this tranquil river on a guided boat tour.
Nature lovers will be in heaven. Crocodiles and more than 100 species of birds, including herons and snowy egrets, are among the critters that make their home here, and you can learn all about the area's ecology and history during the tour.
YS Falls: A short drive away and often combined with the Black River for tours, the beautiful YS Falls are Jamaica's largest cascades. If you're looking for things to do in Jamaica with kids, this is a top choice. Some of the seven waterfalls flow into peaceful natural pools, which are lovely for a dip on a hot day. One of the pools is suitable for children as well.
8. Seven Mile Beach, Negril:
Seven Mile Beach, also known as Negril Beach, is one of Jamaica's most beautiful stretches of white sand and aqua sea. Backed by the famous Negril Cliffs, it's also one of the best beaches in Jamaica and a top place to visit for families.
Although it's actually closer to four miles long, the beach extends from Bloody Bay to Long Bay. Tucked within groves of coconut palms, resorts fringe the shore here, from large all-inclusive resorts to smaller boutique properties.
Water sports abound, and snorkelers will find schools of fish swimming in the clear waters. But be prepared for persistent hawkers prowling the beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms on hand, which is a plus for tourists traveling with children.
9. Kingston
At the foot of the Blue Mountains, Jamaica's busy capital city offers a cosmopolitan contrast to the island's relaxed pace. Gritty and rough around the edges, Kingston can be intimidating, but you can experience some of the top things to do in Kingston on organized tours.
One of the most popular places to visit is the Bob Marley Museum, at the reggae superstar's former home. Reggae fans can also visit the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum in the ghetto where reggae music was born.
Other favorite attractions in Kingston include historic mansions, like Devon House, as well as museums such as the excellent National Gallery and the Natural History Museum.
Music concerts are often staged at Emancipation Park, a palm-studded green space in the middle of the city, and National Heroes Park features statues of leading players of Jamaican history and independence.
10. Rio Grande River
If you're looking for a stress detox, sign up for a rafting trip down the beautiful Rio Grande River. Few activities could be more relaxing than floating gently down a lush jungle river, poled by an expert guide. This stretch of water also tends to be less crowded than the Martha Brae.
You can purchase ice-cold refreshments to take with you, then sit back and relax. Tropical rainforest drifts by as your friendly guide nudges you along the crystal-clear waters, sharing stories about the area while negotiating the gentle rapids with ease.
Rafting here dates back to around 1911, when banana farmers in the Rio Grande Valley used to transport their bananas along the river, and you'll learn about this history on your tour. Along the way, you'll stop for a hearty lunch at a local restaurant.
