10 Jamaica attractions you won’t want to miss

10 Jamaica attractions you won’t want to miss

Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Laura Cooper

From the spicy jerk chicken and Red Stripe beer that refreshes like no other, to the allure of the “one love” attitude, it’s not hard to see why Jamaica is a top all-inclusive vacation destination. The island has some of the richest natural landscapes in the Caribbean, and embraces and flaunts the many Jamaica attractions to visit and see, here.

We’ve looked at the top Jamaica attractions booked by our travellers to bring you the best things to do in Jamaica:

Top Jamaica attractions: Mystic Mountain:

Mystic Mountain is the perfect attraction for adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers. Climb 700 feet up the Ocho Rios mountainside on the Sky Explorer Tour (ski lift) for beautiful views of the bay below; 7 zip lines and a Jamaican bobsled ride await to take you through the rainforest to the bottom.

Ricks Café

One of the top Jamaica attractions: cliff divers line rock cliffs at Rick's Cafe with blue shining water below

Just 20 minutes from the resort strip on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach and you’ll be at the famous Rick’s Café. Look out over the eastern tip of the island, nestled high on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea, for what has been voted some of the best sunsets in the world. Rick’s is known for the beautiful views, cliff divers that line up and plunge off the 35-foot cliffs, rum punch, and local musicians. Tours are available from Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.

Dunn’s River Falls

Negril vacations Dunn's River Falls Jamaica attractions

The most well-known or famous of the attractions in Jamaica, find these waterfalls just outside Ocho Rios. Climb 600-feet up the falls like a staggered staircase, or enjoy the beach at the base. Dunn’s River Falls is one of the only waterfalls in the world that empties directly into the ocean. This area is known as one of the national treasures of Jamaica, believed to be the site of the battle of the Las Chorreras in 1657.

Green Grotto Caves

The caves in Runaway Bay are known along the northern coast of Jamaica for their mystery and underground “passageways.” Stalactites and stalagmites, bats, ceiling pockets, and ample history await here.

Historic Jamaica attraction: Rose Hall

This restored plantation house built in 1770 is home to the legendary Annie Palmer: who presumably haunts the house. The house is restored with an extraordinary collection of furnishings to reflect 18th-century Colonial style. History lovers might also like the Greenwood Great House, which dates back over 200 years of history.

Bob Marley Experience

This tour is available as an excursion from your Jamaica all-inclusive vacation, or as a shore excursion. You’ll visit Nine Mile, Jamaica and learn about the roots of Rasta, reggae, and the King of Reggae’s life, one love attitude, and how Bob Marley became such an icon for Jamaican culture and history. After a visit to Bob Marley’s house, everything’s gonna be alright on the rest of your Jamaica vacation.

Appleton Estate Rum

Jamaica is known for its famed fine rum, Appleton Estate Rum. Take a tour of the distillery to learn the historical journey of the rum, through to the Copper Pot Stills still used that are unique to Appleton, and give the rum it’s exclusive taste. Don’t forget to buy a bottle of the Appleton Estate Exclusive Jamaica Rum, only sold at the Estate. Jamaica’s soil, weather, and geography is what makes Appleton Estate Rum so delicious.

Blue Mountains Tour

Next to Jamaica’s known rum, is Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee. Take one of the tours to the Blue Mountains to not only experience the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, but learn about the varying tastes of coffee, beans, and the process. Don’t forget your camera – the views of Kingston from the mountains are stunning.

Martha Brae River

People on raft on green Martha Brae river surrounded by vegetation and trees

This river, just outside Montego Bay, is known for its river rafting aboard a 30-foot long bamboo raft. Float down the 3-mile stretch of the river, or enjoy the grounds, complete with swimming pool, park, and picnic area. The river area is the perfect spot to enjoy Jamaica’s natural beauty.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Shining blue water with boat ramp at Doctor's Cave Beach

Cruising into Montego Bay? Doctor’s Cave Beach is a popular shore excursion: the beach is a famous strip outside Montego Bay, now a bathing-club. The water is crystal-clear, and the area is complete with showers, a bar and grill, gift shop, and more, making it a great go-to for travellers looking for some beach time.

Jamaica isn’t just about the all-inclusive resorts. The natural beauty, culture, music, and food make it a destination you won’t want to miss. With countless Jamaica attractions to get off the resort and experience the island, you’ll be feeling “all right” here.

5 Comments

  1. Hi I’m booked to stay at the jewel runaway bay , runaway bay , February 2017 , can you tell me what attractions are near or short distance away that we could Dona’s day trips and roughly what the costs areer excursion, its two adults coming me and my sister celebrate my 50th birthday thankyou .

    • Hi Angie. Thanks for commenting! Runaway Bay is just outside Ocho Rios – so many of the most popular attractions in Jamaica are nearby. I loved Mystic Mountain while we were there (you can opt for the famous Jamaican bobsled ride, zip lines, or just the “sky train tour” which is a sky lift with a great view of the Ocho Rios harbour). Dunn’s River Falls is also nearby and is very popular. Check out the full list of Ocho Rios attractions you can book in advance (includes pricing): https://www.partner.viator.com/en/10465/Ocho-Rios/d434-ttd

  2. I would be interested in staying in Jamaica for 2-3 months Jan-mar 2018.. Would need an apt. for 2-3 ladies –somewhere on a nice beach and close enough to shop for our daily foo ???

    • Hi Catherine – why don’t you call 1-800-665-4981 and one of our travel agents can look into some options for you. Thanks!

  3. and a ride south from Ocho Rios , through Fern Gulley is a must see

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