Jamaica Holiday: Guide to the Top 5 Destinations and Best Things to Do

Things to do in Jamaica - Black River

Updated On: November 27, 2023 by   Asmaa AlhashimyAsmaa Alhashimy

Looking for a place full of excitement and beauty to spend a holiday? It is time to head to Jamaica! And mark my words; the state of mind you’ll find in Jamaica is unmatched. So start planning that Jamaica Holiday!

Jamaica is an island country in the West Indies, the third-largest island in the Caribbean, and one of the best tropical islands in the whole world. It is a magical place in which you can never get enough. The magic comes from its vibrant culture along with its tranquil, warm atmosphere. 

The following sections are a guide to your holiday in Jamaica; scroll down to find out!

Best Time to Visit Jamaica

Jamaica is the warmest among Caribbean islands and enjoys year-round beach weather. The rainy season lasts from June to November, and thunderstorms and heavy showers frequently happen during it. The summer season lasts from June to August and is also the hurricane season. 

The best time for a holiday in Jamaica is from November to mid-December when resort and flight prices are at their lowest and peak season has yet to begin. Summer rates are equally low, but the risk of a hurricane will be around. The peak travel season is from January to March.

Top Things to do in Jamaica - Heart-shaped Sandals Resort in Jamaica
Top Things to do in Jamaica – Heart-Shaped Sandals Resort in Jamaica

Where to Stay in Jamaica? 5 Top Destinations

Negril

If it is your first holiday in Jamaica, Negril would be a perfect place to start. This spot boasts the best beaches in Jamaica, perfect for daytime relaxation and nighttime revelry. 

Negril is home to Seven Mile Beach, one of the finest beaches on Earth, known for its warm, clean waters and gentle waves. The sea in Negril is typically calm and clear, which is why it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. You will also be taken by the breathtaking Negril Cliffs that rise 40 feet above the sea.

Moreover, numerous stores, restaurants, bars, and street food vendors can be found all along Negril’s streets. Make sure not to miss a single sunset on your trip, as Negril’s sunsets will undoubtedly rank high on your list of vacation favourites.

Montego Bay

If you are seeking a luxurious vacation in Jamaica, Montego Bay will be the perfect destination for you. It is a vibrant, bustling tourist destination and home to some of Jamaica’s most exquisite all-inclusive resorts. 

Montego Bay is renowned for its fantastic, white sandy beaches and popular tourist destinations like Montego Bay Marine Park. With plenty of things to do, such as snorkelling, diving, and golfing, Montego Bay is a lively spot that will entice you to venture out and discover it.

One of the biggest attractions to Montego Bay’s visitors is duty-free shopping. You can find and purchase rare and expensive items at duty-free shops for up to 60% less than they would cost on the open market.

Things to do in Jamaica - Waterfalls
Things to do in Jamaica – Waterfalls

Ocho Rios

Located on Jamaica’s north coast, Ocho Rios is a cruise port that was formerly a fishing village. It is a highly popular holiday spot for families, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for every member of the family. 

Outdoorsy travellers will find all pleasures in Ocho Rios due to the various tours that they can embark on. It has many fantastic attractions, including Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios Blue Hole, Dolphin Cove, and the White River. 

Not an outdoorsy traveller? Ocho Rios has also got your back. It boasts plenty of luxurious all-inclusive resorts and complexes offering numerous amenities where you can get properly pampered while enjoying your holiday to the fullest.

Jamaica Holiday: Guide to the Top 5 Destinations and Best Things to Do
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Kingston

Located on the southeast coast, Kingston is Jamaica’s capital and its largest city that promises a fantastic experience. There is an abundance of things to do and so much culture and history to discover in Kingston. 

Kingston is not the perfect destination for those looking for beaches, but it is perfect for a cultural experience. It is the ideal destination to find cultural activities and get in touch with locals. Even though there are some beaches around Kingston, they are mainly undeveloped to a tourist level. 

There are many stores, pubs, and restaurants close to the port, which is the seventh-largest natural harbour in the world. You can choose from various international and local restaurants to dine in the evenings. There are also bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to make your night memorable.

Port Antonio

Port Antonio, located on the northeastern tip of the island, is the capital of the Parish of Portland. It is widely regarded as Jamaica’s most picturesque and unspoiled natural area that promises its visitors an exciting vacation. 

It is Jamaica’s third-largest port with a purpose-built marina where some of the largest boats in the Caribbean are frequently spotted docked. It was formerly a major port used for exporting coconuts and bananas.

Port Antonio is framed by the Blue Mountains, which is Jamaica’s largest mountain range, and hills of lush vegetation that slope down to the water’s edge. It is also home to many soft white sand beaches and a clear blue sea.

Jamaica Holiday: Guide to the Top 5 Destinations and Best Things to Do
Port Antonio, Jamaica

1) Go on a Bamboo Rafting Adventure

Going bamboo rafting is an amazing adventure and a leisurely way to take in the beauty of the area while learning about the local history and culture. As the raft floats down the river, you will feel joy, peace, and tranquillity while enjoying the magnificent greenery surrounding the river. 

You can enjoy the bamboo rafting experience in Jamaica on the Martha Brae River in Trelawny, the White River in Port Antonio, and the Rio Grande in Portland.

2) Go Ziplining

The speed and height of Jamaican ziplining will make your heart race. As you scale new heights and pursue adventure, take in the tropical nature of Jamaica and live in harmony with the environment.

Jamaica Holiday: Guide to the Top 5 Destinations and Best Things to Do
Ziplining

Where to Go Ziplining in Jamaica?

Jamaica is home to many jungles and rainforests where ziplining offers the best scenery and feeling. Here are some of the best places to go zip lining in Jamaica:

Mystic Mountain

Ziplining at Mystic Mountain, near Ocho Rios, involves flying over the beautiful greenery of the rainforest. It also provides views of the amazing Dunn’s River Falls.

Heavens Scent

Heavens Scent is one of the earliest tourist destinations in Jamaica to offer ziplining.

Ziplining at Heavens Scent is not an average adventure at all, as it offers one of Jamaica’s most breathtaking panoramas. This adventure will take you through Jamaica’s countryside, away from the crowds and bustle.

Montpelier

Montpelier is a jungle in the hills of St. James, about 30 minutes from Montego Bay. It is where the Great River divides the parishes of Hanover and St. James.

Ziplining in Montpelier is quite lovely and gorgeous because it is situated on an old plantation. It offers charming scenery above the Great River as well as the hidden waterfall. 

3) Climb Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is Jamaica’s largest and most famous waterfall. It is a world-renowned attraction on the island, famous for its cascading tiers. It is also one of the few travertine waterfalls in the world since it empties into the sea at Little Dunn’s River Beach.

There are many activities to do at Dunn’s River Falls. For example, you can climb the falls or go hiking. You can also take a dip in the natural pools or relax on the amazing beach.

There are two ways to climb Dunn’s River Falls: a dry climb and a wet climb. The dry climb will take you to a spot close to the peak through a trail that runs next to the falls. It is a good option if you don’t want to get wet. The wet climb will take you to the peak straight through the falls by walking through the water. Both climb trails are exciting and enjoyable, but you can only get to the summit through the wet climb.

Jamaica Holiday: Guide to the Top 5 Destinations and Best Things to Do
Dunn’s River Falls

4) Visit Bob Marley’s Museum

The Bob Marley Museum was earlier the house of the reggae legend Bob Marley. It is filled with memories and mementoes that honour Bob’s life and career as an accomplished Jamaican musician.

The museum involves the main house, a theatre, an exhibition hall, gift shops, and the One Love Café. To maintain authenticity, all of the original rooms have been preserved as they were when Bob lived in the house.

During your tour, you can find and admire Bob’s bedroom, his personal recording studio, and his favourite outfits. You can also see his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as well as a significant collection of gold and platinum records that he has collected from all over the world.

Bob Marley Museum
Bob Marley Museum, Kingston, Jamaica

5) Take a Night Cruise through the Magical Luminous Lagoon

Millions of naturally occurring bioluminescent microorganisms glow when touched in a luminous or bioluminescent bay. During the day, they are invisible, but at night, the water splashes cause a peculiar blue glow. 

There are a few bioluminescent bays in the world, and Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is thought to be the largest and brightest among all. Therefore, it is one of the top Jamaican attractions. It is located in Falmouth, midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

One of the experiences you shouldn’t miss in Jamaica is taking a night boat trip to the Luminous Lagoon and admiring the natural charm. It is also safe to swim in bioluminescent water, so don’t miss taking a dip. 

Try to plan your trip on a dark night because visibility is best when the sky is the blackest. Boats depart from docks at the “Glistening Waters” restaurant every evening after dark. 

The Dream Jamaica Holiday

We have shared the most popular things to do in Jamaica – the things to do and see you have to consider if you are booking a Jamaica Holiday in the near future. Other exotic holidays to consider could include visiting Honduras, travelling to Nicaragua, or of course, visiting beautiful Barbados. The Caribbean presents amazing opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime holidays. So, where is on your list after reading this blog?

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