Best Things To Do in Jamaica

Martha Brae River is the nation’s favourite for rafting (even the Queen’s been here), complete with the ‘Rafter’s Village’ embarkation area where you can have a picnic, shop for souvenirs or relax at the bar. Rafts here are long bamboo vessels, steered by a captain. Learn the curious legend of Martha Brae, a young Arawak with supernatural powers, enjoy the sights along the river bank and stop for a dip in the water.

Visit indigenous Rastafarians and experience their lives and culture for a day. Help out with organic farming and make traditional Rasta crafts and music. This is an amazing way to understand the Rastafarian lifestyle and get to know Jamaicans in their own home.

Mother Nature, showing off again. On a still night, gazillions of phosphorescent dinoflagellates give the lagoon a beautifully eerie glow. Some boat tours take you around the lagoon where you can swim in the glittering water.

Rumour has it that the house is haunted by the ghost of Annie Palmer, the ‘White Witch’ who murdered numerous husbands and lovers before she was gruesomely killed by her slave lover (if you’re not convinced, see the photos of people’s ghost sightings in the gift shop…).

An estate with plantations, fields of grazing cows and a spectacular river running through. The star of the show is the waterfall which pours down rocks in tropical forest. You’re allowed to swim and there are lifeguards on hand in the swimming areas. We like the tropical gardens, complete with a picnic area for leisurely lunches.

This café is way more than just somewhere to eat, it’s a whole experience. Aside from the delicious menu, there is an amazing view from the restaurant which sits on the edge of a cliff. This café has live reggae music in the evenings so you can get up and shake a leg after your meal. The biggest draw of Rick's Café though is the cliff jumping. Here you can safely dive from the cliff edge right into the sea in this once in a lifetime experience.

One of Jamaica’s most beautiful things to see, the Dunn’s River falls pour down from 600 feet, flanked by lush vegetation. There are a number of vantage points, and it’s possible to climb the limestone rocks up the falls, then scramble, jump and slide back down. Bring swimwear and grippy shoes, and don’t miss the beach which is a lovely spot to rest up for a while.

An adventure park, right in the middle of a mountainside rainforest. Take the Sky Explorer chairlift for stonkingly good views over the treetops or zoom down the zipline or bobsled track. There’s also a fantastic pool and waterslide. Only about a five-minute drive from the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier, this makes for a cracking half or full day out, without having to travel too far from the resort.

Blue hole is a name that really undersells how remarkable this place is. A wonderful series of azure natural springs and waterfalls, surrounded by vivid green rainforest. Whether you just want to swim in this vista of blue water or want to get your blood pumping by cliff diving or rope swinging, this is somewhere well worth visiting.

You can't think about Jamaica without thinking about one of the most famous musicians of all time, Bob Marley. A Jamaican treasure whose home has been made a national heritage site. Make a visit here and see everything from his personal studio to a 3D holograph of one of his performances. You'll also have the chance to buy some Bob Marley memorabilia to bring a bit of Jamaica back home with you.