10 Best Things To Do In Jamaica

“I love Jamaica. Beautiful water. Beautiful beaches. Beautiful women. And, of course, Red Stripe beer.”

– James Bond in Dr. No (1962)

Jamaica is a Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. I had the chance to visit at the beginning of March 2020 (right before the world shut down), and it was an absolutely amazing experience. It’s a tropical paradise of leisure and adventure, so there’s truly something for everyone on this tropical paradise. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top things to do in Jamaica.

Konoko Falls, also known as Ocho Rios Falls, is a picturesque waterfall located in the parish of Saint Ann on the island of Jamaica. The falls are situated in the Konoko Falls Park, which is a nature reserve that offers visitors the chance to explore the lush tropical vegetation and wildlife of the area. Konoko Falls is a popular spot for visitors, and the park is open daily. Admission prices vary but generally range from $15 – $20 USD. The park offers facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and picnic areas. Visitors can also purchase food and drinks from the park’s vendors. The park also offers a variety of activities like nature walks, horseback riding, and zip-lining.

Konoko Falls Website: https://www.konokofalls.com

The Blue Hole is a natural limestone sinkhole turned swimming hole located in Ocho Rios. It is a popular spot for swimming, diving, and cliff jumping. The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding jungle provides a beautiful backdrop. We went during a rainy day, so the water wasn’t as blue or clear, but it was such an amazing experience nevertheless. Watch the video below for a little taste of what to expect!

Entrance to The Blue Hole costs $20 USD. Inside, you’ll have access to bathrooms and lockers – renting a locker costs $2 USD. 

The Blue Hole Website: https://www.coolblueholeochorios.com

Negril Beach is one of Jamaica’s most popular beaches, known for its clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores. The Negril Cliffs, located at the westernmost point of the island, offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the cliffs themselves offer a great spot for cliff diving and exploring. One of the famous spot for cliff diving is Ricks Cafe, where you can watch the locals and tourists jump off the cliffs (up to 85 ft!) into the crystal clear water.

We also stopped by the Margaritaville in the area and while I wouldn’t normally write about a Margaritaville, this one was right on the beach and had a pretty awesome setup. If you want a fun day, grab lunch at Margaritaville, hang around the beach, and then head to Ricks Cafe for happy hour and early dinner to watch the cliff diving.

Doctor’s Cave Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand located in Montego Bay. It is one of the most popular beaches in Jamaica, known for its crystal-clear waters and great snorkeling. Visitors can also take a dip in the famous “healing” waters of the beach, which are said to have therapeutic properties.

Another beautiful beach is Seven Mile Beach in Negril (pictured below). This beach is 7 miles long and faces westward. A great spot to access it is Margaritaville (as I mentioned before). If you’re a paying customer, you have access to their amenities on the beach. So grab yourself a drink and relax in a lounger for the day. 

The Rose Hall Great House is a historic plantation located in Montego Bay. The plantation was once home to the infamous “White Witch of Rose Hall,” but today it is open to visitors who can take a tour of the property and learn about its history. The tour includes a visit to the great house and its surrounding grounds, including the slave quarters and the sugar mill. The tour prices vary, but generally range from $20 – $30 USD. The grounds also offer a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding mountains.

Rose Hall Website: https://rosehall.com

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, head to Floyd’s Pelican Bar, located in the middle of the ocean near Jamaica. This cash-only bar is built on stilts and can only be accessed by boat, but the journey is well worth it. The bar serves up cold beers and delicious seafood, and the view of the Caribbean Sea is absolutely breathtaking. 

To get a ride to the bar, I recommended getting in contact with Sheldon’s Boat Tour To Pelican Bar: sheldonforbes155@gmail.com or call +1 876-250-3073. You may be able to find another company on Google or Trip Adviser, but rides should cost around $10-$20 USD. 

If you are a rum lover, the Appleton Estate Rum Tour is definitely worth your time. This tour takes you through the history of rum making in Jamaica and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. You will also get to sample some of the different rums produced by the Appleton Estate. The tour prices vary but generally range from $20 – $30 USD.

Appleton Estate Website: https://appletonestate.com/en-us/

The GoldenEye Hotel, located in Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica, is a luxury resort that was once the home of Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels. The property has been converted into a hotel and offers guests the chance to stay in one of the villas or cottages that were once used by Fleming himself. The hotel features beautiful tropical gardens, a private beach, and a variety of on-site activities and amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several dining options. The hotel is known for its secluded location and its connection to the James Bond series, and it is a popular destination for fans of the novels and movies.

GoldenEye Hotel Website: https://www.goldeneye.com

Jamaica has some truly beautiful reefs. While we were on the island, we took the chance to try scuba diving for the first time! Our resort, Hilton Rose Hall, has a dive shop associated with it (Kelly’s Water Sports) who gave us half a day training in the pool and then a one tank dive at one of the local reefs. It was a great experience and we highly recommend giving them a shot if you are staying at Hilton.

If you would prefer to snorkel or freedive (which is really what we enjoy the most), you must reach out to Carolyn Barrett of Barrett Adventures! She is an amazing woman who has more stories and adventures than anyone I’ve met. She operates a sailboat in the MoBay Yacht Club in Montego Bay. She showed us a few tricks about freediving, taught us about the coral in Montego Bay, and snorkeled with us – pointing out the sea life. When we go back to Jamaica, Carolyn will be one of the first people we reach out to in order to plan our next Jamaican adventure.

Barrett Adventures Website: https://www.barrettadventures.com/

The official currency is the Jamaican dollar or JDM. However, you can use US dollars for most purchases (even souvenir shops and shacks). Most popular tourist sites will also take credit card but a lot of the locally ran ones do not, so be sure to bring a lot of cash. 

The short answer is yes. Jamaica is a beautiful and vibrant country, but like any tourist destination, visitors need to take precautions to ensure their safety. Some areas are under military occupation but the popular tourist spots are not. We drove across many parts of the Western side of the island and never felt unsafe. 

One potential concern is carjacking, as there have been reports of robbers trying to pull over rental cars and demanding money. The best way to avoid this situation is to not stop your car if you feel threatened, and instead drive to a safe and well-lit area. Tourists should also be aware of their surroundings, avoid traveling alone at night, and not keep valuables in plain sight in their car. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make a copy of your passport and other important documents, and to inform friends or family of your travel itinerary.

Driving was not as bad as the reviews online say. They drive on the left side of the road and the driver is on the right side of the vehicle. Getting used to these changes takes some time but once you get the hang of things, it’s easy. The main highways are paved while side roads and backroads have some potholes. Just drive slow and watch for potholes and you’ll be fine. I don’t think driving in Jamaica was any crazier than New York City or Cancun.

This entirely depends on what you want to do and see. For those wanting to do absolutely nothing but relax on the beach, Negril is an excellent location with dozens of all-inclusive  to choose from. If you want to explore different parts of the country, I’d recommend staying in Montego Bay. It’s central to many popular destinations around the island and it’s near the airport. 

During our trip, we stayed at Hilton Rose Hall and absolutely loved it! It’s an all-inclusive in Montego Bay and midway between several of the popular tourist sites I listed above, which are easily accessible by rental car or a tour. It also has world-class amenities such as a spa, gym, golf course, water park, water sports center, three pools, seven restaurants, and a private beach. They have everything you could possibly want, so you can enjoy it all without ever leaving the resort. 

Hilton Rose Hall Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mbjrhhf-hilton-rose-hall-resort-and-spa/

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone on this tropical paradise. From the stunning waterfalls and beaches to the rich cultural heritage, Jamaica is sure to leave a lasting impression on all.

As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to check out more destinations on the blog here!

Angie xoxo