Things to do in Jamaica

Thanks to its tropical jungle, the island’s lush interior is home to all sorts of hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed afternoon or a relaxing day trip, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Jamaica.

There are dozens of impressive waterfalls in Jamaica, but Dunn’s River Falls is the most famous. Just a stone’s throw away from Ocho Rios, this 55-metre waterfall is one of Jamaica’s top attractions. You can climb to the summit on a guided tour, navigating the cascading water and step-like rocks. Alternatively, there’s a path that runs alongside the falls, known as the ‘dry climb’ – or you could simply enjoy a cooling soak in the plunge pool at the base of the waterfall.

To see more of Jamaica, why not hop on a bamboo raft and paddle down the Rio Grande? You’ll be surrounded by luscious forest, so you’ll be able to spot a variety of exotic birds. Jamaica’s Blue Lagoon is also worth a visit. In Port Antonio, this stunning lake is a picture-perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and kayaking. Or, for something more high octane, why not go zip-lining across the Blue Mountains?

If you’re interested in Jamaica’s culture and history, you’ll find lots of things to do in the vibrant capital city of Kingston. To get a real feel for this lovely island and its fascinating heritage, make sure you explore the National Museum of Jamaica – it has more than 15,000 artefacts, ranging from the time of the Arawak peoples to the British colonial period. There’s also a Rastafarianism exhibition, where you can find out more about Jamaica’s iconic movement.

And, speaking of iconic, no trip to Jamaica would be complete without a visit to the Bob Marley Museum. Inside the reggae star’s former home on Hope Road, this place gives great insight into Marley’s life and music, showcasing his clothes, photos and instruments.

If you’re more into history than music, though, spend some time exploring Port Royal. At the mouth of Kingston Harbour, this village was once the largest city in the Caribbean, having been founded by the Spanish in 1494. Take a guided tour of Port Royal’s many forts and listen to tales about pirates and buried treasure.

Jamaica knows how to party. Whether it’s a colourful carnival, a music festival or a fantastic foodie event, there’s always something going on here. So, if you want to experience the island at its very best, make sure you align your holiday with some of the main events in Jamaica’s calendar.

In mid- July, Montego Bay sees the Reggae Sumfest – the biggest and brightest celebration of Jamaica’s indigenous music. It’s one of the most popular music festivals in the whole of the Caribbean, and well worth the hype. July also sees Portland Jerk Festival and Montego Bay Jerk Festival, where you can enjoy a truly authentic taste of Jamaica.

Alternatively, plan your trip for November to immerse yourself in the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival. Expect themed nights, flavour-filled bites, rum-tasting and so much more. Plus, the island’s annual Restaurant Week follows shortly after – perfect timing for foodies.

There are so many things to do in Jamaica. But if, sometimes, you want to do nothing at all, you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to go. Encircled by more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline, Jamaica is home to dozens of white-sand beaches where you can swim, snorkel and sunbathe.

If you’re seeking postcard-worthy good looks and a laidback vibe, make tracks for Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach. Stretching for seven miles – obviously – this stunning swathe is backed by nodding palms, while the blue Caribbean Sea is popular with watersports enthusiasts. The ocean here is clear and shallow, making it great for swimming, too.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, pop along to Doctor’s Cave Beach. Near Montego Bay, this is one of the best beaches in Jamaica, with fine powdery sand and warm turquoise waters. It’s not a public beach – it’s owned by Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club – but the charming views and swish restaurant are worth the price tag.