Jamaica Things To Do

Things To Do

On an island as diverse as Jamaica, you would be doing yourself a serious disservice if you limited yourself to the reggae and rum formula (however attractive). Break free from the beaches and fruity beverages for mountain river rafting and kayaking, horseback riding in the surf, rainforest hikes, and more tours of Jamaica’s historic towns and plantation great houses. Diving and snorkeling are rewarding, but not nearly as impressive as they are elsewhere in the Caribbean as over-fishing has depleted many stocks of marine life.

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Dunn's River Falls
Experience the granddaddy of all Jamaica attractions in Ocho Rios. Marvel at the dramatic 600-foot-high falls, limestone caves, and gardens replete with orchids and breadfruit trees.
Ocho Rios; 876-974-2857; www.dunnsriverfallsja.com
Tags: family | outdoors | editor pick
Devon House
Devon House is an impressive example of 19th-century, Jamaican-Georgian architecture, but the property owes its real fame to George Stiebel (Jamaica’s first black millionaire), who built it in 1881. Its manicured grounds are an 11-acre oasis in the middle of the city. After touring the building and admiring the collection of hard-carved antique furniture, refuel at “Norma’s on the Terrace,” the onsite restaurant that is known as much for its convivial host as it is for its Jamaican and West Indian-fusion cuisine (876-968-5488).
26 Hope Rd.; Kingston; 876-929-6602; www.devonhousejamaica.com
Tags: family | architecture | culture | history
Buy local art

From his gallery in Gordon Town at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Wayne Gallimore showcases and sells the work of over 30 Jamaican masters and intuitive artists. Private showings and tours to artists' studios are by appointment only. Alternatively, you can visit the online Jamagination Gallery (see link below), which ships art anywhere in the world.

Jamagination; Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort; Gordon Town; 876-476-4417; www.jamagination.com.jm
Tags: international travel | gallery | trendy | art
Underwater tour
Jamaica’s only underwater adventure tour journeys to the bottom of the sea for awesome views of the coral and marine life. Wearing a space-age helmet, you can breathe with ease (and avoid soggy hair).
Chukka Caribbean Adventures; Doctors Cave Beach; Montego Bay; 876-953-6699; www.chukkacaribbean.com
Tags: international travel | diving | wildlife | trendy
The Outameni Experience
This innovative interactive time machine chronicles 500 years of history. The Taino Indian term means “come together” and reflects the island’s motto: “Out of Many, One People.” Exhibits include a slave ship simulation, tributes to Rasta and reggae, and a tour through the historic Orange Grove Great House.
near Montego Bay; St. James; www.outameni.com
Tags: international travel | architecture | culture | museum | new | history
Rockland Bird Sanctuary
The Rockland Bird Sanctuary, one of the oldest attractions in Montego Bay, is a tranquil reserve for many species of hummingbirds, including the tiny Doctor Bird. Bring your camera and aim to visit in the early morning when the birds are out looking for food.
near Montego Bay; St. James; 876-952-2009; www.birdlifejamaica.com
Tags: international travel | wildlife | bird-watching
Blue Mountain Tours
Take a bus to the top of Blue Mountain and bike down with Blue Mountain Tours. At 7,402 feet above sea level, the peaks are spectacular, with vistas of Cuba on a clear day and fresh coffee beans perfuming the morning air.
121 Main St.; Ocho Rios; 876-974-7075; www.bmtoursja.com
Tags: international travel | hiking | biking | outdoors | views | editor pick
Horseback riding
Riding bareback along the beach at sunset will remind you why you booked a vacation in the first place. The family-owned Braco Estates provides horses and guides for tours through the countryside and along the northwest coast of the Caribbean Sea.
Braco Estates; 32 miles east of Montego Bay; Duncans; 876-954-0185; www.bracostables.com
Tags: beach | family | tour | horseback riding
The Blue Lagoon
The shimmering, freshwater-fed Blue Lagoon (made famous by the 1980 movie of the same name) reaches a depth of 200 feet and beckons swimmers, scuba divers, and those who just want to say they’ve been there.
20 minutes east of Port Antonio; Port Antonio; 876-993-7791; www.portantoniojamaica.com
Tags: beach | diving | outdoors | swimming | editor pick
Kool Runnings Water Park
Spread over five acres in Negril, Kool Runnings Water Park is a world of family fun, with ten water slides, a lazy river, and a play area for kids and grown-ups. Discount for those under 48-inches tall (because they can't ride all the slides).
Norman Manley Blvd.; Negril; 876-957-5400; www.koolrunnings.com
Tags: family | water park
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