Jamaica Visitors Guide

While Dunn’s River Falls (pictured above) may have earned some international fame, there are so many other great waterfalls on the island that are just as beautiful and less crowded. Blue Hole is near Ocho Rios and gets its name from the beautiful blue pool of water at the bottom. Visitors can swim or dive in the watering hole that surrounds Blue Hole.

YS Falls is another great place that is near Saint Elizabeth Parish. There are seven waterfalls that make up YS Falls, and all are on a local estate that also homes a cattle and horse farm. If you really want to get away from the touristy area, then head over to Mayfield Falls in Westmorland.

The Mayfield Falls has many waterfalls of different sizes and twenty-one natural swimming pools surrounding the falls. And last, Turtle Falls is fourteen waterfalls that are located in a 15-acre tropical garden in Ocho Rios.

Visitors can explore these waterfalls on their own or can seek out tours like the Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Combo Day-Trip from Montego Bay.

  Take a look at this Blue Hole Private Tour.

  For more, check out our Jamaica Waterfalls Guide.

As Jamaica is an island, there are numerous beaches to claim as your new favorite. Seven Mile Beach in the Negril area is probably Jamaica’s most popular beach. It is claimed as the longest and most beautiful in the area.

If you staying in the Montego Bay Area, the private beach at Sandals is known to be the best in that area with the white sand and turquoise water. Another popular beach is Bamboo Beach (pictured above) or Reggae Beach in Ocho Rios area. Here you can snorkel in the clear waters or relax on the cool sand while listening to Reggae tunes playing all day from one of the three beach bars close by.

  Check out this great tour of Seven Mile Beach or this Private Sightseeing Tour Of Seven Mile Beach.

  Be sure to check out our Best Jamaica Beaches Guide!

With Jamaica’s crystal blue water and popular marine life, it is no wonder snorkeling and diving are a go-to pastime on the island. One of the best places to snorkel or dive is in Negril. The top place here is Negril Coral Reef (pictured above), which is about two miles offshore. Here you will see jellyfish, urchins, conch shells, and so much more.

Montego Bay Marine Park also has some great snorkeling since efforts were made to protect this area’s coral reefs and marine life. You will find numerous colorful fish from angelfish to stingrays.

There are many areas right off the beach to explore the waters, but if you would rather a tour you can check out Reggae and Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise from Montego Bay.

  Scuba diving options abound in Jamaica thanks to the crystal blue water. Check out these scuba diving tour options.

Reggae music and culture in Jamaica is one of its most important institutions. Explore neighborhoods and find local watering holes for music, drinks and lively conversation. Tourists can also learn more about reggae music and the king of reggae at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston where you can visit Marley’s home and recording studio.

Take a look at this Bob Marley Experience tour. Afterward, head over to Coronation Market, one of the biggest local markets in the Caribbean. Last, you can visit the Rastafari Indigenous Village to meet Jamaica’s Rastafari people and maybe learn a little about their culture and values.

  If you’re a music lover check out this Bob Marley Museum Full Day Tour from Montego Bay where you’ll get to see a hologram of Jamaica’s most legendary musician, his personal recording studio, records, and even more.

The bioluminescent Luminous Lagoon near Montego Bay is famous for its millions of dinoflagellates, or microscopic organisms, that glow blue when disturbed. Be sure to check this bioluminescent phenomenon at night, either on your own or on one of the many boat tours. There are many boat tours that you can find once on the island, but if you would like a suggestion you can check out Mystic Luminescent Lagoon Night Cruise and Swim in Jamaica.

Jamaica is known for its Jerk seasoning. Be it chicken, fish, shrimp or pork, no visit to the island is complete without a taste. While you can find some amazing jerk all over the island, Boston Bay is said to be the home of the illustrious spice mix.

Here are a few places that are known to have some of the best; Kool Vybes Jerk Centre, Sweetwood Jerk Joint, Ocho Rios Jerk Center, Boston Jerk Center, or Pepper’s Jerk Center, just to name a few. If you are in Jamaica during the first weekend of July, you can also check out the Portland Jerk Festival.

  Take a look at this Taste Of Jamaica Food Tour.

Built in 1841, the Morant Point Lighthouse is named as a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Visitors can climb to the top to get some breathtaking views.

People from all over the world come to Jamaica to enjoy the rum. There are so many great rum tours to choose from but we recommend the famous Appleton Estate Rum Tour or the Hampden Estate Rum Tour. You are in paradise, cheers!

Nestled in the hills between Montego Bay and Savanna-La-Mar, you’ll find Lethe Rafting Village. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Lethe for a colorful, pleasant ride that is undoubtedly one to remember. This authentic experience allows you to see the beauty of Jamaica from a bamboo raft. Rafts are decorated with flowers and colorful umbrellas, making this a great family activity or perfect for a romantic escape. Rafting down the river through the rainforest, you can enjoy nature at its best as you meander through this hidden paradise.  Make sure to dress for the occasion with swimwear, bare feet, and the island life vibe for this nature-filled experience. 

Check out this Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage on Lethe River Private Tour with transportation included, or this all-inclusive Lethe River Bamboo Rafting with Lime Stone Massage. 

You’ll be amazed by the tropical rainforest setting in the greenest Parish of Jamaica. The laid-back, natural environment surrounding one of the most beautiful hidden gems, Reach Falls, beckons adventurous souls. You may recognize the area in the John Crow Mountains National Park and the Blue Mountains from the 1988 romantic drama Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise. 

Enjoy this exotic waterfall cascading over boulders and falling into an emerald river pool. Pack your swimsuit, as Reach Falls features a natural heart-shaped jacuzzi pool, the perfect place to cool down. While here, keep your eyes peeled for a wide array of tropical birds, including the yellow and black-billed parrot that calls Reach Falls home. There are also 23 different species of fern. 

This Green Grotto Cave and Puerto Seco Beach Tour offers the unique opportunity to explore Reach Falls and the beautiful Blue Lagoon. 

This well-kept secret, in the hills of St James, provides an authentic natural experience. Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary is home to some of Jamaica’s most exquisite bird species, including Jamaica’s national bird, the hummingbird. 

Once you arrive at this small, beautiful cottage hidden in the green Jamaican countryside, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee of $25 per adult and $10 per child (cash only). This includes a small bottle containing sugar water to hand-feed the birds. That’s right, the hummingbirds will drink right from your hand!

Check out this private Rockland Bird Sanctuary Tour with hotel transfers! 

The rural community of Bath is full of history and beauty and is home to Jamaica’s oldest botanical garden and a mineral spring. The warm, healing mineral spring of Bath Fountian is more of a creek than a “fountain”, and is famous for soaking. Legend has it that the spring was discovered in the 17th century by a wounded runaway slave with ulcers on his leg. He stumbled across the warm creek and used it to wash his leg. Then, he noticed the next day how rapidly his leg was healing.

Word spread of the healing power of the Bath Fountain, and it quickly began attracting visitors, especially those seeking balneotherapy for rheumatism, gout, and skin conditions, thanks to active elements in these mineral waters, such as lime, sulfur, and magnesium. However, it’s important to note that this is a very “off the tourist trail” rural community, and you should be cautious. Many recommend booking a visit to the spring with Jahchusia Prussia (+876 862-8173) for ease and safety. If visiting on your own, use caution and be weary of accepting massages or anyone claiming to be a “tour guide” here to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the area. 

Local Tip: There is a rasta cookshop by the water, and the cornmeal pudding is something you can’t miss! 

Green Grotto Caves offers the perfect combination of adventure and history. Among Jamaica’s most beautiful and underrated natural attractions, the Green Grotto Cave is a series of limestone caves and an underground lake. Historically, the Green Grotto was the home of the Taíno, and in the 17th century, the Spanish used the caves to hide from the British. 

The Green Grotto Caves offer a one-of-a-kind Jamaican experience of exploring underground caves and viewing rock formations, stalagmites, and stalactites. Generally, a tour of Green Grotto Caves can range from $20-$40 USD per person. You’ll feel like you’re in another world as you explore the innermost cavern and the hidden lake of the Green Grotto. 

There are plenty of Green Grotto Tours to choose from, but this private tour from Montego Bay to the Green Grotto Caves includes private transportation! 

One of the most authentic ways to explore Jamaica is by visiting the Rastafari Indigenous Village. While there are a few in every parish, not all are open to visitors. The Irwin Rastafari Indigenous Village welcomes a limited number of guests for day tours. You can visit the gardens, pick and cook your own food, and experience daily life in a traditional Rastafari community.

Rituals are preserved, nature is protected, and the Rastafari lifestyle is celebrated. You can learn how to make drums and soaps by hand from artisans preserving traditional Rastafari techniques.  

You’ll need to make a reservation in advance to visit the Rastafari Indigenous Village, as they only allow a limited number of visitors per day. You can book your tour here. 

Check out this private Rastafari Indigenous Village Tour with private air-conditioned transfers.  

The South Coast of Jamaica is enchanting, remote, and the definition of “off the beaten path.” Jamaica’s best-kept secret, Treasure Beach, is a six-mile stretch of coral-colored and golden sands, private coves, and rocky shores. Be advised this isn’t the best beach for swimming due to the strong undercurrents. Enjoy a laid-back island vibe, unplug, and relax in the sun on this gorgeous beach. Or you can go snorkeling in nearby Frenchman’s Bay, where you should watch for dolphins.

Located in the foothills of the Catadupa Mountains, the Croydon Plantation is surrounded by stunning views of the Jamaican countryside, and an abundance of fruit and coffee beans grow on the land. During your visit, enjoy a tour of the old plantation, go camping and stargazing, and celebrate responsible tourism in this magical place. 

Croydon is a working foothill plantation producing pineapples, citrus fruit, and coffee. Walking through this historic plantation, you’ll be transported back in time. Sample the delicious tropical fruits and some of the numerous varieties of pineapple grown here. Don’t miss grabbing lunch here; they offer organic and tasty authentic Jamaican cuisine!

In the parish of St. Ann, you’ll discover fire water in Windsor Mineral Healing Spring. The small tranquil pool, where water catches fire thanks to its high concentration of sulfur, is rumored to have mystical healing powers. Local guides demonstrate the fire water phenomenon in this unique mineral spring, and visitors can enjoy a fire massage while lying in the pool, surrounded by flames. Before you leave, guides will demonstrate how they cook on the fire water by setting up a pot above the flames.

The area is the size of a large jacuzzi, and the mineral water is constantly pumped in from the ground. There’s a plug that has to be pulled every so often so it doesn’t overflow. The water in the healing spring is lukewarm and has a salty/bitter taste, and your guide will most likely tell you to try it if you’re feeling adventurous.

Getting to the fire water can be a bit of a challenge as there are no signs indicating where it’s located. Here it is in Google Maps. You’ll follow a single-lane, potholed dirt road on the outskirts of vibrant St. Ann. Where the road dead ends, there is a small bar that locals frequent. These locals serve as guides for the Mystical Firewater Mineral Healing Springs.