Jamaica is a splendid Caribbean island. It's home to some fabulous scenery, from heavenly beaches to lively cities. It's also a mountainous territory, ideal for long hikes in the heart of the rainforest. A former British colony, it has a strong culture, and while many people have heard of this mysterious island through the global icon Bob Marley, you need to visit to see the diversity it has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for a long trek, festive moments in the cities or lazing on the white sands in the sun, Jamaica is an island to be experienced 100%, a destination in a class of its own in the Caribbean here are the must-sees.
1. What to do in Jamaica A visit to Kingston
The capital of Jamaica, Kingston is a mythical city, the birthplace of reggae. The city's colonial past collides with Caribbean, African, English and American influences. It's a pleasure to stroll through the different neighborhoods and see the murals that are everywhere. They reveal a highly intense cultural breeding ground. To catch a glimpse, head for Parade Gardens or Trench Town. Here, messages of peace can be read, and references to various personalities in music and politics are scattered here and there. A sort of open-air exhibition. The city is also home to such cultural highlights as the Bob Marley Museum and the National Gallery Of Jamaica. And if you'd like to discover craftsmanship and come away with some superb souvenirs, don't miss a visit to the Craft Market.
2. What to do in Jamaica Hiking in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park
Created in 1990, this is the only national park on the island. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, boasting an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. The mountains are home to around 150 species of birds, as well as rare animal species. It's worth noting that 40% of the area's flowers are found nowhere else in the world. A good reason to go there and come back with some unique shots. This is also the part of the island where you can climb Blue Mountain Peak, from where, on a clear day, you can see the island of Cuba in the distance. The Blue Mountains areJamaica's most spectacular mountainous landscape , offering a wealth of opportunities for day trekking or guided excursions over several days.
3. Treasure Beach, authenticity
You'll have to head for the southwest of Jamaica to reach Treasure Beach, a place that definitely lives up to its name. Quiet and secluded from the tourist masses, it's a real gem, and its attractions appeal to travelers in search of authenticity. It's a place where everything is simple and you just want to stop time and enjoy the wild beaches, stroll along the water's edge and admire the colorful fishermen's huts. Great Pedro Bay, Calabash Bay, Frenchman's Bay and Billy's Bay are the names of the beaches that attract travellers in search of relaxation. Treasure Beach is definitely the place to go to relax, enjoy the sea and good food.
4. What to do in Jamaica A boat trip on the Black River
TheBlack River is Jamaica's largest navigable river, stretching over 53 kilometers. Its wetland vegetation includes various species of palm trees, mangroves and freshwater swamp forests. The best way to discover this southern part of the island is by boat. Here, you can contemplate the lush vegetation and spot a variety of animal species, including numerous birds and crocodiles. The area is also home to the YS Falls, waterfalls that are true natural treasures and perfect for swimming.
5. Cockpit Country, a splendid mountain town
Cockpit Country is a part of the island that is a true paradise for nature lovers. The area is reputed to have once been home to the maroons, the slaves who fled the plantations and settled here for refuge, as the territory was reputed to be difficult to access. Today, there are a number of hiking trails that take walkers deep into the vegetation and allow them to observe different species of birds, including magnificent hummingbirds. You should also take the time to admire the rock formations and visit the underground caves created by erosion.
6. What to do in Jamaica A trip to Falmouth
This harbor town is a pleasant place to stop and stroll through its charming lanes. In many ways, it's reminiscent of Brittany, with its boats in the harbor and the white facades of its homes and buildings overlooking the sea. The presence of a university gives it a certain cultural dynamism, and at the height of the season, it's the yachtsmen who take the streets by storm with their land-based strolls. It remains a pleasant place to stroll before heading off to the beautiful beaches of its family-friendly south coast.
7. Diving in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city. It attracts many travelers, who come to enjoy its entertainment and one of the island's most beautiful beaches: Doctor's Cave Beach. This is the place to put down your towel on the sand and grab a mask and snorkel, or even a full set of scuba gear, to observe the splendid seabed. Montego Bay is renowned for the translucent color of its waters and its fine, white sand, a call to long hours of idleness in the sun and all sea-related activities. Those who wish can also play golf, always with a splendid view of the turquoise waters.
8. What to do in Jamaica See the Reach Falls
The Reach Falls are spectacular waterfalls with irresistible charms. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. Surrounded by a magnificent forest, they are an area of Jamaica where it's pleasant to trek and take the time to stop for a picnic or to contemplate the various elements of nature. Also worth mentioning is the magnificent natural pool formed at the foot of the mountains, where the waters are limpid and transparent. Don't hesitate to set off for several hours of hiking, just for the pleasure of swimming and cooling off in one of the island's most beautiful spots.
9. What to do in Jamaica Port Royal, for its history
Port Royal lies at the end of a long spit of land south of Kingston. It's a sleepy little town whose main source of income is tourism and fishing. A few fortifications are a reminder of the town's former importance as a base for pirates and freebooters. In 1692, the town was completely submerged by the sea, the result of a terrible earthquake that caused an underwater landslide. The ruins of the former Port-Royal have now been covered by coral and are the delight of divers who come to explore a reef populated by numerous tropical species .
10. Ochos Rios, an air of vacation
Ochos Rios, nicknamed Ochie by the locals, is a true paradise for holidaymakers. Start by strolling its streets and soaking up the Jamaican ambience, stopping off at a bar, for example, where there's always reggae or ska music contributing to a decidedly relaxed atmosphere. You can then stop off in front of the murals before moving on to the craft market, where you'll find stalls selling paintings, sculptures and the inevitable record shops. Then, after a stroll along the banks of the Turtle River to see the colorful hulls of the boats floating on the water, we end the day at Turtle Beach, for a swim in the bewitchingly blue water.
11. What to do in Jamaica Sunbathing on the beaches of Negril
Negril is a seaside resort renowned for its magnificent beaches and spectacular sunsets. The bay has long been a haven for pirates, and many sea battles took place off the coast: a few wrecks washed up on the coral beds bear witness to this eventful past. You can sunbathe at the famous Seven Mile Beach, take an excursion to Rick's Cafe, explore the Negril lighthouse and the cliffs of West End for breathtaking panoramic views. There's only one thing to do here: relax and unwind, enjoy the beach, sports and fishing, and take in the spectacular suns ets..
12. What to do in Jamaica Going to Port Antonio
It's "the most delightful port in the world", according to the poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Port Antonio lies at the heart of an exceptional site, a double green amphitheater formed by twin bays with turquoise waters, between the Caribbean Sea and the Blue Mountains, overlooked at its center by the small hill of Tichfield and protected offshore by Navy Island. Harmony, tropical languor, the scent of British colonialism, the place has a timeless charm, so much so that Errol Flynn claimed he had "never met a woman as beautiful as Port Antonio". Often forgotten by tourists, Port Antonio offers a more authentic stopover than the northwest coast .
13. Lime Cay
Lime Cay is a tiny island reached by boat from the center of Port Royal. The sandbar is magnificent, the water crystal-clear and the excursion a real break if you want to get out of the city and forget its urban decor. The coral reefs are magnificent and so are the small fish that gravitate around them. Be warned, there's nothing on site here, so you'll need to disembark with drinks and a picnic, and if possible ice cubes (everything can be bought in Port Royal before boarding). You'll need to pay the return fare at the Y-Knot bar next to the marina and Morgan Harbour hotel. Be aware that the sea is very rough to get there, so allow between 15 and 30 minutes for the crossing, but plan this outing only on sunny days.
14. Cockpit country
A sublime environment on the edge of the inaccessible, this vast expanse is one of the island's least known and least visited, despite its geological, animal and plant wealth. It was in this inaccessible region that the Maroons of the North, the African slaves who escaped from the plantations, found refuge and established their headquarters, building villages and communication networks. Today, Cockpit Country is as inaccessible as ever... There is no precise map of the region, and you'll be surprised to discover on road maps an area devoid of any signs. The fauna and flora are virtually untouched , with many endemic species such as multicolored parrots, hummingbirds, crows and turtle-doves.
15. What to do in Jamaica Enjoy the country's culinary specialties
Among the emblematic dishes not to be missed is jerk chicken, a delicious preparation of chicken marinated in a blend of local spices and slow-cooked over a wood fire, offering an explosion of spicy, smoky flavors. Seafood lovers will delight in the goat curry or braised fish, prepared with fresh ingredients and spiced up with a touch of chilli. And don't miss traditional side dishes such as rice and fried peas and plantains, the perfect complement to any dish. Finally, for a sweet experience, sample typical Jamaican desserts such as rum cake, corn pudding or sweet okra.
How can I visit Jamaica in a week?
Visiting Jamaica in a week can be an incredible experience in April , for example, or during winter to escape the low temperatures! In fact, Jamaica is one of our Top 10 paradise islands on which to spend the winter while waiting for the sun to return.
Here's a suggested itinerary to help you plan your trip:
Day 1-2: Kingston
- Start your trip in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica.
- Explore the Bob Marley Museum to learn more about the history of reggae and Jamaican culture.
- Visit Devon House, a magnificent 19th-century mansion, and sample the famous Devon House I-Scream.
- Take a stroll through downtown to discover the colonial architecture and lively atmosphere of the city.
Day 3-4: Montego Bay
- Take a short flight or bus to Montego Bay, a popular tourist destination.
- Relax on the white-sand beaches and enjoy water sports such as snorkeling or jet skiing.
- Take a trip to visit Rose Hall's Great House, a former sugarcane plantation renowned for its ghost stories.
- Explore the Hip Strip to shop, dine in local restaurants and enjoy the lively nightlife.
Day 5-6: Negril
- Head to Negril, renowned for its magnificent beaches and spectacular sunsets.
- Spend time at the famous Seven Mile Beach, where you can relax, swim and enjoy water sports.
- Take a trip to Rick's Cafe to see professional divers jump off 10-metre cliffs into the ocean.
- Explore Negril Lighthouse and West End Cliffs for breathtaking panoramic views.
Day 7: Ocho Rios
- Finish your trip in Ocho Rios, a coastal town full of exciting activities.
- Visit the famous Dunn Falls, where you can climb the cascades or relax in the natural pools.
- Take a trip to Mystic Mountain theme park, where you can zip-line, bobsleigh and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.
- Explore the artisan market to buy local souvenirs before you leave.
Be sure to book your accommodations in advance and check flight and public transportation schedules to optimize your time on the island. Enjoy your trip to Jamaica!
What to do in Jamaica in ten days?
If you have three extra days to explore Jamaica, here's how you could extend your itinerary:
Day 8: Blue Mountains
- Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains from Kingston.
- Hike to the top of Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica's highest point, for spectacular views of the island.
- Visit a coffee plantation to learn about the production process of the famous Blue Mountain coffee and enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee.
Day 9: Port Antonio
- Head for Port Antonio on the island's east coast.
- Visit Frenchman's Cove, a beautiful beach with a freshwater river that flows into the sea.
- Explore the Blue Lagoon, a picturesque lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Take a boat trip to Reach Falls to swim in the natural pools and admire the waterfalls.
Day 10: Return to Kingston
- Spend a final day in Kingston to explore the sites you may have missed on your first visit.
- Enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Shop for souvenirs such as local crafts or Blue Mountain coffee products.
- Finish your trip by listening to live reggae music in one of Kingston's bars or clubs.
By following this extensive itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to discover more of Jamaica's diversity and natural beauty, as well as immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
What to visit in Jamaica with your family
Jamaica offers a multitude of family-friendly activities and sites. Here are a few suggestions for places to visit as a family during a stay on the island:
- Dolphin Cove: Located in Ocho Rios, Dolphin Cove is a park where families can swim with dolphins, observe other marine animals and enjoy activities such as tubing and kayaking.
- Mystic Mountain: Also in Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain offers exciting outdoor adventures, including high-speed zip lines, bobsled rides and rainforest tours aboard a gondola.
- Dunn Falls: These spectacular waterfalls near Ocho Rios offer a fun adventure for the whole family. You can climb the cascades or simply swim in the natural pools below.
- Rose Hall Great House: This historic great house in Montego Bay offers family-friendly guided tours, where you can learn more about the history of the area and maybe even hear a few legendary ghost stories.
Jamaica is also one of our top 10 destinations for music lovers, so make the most of it!
Getting around Jamaica
In Jamaica, there are several transport options available for getting around the island:
- Car rental: Car rental is popular in Jamaica for those who prefer independence and flexibility. The main car rental agencies are located at airports and in major cities. It's important to note that driving in Jamaica is on the left, and roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas.
- Cabs: Taxis are widely available in towns and tourist areas. Be sure to negotiate the fare before boarding, as prices are not always regulated. Official cabs usually have red license plates.
- Public transport: Minibuses and shared cabs, known as "route cabs" or "public buses", are an affordable way to travel between towns and villages. These vehicles can be a little crowded, but they offer an authentic experience for travelers.
- Intercity buses: There are also intercity buses connecting the island's major cities. These buses are often more comfortable than minibuses, but may run less frequently.
Tempted by a vacation in Jamaica? Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurance here, and leave with peace of mind!
