Best attractions in Jamaica: Top 24

The sights of Jamaica are not only interesting to look at, but also enjoyable, because the island is sunny and hospitable. It attracts tourists from our country with its beautiful exotic nature, clean beaches, hotels for all financial possibilities and tastes. Going on a trip, be sure to ask what to see in Jamaica.

What to see in Jamaica first?

Since recently, no visa is required to cross the border of the island state, which has attracted a large number of tourists. There are usually couples or small companies, families with children can be difficult for a long flight. The main resorts are Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Ranaway Bay and White House Bay. It’s time to get to know the attractions of Jamaica.

1. Negril Beach

The resort area is located in the west of the island nation, namely 80 km from the airport. Once known only to backpackers, tourism in Negril is now the only industry. Once a small place of paradise, it has become a big resort. If you like hedonistic vacations, then this place is a great fit. While exploring this landmark of Jamaica, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the town of Appleton, where the local rum is produced. Also noteworthy is the coral reef and wetlands, which are considered a nature reserve.

2. Dunns River Falls

There is a small village in Jamaica called Ocho Rios. So, not far from it, in a natural park there are some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world. Their total length is 180 m, and their height in total is equal to 55 m. The streams form several lagoons. Geologists have conducted numerous studies of the local waters and have found that they are rich in calcium and are capable of making terraces in the channel on their own. Dunns is among the number of waterfalls that fall directly into the sea. From the reviews, you can learn that it is better to visit the waterfall in the morning. And also, expect to be alone with nature, it is not worth it, every year thousands of tourists come there.

Official website: http://www.dunnsriverfallsja

3. Kingston

It cannot be said that the city is the most popular beach resort on the island, but it is still worth getting to know. It is located on a vast plain, namely the world’s 7th largest harbor of natural origin. It appeared after an earthquake that destroyed the old Port Royal. Incidentally, it was there that the pirates once found refuge. The description of Kingston says that on its territory worthy of attention is the National Gallery, the Royal House and a huge number of museums. In short, a cultural program is assured.

4. Rose Hall

Guides in Jamaica often suggest that visitors to the island nation visit the Georgian mansion, considered the most famous there. It took 20 years to build and was named after the wife of a wealthy planter. When the mansion was complete, it regularly hosted lavish receptions. In 1831 there was a Christmas Riot in which the building was completely destroyed; for more than a century there were only ruins in its place. By 1966, however, the three-story mansion was restored to its former beauty. Now this place is popular among honeymooners, the reason lies in the very beautiful surroundings.

Official website: https://rosehall.com/

5. Dr.’s Cave Beach

Continuing to describe places of interest, I would like to tell you about the sandy beaches of stunning beauty. One of their advantages is pedestrian accessibility - it’s easy to walk right from downtown. The beach is a strip of white sand 200 meters wide, turquoise water, fully equipped with all necessary changing rooms and showers. You won’t get bored on the beach, because there are plenty of bars and restaurants offering national cuisine. Fans of water sports will like it there too, offers the opportunity to dive with scuba diving.

6. Falmouth

Characterized as a small town, located at the northern end of the coast. Due to the presence of local plantations, the island nation has risen to become a leader in the production of sugar, rum around the world. The port of Falmouth now gives shelter to cruise ships that sail from Miami. The city itself was founded by the British back in 1769. It was distinguished from other settlements by its planned development. Especially locals were proud of the fact that they had an earlier water supply than, for example, in New York. The rating of the described resort is quite high.

7. Port Royal

This place was once one of the most famous and popular harbors among pirates, the richest and most vicious town. Its notoriety was brought here by Sir Henry Morgan, who was a frequent visitor to the harbor and became famous for raiding Spanish ships that sailed the Caribbean. The pirates’ treasure allowed the city to grow rich at a great rate. In 1692 a powerful earthquake sank many ships and killed people. Much of the settlement was swallowed up by the sea abyss. After that there were hurricanes and fires. Today the city is completely abandoned, but is an interesting attraction in Jamaica.

8. Martha Brae River

What to see in Jamaica? A steady stream of water within an hour’s drive of Montego Bay deserves attention. The river flows through the rainforest, and it is famous for the ancient legend that lucky people will find Martha’s gold in a mysterious cave. There is a very interesting legend about this landmark of Jamaica. According to it, Martha’s gold was guarded by an old witch who was once captured by greedy Spaniards. They wanted the old woman to lead them to the place where they kept the precious metal, but she managed to deceive them and they drowned in the river. In order to punish the Spaniards for their greed, she changed the direction of the stream.

9. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains

What to visit in Jamaica? The national park, which is an unspoiled wildlife refuge, is a must-see. There you will find incredible mountain landscapes, dense forests, waterfalls, a large number of exotic plants and animals. The park is divided into three parts. If possible, climb the Blue Mountain, the height of which is 2256 meters. You can do it both on foot and on horseback on a donkey. It is believed to be the highest peak in all of Jamaica. On a sunny day from the top you can even see the island of Cuba.

Official website: https://www.blueandjohn

10. Bob Marley Museum

This Jamaican landmark was created in honor of the famous musician, guitarist, vocalist and composer in those parts. He was the best in the reggae style, so many years after his death he is not forgotten by his fans. The museum is located in the house where Bob lived and simultaneously recorded his hits, and it is located in Kingston. In 2001, the building was listed as a national treasure, so it is protected. The entire house is decorated with wall paintings done in rasta colors. You can take photos against the backdrop of the celebrity’s stage robes.

Official website: https://www.bobmarleymuseum

11. Fern Gully Road

Of all of Jamaica’s natural attractions, the road through the woods is considered one of the main attractions. It has the appearance of tunnels formed by dense rows of trees, stretching for almost 5 km. The road was built in 1907 and is now deservedly considered a natural wonder. It begins in Ocho Rios.

12. Port Antonio

This is a fairly quiet locality of the island nation, where wealthy locals live. Its recommendations are positive, because the place is very quiet, devoid of fuss. On all sides of the city is surrounded by pristine jungle, which notes the presence of a variety of exotic birds, butterflies. Another appealing feature of Port Antonio is the beautiful waterfalls, most of them plunging directly into the sea. The scenery is unbelievable on any trip.

13. Rio Grande River

It is among the largest rivers on the island, and has its origin in the parish of Portland. Literally, the name translates as Big River. If you’re a rafting enthusiast, then the Rio Grande is for you. Once upon a time bamboo rafts transported bananas from plantations, but now it’s great fun. From the reviews, you can learn that the duration of the descent of the river is 2-3 hours, it all starts in Baridale, and ends in Orange Bay. If you’re scared to float a bamboo, you can opt for a traditional rubber boat.

14. YS Falls

What to see in Jamaica? The waterfall, tucked away in the secluded countryside, is worth paying attention to. There are relatively few tourists to get there, so you can enjoy the natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle. You can get to the backwoods tropical wilderness by tractor with a passenger carriage. What is this Jamaican attraction all about? These are cascades of water falling in huge volumes, consisting of 7 levels. Their total height is 36 meters. Along the location of the vertical streams at one time were built steps, so that the tourists do not get their feet wet. For those who like to swim in the icy water on each level there are natural reservoirs. About safety you can not worry, because next to each of these pools work lifeguards.

Official website: http://ysfalls.com/

15. Trench Town

As we continue to describe where to go in Jamaica, let’s focus on an area that is considered the birthplace of such trends as reggae, ska, and rocksteady. It’s flanked by Maxfield Avenue and Colin-Smith Drive, itself located in downtown Kingston, right across from the cemetery. If you want to appreciate the combined features of the island state, head to the Trench Town neighborhood. But! Keep in mind that this is a poor neighborhood, a slum, with a corresponding level of crime. Before you do that, it doesn’t hurt to read reviews and reviews of those who have already been there.

16. Dolphin Cove

This Jamaica attraction is perfect for both adults and children to visit. It is a natural cove surrounded by lush tropics. It is special in that it offers the opportunity to have the most real dolphins as friends, and in their natural habitat. The same applies to other representatives of fauna of the Caribbean Sea, even sharks. Many tours in Jamaica are organized in this direction, and they are in high demand. If you want and have the financial capacity, you can try yourself as a trainer dolphins, the program is designed for 4 and 8 hours. Even if you stay in Dolphin Cove for a day, you will not be bored, because you can swim with sharks, explore the interesting art, travel through the jungle.

Official website: https://www.dolphindiscovery

17. Black River

Its waters have formed great marshes, and its vast area is scattered with small islands, mangroves, and lagoons. The river is deservedly one of the island nation’s best attractions, because when you travel by boat on it, you can observe tropical birds and even crocodiles in their natural habitat. Some people even bring their dead chickens with them to lure the reptiles as close to the boat as possible and admire them to their fullest extent. And tours along the river start in the town of the same name. You can reach it from nearby settlements by rented car or cab.

18. Mystic Mountain amusement park

What to see in Jamaica in 1 day? Head to Mystic Mountain Park, and you won’t regret it. It offers activities such as bobsledding down a mountain slope along the rainforest at high speed, bobsled rides are also organized under Dunn River Falls (a local attraction). Those who crave a thrill are encouraged to climb 700 feet above the rainforest for endless views. One of Jamaica’s top attractions offers flying above the lush vegetation of the rainforest.

Official website: https://www.rainforestadventure.

19. Royal Palm Preserve

What else to see in Jamaica? Try to get into the tranquil and amazingly beautiful forest. Its special feature is that you can find representatives of more than 114 species of plants in the area. Have you ever seen a royal palm tree? It only grows here. In terms of marshland, the reserve is the second largest in all of Jamaica. You can fish there, enjoy walks, bird and crocodile watching. You can get there by cab from Negril Beach.

Official website: http://www.negriltravelguide.

Attractions in Jamaica: what else to visit in Jamaica?

As it has already become clear, the island state has something to show guests. This opportunity should be used to the maximum. So as not to spoil your vacation, take care of your accommodation in advance, hotels in Jamaica are booked using special online services.

20. Devon House

We are talking about one of the major monuments of national importance. It’s a mansion that’s more than 125 years old and located in the center of the capital, in stark contrast to the characteristic bustle and hustle and bustle of the city. It is surrounded by a park, in which you can not only relax on the lawn, but also with great pleasure to go shopping. The building was opened to the public in 1984, and six years later it was declared a national monument. Devon House was once the residence of the island nation’s first black millionaire. The style of the mansion could be called Jamaican-Georgian. No wonder it’s on the list of places to visit in Jamaica.

Official website: https://www.devonhouseja.com/

21. Jamaica National Gallery

Jamaica tours include this oldest and largest art museum in the English-speaking part of the Caribbean. It contains works by local and international artists representing early, modern and contemporary trends. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions. The latter are created to promote different currents in art, works are taken from established masters as well as young talents. If you are lucky, you can get into the gallery’s largest event. This is the National Biennial, organized every even-numbered year. Keep in mind that every last Sunday of the month admission to the museum is free for everyone.

Official website: https://nationalgalleryofjamaica

22. Reach Falls

What to see in Jamaica? A mountain waterfall with underwater caves, of course. The advantage of this attraction is the opportunity to swim in the falling water, as well as to climb to the top.

23. Gloucester Avenue

It is located along the coast with incredibly beautiful views. It has a large concentration of nightclubs, restaurants, and gift stores. This means that after relaxing on the beach you can have a delicious meal, drink a cocktail or break a sweat at the night disco. Given that Gloucester Avenue attracts wealthy foreigners, pickpockets and even drug dealers are common there. For this reason you should keep your savings on hand lest your vacation be hopelessly ruined. The Avenue is not far from the airport, you can even get there on foot, and cabs are available from the hotels.

24. Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio

To conclude the topic of what to visit in Jamaica, we want to tell you about a tourist destination that is popular with families, couples in love. This place is especially so because there is a lot of lush greenery, and the water has a cobalt color. A movie was once made there about young robinsons in a tropical paradise. Blue Lagoon was chosen for a reason, because the water there seems to be bewitched, in fact, during the day it changes color. This is due to the mixing of fresh and sea water, divers often feel the sharp change in water temperature. The Caribbean waves are generally warm, but the underground springs are icy.

No longer will you have to ask your acquaintances what to see in Jamaica, because you now have reliable information on the subject.

Read also about the best places of interest in Colombia and get inspired for your next trip to the Americas!

• Attractions
• North America
• Jamaica