Jamaica attractions

Jamaica is a tropical paradise that will be a panacea for any problems that may trouble your landlocked head. The island has so many unique places to visit that you must choose only the most spectacular to make the most of your vacation. Many places on the island are made special because of the emerald forest and turquoise water that envelopes them. So, we will begin with jewels of Jamaica that epitomize the attraction of the island.

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

If you are a bird lover, then you must visit Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. This bird paradise is located above Montego Bay and is filled with wonderful humming birds that will come to your hand to feed off sugar water. The trip there is not an easy one and requires a car ride up some winding paved and unpaved roads. A respected trustworthy cab service is the best way to get there, or, you could rent a car if you’re a real adventurer, but be sure that your rental car agreement allows you to take these roads. The cost to enter the Bird Sanctuary is about $10, but may increase in the near future. After feeding some birds, you will be guided around the property by the owner while he discusses with you the flora and fauna in the area. This is a simple place, but if you appreciate nature, it will definitely be worth the journey.

Hooves horseback tours

One of the most popular excursions in Jamaica is Hooves horseback tours. There are many tours that you can choose from at Hooves. One of the most popular is the beach riding, which allows you to ride horses in the ocean. This ride takes you along the ocean shore, and also through some forest, while stopping at places such as the Seville Great House Museum. While the ride does take you through places besides the beach, the highlight is the section where you ride horses through the ocean.

General Jamaica advice

If you are more of a nature lover, then you may want to attempt the rainforest ride through the thickly forested areas of the island. This ride requires a bit of fortitude as it crosses some pretty steep terrain. One of the highlights of the trip is to swim in the beautifully clear water of the St. Anns Bay River, which has natural water slides that you can cruise down. The cost of this ride is about $100, while the cost the beach ride is a bit cheaper, at about $70 per person. Other rides can be arranged for people who have a bit of experience and want to really explore around the island. The company is run by first rate people who are very accommodating and knowledgeable.

Seeing the sites on the island can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you go with a tour company whose primary objective is collecting money from as many people as possible without offering a truly first rate experience. But find the right tour company and you can really tailor an adventure to whatever you may feel like doing on or around Jamaica. You could book a sailing excursion and drift from port to port, or you could choose to take guided tropical forest hikes, and swim in some of the most magical azure water anywhere on the planet. If you like history, you can travel to some Spanish monuments, or check out some ancient ruins on the island.

If you are taking a cruise which includes a stopover on Jamaica, try taking an ATV ride - you will not be disappointed. Popular destinations include a wild ATV ride up into the tropical mountains and to Dunn’s River Falls, which is one of the most popular waterfall destinations on Jamaica. The rides start by going up and down Murray Hill, and then once you get to the bottom of the hill you travel to Dunn’s River Falls. (Many people visit these Falls with huge tour groups, and are a bit overwhelmed by the speed at which they are shuttled to the top of the falls. If you go with a small organisation you are not pushed up the mountain of water, you can really move at your own pace and rest if need be).

Traveling the Caribbean is all about finding these little out of the way places that are made special by the sheer beauty of the water and surroundings. One such place in Jamaica is a little bar, that is in the middle of the ocean, called the Pelican Bar. It is not really a staffed bar with a constant flow of patrons, but more of a thatched-roofed mega hut that guides use as a base to serve you freshly caught fish and cocktails or beer. While it doesn’t sound like much, many people love the surroundings and the fresh fish.

Bob Marley in Jamaica

Bob Marley was born in Jamaica and you can visit his childhood home in Nine Miles. The home is now part of a Marley compound / museum that has some lovely grounds. You enter the Marley compound through a huge purple gate. Walking through the gardens and relaxing with the Rastas makes for a very Jamaican experience. Marijuana flows freely behind the gates, and even the cat is said to be chilled out from all the smoke. You can get food here, and you will probably be hungry after traveling here as it is a bit out of the way. There is also an eatery across the street from the Marley compound, if you’re looking for some less standard fare. The journey is well worth it, if you are a fan of Marley.

A little bit of history - visit a Jamaican plantation

If you are an enthusiast of history and architecture, some of the old plantations on Jamaica are truly stunning places to visit. Some of them have modern dining set amongst spectacular gardens and old stone architecture that is reminiscent of days gone by. One such place is the Good Hope Plantation, nestled high in the mountains of Jamaica, far removed from the hustle of the city. This resort is 2,000 acres of verdant gardens and tropical mountain views. The resort has horseback riding available for any one who wants to explore the surrounding forests. The resort is fully staffed and has a very special sculptor’s studio on the premises that adds to the rustic appeal. You will truly feel as if you were living 200 years earlier in this protected little Jamaican idyll.