Jamaica attractions

Largely regarded as one of Jamaica’s best rum distilleries, the Appleton Estate has been producing the liquor since 1749. With its sprawling sugarcane plantations and facilities, the estate covers an 11,000-acre (4,452-hectare) plot and makes about 10 million liters of rum per year.

Located in one of the Caribbean’s most photogenic natural harbors, Columbus Park at Discovery Bay is said to be the place where Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica in 1494. Now a lovely open-air museum, the park commemorates the island’s history with well-preserved artifacts and a killer view of the island’s north coast.

High above the sun-drenched beaches and bustling fray of Ocho Rios, the lush Konoko Falls and Park are filled with innumerable species of tropical flora and birds, and streams that tumble into gentle waterfalls. The excellent on-site museum traces the history and culture of Jamaica’s original inhabitants, the Tainos and Arawaks.

Doctor’s Cave Beach is known for its postcard-perfect stretch of sand hugging the calm, turquoise waters of Montego Bay Marine Park. The beach’s history of tourism dates back to 1906, when it was founded as a private bathing club; then in the 1920s, it was made famous by a visiting English doctor who claimed the spring-fed waters had healing properties. Anchoring the lively Hip Strip, the beach draws swimmers, snorkelers, and sunseekers.

Go deep into the wild nature of Jamaica with a drive through tropical Fern Gully. A towering tunnel of ferns and tropical overgrowth, this dense rain forest—full of spectacular falls, gorges, and plant life—is one of the most noteworthy attractions on the island.

The Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica, flowing west for 33 miles (53 kilometers) until emptying into the Caribbean Sea near Negril. Travelers explore the river and its energetic YS Falls on inflatable tubes, canoes, or kayaks surrounded by lush green jungle and mangroves.

Reportedly the place where Christopher Columbus first set foot on Jamaican soil, Rio Bueno is a small village east of Montego Bay. People come to the area to take part in water sports on the river.

Named after the abolitionist hero who encouraged a nonviolent end to slavery, Sam Sharpe Square in downtown Montego Bay now serves as a point of interest to learn about Jamaica’s rich history, or simply to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and some people-watching.

Visitors to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport can wait for their flights at the gate, or upgrade their experience with a visit to the Club Kingston Airport Lounge—even if they don't have a high-end credit card or a business- or first-class ticket.

The 19th-century Devon House is a Georgian-style home once owned by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Rooms furnished with Caribbean antiques still retain original features; highlights include an English chandelier in the ballroom. Located in Kingston, the 11-acre (4-hectare) estate now has shops, art boutiques, and cafés.

Located in Westmoreland parish, Mayfield Falls is a series of 21 mostly small cascades and natural pools along the Mayfield River. Surrounded by lush jungle, the falls are an ideal outdoor water playground and include underwater caves, natural jacuzzis, and two waterfalls large enough for visitors to go behind.

Also known as Ocho Rios Bay Beach, busy bayside Turtle Beach is just off Main Street, and is the main beach of Ocho Rios. Despite its proximity to the cruise ship port, the crescent-shaped sandy stretch is clean, and the crowd is mostly locals with a smattering of travelers who come for a release from the ship to kayak and jet-ski.

The highest peak, the longest range, the best coffee—Jamaica’s Blue Mountains rightfully claim a handful of superlatives. The mountain range spans 28 miles (45 kilometers) across the rugged eastern portion of Jamaica and offers views of the island’s north and south coasts, and on a clear day, even all the way across the Caribbean Sea to Cuba.

Home to thousands of native and migrant birds, the family-owned Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in the hills of Montego Bay is a haven for feathered friends and a memorable way to spend a few hours. Set within a garden paradise, the sanctuary is a peaceful setting where a spectacular array of birds allow visitors to feed them by hand.

Just outside Montego Bay, Rastafari Indigenous Village is a peaceful working community offering visitors an opportunity to connect with local Rastafarians. Through warm interaction and musical performances, learn about their spiritual belief system, traditional skills, organic farming, and the rich cultural heritage they contribute to Jamaica.

Rising above the turquoise Caribbean Sea just outside Negril, these gorgeous craggy cliffs define the beauty of Jamaica’s western coast. Away from the large resorts in the north, the cliffs are a base for snorkeling and partying at bars as well as the spot’s most famous activity—diving 40 feet (12 meters) into the deep, clear water below.

In the eastern part of Jamaica, the Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers on the island, and winds through the lush interior rainforest. Used to transport goods by locals, it’s the birthplace of bamboo river rafting on the island, which remains one of the most popular activities in the Portland area.

Emancipation Park is a 7-acre swath of green space in the New Kingston area of the Jamaican capital. It’s a popular spot for picnicking and has a jogging path around the perimeter, fountains, and gardens featuring a mix of native and imported plants, as well as several particularly worthwhile public art installations.

For many visitors cruising to Jamaica, Historic Falmouth Cruise Port—once one of Jamaica's busiest trade ports—is their first introduction to the island famous for its laid-back vibe. The port is situated right in Falmouth town, on the northern coast of Jamaica, and within one of the best-preserved colonial historic districts in the Caribbean.

A former banana-port town on Jamaica’s northwest coast, sleepy Port Antonio is an off-the-beaten-path destination. Away from the busier Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Port Antonio is marked by craggy shorelines and hilly jungle rife with rivers and lagoons. It’s clear why Errol Flynn, aka Tarzan, built a Hollywood escape here in the 1940s.

The eastern side of Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus is thought to have first landed on Jamaica's north coast, is a beautiful stretch of white sand beach fringed with palm trees. Lined with snack bars and vendors offering boats and water skis for rent, Puerto Seco Beach is a great destination for a family outing.

Nestled in the southern foothills of Jamaica’s mist-hung Blue Mountains, the Craighton Estate has been producing coffee since the late 18th century. Visitors come to admire the 19th-century house, stroll the 300-acre (121-hectare) coffee fields, and savor the end result: smooth and full-flavored Craighton Estate Blue Mountain Coffee.

A popular stop for visitors, Montego Bay's craft market stretches for several blocks along Harbour Street and lets shoppers interact with the local artisans who run the narrow network of stalls. Come to pick up handmade Jamaican crafts, including custom woodworking, colorful paintings, and beads.

Lighting up the westernmost point of Jamaica, Negril Lighthouse has been guiding ships away from the craggy promontory below since 1894. The landmark stands sentinel at 65 feet (20 meters), and is a popular attraction for travelers yearning for a panoramic bird’s-eye view of Negril’s gorgeous coastline and the endless sea.

Kingston’s largest green space, National Heroes Park is a 50-acre (20-hectare) former horse track that now houses the tombs of numerous important figures from Jamaican history and a war memorial to Jamaicans who died in World War I. The park was also the venue for Bob Marley's famous 1976 Smile Jamaica concert.

The National Gallery of Jamaica is the largest and oldest public art museum in the British Caribbean. Opened in 1974, it features an impressive collection of Jamaican art, with a large permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits that showcase contemporary artists.

Falmouth’s Luminous Lagoon is one of only a handful of places in the world where the phenomenon of bioluminescence occurs. For a magical experience for all ages, take a nighttime swim to see the brilliant phosphorescent blue lights shimmer when the slightest movement stirs the water.

A small, uninhabited island off the northern coast of Jamaica near Negril, Booby Cay Island is named after the booby birds that live and nest there. Known for its white sand beach and clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, the island is a popular day-trip destination.

With a vast variety of tropical fish and coral thriving within the protected zone, pristine Montego Bay Marine Park is a snorkeling paradise. Water sports are prohibited in this area that stretches west from Tropical Beach to Rum Bottle Bay in Jamaica to protect the park’s coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

Montego Bay Cruise Port is the gateway to the capital of Saint James Parish and the second-largest city in Jamaica. From this Caribbean city, visitors can enjoy an array of water activities, as well as duty-free shopping and plenty of shore excursions bound for other parts of the island.