Our Travel Professionals' Top 10 Picks
1. Dunn’s River Falls
Located 3 kilometers west of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the Dunn’s River Falls alone are a great reason to visit this part of the Caribbean. The waterfall reaches 55 meters high, made up of a series of falls that creep along a distance of more than 600 meters, sliding between rocky terraces and dotted with small natural pools between the falls. If you’re the adventurous type, you can even climb all the way up these sloping falls. You’ll find that it’s a fairly simple and popular tourist activity, and it’s not uncommon to see human chains form to ease the way.
2. Blue Mountains
“Blue Mountains” means both the large verdant tropical forests, home to gorgeous, brightly colored flowers, and also, of course, the delicious, high‑quality coffee. If you’re thinking about Jamaica as your next vacation destination, make sure to include the Blue Mountains on your itinerary. They’re even more impressive than you can imagine. The range has some of the tallest mountains in the Caribbean, peaking at 2,256 meters (7,402 feet). The views from the summit are absolutely unbeatable, and the range is often called the “Garden of Eden” because of all the extraordinary plants and animals that live there.
3. Rio Grande
Nature lovers will have a great time taking a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande. The river was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list and is the longest river on the island, stretching 3,034 kilometers. The Rio Grande Valley crosses the Blue and John Crow Mountains, so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the tropical landscape as you float along with the current. It’s an excursion where you can unwind and have an adventure; try following it with a visit to the city’s market and the Errol Flynn Marina, one of the world’s loveliest small ports.
4. Irie Blue Hole
Also called Blue Hole Jamaica, the Irie Blue Hole is located about 25 minutes outside of Ocho Rios, near Saint Ann and Saint Mary. It hasn’t yet become a popular tourist attraction, and that’s what makes it so special: there are no lines, no roaming vendors, just a natural beauty hidden in the stunning tropical forest.
5. Rastafari Indigenous Village
The Rastafari movement is a philosophy in itself. You’re welcome at the entrance to Montego River Gardens. The visit provides an authentic human experience as you observe the village. You’ll also learn more about a lifestyle based more on principles than rules, in a place where the sense of community has a deeper meaning. All meals are shared among the residents of the village; the food is always vegetarian and cooked on‑site. The lifestyle here is modest, based mostly on sharing and communing with nature.
6. Nine Mile
The town of Nine Mile sits in Saint Ann Parish and is where legendary singer and activist Bob Marley was born in 1945 and died in 1981. For fans of reggae music, the museum dedicated to the memory of the “King of Reggae” is worth a stop.
7. Rick’s Cafe, Negril
This famous bar and restaurant perched on top of a cliff is a great place for eating, drinking, and dancing, but the best reason to go is to watch people dive off the 35-foot cliff and admire the most beautiful sunsets in the world. It’s an exciting spectacle in an entrancing atmosphere. If you’re brave, you can even try jumping yourself!
8. Black River And The YS Falls
The Black River is the longest river in Jamaica. It’s a popular tourist destination not just for river safaris, but also because some spectacular natural attractions can be seen there, including the YS falls. These waterfalls reach 36 meters in height and are famous as the largest set of waterfalls in Jamaica. The best way to explore this unique area is on a pontoon boat, which will let you admire the Black River’s outstanding ecology and learn more about the history of the region. You might also spot some wildlife: there are more than one hundred species of birds here, including herons and snowy egrets, as well as a large and unfortunately threatened population of crocodiles.
9. Seven Mile Beach, Negril
For those who like long walks, white sand, and crystal‑clear waters, Negril Beach stretches 11 kilometers and has been named one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Small restaurants and beach bars offer local products. Don’t be afraid to explore some of the elegant and delicious traditional Jamaican dishes!
10. Appleton Rum Factory
Rum is the country’s star drink, and there’s plenty to learn about its history. A visit to Jamaica’s Appleton rum factory teaches you about the production and bottling process; you can even press your own fresh sugarcane juice as part of the tour! Fun fact: roughly 16,000 tons of sugar and 10 million liters of this world‑famous rum are produced every year. After a fascinating tour, visitors can hardly wait for the tastings, where they can learn more about the products before buying and get a whiff of all the rums the factory makes—and, of course, have a few sips!
