Things to do in Jamaica

One of Jamaica’s most famed natural attractions, Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios draws thousands of visitors every year – and for good reason! 

Standing at 600 feet (183 metres), this impressive terraced waterfall surrounded by waterfalls is formed of a series of natural limestone steps and is one of the only waterfalls in the world to cascade directly into the sea, edged by a white sand beach. Make your way slowly to the top by climbing the terraces as refreshingly cool water falls around you – swimwear and water-proof shoes are essential. 

And did you know that the falls have made cameos in Hollywood blockbusters including the James Bond film Dr No and Cocktail starring Tom Cruise. Avid Bond fans won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to stay at Goldeneye, former home of Bond writer Ian Fleming and now a luxury hotel just 30 minutes’ drive from Dunn’s River Falls. 

Our top tip for avoiding the crowds is to arrive either at opening or in the afternoon when the cruise ships have departed for the day.

One of the island’s most influential art galleries, this colourful treasure trove of Jamaican, Haitian and Cuban art has been selling exquisite paintings for almost 50 years. Founded by English ex-pat and fashion designer Liz deLisser in the late 1960s, the Gallery of West Indian Art in Montego Bay showcases exceptional works by both well-established and up-and-coming artists covering a variety of themes and styles. 

It has also become known for its brightly hued collection of wooden animals and homewares, hand-carved and painted by local artisans – cheerful works of art that make a fabulous souvenir. 

Drop by the gallery to browse the latest works on display – you’ll not only come away with a fantastic insight into the local contemporary art scene, but you just may find the perfect piece for your own collection.

Fans of the legendary reggae singer-songwriter will definitely want to make the pilgrimage to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston during their holiday in Jamaica. 

This 19th-century house was Marley’s home from 1975 until his death in 1981, and now contains a fascinating selection of his personal possessions and memorabilia including his clothes and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as featuring a theatre, gift shop and café. 

The rooms have been kept as close as possible to how they would have looked when Marley lived there. You’ll have the chance to visit his bedroom and personal recording studio on a 75-minute guided tour of the property.

Along a marshy estuary between the community of Rock and the town of Falmouth you’ll find one of Jamaica’s most mystifying and mesmerising sights: the Luminous Lagoon. The waters of the lagoon are home to millions of phosphorescent microorganisms called dinoflagellates, thrive in places where salt and fresh water meet, and which glow a brilliant blue at night when touched. 

As one of only a handful of places in the world where this natural phenomenon occurs, a visit to the Luminous Lagoon is a rare experience. Boat tours – lasting around 45-minutes – depart from the Glistening Waters Marina and you’ll have the opportunity, if you wish, to go swimming in the illuminated waters.

Jamaican cuisine is typically fiery, hearty, rich in flavour and made with love. Whether you decide to stay in-resort or venture out to local restaurants and bars, here are a few of our favourite Jamaican dishes to eat when holidaying on this Caribbean island. 

• Jerk chicken – a trip to Jamaica would not be complete without trying the famed jerk chicken. Marinated in a mix of spices and incredible succulent, the best variations are traditionally cooked over pimento wood
• Curry goat – hearty and filling, curry goat is a popular dish with a spicy kick. The meat is served on the bone, covered in the curry sauce, and when expertly cooked melts right off. Best served with a side of rice and vegetables 
• Run down – freshly caught seafood is plentiful throughout Jamaica and run down is one of the best ways to sample the ‘catch of the day’. Run down is a one-pot dish, filled with fish, vegetables and coconut milk simmered until the fish breaks apart.

Feeling hungry? Check out our complete guide on Jamaica food and drink,  with recommendations from our travel experts on what and where to eat during your trip.

Jamaicans know how to have a good time and whatever resort you decide to stay in, you’re sure to find evenings full of entertainment and good vibes. 

Staying in bustling Montego Bay? Be sure to spend an evening at the famous Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Alongside a full-service restaurant and bar, this lively venue includes a seaside nightclub where dancehall and reggae beats are played under the moonlight till the early hours of the morning. Or head to Pier 1, an open-air seafood restaurant that turns into one of MoBay’s biggest dance parties on a Friday night with Insta-worthy tropical drinks and tunes by the resident DJ.

If you’re basing yourself in Negril – well-known for its stunning Seven Mile Beach – Rick’s Café is popular both day and night. Perched on a 35-foot high cliff a short drive outside the town, this is a hotspot for cliff jumping among locals, as well as boasting incredible sunset views – best paired with reggae music and a cold drink. 

With seemingly endless stretches of white, powder-soft sands it’s fair to say that Jamaica is blessed with picture-perfect beaches. Add in days filled with blue skies and sunshine and it’s no wonder this is a popular holiday destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers looking for nothing more than to lay back and relax. 

One of Jamaica’s most sought-after beaches is Seven Mile Beach in Negril, with calm, clear waters ideal for snorkelling. If you’re staying in Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave Beach is a popular choice, while Boston Bay on the east coast is where surfers head to catch a wave.

But you don’t have to venture far from your resort to work on your tan – most resorts on the island have direct beach access. We love the adults-only Couples Swept Away set on a stretch of Seven Mile Beach and offering plenty of watersports from kayaking to catamaran sailing. 

Alongside reggae and jerk chicken, Jamaica is well-known for its rum, a full-bodied drink with a district flavour composed of fruit, wood and molasses, among others! Explore the history of rum-making on the island, dating back to the 1600s, on a guided distillery tour. 

Where once there were hundreds of distilleries across the island, there are now only a handful, including the Appleton Estate. Set within the scenic Nassau Valley in the heart of Jamaica, be taken on a multi-sensory experience including welcome cocktails, a cinema viewing of the history of rum, an interactive tour and – of course – rum tastings. 

Another popular distillery is Worthy Park Estate, sitting 1,200 feet above sea level and surrounded by acres of sugar cane fields. On a 1.5 hour walking tour, you’ll be led through the distillery, warehouse and bottling facility, ending with a tasting of five award-winning rums. 

With over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, there are many spots where you can don your snorkel and flippers and dive into the clear waters teeming with incredible marine life. Whether a beginner or an expert, here’s our pick of the best places to snorkel in Jamaica…

• Seven Mile Beach, Negril – this stunning stretch of coastline offers a number of places to explore underwater, straight from the sand with shallow, clear waters
• Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay – a popular spot for beginners thanks to its calm waters, great for kids learning how to snorkel for the first time. The marine life in this area is so familiar with humans, they’ll swim right up to you!
• Negril Coral Reef, Negril – you’ll need to hire a guide with a boat or sign up for an organised excursion to take you out to this spot two miles off the coast but you’ll be rewarded as you get up close to stingrays and angelfish
• Runaway Bay – with a coral reef just off the shoreline, snorkellers come to this popular north coast beach for its diverse marine life including barracuda, lionfish, sea urchins and more
• Devil’s Reef, Ocho Rios – a short boat ride from the shore (less than five minutes) the underwater ridge here slopes to around 20 metres and is home to turtles and nurse sharks. It’s also a great spot for diving!

Feeling inspired for your holiday to Jamaica? Take a look at our range of incredible getaways, with flights and accommodation included in the price. Whether you’re planning an indulgent honeymoon or escaping the daily routine with the kids, Jamaica has something for you.