Jamaica is an island where history runs as deep as its natural beauty. If all you know about Jamaica is Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and COOL RUNNINGS, you don’t know Jamaica. It’s a jewel of the Caribbean. It’s a mesh of cultures from the Arawalk to Spanish to African to English, all rolled into a single, unmistakable culture that’s left it’s mellow mark on the world.
To the north, Montego Bay is a tourist haven with all-inclusive resorts. Beaches run along the tranquil northwest coast from Montego to Negril, with British colonial architecture dotting the space between. The land itself is covered in tropical rainforest and mountainous terrain defined by Blue Mountain near Kingston on the southeast shore. All along the coast are port towns eager to host travelers. Ocho Rios boasts all-inclusive resorts and close proximity to Dunn’s River Falls & Park, a picturesque cascading natural rock and river formation.
Whether you cruise, drive or fly to an all-inclusive resort, Jamaica is a must-visit locale. You don’t just visit bucket list destinations. You experience them. And then collect the endorphin rush from crossing them off the list.
So, just for you, I’ve compiled a list of activities, sights, food & libations to personalize your Jamaica bucket lists.
Get your pencils ready (or just record a voice note on your phone) and read on…
BUCKET LIST
Scuba Diving in Port Royal.
Much of Port Royal’s rich history lies buried beneath the sea. Dip into the light green waters and explore the world the pirates left behind. It’s an underwater experience unique to Jamaica.
White Water Tubing.
If you are looking for excitement without fearing for your life, Whitewater tubing is an excellent alternative to white water rafting. Linked up to a party and a guide, you float down the River, feeling every wave beneath your body.
Go Bamboo River Rafting.
If you prefer a lazy float down the river, then Bamboo River Rafting is for you. On a skiff made from bamboo, a single rower pilots you and a guest down the river. Its timeless appeal has kept the process unchanged for hundreds of years.
Swim With The Dolphins.
No further explanation needed. There is a place called Dolphin Cove in Montego Bay. There, you will encounter dolphins. Swim with them. Sail along with them by the fin. Kiss their snout. If you ever wanted to meet a dolphin, this is your chance.
Swim in the Luminous Lagoon.
In Falmouth, along Jamaica’s north shore, you will find a place some call “glistening waters”. Others call it, the Luminous Lagoon. That’s because when you swim in it, your strokes kick up blue phosphorescent algae that glows in the moonlight.
In the middle of the rainforest, there’s a rich space of biodiversity called Cockpit Country. Beneath the canopy, you will find a spectacular array of caves. Spelunking in these caves is quite the Jamaican tourist pastime. If you crave more excitement than lounging on the beach, caving is for you.
Hike up the Blue Mountains
Take a four hour hike up the Blue Mountain Peak Trail. This 7000 foot climb will take you to the tallest point in Jamaica. Not for the faint of heart. The summit is unforgettable. Spoiler alert.
Spelunk through limestone caves
Jamaica’s unique topography has resulted in water carving paths through the terrain. The limestone caves left behind often have spectacular underwater rivers running through them.
Shimmy to Soca Carnival
Imagine Mardi Gras, but crazier with more inventive music. That’s what happens when Soca Music hits Jamaica Carnival. No beads required.
Discover Treasure Bay
The south coast of Jamaica is as pristine and undeveloped as it was in the days before pirates arrived.
Dip into Milk River Spa
The mineral baths at the Milk River spa are said to have healing powers. They have been open to the public since 1794.
Admire Shaw Park’s floral splendors
Near Ochos Rios, the lush botanical gardens and waterfalls reflect the idyllic nature Jamaica offers.
Go on a Bob Marley pilgrimage
When you think Jamaica, chances are you think of Bob Marley and Reggae. Nine Mile is a guided tour from Bob Marley’s birthplace up Mt. Zion to the shrine where he’s buried.
Foods To Try
Ackee and Saltfish
Jamaica’s national dish. A combination of salt-dried cod and a nut with a scrambled egg consistency once cooked. It’s considered a delicacy because Ackee is toxic if not prepared properly.
Jerk Chicken
A delicious smoky finish adds spice and texture to Chicken. The most well-known of Jamaican cuisines. Jerk refers to the spices used as well as poking holes in the meat to absorb the flavors.
Fried Breadfruit
An exotic fruit with a potato-like consistency. And you know how good it tastes when you fry anything with a potato consistency.
Jamaican Red Peas Soup
A filling, warming soup featuring sweet potatoes, red peas, Scotch Bonnet peppers, carrot and yam. It’s island comfort food.
Goat Curry
A popular dish applying curry to slow roasted goat. It’s a Jamaican staple.
Jamaican Beef Patty
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s more like Jamaica’s answer to the Empanada. It’s like turnover stuffed with beef and spices.
Drinks To Try
Jamaican Sorrel Drinks
A wine mulled with hibiscus, served ice cold. Move over Sangria.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
Grown in the Blue Mountains, the mild flavored coffee is one of the most sought after in the world.
Red Stripe Beer
The official beer of Jamaica. Hooray Beer!
Dirty Banana
A cocktail featuring Banana liqueur, rum, milk and banana. Not just superfun, it’s a superfood.
Bag Juice
A bag of fruity liquid goodness served cold. Like Minute Maid, but sweeter and out of a bag instead of a bottle.
Next week–
Is Hawaii on your bucket list yet? If not, I’ll fill you in on 8 activities you need to add to your Hawaiian bucket list!
Come join me, tell your friends and good luck on your journey.
Safe Travels,
Andrew
Andrew Burns Travel Co.