Destination Jamaica – So much more than an all-inclusive vacation!
Jamaica is the perfect destination for an all-inclusive getaway. If all you want to do is lie on the beach and drink Red Stripes, then Jamaica has no shortage of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. With its calm blue water, delicious food, and chill reggae vibes, this is an ideal destination for a week of relaxing in the sun.
Most all-inclusive resorts have an endless number of activities to keep you busy for your week-long getaway. But don’t miss out on the great day trips you can take from your resort! Here are some off-resort sights and activities you may not want to miss.
Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Black River
A simple wooden bar built on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean, the name of the bar was inspired by a group of pelicans perched on the nearby sandbar. The bar is offshore by about 1.5km and the only way to get there is by boat. A boat can be arranged from Black River, Parottee Point, or Treasure Beach. It is also possible to arrange a tour to Pelican Bar from several resorts. Don’t forget your bathing suit and snorkel!
Rick’s Café, West End Negril
A trip to Negril isn’t complete without a visit to Rick’s Café. Set on a 35-foot cliff this restaurant and café is the ideal place to watch the sunset over the Caribbean waters, while listening to a live reggae band. Watch the local cliff jumping experts leap from the trees above the cliffs into the calm blue waters below. If you’re feeling adventurous there are several ledges to jump from, but sometimes just watching the locals will be all the adrenaline rush that you need!
Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios
Climbing this 55m high Dunn’s River Falls is a popular tourist activity when visiting Jamaica. The waterfalls are terraced like steps to allow climbing the falls and takes about1.5 hours. Water shoes are a must for climbing the falls. The waterfall is continuously growing and reshaping as calcium carboniteand tavertine rock from the river are deposited as the water flows over the falls. The falls are also interspersed with calm lagoons for relaxing during your climb. The popularity of the falls makes it a busy place on most days. Avoid visiting the falls on a day when a cruise ship is docked for a less crowded experience.
YS Falls, St. Elizabeth
For a quieter falls experience visit YS Falls. There are 7 waterfalls and several natural pools for swimming and relaxing. If you’re feeling adventurous use the rope swing to jump into one of the natural pools below!
Black River Safari, St. Elizabeth
If you love nature then cruise down the Black River in a safari boat. Surrounded by giant mangrove trees the river is home to 100 species of exotic birds. The most famous residents of the river are the endangered crocodiles that can be seen swimming in the river and basking in the hot sun on the river’s shores.
Bob Marley House, Nine Mile
The Bob Marley house is not to be missed for fans of this reggae music legend. The winding drivethrough the mountainsalong rugged, bumpy roads is worth it to witness the birthplace and final resting place of Bob Marley. The tour is led by Rastafarians who provide detailed accounts of his life and music. The tour allows the opportunity to see the house where Bob Marley grew up, as well as the inspiration for many lyrics to his songs. Visiting the mausoleum where Bob Marley is laid to rest is nothing short of a spiritual experience.
Martha Brae River
Board a 30-foot long bamboo raft and let your raft captain guide you down the gentle rapids of the Martha Brae River. Learn about the legend of the River, as well as the local flora and fauna surrounding the river.
Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios
For a rainforest adventure visit Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. Take the sky lift high above the forest canopy for a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea and Ocho Rios below. Feel the adrenaline rush of a zip line tour through the rain forest or plunge down the mountain on an exhilarating bobsled ride!
With all that Jamaica has to offer there is plenty to keep you busy during your Jamaicanholiday. No matter what activity or sights you choose to see, Jamaica always makes for an unforgettable vacation. As the locals would say, “Everything is Irie, mon!”
TravelSafe Clinical Educator – Kristin Cain, RN, BSc, MSc(A)
Photo by Kristin Cain
