Beautiful Jamaica is a top tourist destination for international travelers in search of adventures, beaches, activities and tours. What many visitors don’t realize is that Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola. It is 146 miles (235km) long and covers over 4,200 square miles. With winding roads and speed limits between 30-50mph, it could easily take all day to drive around the island. With this in mind, it makes sense to look for Jamaica tours and excursions in the region you are staying, so that’s what we’ve done.
Here are 17 tours, excursion, activities and attractions in Jamaica’s six main regions with a short overview of each area. Once you’ve chosen your vacation destination, check out all the exciting things to do close to your resort and start planning some amazing adventures and tours in Jamaica’s top locations.
Things to do around Kingston, Jamaica
Located on the southeast coast, Kingston is the capital of Jamaica. Most international long-haul flights fly direct to the Norman Manley International Airport. The majority of visitors staying in the Kingston area are visiting on business or for enjoying the culture. As well as excellent shopping and dining, the city is home to art galleries, street murals, theaters, live music and nightlife.
Nearby areas to visit on tours include the dramatic Blue Mountains National Park and the colonial town of Mandeville, the highest point on the island and the hub of Jamaica’s coffee industry.
Tour the Bob Marley Museum
You’re never far from Bob Marley music in this home of reggae, whether you’re in a bar, riding a bus or walking past an open doorway. Pay homage to this iconic musician with a visit to the Bob Marley Museum in his former island home on Hope Road, Kingston. Tour the home, see an informative video, visit the record and gift shop and finish your visit with a tasty Jamaican meal at the One Love Cafe.
Port Royal walking tour
History lovers and those who are curious about Kingston’s development will find the Port Royal walking tour a fascinating trip into the city’s past. This area was once home to pirates and outlaws and was nicknamed the “wickedest city in the west”. The tour covers about one mile starting from 17th century Fort Charles and ending at Morgan’s Harbour Hotel. Along the way you’ll “meet” Horatio Nelson, Admiral Rodney and Sir Henry Morgan, visit the “Giddy House”, St Peter’ Church, the Old Gaol, Naval Hospital and learn about the 1692 earthquake.
Blue Mountains Nature Tours
Just 26 miles (42km) north of Kingston are the Blue Mountains, the perfect antidote to the vibrant busy city. Hire a taxi or book a guided tour to see the Blue Mountains scenery and wildlife at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking, bird watching and enjoying the exotic flora and fauna are all part of a day in the Blue Mountains, which are known for growing some of the finest coffee beans in the world.
Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Tours in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains
At an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level, the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory offers informative 45-minute tours with professional English-speaking guides. It is the largest producer of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, processing over on million pounds of beans every year. After following the process of coffee “from bean to cup” visitors can enjoy a complementary tasting of Jablum coffee and the chance to buy some tasty souvenirs of coffee beans to take home.
Visit Jamaica South Coast beaches
Jamaica’s South Coast is Jamaica’s best kept secret! Much dryer and more off-the-beaten-path than other tourist destinations, it has some real gems. Treasure Beach is more rocky with darker sand and offers the chance to experience regular Jamaican life.
Healing mineral bath tours
The Milk River is a saltwater spring known for healing skin ailments, rheumatism, gout, sciatica and other health issues. This National Heritage Site is managed by the Ministry of Tourism. Day tours allow visitors access to nine mosaic-tiled pools filled with health-giving mineral-laden waters from the spring. There’s also a swimming pool, restaurant and spa for a relaxing massage following your dip.
Tour the South Coast beaches
Take a scenic drive through South Coast communities, plantations and estates. Don’t miss the towns of Mandeville, Black River and Treasure Beach en route to a tour of the Appleton rum estate.
Appleton Estate rum tasting tours
One of Jamaica’s most famous exports is Jamaican run so why not tour the Appelton Estate Rum Distillery and learn how it is made. Tours of this 265-year-old estate start with a complementary cocktail before visitors are taken on an interactive guided tour of how rum is made from sugar cane. Learn the history of the estate, watch a movie of the world of rum in the on-site cinema and enjoy a tasting experience with a professional guide. End your visit sampling real jerk chicken in the Black River Lounge and pick up souvenirs of the liquid kind in the gift shop. Make reservations and visit independently or join an official rum tasting tour of Appleton Estate which includes transport and tickets.
Negril Tours and Attractions
Negril is on the westernmost tip of Jamaica and features many tours and attractions. It is home to many larger resorts and some of the top luxury hotels overlooking the famous Seven Mile Beach. Now protected from large-scale development and high-rises, Negril has retained its beautiful coastline and exudes a laid-back do-as-you-please attitude that is contagious!
Kool Runnings Water Park
Jamaica’s largest and best water park is a great place for families to visit with a host of attractions, pools, water slides and adventures. The park has internationally certified lifeguards to ensure safety at this award-winning theme park on Norman Manley Blvd in Negril. Go kayaking in the adventure zone, go-kart racing or try laser kombat adventures using electronic beams to tag opponents. Take a ride on a raft powered by a guide with a giant bamboo pole or paddle your way around on the Kool Kanoe Adventure. Everything you want to do in Negril is right here!
Things to do around Montego Bay
Located on Jamaica’s north coast, Montego Bay has plenty of fascinating tours and activities. Things to see and do in the heart of “MoBay” are centered around Gloucester Avenue which is lined with hotels, restaurants and shops.
Top golf courses in Montego Bay
Take a taxi or book a full day of golf around Montego Bay with an all-inclusive golf tour. Two of the most famous courses are the 18-hole White Witch Golf Course on the 200-acre Rose Hall Estate and the challenging Tryall Club Golf Course which is 15 miles away. Beat the heat and book a morning tee time, or save money and play after 1.30pm.
Best of the West Island Experience
Adventurers will love this all-action tour around Montego Bay with zip-lining, rappelling, river tubing, horse riding on the beach (or ATV ride) and a swim. This wild adventure tour around Montego Bay lasts around 6 hours and includes a traditional Jamaican lunch and transport from your Montego Bay resort.
Ocho Rios tours and highlights
Located on the north coast of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is a popular port for cruise ships. It has many luxury resorts which attract couples for destination weddings and honeymoons. As the birthplace of Bob Marley and close to the amazing Dunn’s River Falls there are several must-see attractions and tours in this stunning area.
Climbing Dunn’s River Falls at Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios tours to Dunn’s River Falls and Park are probably the most popular tours on Jamaica with tourists flocking to this delightful natural attraction from all over the island. The white-water cascade is 600-feet high and visitors can pay around $25 to climb up the rocky waterfall with the help of a guide. Check it out here
Alternatively, walk up the side of the falls watching and taking photographs from the dry safety of several viewing platforms. Tours to Dunn’s River Falls usually include time to shop at the small market in the park which sells local crafts and Blue Mountain coffee beans.
Dunn’s River Falls and snorkeling cruise
Combine a tour of Dunn’s River Falls with a snorkeling trip aboard a catamaran. Start the tour sailing to a beautiful snorkeling location to see coral reefs, fish and marine life. After a beachside buffet and drinks, the catamaran sails to Dunn’s River Falls where the tour includes a climb with a local guide. It’s a great way to appreciate this beautiful island from the water.
ATV outback adventure tour from Ocho Rios
Head inland on this outback adventure tour from Ocho Rios and enjoy a mind-blowing ATV tour experience with stunning Caribbean Sea views. The dune buggy adventure includes driving your own ATV off-road through some amazing natural scenery with stops to catch your breath and sample exotic fruits grown on the estate. Bring a change of clothes – it gets pretty dirty as you motor through mud and water!
Bobsledding experience from Ocho Rios Pier
Recreate your own amazing Cool Runnings adventure in honor of the movie of the same name with the Mystic Mountain Bobsled Experience. This is one of the top-rated tours from Ocho Rios as riders ascend the mountain on a chairlift then climb aboard a bobsled and riding down on the rails like a bobsled Olympic pro! Tours include access to the stunning tropical garden, infinity pool with waterslide, nature trail and a serene hummingbird garden in the tropical rainforest.
Activities near Port Antonio, Jamaica
Port Antonio is in the northeast or Jamaica within the shadow of Blue Mountain Peak. It’s a popular choice for visitors looking for a quieter more laid-back resort away from the lively all-inclusive resorts and surrounded by natural landscapes. As well as offering a pretty town of colorful Victorian and Caribbean architecture, San Antonio is a great base for exploring nearby beaches including San San Beach and Boston Beach.
Blue Lagoon adventures
Take a trip to the surreal Blue Lagoon just 7 miles east of Port Antonio. It has bright blue waters surrounded by tropical landscapes and there is no admission fee. Fed by a mineral spring, the lagoon is a mixture of fresh and saltwater and is perfect for a refreshing dip. The waters are around 200 feet deep and maintain a cool ambient temperature. The best way to enjoy the Blue Lagoon is on a boat tour or rafting adventure that includes a stop at Monkey Island. If you’re staying nearby, ask your hotel concierge to book you a Blue Lagoon Boat Tour for around $30.
Visit Boston Beach – birthplace of jerk seasoning
Less than 10 miles east of Port Antonio, Boston Beach has plenty of things to see and do on a day trip. Ride the surf on bodyboards or relax on the white powder sands. Visit a local cafe or restaurant and sample the tasty offerings or go for a taste-test at the Boston Jerk Center which is the hub of all things jerk!
Jamaica Rio Grande tours
Take a tour down the scenic Rio Grande aboard a peaceful banana raft. This tour of Jamaica’s natural landscape is a wonderful way to appreciate the tropical landscapes, mountains and mighty river as you drift gently along in this tropical paradise.