Perhaps one of the most well-known Caribbean islands, Jamaica has many points of interest to entertain any tourist.
The island may look small on a map, but it is filled with culture, nature and experiences that make the points of interest in Jamaica seem endless. The island is home to major cities and small towns with lots of natural beauty in between.
Kingston
1. Kingston City
The capital city of Jamaica is a must see as it is a bustling city that seems in contrast to the calming nature of the island. There are many opportunities for guided tours to see all of the sights. There are hotels and restaurants in Kingston and the city is not to be missed.
2. Bob Marley Museum
One of the more popular tourist attractions in Kingston is the Bob Marley Museum, that pays homage to the famous reggae singer. The museum is located inside Bob Marley’s former home which was also the site of the Tuff Gong recording studio. While in the museum you can see Bob Marley’s fame star shaped guitar and the bullet holes in the wall of the house after an attempted assassination.
3. Other museums in Kingston
Kingston is home to a number of museums including the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. There you can find more information on Jamaica’s plants and animals.
4. Gardens in Kingston
If city life is too overwhelming in Kingston, take a breather at one of the city’s parks. Hope Gardens is a beautiful botanical park and the National Heroes Park has statues that represent Jamaica’s leading figures in its quest for independence.
Montego Bay
5. Doctor’s Cave Beach
Famous Montego Bay, on the northwest of the island, is home to one of the best beaches in Jamaica. Doctor’s Cave Beach came to fame after a British osteopath spread news that the water had curative powers. As a result resorts were built and tourists from all over came to visit.
6. Rose Hall Great House
This plantation was originally build in 1770 and since then has been restored into a tourist attraction. The house was a storied path, as legendary Annie Palmer, who was considered a witch and practitioner of voodoo lived here. Annie Palmer would eventually kill her husband and others before being murdered herself by a slave. Legend has it that her ghost still haunts Rose Hall.
Natural Beauty
7. Negril Beach
Winding its way along the west coast of Jamaica, Negril Beach is also known as Seven Mile Beach because of its long stretch of white sand. The beach is mirrored by the Negril cliffs and coconut palms. Spaced along the beach are numerous resorts and restaurants, perfect to keep you refreshed all day.
In the water you can find snorkelers swimming amongst the coral reefs and with many schools of fish. Because Negril Beach is a popular point of interest with tourists, there are many hawkers prowling the beach looking to sell souvenirs.
8. Martha Brae River
The Martha Brae River runs north to south through Jamaica and is an important point of interest due to the ability to raft down the river. Bamboo rafts are poled by local guides as you take in the beautiful scenery.
9. Black River Safari Boat Tour
On the southern part of Jamaica you can find an area that is home to more than 100 species of birds as well as humungous crocodiles. The Black River is the largest river in Jamaica and is bordered by mangrove trees. The river takes you to YS Falls, a large series of waterfalls that feed into a pool. You can go on a rope spring, river tube or go on a canopy ride here.
10. Dunn’s River Falls
On the north coast of Jamaica you can find these stunning, terraced waterfalls. It is one of the most popular natural points of interest. The water falls gracefully over limestone rocks that edge into the sea.
Town
11. Falmouth
Falmouth is one of the best preserved Georgian towns in all of the Caribbean and here you can still find 19th Century houses in all their original glory. The town itself is surrounded by sugar estates and farmland.
Within the town of Falmouth you can find Greenwood Great House, a popular tourist attraction. The house is now a museum that houses a collection of musical instruments and Wedgwood china.
Another popular tourist attraction in Falmouth is Good Hope Estate, which was built in 1755. It was a coconut and sugar plantation and can now be toured. It is a great way to understand Jamaica’s past.
As for beaches in Falmouth, the northern town is home to Half Moon Beach which gets its name from its crescent shape. The waters have plenty of coral reefs which makes it a great place to swim and snorkel.
12. Port Antonio
In the northeast of Jamaica you can find this sleepy fishing village. In town you can visit art galleries and just outside you can hike jungle trails. The village is on the beach and there are many coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Port Antonio is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon, a swimming spot with a 60 meter deep lagoon that is fed by freshwater springs.
If all the activity in Port Antonio has left you feeling hungry, sample the local cuisine. This area is where Jamaica’s fame jerk-style of cooking originated.
Other Tourist Attractions in Jamaica
13. The Dolphin Cove
This popular point of interest is so popular that you now have to book in advance to ensure a spot in the show. It’s worth it, though, to see this spectacular display of dolphins. Trained to interact with both other dolphins and humans, you can see why they are some of the world’s smartest animals. There are three locations for the Dolphin Cove: Ocho Rios, Lucea, and Montego Bay.
14. Appleton Estate Rum Tour
Located on the south coast of Jamaica, if you are a rum lover, a trip to the Appleton Estate is an important point of interest. The tour includes seeing the rum making process as it evolved from the estate’s 18th century beginnings. There are tastings and of course, a shop to buy an exclusive line of Appleton Estate rum.
15. Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain
On the north coast of Jamaica, near the town of Ocho Rios, you can find this adventure paradise. Set amongst the jungle, but with views of the town and see, there is a chair lift that ascends up a mountain. Once at the top, you can then zoom down on Bobsled Jamaica, which is essentially a one person roller coaster ride.
In addition to the bobsled ride, you can also zip line, visit the butterfly and hummingbird gardens and the waterslide.
Jamaica’s points of interest are so varied that no matter your age or your hobbies, you can find something that will appeal to you. Take the time to experience as much of Jamaica as you can and you’ll have an amazing vacation you won’t ever forget.
