Jamaica is an incredibly beautiful tropical paradise that will captivate your heart and leave you wanting more. While Jamaica is breathtakingly beautiful everywhere, the three most popular activities are the well-known Dunn’s River Waterfalls, the exhilarating White River rafting and tubing, and the breathtaking beach horseback riding. There’s always something new to explore in Jamaica, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth!
Situated to the west of Haiti and immediately south of Cuba in the western Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is a component of the West Indies group of islands. It is a free and autonomous Commonwealth member. Depending on the cruise company, passengers arriving to this magical island dock in Falmouth, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay. They travel here to enjoy the many attractions that Jamaica is most known for, like the fine rum, delicious coffee, gorgeous waterfalls, lush jungles, sandy beaches, and reggae music.
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The early history of Jamaica is little known. During the Spanish colonization of the island in the 1400s, explorers came across the Arawak and Taino peoples. When the British regained control of Jamaica in the 1600s, they used it as a hub for the slave trade. By the 1800s, pirates had taken over and transformed the island into a refuge for piracy. During this period, the surviving colonists made use of the transportation channels to exchange their coffee, chocolate, and sugar.
Indian and Chinese laborers were brought in to work the fields when slaves were freed in 1834, until the sugar industry collapsed. Following a phase of political turmoil, the island was once again governed by British colonists. In 1962, Jamaica established a constitutional monarchy and experienced economic growth as a result of increased tourists and a resurgent banana sector.
The two main industries in Jamaica’s economy today are tourism and mining. Every year, more than 2.4 million people visit its shores.
Whenever one thinks of Jamaica, one immediately imagines beautiful beaches. However, did you know that there are four mountain ranges on the island?
Additional interesting information:
- The third-largest island in the Caribbean is Jamaica.
- The Jamaican dollar is accepted as payment, although US dollars and credit cards are accepted as well.
- Although English is the official language, you’ll hear a lot of Patois, the regional dialect.
- Jamaica produces the Appleton Estate 50-Year Rum, the most expensive rum in the world.
- Time is of the essence. and then there’s Jamaican time; given that Jamaicans tend to be laid back,
- Dunn’s River Falls is continuously rejuvenated by calcium carbonate deposits and travertine rock.
- Approximately 7400 feet up on Blue Mountain Peak, you can view the whole island.
- Ian Fleming wrote all of his James Bond thrillers while residing in Jamaica.
Due to its tropical location, Jamaica experiences warm, humid days that range from 70 degrees in the winter to 90 degrees in the summer. The island, being in the Caribbean, experiences hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Because of the trade winds in the area, it’s also fairly windy.
Things You Must See and Do The most visited tourist destination in Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls, which is situated in Ocho Rios and is also reachable from Falmouth and Montego Bay. This is understandable since it is one of the few waterfalls in the world that is actually climbable. You did indeed read correctly!
You and your group will ascend the travertine rocks five stories while forming a daisy chain with your hands under the careful guidance of a guide. En route, you’ll stop at refreshing pools of crystal-clear water. As you climb 600 feet above sea level, take a moment to appreciate the verdant, lush canopy that surrounds you. Click here for a thorough description of the falls, including climbing advice and nearby activities.
Note: There are man-made stairs along the side of the falls with multiple points of entry for those who wish to stop climbing in the water or who prefer not to get wet. However, this tour does require some physical strength and agility.
Departing from Ocho Rios and Falmouth, take a leisurely trip down the White River on a robust bamboo raft while being guided by your river captain. As your captain gives you a brief history of the area and points out the local plants and animals, you can relax and enjoy the birds’ serenade.
From Montego Bay and Falmouth, tubing along the White River involves following a jungle trail to the Rio Bueno, where you can get into the moving current in a swimming tube. A boat will be waiting to pick you up as soon as you reach the river’s mouth, so don’t worry—get ready for an exciting river adventure that includes Class II rapids and a calmer section where you can float along and take in the scenery out to sea.
Saddle up for an exhilarating horseback ride through Jamaica’s lush trails, soft sand, and rolling ocean waves with Horseback Riding, departing from Falmouth. Saddle up and enjoy the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair.
Your Trail Master will meet you when you arrive at Braco Stables and match you with the appropriate horse based on your riding skill level. Riding a horse through the stunning Jamaican countryside, you and your group will see the Braco Great House—a magnificent mid-century plantation home situated on the site of a former pimento oil refinery and sugar plantation—and other notable buildings. After arriving at the beach, you can take a memorable picture with your faithful companion and then swim in the sea together to cool off.
You can also choose to go on an exclusive horseback riding tour from Falmouth (or Ocho Rios) that will take you and your horse through the woods along a historic trail that the Taino Indians used to forage for food. As you make your way across the wetlands and arrive at a deserted beach where you can see ongoing excavations, discover more about the Taino people and their culture. After that, if you’re daring enough, get back on your horse (without a saddle) and go on an incredible bareback horse ride in the Caribbean Sea
Nothing warms your soul and tantalizes your taste buds like Jamaican cuisine. The island is known for its jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, and flavorful oxtail. A diverse range of English, Spanish, African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese spices and cooking methods have an impact on the island’s cuisine.
The national dish of the nation is saltfish, which is dried and salted cod, and ackee, a local fruit. Another favorite is Jamaican patties, which are pastries stuffed with hot fish or meat. Popular curried dishes include fish, chicken, and goat that are served almost always with rice and peas. Menus and tables often feature stews, soups, sweet potatoes, plantains, stew peas, and a variety of breads. While you are visiting the island, don’t forget to have a slice of traditional rum cake!
Going to the places where the food is grown is one of the best ways to learn about Jamaican cuisine and culture. This can be accomplished by making a trip to Sun Valley Plantation, a botanical farm and operational plantation owned and operated locally near the Crescent River. Discover the intriguing past and culture of Jamaica while taking a tour of a plantation that has been growing food for more than 250 years. After, enjoy a few local delicacies while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
An additional choice is to go on an eco-tour of an organic farm, where you can explore the grounds and discover everything there is to know about the island’s plants, spices, and flavors in addition to the methods used in coffee farming. Try your hand at planting something while the kids engage with the farm animals. Try some regional fruits, assist in gathering veggies for your salad, and discover how to prepare real Jerk chicken. After that, relax and savor a traditional Jamaican lunch.
Along with great local food and a vibrant bar scene, Jamaica offers many locations throughout the island that serve shots, beers, and cocktails (find out more about the best bars in the Caribbean here).
Because of Jamaica’s tropical atmosphere, casual attire is appropriate. Think sandals, sundresses, and shorts. The cooler months are a great time to wear a lightweight jacket or sweater. Remember that you are not too far from the equator, so you should also pack a swimsuit, cover-up, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen that is safe for reefs to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays!
Fun idea: When you get to your cabin, decorate it with a lightweight object that won’t damage the door, like a magnetic frame. This will make it easier for you to find your room when navigating the lengthy cabin corridors and/or for your loved ones to locate you.
Tour Packages
Our cruise excursion tour packages offer travelers a curated experience at various ports of call during their cruise, encompassing guided tours, recreational activities, and cultural exploration. These packages provide opportunities to explore the island of Jamaica.
Between December and April, when many travel to Jamaica in search of escape from the harsh northern climate, is considered the peak season. Summer and fall will give you more beach space and shorter lines at eateries and attractions if you prefer a less crowded scene.
You are lucky no matter which port you sail into—Falmouth, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay! We provide our amazing trips at everyone. Give us a call right now, and we’ll help ensure that your trip to Jamaica is one you won’t soon forget.
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