The Best Things To Do In Jamaica

Jamaica has it all, no matter what’s on your island itinerary. Whether you’re looking for adventure – from cliff jumping to night swimming in phosphorescent water to zip-lining through the jungle – or for relaxing vacation moments – from sunbathing on the beach to sipping cocktails at sunset to floating down a river, you’re sure to have a great time. Here are some of the best things to do in Jamaica.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Glistening Waters

Be mesmerized by a rare natural wonder at Glistening Waters. This phosphorescent body of water glows at night due to microorganisms that create a luminous effect when the water is disturbed. Dinoflagellates, the glowing organisms in the lagoon, were discovered by scientists in the 18th century. Several tour operators offer night-time boat rides through the lagoon, and you can even jump in to witness the sparkling phenomena up close and personal. The spectacular glow-in-the-dark effect will make you feel like you’re swimming through a sea of stars.

Head inland to experience Jamaica’s tropical interior on the freshwater Martha Brae River. Peacefully floating on a handmade bamboo raft on the three-mile river is a quintessential Jamaican experience. A local river captain will maneuver your raft and point out local flora and fauna. There are a few small rapids, but don’t worry, your guide will let you know when it’s safe to jump in for a swim and cool down in the refreshing, crisp water.

Joy Spence Appleton Rum Estate Experience

Rum and Jamaica go hand-in-hand. Get to know the preferred spirit on the island by taking a tour at Appleton Estate in the Nassau Valley, which has been operating for 265 years. The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience is a multi-sensory learning program about the world-famous Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum range. You’ll see the entire rum-making process – from sugar cane to the beloved rum. Yes, there will be rum tasting and cocktails.

Rick’s Cafe

Rick’s Cafe is one of the most popular places to visit in Jamaica. Tucked away high on the cliffs outside of Negril, this place attracts patrons due to its incredible coastal views, celebrated flavorful Jamaican cuisine, strong traditional Jamaican cocktails and buckets of the beloved local Red Stripe beer. Folks stick around to take in the phenomenal sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, relax on the edge of the cliff and witness the awe-inspiring cliff divers as they jump off the 35-ft-(11-m-)high cliffs. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as diners are welcome to use the swimming pool.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, book a tour with Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth or Negril. Pick your adventure from an array of exciting options including cliff jumping, ATV rides, zip-lining, river tubing, whitewater rafting and much more. Opt for the Chukka tours at the historic Good Hope Estate in Falmouth to enjoy swimming pools after your adventure. The former sugar plantation is located on 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of jungle.

Mystic Mountain

Located in the lush rainforest of Ocho Rios, the 700-ft (213-m) Mystic Mountain is a nature theme park offering a range of family-friendly adventure rides. The adventure park features birdwatching activities, zip-line courses, water slides and sweeping unobstructed views of the surrounding jungle on a romantic chairlift canopy ride. Mystic Mountain is the best place in Jamaica to go bobsledding – a popular sport on the tropical island that is usually reserved for winter destinations. Hop in a bobsled for a rollercoaster-like experience as you glide along the track in a brake-controlled sled.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.