Exciting Activities For The Whole Family
Jamaica is a traveler's dream come true. Whether you are an active traveler, looking for rugged outdoor activities, or want to relax and get away from it all on a secluded beach, Jamaica has what you need. From whitewater rafting to waterfall climbing, horseback riding to jungle tours, Jamica offers plenty for the adventurous traveler. For those that like to take it easy on vacation, relax on long, luxurious stretches of peaceful beaches, or take a leisurely swim with a friendly dolphin at a marine park. Perhaps take in a tour of one of Jamaica’s historic Great Houses or estates. The choices are plentiful in this Caribbean wonderland.
Jamaica’s biggest attraction, by far, are the beaches. Jamaica has an amazing assortment of spectacular, world famous beaches for you to discover. The most popular are found along the north coast, stretching 150 miles from 7 Mile Beach in Negril over to Port Antonio in the Northeast. Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay boasts a beautiful white sand beach with a well-maintained beach club atmosphere, complete with changing facilities, restaurants, snack bars and watersports. There are also some shopping areas, and the appearance of a live reggae band is not uncommon. Seven Mile Beach is one of the most famous and scenic beaches in the world. This perfect spot for sunset watching has long sandy beaches, along with caves and sea cliffs that people dive from all day long. This area is also great for snorkeling. Negril has that "Beach Party-No Worries Mon"- type of atmosphere that visitors look for when coming to Jamaica. Ocho Rios offers amazing beaches, as well. Turtle beach and Mallard Beach are the two most popular beaches in Jamaica. There is also a beach at Dunn’s River Falls where visitors can climb the famous falls, soak in whirlpools, or just relax on the sand. Nearby James Bond Beach was the filming location for the James Bond move “Dr. No”, and offers exciting watersports rides that transform imaginative visitors into the famous 007, if only for a few hours. The Montego Bay Marine Park is a conservation area with water sports and snorkeling tours of the immense coral reefs just off the coast. For those that prefer to stay dry, the park offers undersea tours of the reefs, as well. If you want fun in fresh water, a river rafting trip should be on your itinerary. These guided trips are available across the island, and offer a relaxed journey down one of Jamaica’s beautiful rivers.
Many visitors opt for more land-based activities, and they have plenty to choose from. See living history in the legendary Great Houses that dot the countryside. The most famous of these former plantation homes is Rose Hall, said to be haunted by the ghost of a former owner. Greenwood Great House, built by a cousin of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is another immaculately restored reminder of the days when sugar was king, and features one of the world’s finest collections of rare musical instruments. Other historic tours depart for almost every place on the island--including the uncharted limestone hills of Cockpit Country, where the fabled Maroons (descendants of slaves who escaped from the Spanish) still live in the town of Accompong. Falmouth, an 18th-century port town on the coast near Ocho Rios, is also well worth a visit. In Ocho Rios, one of the most popular sites is Firefly, the English-style cottage that was the home of novelist Noel Coward.
For honeymooners looking for a romantic spot, a one hour drive from Negril takes you to Lover’s Leap, near Treasure Beach on the southern coast, where legend has it that two slaves leapt to their death, rather than remain in captivity. The view from this 1,700 foot cliff is breathtaking, allowing such a magnificent vista that one can see the curvature of the Earth, showcasing the natural beauty of the island. Jamaica offers many man-made attractions, as well. Aquasol Waterpark in Montego Bay offers a splashing good time for the whole family, with water slides, rides and much more. Take a tour of the Appleton Estate to see a working sugar cane plantation, and take the tour of the world-famous rum distillery. Anancy Fun Park in Negril has go-karts, rides and other family activities to keep even the most adventurous kids entertained. There are numerous historic forts and colonial sites scattered throughout the island, most dating back to the time of Columbus, attesting to the historical richness of the island.
Jamaica has it all. Outdoor activities, natural beauty, and lots of family fun combine to make it one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. Go and see for yourself why this emerald isle has enchanted visitors for centuries.
Amusement Parks
Anancy Fun Park
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Jamaica
A family-friendly amusement park guranteed to provide a good time
Anancy Park welcomes families with an 18-hole miniature golf course, go-kart racetrack, train ride, carousel and power wheels for the youngest visitors. Families can also take a WaterSkeeter pontoon paddleboat for a spin in the small lake and youngsters can borrow a fishing pole to try their luck in the well-stocked pond. Open from "sunup to sundown", no admission fee, but most rides require tickets.
Dolphin Cove
North Coast, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Swim with dolphins on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Dolphin Cove is the Caribbean's newest and Jamaica's only dolphin attraction. Interact with a family of Bottlenose dolphins in an idyllic tropical retreat on Jamaica's North Coast. Adjacent to the famous Dunn's River Falls, Dolphin Cove also offers snorkeling, kayaking and shark petting in lush tropical surroundings with a beach, waterfall and jungle trail. Reservations recommended for dolphin encounter.
AquaSol Theme Park
Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Jamaica
A family-friendly theme park with an emphasis on triliing watersports
AquaSol Theme Park is a one of a kind beach park located at the Walter Fletcher Beach on Montego Bay's "Hip Strip" featuring the Voyage Sports Bar and Grill, with 42 Televisions and all your favorite Jamaican and American food items. Other facilities include tennis courts, kid's games, table tennis, water sports and the MoBay 500 go-cart racing course. There is a white sand beach for splashing fun, and even a disco at night.
Dunn's River Falls & Park
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Caribbean
Dunn’s river Falls & Park is a mix of modern facilities with the rustic charm of a nature park. The falls have been inspiring and impressing visitors for thousands of years. Modern visitors can climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides or visit "the massage parlour" and experience the soothing effect of the water as it cascades to the sea. Sun lovers also can enjoy the beach on the golden sands lapped by the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea.