9 Best Things to Do in Jamaica • Top Jamaica Attractions

Mar 08, 2021by Sarah Peterson

Jamaica: a laid back, picturesque, tropical dream vacation.

If you’re looking for things to do in Jamaica, there’s plenty. Swim on the warm azure ocean, snorkel the underwater paradise, or surf the waves from the beaches of this Caribbean island. Sun-worshippers can get their tan on or lay under the shade of swaying palm trees.

Outdoor enthusiasts are not neglected since there are tons of activities like spelunking, zip-lining, horseback riding, and hiking.

Foodies shouldn’t miss the local food in Jamaica. Feast on some jerk chicken, Jamaican patties, Blue Mountain coffee and Jamaican rum.

Excited to plan your trip? We've rounded up the top Jamaica attractions to help you plan a memorable trip.

Check out: Jamaica Travel Guide • Plan Your Trip to Jamaica

Top-Rated Things to Do in Jamaica

Warm smiles and friendly people welcome every type of traveler in this Caribbean country, so select any of your interests from this list to add to your itinerary.

#1. Best Jamaica Beach: Bloody Bay Beach

Things to do in Jamaica

The Bloody Bay beach in Negril has one of the most beautiful shorelines you’ll see in Jamaica. The stretch has the right balance of tourists and local vendors.

It maintains a tranquil atmosphere sought by beach bums and watersports-seeking travelers.

The idyllic ocean gives the perfect ambiance for a quick morning walk or a lazy afternoon. It’s also a diving paradise thanks to the calm and clear waters where sea creatures and colorful reefs are more visible. Renting a kayak or gear for snorkeling and diving is also easy so you can have a full-day of water excursion.

Category: Beach
Neighborhood: Negril

Hours of operation: n/a

Best for: Pleasure-seeking beach bums and watersports lovers
Time to spend here: 2 to 4 hours or a whole day

#2. Best Hike in Jamaica: Blue Mountain Peak Trail

Things to do in Jamaica

Watch the mesmerizing sunrise view at the Blue Mountain. It’s the longest mountain range and the highest peak in Jamaica. Hikers and backpackers would be remiss not to visit this summit.

On this 14-mile trail, you can see rare flora and fauna. Bonus if you're a coffee lover because it's where the renowned Blue Mountain Coffee grows.

Visit the plantation and don’t forget to bring some coffee home.

Category: Hiking
Neighborhood: Kingston

Hours of operation: n/a

Best for: Experienced hikers, backpackers, campers
Time to spend here: 3 to 4 hours

#3. Best Outdoor Activity: Surfing

Things to do in Jamaica

Surf the waves in Jamaica! Boston Bay is the top destination for surfing and was the first internationally recognized Jamaican surfing spot.

If you're a beginner but want to learn more about surfing, visit Jamnesia Surf Camp in Eight Miles Bull Bay. They cater to locals and traveling surfers alike to improve their skills.

Category: Surfing, Beach
Neighborhood: Boston Bay in Portland, Jamnesia Surf Camp in Kingston

Hours of operation: Boston Bay: n/a, Jamnesia Surf Camp: 8 AM to 6 PM

Best for: Beginner to expert surfers
Time to spend here: 2 to 3 hours

#4. Best Diving Spot in Jamaica: Throne Room

Go to the Throne Room in Negril if you're in Jamaica for diving. It is around 40 feet to 70 feet and there are numerous sea creatures like turtles, barracudas, nurse sharks, trout, octopi, and stingrays around.

The underwater cavern is covered with sponges and unusual coral formation. One of the main sights to see here is the elephant ear sponges shaped like a throne.

Category: Diving
Neighborhood: Negril

Hours of operation: n/a

Best for: Novice to advanced divers
Time to spend here: 2 to 3 hours

#5. Best Restaurants in Jamaica: Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, Scotchies, Rockhouse Restaurant

Have a taste of authentic local food at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio and try out dishes like samosas, pumpkin soup, banana wrapped snapper, and jerk shrimp.

Scotchies is the place to go if you want to try a fiery jerk chicken. Another dining option you shouldn't miss is the Rockhouse Restaurant which highlights the Caribbean, seafood, and Jamaican cuisine.

Category: Restaurant
Neighborhood: Find Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio and Rockhouse Restaurant in Negril. Scotchies is located at Montego Bay.

Hours of operation: Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio: 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 7 PM, Rockhouse Restaurant: 7 AM to 8 PM, Scotchies: 11 AM to 11 PM

Best for: Foodies
Time to spend here: 1 to 2 hours

#6. Top Attraction in Jamaica: Martha Brae River

Things to do in Jamaica

Want to relax instead of going for another adrenaline-pumping adventure? Soak in the beauty of Martha Brae River. The calm waters and scenic verdant forest gives a rejuvenating vibe for couples looking for an intimate retreat.

Explore Jamaica’s tropical interior with the 3-mile tour. A licensed raft captain will row throughout the trip so tourists can safely unwind.

The bamboo rafts will pass from Martha Brae to the Luminous Lagoon where you’ll see an eerie glow from the waters thanks to the bioluminescent microorganisms in the lagoon.

Category: Rafting
Neighborhood: Claude Clarke Avenue, Montego Bay

Hours of operation: n/a

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, or even friends
Time to spend here: 1 to 2-hour tour

#7. Most Popular Museum: Bob Marley Museum

Things to do in Jamaica

The reggae music legend Bob Marley is one of Jamaica's international icons. Check out his former home now turned into the Bob Marley Museum.

Explore Bob Marley's home while listening to his music. The place is filled with memorabilia, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, gold and platinum records, instruments, photos, clothing, and other legacies of the world-renowned artist.

Take a guided tour to gain more knowledge about his life and they will also escort you to the main house, theatre, gift shop, and cafe. Don't forget to take a few snaps as keepsakes.

Category: Museum
Neighborhood: Kingston

Hours of operation: 9:30 AM to 4 PM

Best for: Music lovers
Time to spend here: 1 to 2 hours

#8. Must-See Landmark: Dunn’s River Falls

Things to do in Jamaica

Dunn's River Falls is a natural treasure and a hotspot in Ocho Rios. Witness water flowing down the limestone cascades and crash straight at the Caribbean sea.

Walkways and wooden viewing platforms are available if you want to stay dry. If you want a closer experience, prepare your water shoes because climbing the rocks can be slippery. It’s great to have your swimwear too so you can take a quick dip at the lagoons.

Category: Landmark
Neighborhood: Ocho Rios

Hours of operation: 8:30 AM to 4 PM

Best for: Nature lovers
Time to spend here: 2 hours or more

#9. Best Cultural Experience: Emancipation Jubilee

Experience Jamaica beneath the surface by attending the Emancipation Jubilee at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann. This yearly event celebrates Jamaica's ancestors and the reading of the 1838 Emancipation Proclamation which granted freedom to slaves on the island.

The highlight of this event is the signature cultural concert at night. During the day, you can still witness Jamaicans performing a variety of songs, dances, drumming, drama, and even fashion shows. The farmer's market, craft village, and food court will also be open during the event so make sure to stop by.

Category: Culture
Neighborhood: Kingston

Hours of operation: July 31 to August 1, 2021 and starts at 10:00 AM

Best for: Arts and culture enthusiasts
Time to spend here: 2 to 3 hours or the entire day

Sarah Peterson

@sarah

Sarah Peterson

@sarah

Sarah Peterson is the co-founder and head of marketing at FLIGHTFŪD. She's a travel health expert and after having visited 20+ countries as a digital nomad and flying every 4-6 weeks for business, she became passionate about empowering others to protect their bodies on the go.