A Solo Female traveler guide to Jamaica: Things to do + tips

Planning a trip to Jamaica? This list of the best things to do in Jamaica will help you plan your trip.
I have lived in Jamaica for 18 months and I would like to show you the best way to experience this incredible Caribbean island and its beautiful people.
Whether you are traveling to Jamaica for the first time or you have been there already, there is always something new to discover.
There are so many things you can do in Jamaica that one time is not enough. Although I have lived there for more than one year and returned several times afterward, I always find some new secret corner or detail to appreciate.
And even if you are staying in one of the beautiful all-inclusive resorts please go out and explore either by renting a car or joining a guided tour.
In this post, I will share all the best places to see, from the hidden gems to the most popular places such as Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, the seven-mile beach and Rick’s cafe in Negril, the White Witch haunted great house in Montego Bay, just to name a few.
Jamaica at a glance
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION – Jamaica belongs to the group of the West Indies islands, Jamaica is about 146 miles (235 km) long and varies from 22 to 51 miles (35 to 82 km) wide. It is situated some 100 miles (160 km) west of Haiti, 90 miles (150 km) south of Cuba, and 390 miles (630 km) northeast of the nearest point on the mainland.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT –Constitutional monarchy – Jamaica became independent from the United Kingdom in 1962 but remains a member of the Commonwealth.
CAPITAL – Kingston
POPULATION 2,731,000
TOTAL AREA (SQ MI)4,244, 10,991( SQ KM) (Third largest in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola)
JAMAICAN CURRENCY – Jamaican Dollar 1US= 130 $JAM (Approx)
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE – English
DIALECT – Patois ( I love it and I proudly say that I can understand quite a bit if they don’t talk too fast. I just think it is super funny and cute)
JAMAICA WEATHER: Never trust the weather forecast. One of the things I loved about Jamaica was that you could drive in a cloud of rain where you cannot see before your nose and in a blink of an eye, you find yourself in a shining sun with a totally dry road… and an amazing rainbow, while looking back at your rare-view mirror watching the rain pouring from where you are coming from. Amazing!
TERRITORY– Another beauty is the territory, the lush, thick vegetation, the rivers, and the mountain regions, although they are not very much advertised as touristic areas, or probably because of that.
The highest pick is only 2256mt (about 7400ft), Blue Mountain Peak, but if you reach the top on a sunny day you will see the entire island perimeter. I was there with rain, but it was an amazing hike anyway, through the coffee plantation and the lush vegetation. Read on and I will tell you how to get there…
Things to do in Jamaica: Overview
If you come to Jamaica to relax and enjoy one of its spectacular hotels, lying on its beautiful beaches with a cocktail, stop reading this article and go to this one instead.
However, if you also want to explore this incredible island and understand Jamaican culture and lifestyle, then you will love what follows.
You could either rent a car and explore the island on your own, or you could join organized tours with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the local culture and history.

Things to do in Jamaica: Negril
Negril is a quaint, laid-back town with a good variety of hotel choices and is one of the most popular places to stay in Jamaica. To read about the best hotels in Negril, check out my reviews. I have seen them all for real.
1. Walk along the seven-mile beach
Basking on the popular beach, the so-called seven-mile beach, or having long relaxing walks by the sea is among the best things to do in Negril.
Here, the beach dives gently into the sea, forming the ideal place for all kinds of swimmers, and also kids, thanks to its shallow waters.
Because of the calm waters, it’s also the place where to practice all sorts of water sports generally offered by the hotels lining the coastline, from paddle boarding to kayaking, and surfing.
The sea holds no danger here, but that’s the same all around Jamaica.
The beach is interrupted in the downtown area where the coast makes a turn and heads off to what is called the ‘west end”, one of my favorite parts of Jamaica, with beautiful hotels built by the cliff from where you can admire stunning sunsets.
All in all, there are 25 km of varied coastlines.
Negril is considered the fun place on the island, where even Jamaicans find their weekend getaway to relax and party.
Besides the amazing beach, the small town offers a variety of places to eat and a few bars where people gather at night to party, to Reggae beats, of course.
On the first weekend of August, Negril gets packed out, due to the celebration of Independence week, with the extremely popular ‘Dream Weekend’, one of the best parties in the world, or so they say.
Also worth a note is the colorful art and craft market on the beach, right before the bridge that connects with the downtown, where local artists showcase their work. Some pieces are really beautiful, great souvenirs of authentic Jamaican art
2. Watch the sunset from Rick’s cafe
5.0 ⭐ 76 Reviews
Rick’s Cafe is a world-famous cafe’ that doesn’t sell any kind of coffee at all but drinks and a delicious international restaurant on the terrace with great live music.
Located on the west coast of Negril, on the cliff part, it’s a world-famous Jamaican popular spot to watch heart-throbbing cliff jumps and look at the sun disappearing in the sea at the horizon painting the sky of all different colors, all of these at the sound of Reggae of course.
There is always life playing and people dancing, every single day.
This is something you can easily do on your own if you are staying in Negril. Just grab a taxi and let the driver take you.
The only thing is that I suggest you negotiate the fare before and make sure that the taxi agrees to wait for you.
They normally do it. Jamaicans are very smart and kindhearted people and they know about customer service, a lot, it just comes naturally to them.
Then you will always find the grumpy ones, as in everywhere in the world.
If you wish to join a tour that is fine as well, especially if you are traveling alone, this is a place where it’s nice to go with the company.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
This was the perfect way to see the island. Our driver Romaine was awesome! He was super friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed learning about some history of the island and being able to customize our time at the stops. I would definitely recommend this experience!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brittany_T, Dec 2023
3. Buy some authentic souvenirs at the artisan market
Normally the tours make a stop at the craft markets right before reaching downtown Negril where you can check out the local art! And believe me, you will see amazing works, from paintings to wooden sculptures.
For those who are coming from Montegobay, you can get a full-day tour which includes the morning and lunch spent on a beautiful spot on the world-famous 7-mile beach (lunch itself is not included because you can get to choose where you want to eat and what).
4. Walk along the Mayfield Falls
5.0 ⭐ 43 Reviews
A spectacular place in the Jamaican deep jungle, a less touristic hidden treasure of unimaginable beauty. It’s a beautiful ride through the Jamaican overwhelming nature until you get to the destination.
A refreshing waterfall-shaped river that forms natural pools along its way down the valley.
You will walk up the river and make your stops in the refreshing whirlpools where you can sit and rest while having your natural massage.
Distance: 1-hour drive from Negril
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
From beginning to end this was a five star experience. The driver and guide made sure we had a good time. The waterfalls were beautiful, and so refreshing to swim in.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rhonda_C, Dec 2023

5. Negril & Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise
4.0 ⭐ 278 Reviews
This tour combines a catamaran cruise, snorkeling excursion, and sunset stop at Rick’s Cafe.
You will get on board at Margaritaville and cruise along Negril’s coastline, stopping to snorkel at a coral reef and see tropical fish and maybe sea turtles or rays.
Guests enjoy the open bar on board as much as the stunning views of the Negril coastline at sunset.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
This was a great experience. The sun shine crew was so nice and fun, and they made sure to keep an eye on everyone during the day! If you are looking for a packed afternoon in negril with snorkeling and a lot of booze this is definitely the cruise to book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Carlos_C, Jan 2024
6. Rastasafari Experience from Negril
5.0 ⭐ 583 Reviews
A three-hour tour ride through the Jamaican countryside on an all-terrain vehicle to see how the locals live.
You will get to rugged parts of the country that typical tourist vehicles can’t reach, through hills, agricultural fields, and a natural mineral pool where you can cool off.
Lunch and water are also included.
Non-refundable
Gilbert and company did a great job during our excursion and made us feel right at home!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ John_D, Feb 2024

7. Blue Hole & Secret Falls Private Tour with Entrance Fees
5.0 ⭐ 60 Reviews
A private guided tour to one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Jamaica the Blue Hole and Secret Falls.
Take an easy hike up to Secret Falls through the lush jungle, enjoying engaging stories from your guide on the way.
Nature lovers will enjoy this tour completely immersed in the tropical Jamaican Jungle!
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included –
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Our driver Dale was the best! Kept us safe and made all the stops for the food we wanted to try. Blue Hole was so incredible and worth the drive from Montego Bay. Less crowded then the other waterfalls the cruise excursions were going to. Dale gets bonus points for getting us back before the line to get back on the ship started. Don’t hesitate on booking this tour!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amanda_L, Jul 2023
8. YS Falls, Black River Safari, Appleton Rum Tour, or Pelican Bar (Choose 3)
⭐ 58 Reviews
This full-day tour from Negril will take you to Jamaica’s scenic South Coast with a local tour guide.
Stop at your choice of three popular attractions: Appleton Estate, where you will learn how the Jamaican original rum is made, swim in the spectacular YS Falls immerse in the jungle, take a short boat ride down the Black River, and sip a drink at Floyd’s floating Pelican Bar.
You can choose 3 of these activities (for time reasons)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Wonderful day. Our driver Giovanni was an excellent driver around winding roads while imparting alot of local knowledge. Quick with a genuine smile and made sure we were comfortable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Audrey_M, Jul 2023
9. Bob Marley nine miles tour + Dunn’s River Falls
4.5 ⭐ 215 Reviews
This is a full-day tour from Negril to Ocho Rios with a stop at Bob Marley’s old house where he was born and grew up in the small town of Nine Miles.
You will continue to Dunn’s River Falls, where you trek to the top of the falls for scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Lunch, all entrance fees, and round-trip transportation from Negril, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay are included.
A knowledgeable guide will be with you all the time sharing interesting facts about Jamaica’s history and culture.
Definitely the best day that we had in Jamaica! Our guide and driver Tony was awesome. We had great conversation all day and learned a lot.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Erich_H, Feb 2024

Things to do in Jamaica: tours and activities from Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios became famous for Dunn’s River Falls and the popular 007 film, ‘Dr. No’, set right by the waterfall of the scene where a sexy Ursula Andress comes out of the water.
I am sure everybody remembers the iconic movie, even the younger crowd should.
Also, Ocho Rios is where Ian Fleming, author of 007, finds inspiration for his writing. His house is still there and has now become part of the beautiful Goldeneye Hotel, by the famous beach of the same name.
Another important note is that in the 90s, Ocho Rios became the principal port for cruises, which has now been shifted to Falmouth, where a huge new port and infrastructure welcome the biggest cruise ships.
10. Bob Marley nine miles tour from Ocho Rios
5.0 ⭐ 4 Reviews
If you are a fan of Bob Marley and reggae music you will need to take this tour and go where the king of reggae music was born and has lived for part of his life which is now one of the most visited Jamaican points of interest.
The tour is very unique because it focuses only on Bob Marley like a music pilgrimage from your hotel to Nine Miles
You will also enjoy the beautiful scenery as your driver navigates the narrow, winding country roads to the mountain village of Nine Mile, the birthplace and final resting place of Bob Marley.
You will then take a tour of Marley’s home, led by Rastafarian guides, and enjoy a rendition of one of his songs.
See the “rock pillow” where he rested his head for inspiration. Finally, visit the mausoleum where Marley is buried along with “Mamma Marley” Cedella Booker and half-brother, Anthony Booker.
At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you off back at your hotel, Port, or Airport.
Island Jam Tours did a phenomenal job. The Tour guide was able to share everything with us about Jamaica..
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tamika_L, Nov 2023

11. Blue Hole-only tour from Ocho Rios
5.0 ⭐ 201 Reviews –
A short guided tour from Ocho Rios to this spectacular swimming hole, hike up to a waterfall or plunge into the hole on a Tarzan swing.
You’ll be back in Ocho Rios by midday with plenty of time for an afternoon activity.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
If you like adventure, I highly recommend Chris at Chris Jamaica Tours! We recently stayed at the Hermosa Cove Villas (also highly recommended, see my review there) with our three young girls after staying in Montego Bay.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Nov 2023
12. Chuck Norris’s Secret Falls and Dunn’s River Falls
5.0 ⭐ 181 Reviews
At Chuck Norris Secret Falls, splash into waterfall-fed pools via a rope swing and cliff jumps and hike through the rain forest on secluded trails.
You will then go back to enjoy Jamaica’s premier natural attraction at Dunn’s River, where you can climb up a massive waterfall with a guide’s help for stunning tropical views.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
This was so much fun! Owen was our driver. He was great as a tour guide. We weren’t rushed. He got us to our destinations safely.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Decatur_ga, Jun 2021
13. Private Sightseeing Tour in & Around Ocho Rios
5.0 ⭐ 106 Reviews
Your local guide will pick you up from your hotel or the cruise port and will drive you to the vicinity of the botanical garden.
Here, you can see various medicinal plants and spices growing and also catch a view of rock star Mick Jagger’s home.
Then it’s on to Fern Gully, a scenic road framed by hundreds of species of ferns.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Winston was great! He provided the perfect suggestions for our family of 4 given the limited amount of time we were in the area. The meeting place was convenient to the port, the vehicle was large, clean and comfortable and we always felt safe.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Joe_J, Jan 2024
14. Visit the Kokono Falls and Botanical Garden
5.0 ⭐ 68 Reviews
Located in the lush hills of Ocho Rios in Sant’ Ann Parish, this spectacular place is an oasis for nature lovers. You can spend the entire day at Kokono Falls, enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters, and walk around the botanical garden.
There is also a small museum about the ancient history of the first inhabitants of the island.
You can easily go on your own. Ask your hotel to call a taxi for you.
Or you can book a private tour that includes Blue Hole waterfalls and Kokono together.
We had an amazing private tour for our Dunn’s River Falls & shopping excursion. Our driver was very friendly, helpful, timely & attentive with our excursion. We had a family of 9 traveling to Jamaica & thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend this service for your next trip.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Christal_N, Aug 2023

15. Dunn’s River Catamaran Cruise From Ocho Rios
⭐ 61 Reviews
Get to the most popular Falls in Jamaica on a catamaran.
Once there, join hands to ascend the 600-foot falls, snap photos, or hang back and take in the scene.
Back on the boat, enjoy a live deejay, snacks, and an open bar as you sail Jamaica’s north coast.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Non-refundable
This crew is amazing and fun! It was a full on party from the moment we stepped on the catamaran. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jennifer_K, Dec 2023
16. Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour
4.5⭐ 69 Reviews
This is a full-day tour from Ocho Rios up to the Blue Mountains around Kingston.
With a local tour guide, you will be taken by car up to the mountains, and after a stop for a traditional Jamaican brunch along the way, you will continue to the Blue Mountain Coffee company for a roasting demonstration of their famous Jamaican coffee.
Then hop on a bicycle and coast downhill through the mountainous terrain, enjoying spectacular views of the area surrounding Kingson on the way.
You will then stop for lunch and a refreshing swim under a local waterfall.
This is an amazing tour off the beaten path in Jamaica for nature lovers.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
My husband and I had an absolute blast! The drive to and from Blue Mountain is a long one full of winding roads and rough terrain.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Feda_A, Aug 2023
THINGS TO DO IN JAMAICA – TRAVEL GUIDE
Things to do in Jamaica: Montego Bay
Friendly called “Montego”, or “Mobay” the city saw huge growth in the past years, with new shopping outlets and many international hotel chains that have invested in the area to build huge beautiful resorts and take advantage of the transparent and crystalline Caribbean sea of its coast.
The most popular international airport is here in Montego, Donald Sangster, the hub of the main airlines and doorway for the majority of Jamaican tourism.
In Montegobay also takes place the most important Reggae festival in the world, the Summerfest, normally at the beginning of July.
There are also plenty of things to do in Montego Bay although there are certain areas that you should avoid for safety reasons. So just stick to the touristy areas and don’t wander around like an explorer. It’s not worth it.

17. Visit the bioluminescent lagoon
5.0 ⭐ 2 Reviews
You will arrive at the best-kept secret, near the lovely town of Falmouth, right after sunset. The natural phenomenon you will experience in this lagoon is one of a kind and is present in very few other places in the world.
Microorganism lights up in the water when the sun goes down, creating a beautiful natural show in the crystal waters. You will see it from a special boat and if you wish you can even swim in the sparkles.
On this one, I would recommend joining an organized tour as they will take care of everything from transportation to booking your spot and sometimes even food and drinks.
If you wish to go on your own, though, you should contact the local tour company for reservations to make sure they have space.
Free Cancellation within 24 hrs
Our host, Beanz, made our night outstanding!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brandy_H, Jan 2024
18. Visit the mysterious Rose Hall Great House
4.0 ⭐ 4 Reviews
I love this place. If you have some time and you are staying in Montego Bay, it’s worth paying a visit. You can go by taxi, as they have guided tours on location. They have different tours, but the night one is more exciting.
Oh yes, but what is it? The Rose Hall great house is an old colonial house with a legendary history. The story tells about the wife owner, a rich lady, Ann Palmer, born in 1802 and raised by her nanny who thought her witchcraft and voodoo.
She used to kill all her multiple husbands and slaves until a slave killed her for revenge. The story also narrates that her ghost still lives in the house.
This is what we are told in a nutshell but some of it seems to come from a fictional creation. Truth is that funny stuff happens in that house… I was told. The best thing to do is go yourself and check it out.
The love triangle story. Fascinated. Presentation of the history was great. Felt as if I was a part.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sonia_M, Dec 2023
19. Rafting on Martha Brae River
5.0 ⭐ 3 Reviews
Situated 20 miles from Montego Bay and 40 from Ocho Rios, Martha Brae River is a great place to enjoy the lush Jamaican nature.
This excursion is a pleasant slow ride in the river surrounded by the green of the lush tropical vegetation, while your guide now and then interrupts the sound of silence to give you a few stories of Jamaica’s history and Martha Brae’s interesting legend.
So beautiful! Great driver, great raft captain, great over all experience, will definitely do again I loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jenessa_S, Jun 2023

20. Montego Bay Great River Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Private Tour
5.0 ⭐ 89 Reviews
This is one of the most popular activities if you are staying in one of the spectacular hotels in Montego Bay.
It’s a relaxing tour that lasts 2 or 3 hours and includes a scenic ride cruising down the beautiful Great River on a unique 30-foot hand-crafted bamboo raft.
Your guide will share interesting stories about the area while you will be exploring the lush vegetation and wildlife that surrounds you.
You will also get a nice foot massage using limestone paste, made from river rocks, locally known as ‘Jungle Socks’.
It takes approximately 30-45 minutes from hotels in the Montego Bay area to get to this location.
We had an excellent trip our captain provided knowledge of vegetation and sources of medicine that were used by the slaves. The foot massage was excellent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mel_S, Feb 2024

21. CHUKKA – ATV, Horseback, Zipline & Catamaran at Ocean Outpost Park, Montego Bay
4.5 ⭐ 695 Reviews
This tour will take you on adventurous activities in nature exploring Jamaica’s backcountry through ATV riding, tubing, and ziplining.
It’s a half-day excursion that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the lush jungles and Jamaica’s rugged landscape.
Lunch and beverages are included.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
This bundled excursion experience was great!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Natasha_M, Feb 2024
THINGS TO DO IN JAMAICA – TRAVEL GUIDE
Things to do in Jamaica: South Coast
It’s not that there is a particular tourist attraction. It’s the whole place that has a particular vibe.
You won’t find the white sand Caribbean beaches, the sand is dark and the majority of the coast is rocky, but here you will find the less touristic and more authentic Jamaica.
Once a year every 2 years this is where the literature festival is held, where all artists gather for an intense weekend of poetry and literature.
I bumped into it by chance the first time I went, and except for the fact that I couldn’t find accommodation, I had a blast.
22. Spend a fancy weekend at Jake’s hotel
The other gem of the south coast of Jamaica is Jake’s hotel. A beautiful boutique hotel that will make you feel in heaven.
The carefully furnished villas and apartments offer the comfort of laid-back luxury, as I call it. The authentic Jamaican food and service will make you feel at home.
Just be careful because you run the risk of wanting to stay.

Things to do in Jamaica: Kingston
The capital city of Jamaica is the financial and economic hub of the island.
The city is busy and a little chaotic, though I still believe it is a fascinating place to spend a couple of days and experience the exciting nightlife and cultural events.
Also, there are some interesting historical places to visit such as the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House, and Port Royal.
You can also enjoy the exclusive Lime Key, an off-shore island where Kingstonians normally spend their Sundays, sunbathing and relaxing.
23. Have a Sunday brunch with a view at Strawberry Hill resort
Among my favorite things to do in Kingston is to spend some time at the Strawberry Hill resort, a spectacular hotel on the hills of Kingston with stunning views over the bay.
You will enjoy the Sunday brunch but if you don’t like crowds you should go during the weekdays for a delicious lunch or a simple tea with one of their amazing dessert.
You can hang out in the amazing garden and infinity pool. If you can stay there for a couple of nights it’s even better.
24. Blue mountains Hikes and views
4.5 ⭐ 16 Reviews
Although it’s a concrete jungle and a busy city, Kingston is embraced by the lush and green blue mountains and you shouldn’t miss a good hike to the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO Heritage Site, with stunning views over the city.
With this tour, you will be picked up at your hotel in Kingston.
You will reach your first stop at a lookout point where you will see the eastern side of the city and be informed about its various landmarks, areas, and history.
You will continue the journey, passing through “Irish Town”, a small village area that was and is still used today by wealthy Kingstonians to get away from the Kingston heat and work your way up to your second lookout spot with magnificent views of the lush green valleys and peaks of the Blue Mountains.
You will be driving up for a stop at the old British barracks and parade ground in New Castle, St. Andrew.
There you will see the southernmost views of Kingston, Regimental insignia of Colonial times, the tallest point on the Western side of the Blue Mountains, and an old seventeenth-century canon.
You will continue driving up to the UNESCO National Park grounds, our destination for hiking, bird watching, and being one with nature.
From the park, you can see the western side of Kingston completing its panoramic view.
Then you will be hiking for about 2 hours before heading back to the city before another stop for a delicious local lunch (optional).
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Jackson and team were very professional and knowledgeable about Jamaica history and the Blue Mountain landscape.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Irving_B, Jul 2022
25. Jamaican Music History Tour of Kingston
5.0 ⭐ 20 Reviews
A short guided tour around Kingston, the birthplace of reggae music, and get an insider’s peek into Jamaican music history.
You will stop by the Bob Marley Museum, the famous Orange Street record shop, and a modern recording studio.
A stop in Trench Town is also included.
Bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off are provided.
Non Refundable
Me and my wife were really looking forward to this tour and our guide Courtney and driver Hewitt made it a perfect choice.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jernej_C, Feb 2024

26. Port Royal Heritage tour
3.5 ⭐ 4 Reviews
A jump into history. Port Royal was at one time the busiest city in the Caribbean. During the age of the buccaneers, Port Royal was a bustling center for both legitimate trading and ill-gotten wealth.
This excursion includes a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including Fort Charles, and some free time, as well as round-trip transportation from your Kingston accommodation in an air-conditioned tour vehicle.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
The driver and the tour guides at Port Royal were amazing and funny.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Selina L, Sep 2016
27. Kingston City Tour
4.5 ⭐ 3 Reviews
Since Kingston is not one of the safest cities in the world, for most parts, and you wouldn’t know where it’s ok to go or not, the best way to visit is with a local guide.
This tour will take you around the highlights of Kingston and share interesting facts about Jamaican culture and history.
Having arrived (hour delayed) at Kingston airport, it was reassuring to see our guide and driver (John) waiting for us patiently out front the arrivals door.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, May 2022

Things to do in Jamaica: Port Antonio
Port Antonio is located in Portland, which is my favorite region (also called Parish), being more genuine and authentic, not yet consumed by huge hotels and mass tourism.
Port Antonio is a small town in the northeast of the island is where the first tourists landed in the 70s, arriving from the coasts of the United States by boat.
Portland is the rainiest part of the island, making its vegetation so lush and green.
Traveling to Port Antonio has always been my favorite drive: kilometers of roads amidst huge tropical leaves and trees, and lanes that seem to devour you.
They have now improved the road system, and I am glad to see that they have done so while still respecting the natural landscape.
Port Antonio is also a popular destination among Hollywood stars, who come and stay in beautiful villas scattered around the surrounding hills, to chill out, hide from the spotlight, and relax by the blue lagoon.
Besides total relaxation, Port Antonio also offers one of my favorite spots: The Reach Falls, which is my favorite among the fun things to do in Jamaica, but many other amazing locations in the area will make you fall in love.
Insider tips about Port Antonio:
- The majority of the beaches in Port Antonio require a small fee to enter, not sure how much but a few dollars, not a lot for your budget.
- Also, you need to know that in Port Antonio it rains a lot, and when I say a lot, I mean it. This is why the vegetation is so lush and green. So in case, don’t get mad, and enjoy the vibes.
Let’s move on to the things to do in Port Antonio.
28. Visit the spectacular Reach Falls
A series of small waterfalls form along the river, where you can walk upstream, swim, and relax in the natural whirlpools.
Similar to the Mayfield Falls, mentioned earlier, although these are longer and larger, a little more exciting, and less spoilt.
Ask your hotel to call you a driver or a taxi to take you there and wait for you to take you back to your hotel.

29. Visit the Green Grotto Caves
You can also visit these spectacular caves on a tour from Port Antonio if you are a group of 3 or 4 people. Otherwise, it’s more convenient to get a taxi.
30. Swim in the Somerset Falls
Right before arriving in Port Antonio, you will see the entrance on the right-hand side.
It’s a beautiful small waterfall where they take you on a tiny boat by the origin of the fall and you can jump from the rocks.
It’s a very peculiar experience. If you are driving in Jamaica you can get there on your own. They are located on the way to Port Antonio on the main road.
Otherwise, you can ask a taxi driver to take you and take you back.
31. Take a boat tour in the Blue Lagoon
Here you can rent bamboo rafts to float on and have the guides take you around the beautiful lagoon, surrounded by thick green vegetation.
32. Try the famous Jerk Chicken or pork on Boston Bay
Boston Bay is where the original jerk source was first created. Right by the beach, you will find street food stalls where you can get delicious jerk chicken, pork, fish, or other local food.
Visit the spectacular beaches in Port Antonio
32. Spend a day at Frenchmen’s Cove Beach
This bay is located on the premises of a beautiful hotel, a little tired now, but still charming, made from casitas scattered around the peninsula. The beach has public access for a small fee. Worth it.
33. Winnifred Beach
another beautiful beach on the coast of Portland. This beach has a little restaurant by the water, where you can taste a lovely Jamaican-style lunch while spending your day on the beach.
34. San San Beach
Another amazing corner of Port Antonio – a beautiful bay with a small kiosk where you can get drinks and local food
35. Boston Bay
It’s a beautiful bay although smaller than the others, it is a main attraction for the local surfer as it is where most often you get the right swells.
They have also built brand-new bathrooms and showers.
Jamaican culture and history
“Out of many one people.” What does the Jamaican motto mean?
The Jamaican motto reflects their heritage and history. Jamaican culture is built on a mixture of different nationalities that have blended throughout history: African, European, Chinese, Indian, and some Middle Eastern cultures, mixed with the Taino, the original inhabitants of the island.
So out of Many people means that they may be coming from different places but they are one people!
The meaning of the name “Jamaica”
The name Jamaica comes from the Taino name of Xaymaca, which means ‘the land of wood and water“. This is likely to come from the copious amount of vegetation and rivers found on the island.
👉 Jamaican food
Jamaica is a proud nation for its heritage and traditions.
Food, in particular, still rooted in preparation methods by the original settlers, the Taino, includes the ever-so-popular “Jerk”, which is not an insult in this case, but rather an extremely spicy sauce with a unique, authentic Jamaican flavor, used for cooking meat and fish.
Jerk chicken and Jerk pork are two of the main specialties in Jamaican cuisine, a topic that requires a full article covering every aspect in more detail.
👉 Religion in Jamaica
While I was living there I kept hearing that Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other country.
I am not sure if this is true or not as I never counted or investigated further, but I did see a lot of churches, and that’s true.
And if you happen to be there on a Saturday or on a Sunday, you should go and participate in a mass. It’s an amazing experience, an outburst of joy through song and touching words of wisdom.
The choirs are so heartfelt and engaging that no matter what creed you believe in; they will leave you positively heart-warmed.
👉 Rastafarianism
Perhaps you are wondering about Rastafarianism and its place in Jamaican culture.
It is common to think that all Jamaicans are Rastafarian, but nothing is further from the truth. Not all Jamaicans are Rastafarian, nor are all Rastafarians Jamaican.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, 64% of the population is Christian (62% Protestant and 2% Roman Catholic) and only 1.1% is Rastafarian.
Nevertheless, a few extra words should be spent on Rastafarianism, remembering the most famous Rastafarian, Bob Marley, whose reggae brought international recognition to the Jamaican movement.
There are many variations of Rastafarianism or many levels of practice, and there is no formal, organized leadership, although the common denominators are that Rastafari believes in the Divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I as the influence of Jamaican culture and resistance to oppression and pride in African heritage; all beliefs with strong political convictions, deeply influenced by African traditions.
The authentic Rastafarian lifestyle usually includes ritual use of marijuana, avoidance of alcohol, the wearing of one’s hair in dreadlocks, and vegetarianism.

👉 Music
Reggae music is indeed part of Jamaican identity, culture, and its strongest landmarks, as is Bob Marley, the most popular icon.
Although I am music illiterate, unable to distinguish between opera and rock, so to speak, a few words on the topic are due, thus I will leave you with the most useful links, where you can dig deeper into the history of reggae.
First of all, it is worth mentioning other names such as Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Prince Buster, among a few of the names who made history.
Reggae includes two sub-genres, Roots Reggae (the original reggae) and Dancehall Reggae, which originated in the late 1970s.
Reggae is the fuel for the Rastafarian movement and as a matter of fact, one of the main themes of traditional reggae has been social liberation in both political and religious aspects.
It is said that Reggae is not only the precursor to the modern Jamaican style of Dub, but also to American Ska, Jambands, and British reggae-based bands, for example, UB40 and the predecessor to the now popular Hip-Hop and Rap music.
One of the most popular Reggae festivals in Jamaica is the Reggae Sumfest, in Montego Bay which normally takes place at the beginning of July. Click here for the official site.
Here is the link to a list of the most popular reggae festivals in the world.
Today the big representatives of traditional modern Reggae are Morgan’s Heritage, Luciano & Buju Banton, and Beres Hammond, while artists such as Sean Paul and Shaggy represent us well with a more contemporary style of Reggae.
And my Italian pride, wants me to add among the best representatives of modern reggae, Alborosie, an Italian reggae singer, songwriter, and producer, who has been living in Jamaica for more than 2 decades now.
Despite his non-Jamaican origin, with his music work and heart, he has managed to conquer the respect and appreciation of the most strict purist of the reggae movement, becoming one of the most acknowledged and complete artists in Jamaica and internationally.
For the dancehall reggae, I will live you to this post whose author for sure knows much more than me.
Other useful links :
The Best Time to visit Jamaica
You can travel to Jamaica all year round, and you will find an amazing warm tropical climate.
However, if you want me to tell you what is the best time of the year to travel to Jamaica I would say winter, from January through May, when it should be dryer and cooler.
It is also the most expensive time of the year to go to Jamaica but the favorable climate makes it worth it.
There is less risk of hurricanes, actually zero to no chance of hurricanes. However, you can still expect showers now and then.

Is Jamaica safe?
Well, this is a difficult question that requires a long answer. That’s why I wrote an entire post about it. Click on the box below to read it.
However, the short answer is: Yes, it is safe to travel to Jamaica if you avoid certain areas and silly behavior.
Places like Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and Treasure Beach are the safest areas, but you still need to make sure you stay out of trouble.
Montego Bay is relatively safe along the coast; just don’t wander around like a tourist if you don’t know where you are going. Certain areas are not recommendable.
Kingston is for the pros! It’s a great city, but explore it with a local or a guide!
Read more in my full article on Safety in Jamaica
The best souvenirs to buy in Jamaica
In Jamaica, you will find souvenir shops everywhere, no kidding, especially in the proximity of the most popular tourist attractions. And they all sell pretty much the same things. I will list the most typical products from Jamaica:
✔ Local art ranges from hand-made wooden statues and small decorative objects to beautifully colored paintings. In Negril, you will find them in the artisan market at the beginning of the 7 miles beach before getting to town.
✔ Blue mountain coffee is cultivated and processed in the blue mountains surrounding Kingston, the Jamaican Capital. They also organize tours to the coffee plantations where you can hike and visit.
✔ Appleton Rum. Jamaicans are very proud of their own rum and you can visit the factory where it’s produced during a beautiful tour that covers part of the south coast and includes a visit to the YS fall, the black river, and other interesting sites.
How to get to Jamaica and around
All the major airlines fly from the most important hubs in the USA, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Huston, Orlando, New York, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
A few years ago, Copa Airlines is connecting South America as well through Panama, and of course, Europe is connected to the major capitals, through scheduled airlines or Charter companies.
The majority of tourism arrives at Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, although Kingston Airport, Norman Manley is also a good hub to arrive at and very well served by taxis and a local company called Knutsford Express.
Transportation from and to the airport
If you buy a package (which you can do on Expedia), you can normally include transportation to your hotel.
Otherwise, you can always approach one of the tour operators at the airport or take a taxi at the JUTA (Jamaican Tax Association) desk and purchase your transfer right there.
It’s just a little more expensive. If you want to book in advance, which is always advisable, here below you can find the links to different options according to your destination.
👉 From Montego Bay Airport to Montego bay hotels – Book your private shuttle here
👉 From Montego Bay Airport to Negril hotels – Book your private shuttle here
How to move around Jamaica
Jamaica by car
Those who know me, already know that I would have suggested renting a car from day one and being able to move around freely. I used Island
Otherwise, you can check on the Discover Cars platform and compare different car companies to find the best deals.

Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a great Car rental search platform for comparing different companies and choosing the one that fits your needs. With more than 710,000 Reviews and an average of 4.5/5 Scores, Discover Cars helps you find the best Car Rental company anywhere you are.
Jamaica by bus
After I left Jamaica they implemented a great service with a company called Knutsford Express.
They started small connecting only Kingston Airport with Montego Bay and I have seen that they have extended throughout the island connecting the most important cities.
Those are big, comfortable buses. Click on the link to check out their schedule and price.
Jamaica by taxi and tours
If you are not planning to explore on your own and you are a bit shy about renting a car, no worries.
Taxi in Jamaica are reliable and if you are lucky you will even meet an extra nice driver with real Jamaican positive vibes who will also be able to play the guide part.
Just make sure you agree on the prices before boarding. Also, you can check out the what-to-do section for our available tours so you will be able to enjoy your visit and not worry about anything.
THINGS TO DO IN JAMAICA – TRAVEL GUIDE
Things to do in Jamaica: Final thoughts
Oh wow!! You made it to the end of this huge guide about Jamaica! Congratulations! Now you know everything about this beautiful island and you are ready for an amazing trip!
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean islands with the strongest traditions and the deepest cultural identity, not only in the music heritage, which everybody knows about but also in the heart of the people, their passionate personality, and extraordinary talents.
So many talented individuals originate from this tiny island. Why is that? My guess: they are hard-working, high-spirited, warm-hearted souls who know how to give their all for the sake of self-integrity and freedom.
You see, I am probably being a bit biased, but this is how I feel about Jamaica. You will tell me what you think after your trip!
I truly hope this Jamaica travel guide has been useful and fun!
One love! and happy travels!
This post is a gem. Your info is accurate so far ( I am at “Where to Stay”). I love to read the writings of those who are not Jamaicans as I can feel the love and passion for our country; somethings we natives usually take for granted.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Yes, indeed we all tend to take for granted whatever is at an easy reach. 🙂