Jamaica, the land of wood and water, is a Caribbean island known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to this tropical paradise. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a list of 23 must-see sights and places for your trip to Jamaica in 2023. From exploring historical sites to indulging in local rum, this list has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to Jamaica!
Floyd’s Pelican Bar
Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a rustic wooden bar built on a sandbank about ¾ of a mile out at sea. What started as a dream for local fisherman Floyd Forbes has grown into a must-see bucket list item when visiting Jamaica. Floyd’s Pelican Bar was first opened in 2001 and was initially meant to be a rest stop for local fishermen in the area. However, as word got out about this cool new spot, locals and tourists started arriving in numbers. Fun fact: the name “Pelican Bar” came from a large flock of Pelican birds that rested on the sandbank where the bar was built.
Rafting Martha Brae
Jamaica’s premier rafting attraction is located in Trelawny, just 10 minutes from the town of Falmouth – Rafting on the Martha Brae. First established in 1970, this adventure covers a three-mile stretch of the Martha Brae River and lasts approximately 1hr & 15min aboard the 30ft bamboo rafts. As you make your way along the river, your raft captain tells you about the history of the Martha Brae. The ride ends at “Rafter’s Rest” which features a bar, gift shop, restaurant & photo shop.
7 Mile Beach
The world-famous 7 Mile Beach is located off Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril. This seven-mile stretch of unadulterated white sand beaches with clear turquoise waters extends into Bloody Bay. It’s ideal for sunbathing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and many other fun water sport activities. There are also several resorts and restaurants along this heavenly stretch of beach.
Hampden Estate Rum Tour
With its history dating back to 1753, learn about the over 260 year old rum making process that still exists today at The Hampden Estate. This rum tour is located in Falmouth, Trelawny, approximately 25 minutes from the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier. As with the other tours, the journey begins with a cold refreshing rum punch. Thereafter comes an interesting history lesson about Jamaica and the history of the Estate, one that even the avid history lover would enjoy and even learn something new. You’ll then explore the grounds of the Hampden Great House, while experiencing the historical working distillery as part of your tour. Last but not least the tour ends with tasting of the Estate’s multi award winning rums.
Rafting on the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in Jamaica. It is also where bamboo rafting first started on the island. Raft Captains are skilled and licensed to take you down the river on the 25-30 feet long rafts, while you relax and absorb the natural beauty around you. As you continue down river, your Captain will tell you about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of the river itself. You’ll even get the opportunity to be the captain for a minute or two.
Blue Mountain Coffee Tour
Blue Mountain Coffee, one the world’s richest and most expensive coffees is grown right here in Jamaica. Standing at 7,402 ft, the Blue Mountains is the highest peak in Jamaica. A Blue Mountain Coffee tour takes you on a fascinating coffee journey. From how coffee is grown and harvested, to that tasty brew in your cup.
Port Royal
Port Royal was once “the richest and wickedest city in the world”, today, it’s become a quiet fishing village, filled with historical landmarks and some interesting things to do. Below are just a few of the things to enjoy;
Glorias – The best spot for seafood this side of the city.
Fort Charles – is the oldest fort in Jamaica was built in 1656. It was one of six forts located in Port Royal, served to guard the entrance to Kingston Harbour. It was the only fort to survive the 1692 earthquake.
The Giddy House – Built in 1888, the Earthquake of 1907 shifted it to its present 45’ angle. The name came about from the strange sensation of being giddy or off balance, when you enter the building. It’s almost impossible to stand up straight!
A fishing boat to the Cays; Lime Cay or Maiden Cay
Devon House
Kingston, Jamaica is home to the island’s premier i-scream (not ice-cream) location; Devon House. Devon House ice-cream was voted the 4th Best Place to enjoy ice cream in the world by National Geographic in 2011.
Devon House is also a national monument and was once home to Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Guests can enjoy a guided tour of the Mansion. There are also restaurants, a bakery and other shops on the property for visitors to enjoy.
Bowden Falls / Falling Edge Falls
Falling Edge Waterfalls or Bowden Hill Falls is located off the beaten path in Stony Hill, St. Andrew. The small and tranquil Falls is approximately 40ft high and cascades into a natural pool. There’s a 15 – 20 min hike involved to get to the falls, but totally worth the escape it provides from the busy city below.
Blue Hole
One of the best water attractions just outside of Ocho Rios. Blue Hole is a series of natural limestone sinkholes found along the turquoise waters of the White River. Blue Hole is rightly named from the deep blue hue of the water. Experience the thrills of nature as you hike and climb to Island Gully Falls. Swing and swim into the refreshingly cold waters of the Blue Hole.
The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience
Nestled in the community of Silaoh in St. Elizabeth, The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Tour experience promises to bring you through the history of Jamaican Rum, from the growing of sugarcane, its processing, and its end product RUM, there’s even a bit of rum drinking at the start and end of the tour.
Luminous Lagoon
Jamaica’s only natural night time attraction is located in the beautiful parish of Trelawny, at Glistening Waters – Luminous Lagoon. The Luminous Lagoon is named after the microscopic organisms that emit bio-luminescent light when agitated. Bioluminescence light is a natural phenomenon in which an organism produces and emits light due to a chemical reaction. One very common example of this is the sparkle of fireflies on a warm summer night.
Tours start daily at sunset for this very memorable and magical experience. It is said the bio-luminescent in Jamaica is the largest and brightest of all in the world. The tour lasts approximately 45-60 minutes.
Black River Safari
Enjoy a cruise along the Black River located in the Parish of St. Elizabeth. Learn about the wildlife (esp the crocs) and history of the area as you cruise along the island’s longest navigable river.
Dunn’s River Falls
Jamaica’s most renowned waterfall is Dunn’s River Falls. The 960 ft tall falls is just 5 minutes outside of Ocho Rios and the crystal clear waters flow directly into the Caribbean Sea. Dunn’s River Falls was also featured in the James Bond Movie “Dr. No ”. Make sure to climb the Falls when you visit as it’s a must do bucket list item.
Rick’s Café
Arguably the best place to watch the sunset at the western end of the island. Rick’s Cafe was founded in 1974 and was the first public bar and restaurant atop the 35ft high West End Cliffs. Today, it’s a world-renowned spot for heart-throbbing and exhilarating cliff jumping from as high up as 35ft!
Doctor’s Cave Beach
Doctor’s Cave Beach or Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club, is located in the middle of the Montego “Hip Strip”, Gloucester Avenue. The beach was named after a doctor who owned the property in the 1800s and it was only accessible via a cave (which was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1930s). White sand, clear blue waters, and water trampolines on-site help make Doctor’s Cave Montego Bay’s number 1 beach. The beach also boasts a stunning and thriving reef that’s perfect for snorkelers.
Frenchman’s Cove
This postcard-perfect beach is located in Port Antonio, Portland. Frenchman’s Cove offers the unique combination of a lazy river and beach in one. This stunning beach was captured in the movie “Knight and Day” starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. A swing, a cold refreshing dip in the river or sunbathing on the golden sands of the beach with a bar and grill a stone throws away help Frenchman’s Cove to be one the must see stops in Jamaica.
Reach Falls
Reach Falls located in Manchioneal, Portland is fed by the Driver’s River and is a luxurious eco attraction hidden in the Montane Forest on the John Crow Mountain Range. It features a natural heart-shaped jacuzzi that massages the whole body. The beautiful cascading Falls have also been featured in a few movies.
Turtle Bay Beach
Turtle Bay Beach is another hidden gem located off the beaten path in Manchioneal, Portland. The name comes from the large turtle-shaped rock protruding from the sea. And yes, I assure you this is jamaica. The waves can get a little rough, so it may not be ideal for a swim but you won’t mind after taking in the picturesque scenery around you. Chances are you’ll also have the place to yourself!
Green Grotto Caves
Green Grotto Caves is a world class attraction featuring a large labyrinthine limestone cave with unique rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites and abundance of overhead ceiling pockets, and bats. Green Grotto is approximately 1,525m long and 12m deep and is characterized by numerous chambers and light holes and a subterranean lake.
Fish Dunn Falls
Fish Dunn Falls is located in the quaint community of Silver Hill in Portland. The powerful and majestic falls apparently got its name because that’s the area where fishes can’t swim past. Beware the water is extremely cold and deep, as the falls is located in the middle of a mountain range.
Holland Bamboo
Holland Bamboo Grove is located in Lacovia, St. Elizabeth – the breadbasket of Jamaica. The avenue is roughly 2 ½ miles or 4 km long and portrays a beautifully arched and shaded arrangement of bamboos on both sides of the roadway. It is a heritage site and one of Jamaica’s tourist attractions, which is said to be the most photographed place on the island.
Jamaica Swamp Safari Village
Jamaica Swamp Safari Village was first established as a crocodile farm in 1969. The Safari village sits on 50 acres of a natural mangrove habitat in Falmouth. Over the years other wild animals were acquired to be a part of the daily shows. In 1972 the farm earned notoriety courtesy of the James Bond film, “Live and Let Die”. The Safari Village’s main feature is the American Crocodile and it’s one of the few places where one can view crocodiles in every stage of development. Other attractions include a bird aviary. Visitors also get the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile or a Jamaican Boa and learn all about the Safari’s
Jamaica is an island that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors in 2023. From its stunning beaches and lush rainforests, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The 23 sights and experiences outlined in this article are just a taste of what the island has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, make sure to add these must-see attractions to your itinerary. With a little planning and a bit of adventure, you’re sure to have a trip of a lifetime in Jamaica in 2023. Remember to be safe, enjoy the culture and have fun.
Walk Good
