Jamaica Must See

Jamaica is so large and offers so much that visitors are seldom able to fully explore the island in one visit!

Recommended Activities in Jamaica

Fort Montego

Ruins of this 17th century fort overlook the harbor.

Georgian Town Houses

Used to be the residences of wealthy merchants and planters, now occupied by restaurants (Town House and Georgian House).

Greenwood and Rose Hall Great Houses

These restored plantation houses are over 200 years old. Daily guided tours provide a glimpse of life on a sugar plantation.

Rocklands Feeding Station

Watch the birds feed daily in the mid-afternoon. Bird enthusiasts will also want to visit the Bird Sanctuary at Anchovy.

Sam Sharpe Square

Named for the gentleman who led the 1831 slave rebellion.

St. James Parish Church

Over 200 years old, this church was completely restored after being destroyed by an earthquake.

Martha Brae River Rafting

This river is one of the most popular for a gentle rafting excursion through tropical vegetation.

Negril Point Lighthouse

There is no admission charge to visit this landmark.

Drax Hall

Weekend polo matches are held here or at Chukka Cove.

Harmony Hall

One of the island's finest art galleries housed in a 19th century Victorian mansion.

Dunn's River Falls

One of the most breathtaking sights in Jamaica, Dunn's River Fall is a magnificent waterfall that empties into the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can enjoy incredible views of this natural treasure from the beach at its base or get a sense of its power by viewing it from the top after a short hike-with a tour guide or without one. The journey to the top-600 feet-is scenic and not overly difficult. If you do plan to climb the falls, dress accordingly (ie., wear sneakers and clothes you don't mind getting wet.)

Fern Gully

500 species of ferns grow along this three-mile stretch of road through rain forest.

Prospect Plantation

Take a tour of this 1000 acre working plantation on horseback or by jitney.

Rio Nuevo

Spanish and English fought their last battle here. Site is preserved by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

Shaw Park Garden

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Caribbean and Ocho Rios from here. The botanical garden features tropical plants, streams, and tropical birds.

St. Ann's Bay

A statue of Columbus commemorates his being marooned in Jamaica for a year. National hero Marcus Garvey was born in St. Ann's Bay.

The Seville Great House

Looks over the site of the first Spanish settlement.

Submarine Rides

Visitors who are not divers can still dive deep under the ocean surface on two submarines. One of these submarines recently searched for the Loch Ness monster in Scotland.

Columbus Park Museum

This outdoor museum displays artifacts of old Jamaica including cannons, carved canoes and farm implements.

Green Grotto Lake

Explore the caves leading to the lake 120 feet underground and take a boat ride.

Llandovery

Here you can see the remains of an old sugar factory where rum was produced for about 300 years.

Rio Bueno

Christopher Columbus' first landing place in Jamaica in 1494.

Crystal Springs

This 16-acre recreational area is a popular site for concerts and other events. The gardens are filled with orchids.

Folly

An American built this mansion for his wife, utilizing sea water for the cement. Because of this, the building quickly deteriorated and very little remains.

Navy Island

Errol Flynn once came here to hide away. It was also a naval station, but is now a resort and marina.

Nonsuch Caves and Athenry Gardens

See the caves and flowers. The caves have been linked with the Arawaks, Jamaica's early inhabitants.

Reich Falls

Spectacular waterfalls.

Rio Grande

The largest river in Jamaica. Raft excursions are very popular and can be easily arranged.

Somerset Falls

The Daniels River pours down a deep gorge forming Somerset Falls. The pools attract swimmers.

Gordon House

Jamaica's Parliament meets here - visits for tourists can be arranged.

Institute of Jamaica

National Library, National History Museum. Jamaica's history and island life is explored at these national museums.

Kingston Parish Church

Building began around 1699.

National Gallery

Houses the world's largest collection of Jamaican art - air conditioned.

Bob Marley Museum

Bob Marley's home and recording studio is now a museum.

Celebrity Park

Contains Bob Marley's statue by Alvin Marriott.

Devon House

A Jamaican millionaire built Devon House in 1881. The restoration is excellent. Here you will also find restaurants, gardens and craft shops.

Hope Gardens

Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Botanical gardens also known as the Royal, these fabulous gardens were created by Sir Daniel Morris who imported over 800 species of plants from Asia and Africa.

Kings House

The home of the Governor General. You may visit 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

National Stadium and National Arena

Major sporting events are held here as well as the Independence celebrations each August.

St. Andrew Parish Church

This church is said to be the oldest church in Jamaica. It has many interesting tombs.

Vale Royal

Official residence of the Prime Minister. A wealthy merchant resided here during the early 18th century.

Blue Mountain Peak

Highest mountain in Jamaica. Be sure to bring a sweater!

Newcastle

Army training camp, approximately 3,500 feet above sea level, affording a great view of the city.

Port Royal

Once the headquarters of the British navy in the Caribbean, and a pirate base prior to that, it is now a fishing village. Attractions include military forts, armaments and artifacts.

Rockfort Mineral Bath

Natural mineral spa.

White Marl Arawak Museum

Arawak artifacts are on display on the site of a major Arawak settlement.

The Old Court House

Former House of Assembly, Rodney Memorial and the facade of Kings House are some of the historic sites.

The Spanish Town Cathedral

St. Jago de la Vega, or Cathedral of St. James, was rebuilt in 1712 after the original 16th century building was destroyed by a hurricane.

Mandeville Courthouse

Built by slaves 170 years ago of carved limestone.

Marshall's Pen

This 200-year old great house if the centerpiece of a 300-acre cattle ranch. Guided tours showcase antiques, stamp and shell collections. The wildlife sanctuary will please "birders". Of the over 250 species of birds, 23 are unique to Jamaica.

Roxborough

Norman Washington Manley was born here.

Black River

Jamaica's longest river system is home to crocodiles and many species of birds and fishes. Boat trips to the Great Morass, a 7,000-acre wetland, can be arranged here.

Lover's Leap

The cliff face drops 1,700 feet to the sea. The view is spectacular.

Milk River Bath

These therapeutic mineral springs are reputed to be the world's most radioactive mineral waters.

Jamaica Guide

About Jamaica

The Jamaicans say "Out of Many, One People", and it is true. Jamaica's diversity offers something for every vacationer! more

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