Visiting Jamaica can feel as if you've fallen into an advertisement for the good life: palm trees sway in the Caribbean breeze while reggae music plays in the background. With a year 'round average temperature of 80° and more than 250 days of sunshine, a visit to Jamaica is meant to be spent outdoors.
Aside from the incredible snorkeling, hiking, and scuba diving that can be done all around the island, there are several outdoor experiences in Jamaica that focus on the beautiful rivers and waterfalls that dot the island.
So, when you're planning your next time to the Land of Wood and Water, add a few of these outdoor and water attractions in Jamaica into your itinerary.
Dunn's River Falls
When we visited Jamaica last year, this was one of the places that my husband and I visited. We were a bit wary since it's one of the major tourist attractions in Jamaica, and we usually shy away from places like that. Now that I've gone and climbed the falls, I'm really glad I did! It was busy, but not super crowded even in late May, and there were more locals than tourists climbing the falls with us. Dunn's River Falls are a fun challenge, but even kids can make the climb, so it's not super strenuous.
YS Falls
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{via flickr user Alberto Bondoni | creative commons} |
Martha Brae River
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{via flickr user Cesar | creative commons} |
You can also rent tubes along the river for a relaxing, scenic ride through the heart of Falmouth. This is a popular stop for visitors since it's so close to the cruise port in Falmouth.
Mayfield Falls
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{via flickr user Gerald Azenaro | creative commons} |
Many Montego Bay excursions include this on their itineraries, and it makes for a relaxing moment compared to the more intense water sports in the area.
Green Grotto Caves
Another favorite from our trip last year, the Green Grotto Caves are both a peek into the geological history of Jamaica and a great way to learn about the colonial history of Ocho Rios and the surrounding area.
You'll don a stylish hard hat for your tour as you weave in and out the multiple cave structures on property. The Grotto, one of the highlights of the tour, is where the Bond film Live and Let Die (1973) filmed a pivotal scene.
Reach Falls
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{via flickr user Tach_RedGold&Green | creative commons} |
Cave Valley
Located in the very heart of Jamaica, Cave Valley centers around a series of limestone caves. Although the caves are the focus of the area, Cave Valley historically has been a meeting spot for animal traders and sellers, a function that remains (in a smaller iteration) today.Explore the historic village of Vera Ma Hollis Savannah, where freed slaves based while fighting the English during the colonial period. Then, head out to take a peek at the bats inside Rat Bat Cave or hike to nearby Noisy Water Cave.
Cliff diving
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{via flickr user Chris Ford | creative commons} |
Cliff jumping is free, but it's always nice to buy a drink or burger (that's overpriced) from the cafe.
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When you're done exploring the best of Jamaica's outdoor activities, head to one of the country's stunning beaches for the perfect end to a busy day. With over 50 public beaches on the island, you'll be sure to find one nearby!
Which of these outdoor experiences in Jamaica would you like to try on your next trip to the island? Which have you already done on past visits?
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