There are golden beaches, turquoise seas, colorful coral reefs, tropical waterfalls, and lush green mountains. No wonder Jamaica's indigenous people, the Tainos, named the island Xaymaca. It means “the land of wood and water” or “land of springs.” We have summarized the coolest, most exciting, impressive, and unique natural highlights here and picked out suitable offers. So you know not only the highlights and hidden gems of the island, but also the prices and can book directly from here. Water Shoes definitely belong on your trip to Jamaica!
- Important: The attractions are accessible from everywhere in Jamaica
- Discover: More highlights and tips in our ultimate Jamaica itinerary
Table of Contents
1 Montego Bay - Rafting on the Martha Brae River
You can enjoy the tropical scenery at your leisure, and if you want, the raft will dock for a swim stop. So don't forget your swimsuit! The trips start from the Martha Brae Rafting Village. There you'll find a picnic area, swimming pools, restrooms, gift stores, a lounge area, and a herb and medicinal garden.
- Tip: Bring your swimwear
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2 Montego Bay - Mayfield Falls
A natural paradise, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and diving deep into the true natural beauty. Mayfield Falls are sensational waterfalls that fall from different heights. The most spectacular is the “Washing Machine,” which is over 10 ft (3 m) high. All around, you'll be spoiled for choice with 21 natural swimming pools and natural whirlpools.
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3 Montego Bay - Quad and Rasta Safari
You will learn a lot about the beautiful community of the Roaring River and the history of the country with a delicious cup of Blue Mountain coffee and freshly squeezed juice. After that, things get really racy as you hit the gas on a quad bike from here on out. Uphill and downhill, with stops for swimming, past farms, and ganja fields, your tour guide will tell you about all these things. You will have delicious food with fresh products from the region for lunch. Because still so much action you should strengthen yourself well, so enjoy it!
- Tickets: Book your Rastafari and Quad Tour here
4 Ocho Rios - Dunns River, Climb a Waterfall
Dunn's River Falls is one of those must-see attractions! The waterfall is unique because nature has terraced it, like a giant staircase. This brings us to the point: climb a waterfall. In fact, with the help of water shoes (don't try it without), you can climb the 180 meters to the top relatively easily. There are also small slides here and there in the waterfall. I bet you'll climb up more than once.
The waterfall flows directly into the sea, so you can also lie comfortably on the beach. You can also do zip-lining here, and there are also plenty of things to do for kids. By the way, many scenes from the James Bond movie Dr. No were filmed here.
- Discover: All you want to know before - Dunn's River Falls Guide
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5 Ocho Rios - Glistening Waters
How about a dip in phosphorescent water filled with microorganisms in the middle of the night? Ok, new try. How about a swim in glowing and glistening water, like a sea of thousands of stars? Sounds more like it, doesn't it? This super rare natural wonder is called bioluminescence. The “fireflies of the seas” glow as soon as you move.
Why exactly and what for? No idea. Just this: it's an absolutely fascinating phenomenon. Super rare worldwide, and here in Jamaica, you can even swim in the water. The Jamaicans like to call the lagoon the fountain of youth, and indeed the water leaves a light velvety fine film on the skin. Just so you know everything, the water is alternately warmer and cooler, and the bottom feels a bit like damp absorbent cotton – better put on Water Shoes.
- Important: Don't visit after rain or full moon, because then you won't see anything
- Discover: Find more info and tips about the Glistening Waters
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6 Ocho Rios - Mystic Mountains
Our personal highlight: the ride on the bobsled! You whiz through the middle of the jungle on a bobsled. It is especially ingenious that you can control the speed yourself. The whole thing is based on the first Jamaican bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics. By the way, this sensation was also filmed with Cool Runnings.
To top it off, you can walk down half of the track with an escort, and the staff will explain flora and fauna to you. Absolutely exciting, because they really know everything from strangler figs to medicinal plants.
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7 Ocho Rios - Blue Hole
In the rainforest-covered mountains, above Ocho Rios lies the Blue Hole (also called Island Gully Falls or Irie Blue Hole). It owes its name to its deep, azure blue hue. You can jump in, climb in, or swing in. Supposedly, mermaids used to live in the hidden water caves. Sometimes you have to climb over slippery rocks, so we recommend Water Shoes.
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8 Ocho Rios - Konoko Falls
Walk through the beautiful tropical garden and enjoy the chirping of colorful birds. In the middle of nature, you will find Konoko Falls. You can swim in natural pools or climb up to the first cascade waterfall and stand under the waterfall. You can also go all the way to the top, where the next natural pool and a bar await you. And the best part? You can climb up as many times as you like. Water Shoes are a must.
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9 Port Antonio - Reach Falls
It doesn't get much more romantic than Reach Falls. The montane forest of the John Crow mountain range is a dreamlike forest, full of ferns and parrots. Nestled in this beautiful natural setting and surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, Reach Falls plunges into a heart-shaped pool. Romantic, isn't it! And the epitome of a tropical waterfall.
Be sure to take a guided tour, as you'll learn a lot about the history and be shown the phenomenal and fascinating underwater caves. We just say Rabbit Hole. Water Shoes are an advantage.
- Discover: The complete article about the Reach Falls
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10 Port Antonio - Blue Lagoon
- Tip: You can also rent a kayak
- Discover: All you need to know in our Blue Lagoon Travel Guide
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11 Kingston - Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park
Since 2015, the spectacular Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to many endemic plant and animal species. This includes the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee and several Maroon communities that live here in absolute harmony with nature.
There are many different hiking trails; for most, the highlight is the hike to Jamaica's highest peak, the 7,401 ft (2,256 m) Blue Mountain Peak – on a clear day, you can see all the way to Cuba!
- Important: The roads and trails are rough, get a 4WD and a tour guide!
- Disocver: All you need to know before - Blue Mountains
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12 Treasure Beach - Black River and more
- Discover: Our Treasure Beach Travel Guide
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13 Negril - Barney's Flower & Hummingbird Garden
And as if that wasn't beautiful enough, you also get to feed the little wonders of nature! Up-close encounters and gigantic photo opportunities, and on top, you can see Jamaica's national bird, the doctor bird, or swallow-tailed hummingbird. An absolutely indescribable experience that you will never forget!
14 Negril - Rick's Café
Do you, like some others, almost stop your heart at the sight of the cliff jumpers? Or do you belong to the brave ones and jump practically right after them? High up on the cliffs, you'll find Rick's Café, famous for its cliff jumpers and sunsets.
There's live music every night, and the food and cocktails taste even better with the incredible view. Don't forget your swimsuit, because even if you don't jump off the cliff into the ocean, take advantage of the cool pool. You can also visit Rick's Café combined with a sailing tour.
- Discover: All tips in our article about Rick's Café
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15 Negril - Seven Mile Beach
A piece of paradise you will find on the west coast of Jamaica. Imagine the clearest water and finest sand in the world, and you'll have a rough idea of how stunning this beach is.
Plus, there are beautiful sunsets every evening, the sky slowly turning shades of yellow, orange, and red. Postcard idyll. A really dreamlike beach and not for nothing, it is chosen every year as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you are looking for some sports and action, how about water-skiing, banana boat, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, or a tour with a glass-bottom boat?
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