18 of the best things to do in Jamaica

As one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica captivates with its natural beauty, deeply rooted cultural heritage and lively entertainment scene, drawing travelers from every corner of the globe.

From its lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to the pulsating rhythms of local music and thrilling attractions, the island offers abundant experiences for every kind of traveler.

Whether you're drawn to the serenity of the Blue Mountains or the high energy of a dancehall party, your time in Jamaica promises to be nothing short of memorable. Here are the best things to do when you’re here.

1. Hit a dancehall street party in Kingston

Dancehall music is a major part of Jamaican culture, and there’s no better place to experience dancehall than at a street party (also called a “dance” locally).

The biggest and most popular street parties are in Kingston: Weddy Weddy Wednesday (held at the Stone Love Headquarters) and Uptown Mondays (held at Savannah Plaza). Expect to see the shortest batty riders (short shorts), unique hairstyles (on men and women) and groups of synchronized dancers at these highly-anticipated events.

Almost anything goes here, as long as it’s in the name of fun. You must, however, keep the peace, buy a drink and, of course, dance along.

Local tip: If you want to attend a much smaller, less commercial street party in a small community, it's best to wait for (or seek) an invite from the host, or at least go with someone from the area.

2. Climb Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is arguably the most popular natural attraction in Jamaica. Located in Ocho Rios, its cascading waterfall flows over limestone terraces, creating a series of natural steps and pools along its course.

Unlike many waterfalls where you view the spectacle from a distance, at Dunn's River Falls you can climb and explore the falls for a hands-on experience.

While it's possible to climb the falls independently, most travelers hire a guide to help them navigate the terraced rocks and find the best spots for cooling off along the way.

It's suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a very popular destination for families and groups.

Planning tip: Dunn’s River Fall can be overwhelmingly crowded on days when a cruise ship docks in town, so avoid visiting on those days if possible.

3. Go rafting down the river

Nothing is quite as peaceful as gliding down a beautiful river on a bamboo raft. Popularized by Australian actor Errol Flynn, who lived on the island in the 1950s, top rafting locations include the Martha Brae River in Trelawny, the Rio Grande River and the Blue Lagoon in Portland.

The rafts accommodate two passengers and are navigated by a raft captain, who will tell stories about the nearby communities, dance and sing along the journey. You can stop and go swimming or even get a quick bite at the riverside shops.

4. Cliff jumping at Rick’s Café

Perched on the edge of limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Rick’s Café in Negril offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. The scenery alone is worth a visit, but don’t get it twisted: The atmosphere is far from quiet.

Rick’s Café is where you’ll find thrill-seekers satisfying their need for a rush of adrenaline by jumping off the cliffs and into the water. The cliffs range in height from about 6m to 11m (20ft to 35ft), offering varying levels of challenge for jumpers.

But if you’re not much of an adrenaline junkie, you can enjoy the vibes and watch local cliff divers show off their skills.

Planning tip: Rick’s Café has great food and drinks — try the rum punch or rum runner as well as the grilled garlic butter lobster and rum bbq ribs. There’s also live music or a DJ and dance contests, making it an entertaining way to spend the day.

5. Attend a reggae festival

Reggae Sumfest is one of the most anticipated events in Jamaica, celebrated every July in Montego Bay. The festival spans several days and features the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, plus international guests.

Several reggae artists also stage events annually. Lost In Time Festival, organized by reggae artist Protoje, has become one of the island’s major events in February. Rebel Salute, by veteran Tony Rebel, is held in January in St. Ann and is renowned for celebrating roots, conscious and cultural reggae music.

The Wickie Wackie Music Festival held on the beach of the same name in Bull Bay, St. Thomas showcases many up-and-coming reggae musicians. Reggae band Raging Fyah, the festival’s organizers, also perform.

Planning tip: Tickets for these events usually go on sale months or weeks in advance so be sure to check their websites and social media regularly if you plan on attending.

6. Tour the Bob Marley Museum

Reggae fans from all over the world visit Kingston to tour the former home of the icon Bob Marley. The Bob Marley Museum features a vast collection of personal artifacts belonging to the musical legend, including clothing, instruments, awards and memorabilia.

Come to see his iconic guitar, stage outfits and original vinyl records up close. Tours are between USD$20 and $40, and the property can get crowded on weekends.

One of the museum's highlights is Marley’s recording studio, now an exhibition hall, where many of his most famous songs were recorded.

Local tip: Every year on Bob Marley’s birthday (February 6) there’s a massive celebration at the museum. There’s no entry fee, and it’s a great place to see reggae artists, including his sons.

7. Taste authentic jerk chicken and pork

The world has tried to replicate jerk chicken and pork, but you won’t find authentic jerk anywhere else but in Jamaica.

For decades, Jamaicans have worked to perfect this style of cooking using a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings such as allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, pimento, garlic and ginger.

It’s a quintessential Jamaican dish, usually marinated for hours to allow the blend of spices to penetrate the meat, and then cooked slowly over a charcoal grill or wood fire, adding a smoky flavor to the tender meat.

Jerk is found in almost every restaurant or cookshop. But you don’t have to go to an establishment to get in. Street vendors have mastered jerk chicken and pork, cooking from oil drum pans on the roadside and at cheaper prices with larger portions.

Local tip: Boston Bay in Portland is the birthplace of the jerk style of cooking. These street vendors and roadside shops are where you’ll get a taste of the most authentic jerk.

Hungry for more? Feast your eyes on our guide to eating and drinking in Jamaica.

8. Sip rum at Hampden, Worthy Park or Appleton Estates

Jamaica's many rum estates offer a taste of the island's rich cultural heritage and world-renowned rum-making traditions.

At Appleton Estate in St. Elizabeth, take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the rum-making process. Don't miss the tasting sessions at the end of the tour, where you can sample a variety of Appleton's award-winning rums.

If you’re staying in or near Kingston, you can visit the Worthy Park Estate in St. Catherine, where you can also take a tour and learn about rum-making techniques, with tastings of their signature rums.

For those on the north coast, Hampden Estate is the one to visit. Here you'll find unique and varied rums, including high-ester expressions prized by rum enthusiasts.

9. Go hiking in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains in Jamaica offer ample adventures for climbers and nature enthusiasts alike. Rising to over 2256m (7400ft), it’s the highest peak on the island and provides stunning vistas of misty peaks, lush forests and cascading waterfalls.

There are several trails to explore, but the most popular is the Blue Mountain Peak Trail. It's a challenging 11.2km hike (seven miles, one way) to the summit, typically starting from Whitfield Hall or Portland Gap.

First-timers will likely need a guide to the peak. But you can opt for other shorter, easier routes like Holywell or Clydesdale.

Planning tip: Holywell Park is the most popular camping and picnic spot in the Blue Mountains – but you'll have to bring your own gear and food. There are also three cabins for hire in the park. There are several other small B&B-type lodgings in the area, such as Starlight Chalet and Jah B's Guesthouse. Be sure to book your stay beforehand.

Navigate like a local with these tips for getting around Jamaica.

10. Get a history lesson in Port Royal

During the 17th century, Port Royal was referred to as the "wickedest city on Earth," gaining notoriety as a haven for pirates, including famous figures like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard.

Today, the town is peppered with historic landmarks. Don't miss Fort Charles, a 17th-century fort built to defend the town from enemy attacks.

Inside the fort, you'll find the Maritime Museum with exhibits like weaponry and pottery highlighting Port Royal's history.

Next, make your way to the Giddy House, a former naval storehouse that was tilted by the massive 1692 earthquake. The tilt of the floors and walls creates a disorienting sensation, making it seem as though the building is leaning precariously to one side.

Detour: You can take a short boat ride from Port Royal to Lime Cay or Maiden Cay, two small uninhabited islands off the coast, with fabulous beaches. There’s a party at Maiden Cay every Sunday.

11. Marvel at Portland’s natural beauty

In Portland, Jamaica, it's easy to immerse yourself in a world of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

From discovering the deep waters of the Blue Lagoon and exploring the hidden caves at Reach Falls and Somerset Falls to embarking on adventurous bamboo rafting trips along the Rio Grande River and touring Devon’s Coffee Ranch, there's no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Save time for a spot of beach-hopping along Portland's coastline. Relax on the pristine shores of Frenchman's Cove, go surfing on Boston Bay Beach or party with locals on the weekend at Winnifred Beach.

Local tip: If you plan on visiting any of the natural attractions in Portland, be sure to bring cash with you. There’s usually a small entry fee, or locals will ask for a donation for maintenance.

12. Celebrate the Maroons at the Accompong Maroon Festival

Experience a unique part of Jamaica’s culture and history at the annual Accompong Maroon Festival in the Accompong Maroon village in Cockpit Country.

The festival is a celebration of the rich heritage and culture of the Jamaican Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations and established independent communities in the mountainous regions of Jamaica.

It is held on January 6 to commemorate the signing of a peace treaty between the British colonial authorities and the Maroons in 1738.

Festivities include traditional drumming, dancing, storytelling and performances of the Jonkonnu, a traditional Maroon masquerade. You can also learn about Maroon history, heritage and traditions through exhibitions and demonstrations.

13. Admire the art at the National Gallery of Jamaica

The most extensive collection of Jamaican art is housed at the National Gallery in downtown Kingston. Artwork spans from the Taino period to the present day. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings and mixed-media works by Jamaican artists, as well as works by artists from the wider Caribbean region.

14. Go swimming in the Luminous Lagoon

The Luminous Lagoon captivates visitors with its magical glow-in-the-dark waters. Located in Trelawny, it is one of only a few places in the world where you can witness bioluminescence in action.

The water in the lagoon contains millions of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates, which emit a bright blue-green light when disturbed. Experience the glorious Glistening Waters (as it’s also called) on a guided boat tour, where you’ll also get the chance to go for a swim in the otherworldy waters.

Planning tip: Tours don’t begin until sunset daily, so don’t go in the morning expecting to see anything out of the ordinary.

15. Spot a croc on the Black River Great Morass

Embarking from the historic 19th-century harbor of Black River on Jamaica's southern coast, small boats navigate through the intricate network of salt marshes and mangrove swamps within the Great Morass.

This biodiverse sanctuary is inhabited by several hundred American crocodiles, which are likely to show themselves once the waters are disturbed.

The Great Morass also serves as a nesting ground for birds, including the endangered West Indian whistling duck, and provides a habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals.

Learn more on an eye-opening guided tour – you'll also get the chance to swim in croc-free areas.

16. Explore Jamaica’s haunted mansion in Rose Hall

The Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay is a former plantation widely believed to be haunted by the spirits of the cruel mistress Annie Palmer, also known as the "White Witch.” Visitors and staff have reported numerous paranormal encounters, including sightings of Annie's ghost and strange occurrences within the house.

Despite its eerie reputation, the Rose Hall Great House welcomes brave visitors for guided tours that offer insight into its history and architecture. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the mansion, sharing stories about its former inhabitants and the mysteries surrounding it.

Planning tip: If you dare, tour the mansion at night, where you’re sure to be accompanied by a few spooky specters.

17. Grab a beer at sea at Pelican Bar

Built on stilts over the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Floyd’s Pelican Bar is situated on a sandbar about one kilometer (3/4 mile) from the shore. The rustic wooden drinking spot is accessible only by boat, typically departing from Treasure Beach or Parottee Bay in St. Elizabeth.

Here, you can go swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the clear waters surrounding the bar. But most come just to enjoy a cold beer, eat freshly caught seafood and enjoy the ocean views.

Local tip: Bring cash. There are no card machines at Floyd’s Pelican Bar.

18. Bobsledding through the Jamaican mountains

Inspired by the famous Jamaican bobsled team, Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios is one of the top adventure parks on the island, offering a range of thrilling activities amidst the lush tropical landscape.

Embark on an exhilarating rainforest adventure by taking a ride on the Sky Explorer chairlift, which ascends through the canopy, providing fabulous views of the surrounding scenery and the Caribbean Sea.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the park features the Mystic Mountain Bobsled Jamaica allowing guests to zip through the forest on a gravity-driven sled.

Additionally, the park offers opportunities for zip-lining through the treetops and exploring the natural beauty of the rainforest on guided nature walks.