Jamaica Travel Information – Adventures & Things to Do
The third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola, Jamaica is located south of the Cuba’s east end in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The island is about 146 miles (235 km) long and 51 miles (82 km) wide, the rough equivalent of 3 times the size of Long Island (NY, USA). Historically known as the “land of wood and water”, the island is probably best known for it’s Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as it’s Rum and Coffee.
A very popular Caribbean destination, a Jamaica vacation is one of the best opportunities to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting and golf.
Jamaica is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes mountain ranges, green valleys, wild rivers and waterfalls. Perhaps the island’s most iconic natural landmark is the Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Site. Now independent, the island has a long history with England. A very popular Caribbean vacation destination, Jamaica has plenty to offer travelers seeking an active vacation. Check out the activities below, and follow the links for more specifics, including Tour Operators who can help you get the most out of your day:
Active adventurous things to do in Jamaica:
(click on the highlighted links below for more information on each activity)
- Jamaica Golf may be the best in the Caribbean
- There are over ten golf courses on the island – A smorgasbord of Caribbean Golfing!
- Jamaica River Rafting is really something to be experienced!
- Try a slow romantic ‘gondola’ style ride or an exciting fast-moving tubing/rafting experience
- Cool off under a Jamaica Waterfall
- There’s at least a dozen easily accessible waterfalls to splash around in and cool off under
- Jamaica Hiking trails are some of the best in the Caribbean
- There’s plenty of hilly and mountainous hiking trails on the island, including short nature walks, nice intermediate hikes along with challenging mountainous adventures
- Jamaica Snorkeling and Jamaica Diving may surprise you
- Jamaica has plenty of good snorkeling spots and dive sites to explore
- There’s plenty of Jamaica Caving (Spelunking) to explore
- There’s tours of large caverns with bat viewing as well as remote rarely visited caves to go deep in
- Jamaica Cycling & Mountain Biking can be found all around the island
- Your need-for-speed will be satisfied on dozens of downhill MTB courses or several road circuits
- Jamaica Water Sports (Kayaking, Surfing, Wake-Boarding, Para-Sailing etc…) are there to enjoy
- Jamaica Sailing provides a truly unique perspective of the island
- Jamaica Fishing can be found right off the coast
- There’s plenty of deep sea / sport fishing and reef fishing around the island
For our “Best of” overview of active vacation activities on the island, click on Jamaica Adventures
Other activities and things to do in Jamaica
There are tour operators who will take you to the island’s main attractions including greathouses, swimming holes, rum distilleries and places to experience Reggae history/culture, bobsledding, zip-lining, horseback riding and ATVing. There’s also river safaris and ocean tours to enjoy. Check out “Other Things to do in Jamaica” for more information as well as local tour operators who can make it all happen.
In the mood for a party?
The island hosts a number of Festivals throughout the year… Check out the Jamaica Music & Food Festivals calendar for dates, locations and more information.
Looking to enjoy good rum in Jamaica?
No visit to a Caribbean island would be complete without sampling their local rums. Jamaica produces some of the best rums in the Caribbean. Click here to find more information on the Many Rums of Jamaica, and a couple of rum estate tours available.
Make your stay more enjoyable
Check out our local Jamaica Travel Info (language, power, currency, weather etc…) that will help you plan your trip.
Jamaica cares about the environment
Like you, we’re interested in supporting sustainable eco-tourism, and it’s good to know that Jamaica has initiated a number of clean energy initiatives on the island, and offer a number of “green” hotels and tour operators. Check out our Jamaica Sustainability page for more info.
With direct flights from the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany and Sweden, Jamaica is easily within reach, so pack your golf, water and hiking shoes and get active in the Caribbean!
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