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6 Great Jamaican Adventures You Should Experience

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Active Caribbean Travel Has a Blast River Tubing down the Yardy River in Jamaica

Adventurous Things to Do in Jamaica – Rivers, Links, Trails, Caves and more…

The third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti / Dominican Republic), Jamaica is located south-east of Cuba in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The island is about 3 times the size of Long Island NY.  Aptly 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. 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.

To really appreciate Jamaica’s natural beauty, you need to get away from the resorts and journey into Jamaica’s forests and get active on it’s rivers and mountains.  A very popular Caribbean vacation destination, Jamaica is one of the best islands to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting, hiking and golf.  Our personal favourites include:

Jamaica River Rafting and Tubing

It would truly be a shame to visit Jamaica and not experience one of it’s marvelous rivers…  Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a slow romantic ‘gondola’ style ride, or you can get wet on an exciting fast-moving river tube or raft. Can’t decide? No Problem Mon – You can do both!

Active Things to do in Jamaica include River Rafting - Gondola Style

For a relaxing and romantic rafting excursion, there are a few options to choose from.  Probably the most famous rafting tour in Jamaica is on the Martha Brae, a meandering river close to Falmouth.  You start at “Rafter’s Village”, six acres of grounds that include manicured lawns, Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, a picnic area, a full service bar, souvenir shops, a swimming pool and modern restrooms.  From there, your personal guide will pole you and your companion down 3 miles of quiet river on a long bamboo raft.  Similar bamboo rafting tours are also available on the Great River just west of Montego Bay, as well as on the Rio Grande river, just west of Port Antonio – at the east end of the island. One of the most romantic and relaxing things to do in Jamaica!

Active Things to do in Jamaica include white water River Rafting / River Tubing

For a more adventurous river rafting experience, you can venture out into the fast moving waters of the White River, just east of Ocho Rios.  You’ll love the stunning White River Valley while you’re tubing or rafting, and you’ll enjoy some bird watching on a short hike to some lovely waterfalls.  If you’re staying on the other side of Ocho Rios closer to Falmouth, you’re in for a treat river rafting on the fast moving waters of the Rio Bueno River – Also known as the Jungle River, some Rio Bueno River tours include waterfalls, rapids, river pools and a private beach.  Similar rafting tours are also available: At the west end of the island on the Yardy and Great Rivers; South of Falmouth at the Good Hope Estate as well as the River Bumpkin Farm; South west of Montego bay on the Great River at the Lethe Estate.

For more information about rafting, tubing and the tour operators who will get you on the water, check out our Jamaica River Rafting / Tubing page

Want to see more? Check out our Jamaica River Rafting on the Martha Brae, and Jamaica Yardy River Tubing Fun videos on YouTube!

Jamaica Golf – So Many Courses to Choose From!

Perhaps the best Golf destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers a smorgasbord of Caribbean Golf with over ten courses to choose from, including a number of Championship courses.  Located mostly along the north coast between Negril and Ochos Rios at the west end of the island, here’s a small sampling of Links to wet your appetite:

The Tryall Club Resort is an 18-hole, 6,836-yard golf course designed by Ralph Plummer.  The course covers land bordering the sea, and travels inland rising 180 feet (55m).

Active Things to do in Jamaica include playing Golf

Half Moon Resort has an 18-hole / Par-72 championship course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later updated by Roger Rulewich.  This golf course is home to PGA tournaments including the Jamaica Open and the European PGA Senior Tour.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at Rose Hall is an 18-hole course originally designed by Hank Smedley and later updated by Robert von Hagge/Rick Baril.  This golf course features sea-side holes and a 350 foot (105m) rise from the ocean. Home to PGA tournaments including the BMW Jamaica Classic, the Latin America Tour and Annie’s Revenge ProAm.  It’s 15th hole was used for a scene in the James Bond Movie ‘Live and Let Die’.

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort (Also known as SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway Bay) is an 18-hole / Par 72 championship golf course measuring 6,870 yards.  Designed by Major John Harris, this course has hosted PGA tournaments including the Ryder Cup, The Jamaica Open, The Brinks (JA) Classic, The Heineken World Cup Qualifier, CNBC Nations Cup and numerous JGA Qualifiers.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Golf

Founded in 1865, the Manchester Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the Caribbean.  This 9-hole / Par 35 course measures 2,865 yards and is set on 55 acres of rolling hills, at over 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level.

For more information on one of the most popular things to do in Jamaica, including a full list of courses along with tour operators you can get you there, click on our Jamaica Golf Vacations page



Jamaica Hiking – Several Forests to Choose From

There’s plenty of variety with the hiking trails on the island.  There’s some hilly and mountainous trails as well as some short nature walks.  For the serious hiker, you can enjoy some intermediate or more challenging mountainous adventures for sure.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in the Blue Mountain and John Crow National Park

At the east end of the island, the Blue Mountain range is 28 miles (45km) long and typically covered in a bluish cloudy mist, hence it’s name. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, is where you can find the highest points of the island, including Blue Mountain Peak which stands 7,402 feet (2,256 m) tall – The most iconic hiking tour in Jamaica, the Blue Mountain Sunrise Hike, ascends this peak.  The trail is about 11.5 miles (18.5km) long round trip, requiring 5-8 hours.  This is a great hike with epic views of the island / sea waiting for you at the top.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in the Holywell Recreation Area

There’s another half dozen up-hill mountainous trails in the Park, ranging in length from 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km), including Middleton Mountain and Catherine’s Peak.  The Holywell Recreation Area, also located in the Park has a few easier trails, each taking little more than an hour to complete.

Another dozen decent trails can be found just outside of The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, north-east of Kingston.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – National Park and Surrounding Area page

While the southern portion of the Blue Mountain Range gets most of the attention, the northern part of the foothills, just south of Port Antonio offers some great hiking as well. Quiet and remote, this area will show you all the natural beauty Jamaica has to offer!  There are a few trails in the Rio Grande Valley and a few more near Moore Town, three hours south of Port Antonio.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – North East page

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in Cockpit Country

Another hilly region of note in the north-west/central part of the island is the Dry Harbour Range with it’s lesser known and visited Cockpit Country. This is probably the wildest area left on Jamaica. The jungle landscape is wrinkled and dimpled with hundreds of limestone hills and karst caves and is home to a few hidden trails worth exploring.

Day hikes in Cockpit Country include the challenging Troy to Windsor Trail which follows the route of a British military road built in the 1700s for 10 miles (16km) one way.  The Quick Step Trail is 11 miles (18km) one way running from Windsor to the village of Quick Step.  There are also a couple of easier shorter hikes as well.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – Cockpit Country page

Jamaica Waterfall – Cool Off Under a Refreshing Stream of Water

One of my favourite things to do in Jamaica is to visit one of over a dozen easily accessible waterfalls on the island. This is a great way to explore the real Jamaica – Get out there and explore her rivers and natural highlights attractions like waterfalls.  Excursions usually involve a short hike to the falls, where you can cool off under a soft stream of clean Caribbean water then splash around in natural river pools.

The best locations for a wet and wild waterfall experience in Jamaica include:

Active Things to do in Jamaica include visiting a Waterfall

YS Falls – Located in the south-west part of island between Negril and Kingston, these falls feature a spectacular seven-tiered cascading waterfall.  A visit there can also also include wading pools (one with a rope swing), canopy rides, river tubing and a zip-line.

Mayfield Falls can be found nestled in the Dolphin Head Mountains, on the west end of the island between Negril and Montego Bay.  Take a short hike along a bamboo stairway, across manicured lawns and a wooden bridge to a Rasta village called Reggae Style Mayfield Village.  From there a guide will accompany you along the snaking river so that you can enjoy a number of mineral pools, the waterfalls as well as taste local foods.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include visiting a Waterfall... Dunns River Falls

Of course, the most iconic tourist attraction in Jamaica has to be Dunn’s River Falls, just west of Ocho Rios. Although it’s always crowded with tourists, this is indeed a beautiful area where you can join hands with others and walk on it’s natural calcium carbonate based steps, part-way up the 600 feet (180m) tall gorgeous waterfalls.

Konoko Falls, just west of Ocho Rios, are a beautiful cascading waterfalls in a well maintained Park environment.

The Irie Blue Hole, also known as Secret Falls and the Cool Blue Hole, has a nice waterfall along with natural swimming pools.  South-east of Ocho Rios, these falls are further away from the crowds, making it a great location to visit.  Please note that the “Blue Lagoon”, from the movie with Brooke Shields, is located just west of Port Antonio.

Other less visited waterfalls can be found in the east end of Jamaica.  Reach Falls are located just east of Port Antonio – This hidden gem has been featured in a couple of major movies.  Somerset Falls, just west of Port Antonio are situated in a natural garden with ponds.  Scatter Waterfalls are located in the Rio Grande Valley south of Port Antonio – These private grounds have several hiking trails and a campground.

For more information, along with tour guides who can help make the most of your day, check out our Jamaica Waterfalls page

Want to see more? Check out our Natural Beauty of YS Falls video on YouTube!

Jamaica Caving (Spelunking)

Escape the sun’s rays by venturing underground to explore one of Jamaica’s dozens caves – Some are accessible by tourists, while others are for serious spelunkers.  There’s tours of large caverns with bat viewing as well as remote rarely visited caves to go deep into…

For tourists looking for a cool cave tour you have a few options:

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Caving / Spelunking

You can visit the popular Green Grotto Caves, between Falmouth and Ocho Rios. You’ll experience passageways and chambers close to 130 feet (40m) below the earth’s surface.  The feature attraction is the ‘grotto’ itself – A huge limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, as well as a large subterranean body of water.

The Two Sisters Cave is located just south-west of Kingston and features two caves (hence the name), each with a large sink hole filled with fresh water. These caves are connected underground to a myriad of caverns extending in all directions. One cave contains a petroglyph carving of a face which is believed to be several hundred years old.

Further west of Kingston, you’ll find the Mountain River Cave.  A mile long trail takes you to the cave, which is about 30 feet deep.  Plenty of ancient pictographs can be seen on the cave walls, along with a few petroglyphs.

One of the more adventurous things to do in Jamaica is to go caving / spelunking in Cockpit Country or Cave Valley… What an experience!

Cockpit Country, south-east of Montego Bay, is home to hundreds of rivers, streams and caves that provide some of the best spelunking opportunities in the Caribbean.  There are hundreds of caves in the area, including:  Windsor Caves; Smokey Hole Cave – Which at 630 feet (193m) deep is the deepest on the island, Rock Spring Cave and the huge Quashie River Sink.

Cave Valley is located pretty much in the centre of the island.  This is really cool…  A river travels both under and above the ground, appearing and disappearing as it meanders through the valley.  Major caving attractions include the “Noisy Water” River Cave and “Rat Bat Hole”.

For more information, as well as tour operators who will get caving, click on our Jamaica Caving page

Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling

Biking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while taking-in breathtaking views of the mountainous island and Caribbean sea. Making good use of it’s natural landscape and ancient foot-paths, Jamaica has plenty of technical and just plain fun downhill mountain biking trails, as well as several flat and hilly cross-country routes to enjoy. There are scenic coastal road circuits to cycle as well. Riding through active plantations and small villages, then cooling off in a local waterfall is a great way to experience Jamaica.

If you’re looking to join an organized ride, Jamaica has three annual events: The Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival in February – Great for mountain biking enthusiasts; The Jamaica Reggae Ride in November – A 3 day escorted bike ride across the scenic coastlines of the island; and The Jamaica By Bike Ride – A long distance cycle from Kingston to Negril.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Mountain Biking and Cycling

The Negril area has a number of bike trails, both in the hilly wilderness as well as along the coast.  There are challenging trails for the hard-core biking enthusiasts as well as easy routes for sight-seeing.

Your need-for-speed will be satisfied on downhill MTB courses between Ocho Rios and the Blue Mountains.  With names like ‘Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Jellied Eel’ and ‘Pressure Drop’ you know you need to check out these trails!

Not surprisingly, some of the island’s most challenging biking is in the Blue Mountains.  Trails range in length from 1 to 11 miles (0.5 to 17 km), with most in the 1 to 4 mile (2-6km) range.  Trail names like ‘Triple Bypass’ and ‘Downpipe Gully’ paint a mental picture for sure!

That said, there are also tourist focused ‘sightseeing’ rides in the Blue Mountains that everyone in the family can enjoy.


For more info on one of the funnest things to do in Jamaica, including tour operators who will get you on the saddle, check out our Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling page

Enjoy!

ACT Staff

Also – For great Tourist Attractions, check out our Things to Do in Jamaica blog

For an overview of the land of wood and water, take a look at our Jamaica Vacations page

For a video collage of Some of the Fun Things to Do in Jamaica, check out our YouTube video (by clicking the highlighted link)

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Jamaica has Great-Houses, Zip-lines, Rum, Reggae & more…

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So Many Fun Things To Do in Jamaica – This Caribbean Island Has It All

The third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola, the “land of wood and water” is probably best known for it’s Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as it’s Rum and Coffee. One of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations, there’s a diverse assortment of things to do in Jamaica, satisfying travelers of all tastes.

We’ve pulled together Jamaica’s most “popular” attractions. Whatever you’re into – ‘No Problem’, we’re sure that Jamaica has you covered with things to enjoy on your next vacation there.

Great-Houses and Plantations 

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Great-Houses and Plantations

Imagine yourself living in a by-gone era, when large houses and plantations dotted the Caribbean.  If you’re interested in historical buildings and grounds from Jamaica’s colonial days, there’s plenty to see (day and night).

Rhodes Hall Plantation, located just north of Negril, is a 550 acre property featuring horseback riding and a large crocodile reserve.  Believe it – It’s true!

One of the most famous of Jamaica’s Great-Houses, Rose Hall is just east of Montego Bay.  It has an impressive plantation and mansion that you can visit.  While you’re in the area, you can also visit Greenwood Great-House which has a mansion and museum to enjoy.

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Great-Houses and Plantations

About an hour south of Montego Bay you can take a plantation tour at Croydon In The Mountains.  The Barnett Estate / Belfield Great-House is also in the general vicinity, where you can explore it’s mansion and gardens.

Seville Heritage Park is just west of Ocho Rios.  This is the location where Christopher Columbus first met Jamaica’s indigenous peoples.  One the grounds now, you’ll find a Great-House, Museum and Park.  Just east of Ocho Rios you’ll find Harmony Hall House, which provides a typical example of Jamaican-Georgian architectural.  The building now houses an Art Gallery.

Kingston’s Devon House, built for Jamaica’s first black millionaire, is a 19th century Georgian style mansion on 11 acres of property. Yes…  You’ll find a boutique and famous ice-cream parlour there!

For more information and tour operators for Jamaica’s Great-Houses, click on our Things to Do in Jamaica page

Zip-lining (and Bob-Sledding – Whaaaat?)

Jamaica is a very mountainous island after all, so it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the natural landscape to get some amazing views and some thrills, in the form of high speed or high heights, as well…

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Mystic Mountain's Zip-lines, Chairlifts and Bob-Sledding

Mystic Mountain is a major tourist attraction just outside of Ocho Rios. This 700 foot (210m) high peak is home to a rich forest ecosystem and spectacular views, along with three man-made attractions:  The Sky Explorer Chairlift, Bobsled Jamaica and Zip-lines.

The Sky Explorer is a chairlift that takes you above the treetops providing unique views of the tropical jungle canopy, while the unique Bobsled Jamaica is an amazing 3,285 foot (1km) long sled ride through the rain-forest!  There are five zip-lines on-site, totaling close to 1,600 feet / 500m in length. You’ve come this far – There’s also a 80 foot (25m) long suspension bridge to walk across.

A number of other Adventure Parks on the island also offer zip-lining, along with other activities.  This includes Chukka’s Caribbean Adventures; Chukka’s Falls Flyer (over Dunn’s River Falls); Chukka’s Zipline Canopy at YS Falls; Chukka’s Montpelier Jungle Outpost; Chukka’s Good Hope Estate as well as H’evan Scent Zip-Line. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Jamaica, these places are all great.

For more information, including tour operators who can get you in the treetops, check out our Jamaica Land Tours page

Reggae Related Sites

Over the past 50 years, Jamaican legends have been a huge musical influence to the world.  You can feel the vibes and pay your respects at a number of memorials and museums on the island.

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh Museums

The small town of Belmont, about an hour east of Negril, is the birthplace of Peter Tosh and home to his memorial.

The birthplace of Bob Marley is in a town called Nine Mile.  The Bob Marley Centre and Mausoleum / Tour can be found there, about an hour south-west of Ocho Rios.

For more formal, albeit commercial places to visit, Kingston is the place to go.  There you will find the Bob Marley Museum, the Peter Tosh Museum as well as the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum. For Reggae lovers, these places have to be on your list of things to do in Jamaica.

For more information, including tours of the above mentioned places, check out our Jamaica Land Tours page

Jamaican Rum Tours

As one of the originating sources of rum in the world, no trip to Jamaica is complete without visiting one of their fine distilleries.  While there are a number of active distilleries on the island producing dozens of different rums, there’s only two offering tours:

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Appleton Estates and Hampden Estates Rum Tours

Probably one of the world’s most recognized names in rum, the Appleton Rum Distillery is located in the east end, near the centre of the island.  There you’ll find the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience which includes a cinema, interactive guided tour of the Estate and rum making process as well as hosted tasting.  They also offer a lounge and gift shop.

The environmentally friendly Hampden Sugar Estate is located less than an hour east of Montego Bay.  Their Rum Tour includes a visit into their distillery to learn about the rum making process and to taste their award winning rums. You’re also free to explore the picturesque grounds surrounding the Hampden Great House.

For Caribbean rum lovers, these places have to be on your list of things to do in Jamaica. For more information on local rums and local tours operators who offer rum tours, click on our Jamaican Rum page

Gardens and other Natural and Cultural Areas

Once you leave your resort, it’s not hard to find Jamaica’s natural beauty – Related attractions are all around the island, including:

Barney’s Hummingbird Garden just south of Negril has a nice flower garden designed to attract hummingbirds.

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary just south-west of Montego Bay is a country garden featuring hummingbirds and small tropical birds.

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Nature Parks and Gardens

Ocho Rios is home to the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls, as well as Turtle River Falls & Gardens, also known as the The Enchanted Gardens.  Here you’ll enjoy a beautiful river gorge setting with several waterfalls, ponds and nature trails to see plants and birds.

Just outside Ocho Rios you’ll find the amazing Kokono Falls and Park as well as the Cranbrook Flower Forest, which has trails through a forest and gardens, as well as a museum in an old mill.

If Jamaica’s slavery-days are of interest, you can visit the Charles Town Museum and Maroon village at the east end of Jamaica, near Port Antonio.

When it comes to rugged natural beauty, there’s no beating the views of/from the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, located at the east end of the island.  Jamaica’s only National Park covers over 100 thousand acres which includes the Holywell Recreational Park, just north-east of Kingston.  Holywell Park offers a Coffee Tour as well as a Coffee and Nature Walk.

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Blue and John Crow Mountains, Holywell Park and Coffee Tours

If coffee is your thing, the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, about an hour east of Kingston, offers tours of the island’s largest facility that produces the world famous Blue Mountain Coffee.

Within Kingston you can visit the Hope Botanical Gardens & Zoo as well as Emancipation Park – A Natural oasis in the city, representing the symbol of Jamaican ‘freedom to hope, to excel and to be’.  Not far outside Jamaica’s capital you can also find Castleton Botanical Gardens, with view overlooking the city, as well as Cinchona Botanical Gardens.

For tour operators who can get you to these amazing spots, check out our Things to Do in Jamaica page

Places to See and be Seen – Ya Mon

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Cliff Diving at Rick's Cafe and the Hip Strip / Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay

Rick’s Cafe in Negril’s West End, is a popular tourist spot, where you can watch, and/or participate in, cliff diving.  The Cafe is located near steep cliffs 30plus feet above the sea.

Montego Bay’s Gloucester Avenue is known as the “Hip Strip” and is home to more than 60 shops and 35 bars and restaurants. Nuff Said!

For the History Buff

Port Antonio is home to the remains of Fort George and the Titchfield Cannons.

As fans of the Caribbean, you likely know that Port Royal played an important role in the development of the entire Caribbean.  You also probably know that most of the old port fell into the sea many years ago.  However, just south of Kingston, the 17th century fort Fort Charles remains mostly intact and is open to the public. If you take your Caribbean history seriously, this place has to be on your list of things to do in Jamaica.

Colbeck Castle, located about 45 minutes west of Kingston, is the remains of a 17th century English castle – Who knew?

Just outside of Kingston, White Marl Taino Midden & Museum displays indigenous artifacts.

The remains of 18th century aqueducts can be found at an old sugar plantation at Bushy Park (less than an hour west of Kingston) and at the University Of The West Indies – Mona in the east end of Kingston.

Honourable Mentions

It’s also worth mentioning a few, relatively obscure things to do in Jamaica.  They include:  Taking a pontoon boat safari up the Black River;  Visiting the Pelican Bar, a rustic bar built on a small chunk of coral off the south-west coast of the island; and taking a dip in Falmouth’s Luminous Lagoon – The waters contain microorganisms called dino-flagellates which glow green at night when agitated.

Enjoy!

Things to do in Jamaica include Tourist Attractions like Great-Houses and Plantations Black River Safaris, the Pelican Bar and the Luminescent Bay

ACT Staff

You can find more attractions and Tour operators to get you there by clicking on our Things to Do in Jamaica page

If you’re looking for a more active vacation in Jamaica including River Rafting, Hiking, Playing Golf, Biking and Caving, check out our Jamaica Adventures blog for more great ideas!

For an overview of the land of wood and water, take a look at our Jamaica Vacations page

For a video collage of Some of the Fun Things to Do in Jamaica, check out our YouTube video (by clicking the highlighted link)

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Nobody does it better than Barbados, Martinique, Jamaica & St. Lucia

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Caribbean Rum - The many great rhums of Martinique

The Best Islands for Caribbean Rum (in the South)

First created by plantation slaves in the mid 17th century, RUM has come a long way from its humble beginnings…  Originally called “kill-devil” or “rumbullion”, the harsh liquor became a staple drink of pirates, who made “bumbo” by adding water, sugar, nutmeg and/or cinnamon (The first and original ‘spiced rums’).  Infamously, the British Navy gave a daily rum ration or ‘tot’ to its sailors – Eventually watering down the rum and sometimes added lime…  making “grog”.  Fast-forward a few hundred years and now rum is appropriately considered a top-shelf spirit, with premium versions often being compared to much more expensive Scotch whiskies and French cognacs.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhum of the southern Caribbean


While most Caribbean ‘rum’ is still made from fermented molasses (and sugar cane juice froth), a number of French islands produce ‘rhum agricole’ directly from sugarcane juice. Rum is typically distilled in clay, column and/or copper pot stills then aged in oak barrels, usually producing an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof). The type of molasses (light, dark or black-strap), and barrel (whisky and/or spirit) used, as well as any additives (spices / flavourings), will significantly influence the end product’s colour and flavour.



In no particular order (don’t want to start a fight), here’s our view of the best Caribbean rum found in the southern Caribbean, also known as the Lesser Antilles – Windward Islands.

The Rums of Barbados

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum

Bajan Rum has been produced for over 350 years and is generally considered the birthplace of the Caribbean’s liquid gold. Historical records show that rum production on the island was well underway by the mid 1600s, when sugar cane became a major crop of the plantations. Barbados is known for some of the best, and some may say sweeter, tasting rum in the Caribbean – Perhaps it has something to do with the islands’s unique coral make-up, as compared to the volcanic composition of other Caribbean islands.

The big players in Barbados rum include:

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum includes Mount Gay Extra Old

Mount Gay Rum Distilleries – Founded in 1703, Mount Gay is generally considered the oldest continually operated rum distillery in the world – Some say that Mount Gay is “the rum that invented rum”. Well known around the world, smooth tasting Mount Gay Rums include the nicely aged Eclipse, Black Barrel (produced in small batches), XO (Extra Old aged for 8 to 15 years) and 1703 (Blend of rums ranging from 10 to 30 years old).


The ‘Mount Gay Visitor Experience’ offers a number of different rum tours as well as a tasting room and gift shop – Enjoy the history and heritage of Bajan rum. The main tour provides some rum-making info and viewing of a number of artifacts, photos and short films. There are then several rum tasting options to choose from, including a ‘lunch tour’ and a ‘cocktail tour’.

Foursquare Rum Distillery had it’s start in the early 1900s as R.L. Seale & Company. RL Seale acquired a number of other rum producers in the latter half of the 20th century, consolidating their portfolio at the Foursquare Distillery, a centuries-old sugar and rum facility.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum includes Foursquare


Foursquare now produces a large number of Caribbean rums including the Doorly’s, Foursquare, RL Seale, SixtySix, ESA Field, Alleyne Arthur, Old Brigand, The Real McCoy and Tommy Bahama brands.


Visitors are welcome to wander the former sugar plantation grounds, now known as the ‘Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park’. Self-guided tours of the factory and museums are available, as is the warm and inviting tasting room, where you can of course, purchase your favourite(s).

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum includes St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is home to one of only three Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. On the grounds of a centuries-old sugar plantation, this ‘micro-distillery’ was (re)born in the 1980s with the purchase of an old steam mill and the full restoration of it’s facilities in 2006.

St. Nicholas Abbey makes a number of fine well aged rums

When you visit the Abbey, take your time and explore the surrounding Gardens and orchids before enjoying the complimentary guided tour of the great house, steam mill and rum distillery. You can then take-part in rum and cane syrup tasting before visiting the gift shop.

The West Indies Rum Distillery has roots back to the late 1800s. With the exception of Mount Gay, the West Indies Rum Distillery has provided base Caribbean rum for all Bajan rum producers over the years. While once famous for their Cockspur and Malibu brands, the distillery now produces the Cockspur, Blue Chair Bay (Kenny Chesney’s line), Kaniche (finished in France in Cognac casks) and Shellback brands among others…

Of course, numerous rum companies around the world use Bajan rums in their “collections”, such as Berry’s, Cayman Reef and the famous Plantation series, while countless others use Barbados rum in their own blends – Most notably, Lamb’s.

For more information on the rums of Barbados, including tours and rum tasting rooms, click on our Barbados Rum page

Jamaica Rum

OK – OK, So Jamaica is a Greater Antilles island, so technically not a “southern” Caribbean island, however we just couldn’t issue our first write-up about rum without showing ‘respect’ to one of the original rum making islands…

Jamaica is home to a large variety of rums – The land of wood & water makes over a 100 different rums… There are dark navy style rums reminiscent of old Port Royal’s privateer and pirate days, there are the currently in vogue over-proof white rums, and of course there are well aged and refined rums with a dry/oaky characteristic. Jamaican rums are known for their unique “funky” flavour – I don’t know about that, they just taste real good to me! From over 10 distillers on the island, here’s a few of our favourites:

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the Caribbean with Jamaica Rum

Appleton Estates is the oldest Jamaican sugar estate / distillery and has been in continuous production for over 265 years!

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum. Jamaica Rum includes Appleton's Rum

Appleton’s produce more than a dozen rums, including some nicely aged varieties such as V/X, a superb 12yr old and a 21yr old. They also make a number of blends (Reserve, Signature and Master) as well as special/limited edition rums.


The ‘Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience‘ offers a visitor center, a small museum, sugar cane fields, and a tour which includes a short film, a guided tour of the facilities, as well as product sampling in their lounge.

Hampden Estate is one of the oldest sugar estates in Jamaica and they believe that “environmental stewardship is the life blood of the distillery” – Here-Here for that! From it’s use of re-cycled steel and water within the facility, to it’s low energy consumption, Hampden is working to become the first distillery on the island with a zero carbon footprint.

Hamden’s signature ‘Smith and Cross’ Navy Strength Rum is a 2 year old blend with a typical Jamaican funk. Other products include Rum Fire (over-proof) and Hampden Gold.

The ‘Hampden Rum Tour’ offers guided outings into the distillery (circa 1753) as well as access to the estate grounds

Worthy Park Estates produces the Rum-Bar brand which includes an Over-proof rum, a Gold (4 yrs) rum along with a Rum Cream

The Money Musk Plantation is one of the island’s oldest sugar estates on the island, currently providing molasses to the National Rums of Jamaica Limited (used by a number of rum producers). The plantation and distillery produce a variety of rums under the Monymusk and Royal Jamaican brand names.

Other great Jamaican rum makers include Wray and Nephew, KRB Lea Jamaica Rums and Myers, among others. Of course, numerous rum companies around the world use Jamaican rums in their “collections”, such as the Berry’s and Plantation series, while countless others use Jamaican rum in their own blends – Most notably, Captain Morgan.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum. Jamaica Rum includes Appleton's Rum

For more information on Jamaica rums, including tours and rum tasting rooms, check out our Jamaica Rum page

For more information on the Caribbean island of Jamaica and exciting things to do there, click on our Jamaica Vacations page

St. Lucia Rum

Located in the west coast town of Roseau, 20 minutes south of Castries, is the island’s major rum producer. The St. Lucia Distillers Company has a store front and factory here. Perhaps not that well-known, St. Lucia Distillers produce some of the best Caribbean rum available, winning dozens of awards from various spirits competitions around the world.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum. This includes St Lucia Rum from the Saint Lucia Distillers

The St. Lucia Distillers produce over ten different rums, including varieties of white, flavoured, spiced and aged spirits, as well as rum based liqueurs/cremes. They offer some excellent aged and spiced rums, along with some great premium sipping rums including their 12 yr old ‘Admiral Rodney’ and special edition ‘1931’ rums. Their ‘Chairman’s Reserve’ amber rum is getting the global recognition it deserves – A great rum at a decent price. They also have a couple of unique tasting Spiced rums made with a local aphrodisiac (Bois Bande) as well as (rum purists – hold your nose) their rum creams that are to die for…

The ‘St. Lucia Distillers facility’ includes a retail store, a sampling room and they also offer factory tours.

For more information on Saint Lucia rums, including tours and rum tasting rooms, check out our St. Lucia Rum page

For more information on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and exciting things to do there, click on our Saint Lucia Vacations page

Martinique Rhums

To many fans, Martinique is the rum capital of the Caribbean. With over 10 distilleries and close to a hundred different / wide ranging rhums it’s hard to argue. Martinique produces the French “Rhum Agricole” (translated to ‘agricultural rum’ in English) made directly from sugar cane juice, not molasses, and is commonly produced in different (above 40%) strengths. Similar to wine and brandy making, Martinique distillers commonly refer to their rhums in terms of ‘vintages’ or classifications such as VO (>4yrs old) and VSOP (>10yrs old). It’s important to recognize that, unlike a number of islands today, Martinique rhum is made from locally grown sugar cane – In fact, each region’s “terroir” is a big deal, reflecting the place on the island where the cane was grown. Another great thing about Martinique’s distilleries is that most of them are open to the public, offering plantation/distillery tours, along with rhum tasting and storefronts to purchase the rhum(s) of your choice.

From over 10 distillers on the island, here’s a few of our favourites:

Rhum Saint James has been producing rhum since 1765 and is a long time supplier of rhum agricole to North America. Saint James rhums are pesticide free and their ‘carbon neutral’ distillery operations utilizes internal compost as well as recycled liquids/water – Nice!

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhums of the southern Caribbean. Martinique Rhum includes Saint James



The Rhum Saint James distillery produces a large number of white rhums (varying in strength), as well as aged rhums (ranging from a 3yr old to a 15yr old), along with single cask vintage rhums.

The ‘Museum of Rhum Saint James’, located in Sainte-Marie, is open to the public and features a museum, distillery tour, plantation, as well as a large storefront with tasting room.





Clément Estate has been around since the 18th century and is commonly known as the birthplace of rhum agricole. The facilities are now famous for the Clément Foundation, focusing on the arts and the cultural heritage of Martinique. Clement produces a variety of white rhums (varying in strength and sugar cane) as well as some aged rhums (ranging from 1yr old to 30yr old) along with VSOP, Single Cask and Cuvée Homère rhums. They also have vintage rhums from the 1950s and 1970s – Yes you’re reading that correctly, 60 year old rhum!

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhums of the southern Caribbean. Martinique Rhum includes Clement

Eclectic self guided tours (with the aid of audio-guides) are available of Clement’s art exhibits, great house, old distillery museum along with the estate’s large Gardens, which is actually more of a Park. There is of course, also a storefront with rhum tasting. Clement’s facilities are less than a 30 minute drive east of Fort-De-France.

Depaz Blue Cane was originally established in 1651, however the Depaz château and distillery were rebuilt after the Mount Pelee volcano eruption in 1902. Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole is made from the unique “blue cane” sugar grown at the foot of the volcano.

Depaz produces a white rhum along with a VSOP, Extra Old, Prestige XO, a Porto Finish rhum as well as 2002 and 2003 vintage rhums.

Located in Saint-Pierre, ‘Depaz tours’ are available of the château, a museum (with a short film) and include a storefront with tasting. A restaurant is also available on the grounds.

Rhum HSE and the Habitation Saint Etienne’s origins date back to the mid 1800s to a 400 hectare sugar plantation, refinery and distillery. The Foudres HSE is the centre-piece of the estate, with it’s architectural structure representative of traditional Martinique buildings from the period.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhums of the southern Caribbean. Martinique Rhum includes HSE



HSE produces over 15 varieties of rhum, including some whites and aged (from a 12 month blend to much older vintages) rhums as well as well aged rhums finished in a variety of special whiskey, sherry, wine and Port casks. HSE also makes Special Edition rhums and well aged small batch rhums, including a 2003 vintage and a special 1960 vintage. Wow…

Now host to a multitude of public events, ‘The HSE Foudres’ features a permanent art exhibition and rhum tasting room. HSE has also partnered with a local chocolaterie to create chocolate and rhum pairings – taking rhum tasting to a whole new level.



Other great Martinique rhum distillers include La Mauny, Trois Rivières, Rhum Dillon, La Favorite, A-1710, Rhum JM and Neisson.

For more information on the rhums of Martinique, including tours and rhum tasting rooms, click on our Rhum Martinique page

For more information on the Caribbean island of Martinique and exciting things to do there, click on our Martinique Vacations page


Some might say that the best Caribbean rum one can buy comes from these islands, however we would be remiss not to at least mention that fine rums also come from others in the southern Caribbean – Islands such as Grenada (Clarkes Court Old Grog comes to mind), Trinidad, as well as Guadaloupe and Marie-Galante.

…and don’t worry, the more northerly Caribbean islands will have their day as well – Yes, I’m talking about Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Virgin Islands (both USVI and the BVI). Stay tuned for a separate write-up that these excellent Caribbean rum making islands deserve…


For more enjoyable Caribbean reading… check out our The Islands of the Caribbean page – A great starting point for exploring what the Caribbean Islands have to offer!

ACT Staff