What to Do in Jamaica: 12 Great Plans

There are countless reasons to visit the sunny paradise of Jamaica. This Caribbean island’s natural beauty, rich music culture, delicious food, and much more make it a bucket-list travel destination for any traveler. Whether you’re looking for adventure in Montego Bay, to learn about Bob Marley in Nine Mile, or eat delicious jerk chicken in Kingston, Civitatis has you covered with a myriad of fantastic tours and experiences to choose from, from must-visit spots like Dunn’s River Falls, to unique activities like Bob Marley tours. Let’s get into it!

1. Go on a Reggae Tour in Kingston

The home of Reggae, this music genre emerged in the late 1960s, with influences from traditional Jamaican music like ska, mento, and rock steady. On this Reggae tour in Kingston, you’ll discover the city’s links with the musical genre, which is most closely associated with music legend Bob Marley. As part of the tour, you’ll visit the Bob Marley Museum, which is set in what was once the home of the figure.

If you know your reggae, you can’t visit Kingston without paying a visit to Trench Town, seen as the birthplace of rock steady and of course reggae. Bob Marley spent some of his life in this area, and in fact it was here that he crafted some of his most beloved classics.

2. Eat a Jamaican Specialty: Jerk Chicken

If you visit Jamaica and don’t eat jerk chicken, have you really visited Jamaica? This specialty method of preparation involves dry rubbing chicken in Jamaican jerk spice, consisting of peppers, pimento, thyme, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The chicken is generally cooked over a pimento wood fire. The end result is a bold, fiery flavor with a smoky aroma.

A single serving of jerk chicken is generally a quarter pound, and sides are usually available at an additional cost. You’ll often see bread, sweet potato, plantain, steamed vegetables, and bammy (deep-fried flatbread made from cassava). Don’t stress out, though. Everything is delicious.

Don’t eat chicken?: Don’t worry. In Jamaica, pork, shrimp, rabbit, and even veggie options like tofu are commonly prepared in this manner if you do some research!

3. Discover Maroon Culture in Charles Town

The term ‘Maroon’ refers to enslaved people who escaped plantations in the early 1600s and established informal settlements, largely in the mountains of eastern Jamaica, some of which grew to become large communities. One such settlement is Charles Town, except, unusually, this settlement is not deep in mountain valleys, but rather on the flat coastal plains, near the town of Buff Bay.

With Civitatis, you can enjoy a day trip to Charles Town. As part of this experience, you’ll visit the Charles Town Maroon Museum to learn about this community’s fascinating, turbulent history. You’ll also be able to enjoy some traditional Maroon music and dances, and you’ll have the option to enjoy some delicious local food.

With Civitatis, you can visit Charlestown from various cities in Jamaica on a day trip:

• Day Trip to Charles Town from Runaway Bay
• Day Trip to Charles Town from Ocho Ríos
• Day Trip to Charles Town from Kingston

4. Enjoy a Night Cruise at the Luminous Lagoon (& take a dip!)

The next item on our list is the simply magical ‘Luminous Lagoon’. Stretching along the marshlands of Trelawny between Rock and Falmouth, this body of water was once home to a wharf where large vessels sailing from England would unload goods onto smaller boats, which would deliver the goods further along the river, and bring back locally produced sugar, rum and other Jamaican goods to be exported.

Today, however, the lagoon is no longer used for trade. Rather, its fame can be attributed to the dinoflagellate. Here, there are millions of these microscopic organisms, which produce a fascinating, magical glow when disturbed. With Civitatis, you can visit this lagoon on a night cruise from Runaway Bay or Falmouth, during which you’ll get the chance to swim.

• Enjoy a night cruise at the Luminous Lagoon from Runaway Bay.

• Enjoy a night cruise at the Luminous Lagoon from Falmouth.

5. Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope

The Chukka Outpost at Good Hope is a unique, 2,000-acre estate in Falmouth, dedicated to adventure experiences in an unforgettable natural setting. Jump from the top of waterfalls, take a dip in natural pools, go bamboo rafting along the river… It truly is an exceptional experience, and a perfect day to spend a day with family or friends.

• Enjoy a day trip to Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost from Falmouth.
• Enjoy a day trip to Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost from Ocho Ríos.

6. Go to the ‘Blue Hole’ in the Jamaican Jungle

Blue Hole is a wonderful escape in the Jamaican jungle, and a must-visit if you have time on your itinerary. Unlike the more commercial spots like Dunn’s River (which is still a lovely spot), the Blue Hole generally doesn’t get very busy, making it a perfect escape during your travels.

The Blue Hole is a series of bright blue, natural limestone pools that are perfect for a refreshing swim, cliff jumping, rope swinging, and cave exploration! So pack yourself a little picnic and head off on this Blue Hole day trip from Ocho Rios with Civitatis!

7. Rent a Jet Ski in Montego Bay

One of the most luxurious areas in Jamaica, Montego Bay is a popular option for visitors. A short drive from the airport, here you’ll find crystal clear beaches (check out Doctor’s Cave Beach), lots of resorts, the buzzing Hip Strip, filled with shops, restaurants, and bars, and much more.

One of our favorite things to do in Montego Bay is jet skiing, a perfect way to enjoy the coastal Caribbean views of Jamaica and feel that adrenaline rush at the same time! Check out this jet ski rental with hotel pickup in Montego Bay with Civitatis!

8. Go on a Bob Marley Tour in Nine Mile

Coming back to Bob Marley, the King of Reggae, and one of Jamaica’s most legendary figures, it’s well worth checking out this Bob Marley tour in Nine Mile from Ocho Rios if you have the time. On this tour, you’ll be picked up from Ocho Rios and make your way to Nine Mile, Bob Marley’s hometown in the north island of Jamaica.

Here, you’ll get to visit the artist’s family home where he was born, along with artifacts from his youth. You’ll also learn about the Rastafarian movement, the religious and cultural movement that was a massive part of Marley’s life. You’ll also visit his tomb, which has become somewhat of a place of worship for fans, before heading back to Ocho Rios.

9. Street Art Tour in Kingston

One of the coolest parts of visiting Kingston is its vibrant street art scene, which is most prominent along Water Lane. On this colorful street, you’ll be able to explore the city’s art, which so often speaks to the city’s social, cultural, and political environment.

On this Kingston street art tour, you’ll explore Water Lane with a guide who’ll discuss individual pieces in detail, providing additional context to the pieces, so that you can understand their local significance and how they relate to the daily lives, culture, music, and politics of the community.

10. Climb Dunn’s River Falls

One of Jamaica’s most beloved natural treasures, Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most famous places in the country, sitting 590 ft (180 m) high. This is said to have been the site of the legendary battle of ‘Las Chorreras‘, fought in 1657 between the English and the Spanish Expeditionary Force from Cuba over ownership of the island. As history shows, the English eventually defeated the Spanish forces.

If you manage to visit the falls, you’ll find that erosion from this ancient river has created mini terraces, giving the falls a unique look, and allow visitors to traverse the water with relative ease. Be sure to take a dip in these refreshing waters as you enjoy the lush surrounding nature… paradise!

• Enjoy a day trip to Dunn’s River Falls from Runaway Bay.
• Enjoy a day trip to Dunn’s River Falls from Negril.
• Enjoy a day trip to Dunn’s River Falls from Montego Bay.

11. Learn about Jamaican Rub on the Appleton Estate

How have we come this far in our list without mentioning Jamaican rum. Jamaica is actually the largest rum producer in the Caribbean. Referred to locally as hogo or funk, Jamaican rum is said to be more full-bodied than other rums, with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and molasses.

This Appleton estate day trip from Negril is a fantastic way to learn more about the Jamaican rum production process, along with the added element of adventure with a zip line and a boat ride along the Black River included. Check it out!

12. Explore Port Royal

The final item on our list is the fascinating Port Royal, a popular tourist attraction in Jamaica, known for having been a stronghold for pirates, located just at the mouth of Kingston Harbor. This port town was originally founded by the Spanish in 1494, and for some time was actually the largest and most prominent city in the Caribbean, acting as a center for commerce in the region. Over time, the port city became occupied by English and Dutch privateers, many of whom turned pirate, eventually rendering this city a pirate outpost in the 17th century.

Check out this Port Royal tour from Kingston to discover this city’s fascinating history for yourself, accompanied by an expert guide.

There you have it! Those are 12 great activities to check out in the country of Jamaica. As you can see, there is a wonderful variety of things to do depending on your interests! Still trying to figure out what to do in Jamaica? Check out more tours & experiences in Jamaica with Civitatis!