60 Reasons to Visit Jamaica

To some, JAMAICA may be a tiny dot on the map, but our accomplishments are heralded around the world. When you hear the name, Jamaica, sun and sea may come to mind, but there is so much more to this jewel in the Caribbean that is worth exploring. Our culture is vibrant and infectious and is experienced through our world-famous Reggae and Dancehall music, our dance moves, our Blue Mountain Coffee, our phenomenal athletes, our indefatigable spirit, our hospitable disposition and our unique language are just a few aspects of the enduring legacy of Jamaica’s culture and influence. This is your invitation to visit Destination Jamaica and here are 60 reasons why you should:  

1. The welcoming Jamaican people.  

2. To learn Jamaican Creole/Patois.  

3. To experience the birthplace of Reggae, Ska, Mento, Rocksteady and Dancehall music.  

4. To swim in the Blue Lagoon as did Hollywood stars.
   
   

5.  Attend a street dance and let the locals teach you the latest dance moves.

6.  Interact with inventors of the sound system.

7. Swim in the Luminous Lagoon, a precious gem that continue to excite scientists and tourists as it is said to be the largest and most brilliant of four in the world. 

8. Explore the legend of Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall.
   
   

9.  A visit to the legendary King of Reggae Bob Marley Museum in Kingston and his birth and resting place at Nine Miles in St. Ann. 

10. Hike to the top of the Blue Mountain peak, home of the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee. 

11. Sip the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee.  

12. Climb to the top of the iconic Dunn’s River Falls or you can even zipline over the waterfalls for a bird's eye view of this breathtaking Jamaican gem. 
    
      

13. Go on a James Bond trail and see where the movies came to life.  

14. Visit the training track of the fastest man and woman in the world, Usain Bolt & Elaine Thompson-Herah.

15. Drink ice-cold Red Stripe beer, dubbed "the coolest beer in the world".  

16. Do Bamboo Raft on the Rio Grande, Martha Brae, Lethe rivers.
    
     

17. Explore the sunken city of Port Royal archeological gold mine filled with pieces of history.  

18. Enjoy a cricket match at the world class cricket grounds at Sabina Park.

19. Grab a bite of Jamaican Patty, a delight for pastry lovers.

20. Bobsleigh through a tropical rainforest at Mystic Mountain Adventure Park.
    
    

21. Visit a Rastafari village and experience their way of life.

22. Vacation at a luxury villa. 

23. Enjoy delicious street food from vendors at popular eating spots.

24. Say “I Do” at your dream destination wedding.
    
        

25. Enjoy fried fish and festival at Hellshire beach. 

26. Have a breakfast of Ackee & Saltfish (salted codfish), our National dish, with fried dumplings or boiled food. 

27. Feed the hummingbirds, our National Bird that is endemic to Jamaica.

28. Watch the majestic sunset in Negril.
    
        

29. Enjoy Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork, or even Jerk Patty. 

30. Enjoy world famous ice-cream from Devon House, National Geographic’s 4th best in the world. 

31. Visit Trench Town Culture Yard and learn about the birthplace of Reggae music and former home of legendary Reggae superstar Bob Marley. 

32. Cliff dive at Rick’s Café in Negril.
    
         

33. Spelunk through caves like Green Grotto, Nonsuch, the Cockpit Country.   

34. Play a game of dominoes and Ludo with friends or complete strangers.  

35. Drink coconut water straight from the coconut.  

36. Visit the healing waters of Bath, Milk River, Doctor’s Cave, Rockfort Mineral. 
    
      

37. Whet your taste buds with a bag of Peppered Shrimps from Middle Quarters.   

38. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon beach day with friends at Lime Cay or Maiden Cay.  

39. Party at Carnival in Jamaica in colorful costumes. 

40. Spend the day at Pelican Bar, a few miles off the South Coast shore.
    
    

41. Attend ISSA Boys & Girls Championships, the birthplace of Jamaica's track and field stars. 

42. Visit a great house and learn about the island’s colonial history.

43. Explore The National Gallery of Jamaica, the largest public art museum in the English-speaking Caribbean and many other art galleries in Jamaica.   

44. Take a splash at the Seven-Mile white sand beach in Negril.
    
      

45. Take a boat ride on the Black River Safari, the longest navigable river in Jamaica.

46. Explore amazing off the beaten path waterfalls such as Cane River Falls, Mayfield Falls, Reggae Falls, Nanny Falls, NonSuch Falls, Konoko Falls. 

47. Sip Appleton Rum, and enjoy the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience. 

48. Play a game of golf with your friends on our award-winning courses.
    
    

49. Stop at a one of four Maroon villages and learn their history and role in Jamaica’s fight for freedom.

50. Go paragliding at Skyline Drive in Kingston or Malvern in St. Elizabeth. 

51. Dine on the Rio Grande at Belinda’s Riverside Restaurant to enjoy authentic Jamaican food cooked on a coal stove.   

52. Ride the surfing waves at Boston Bay in Portland or in Bull Bay, Kingston which is home to the Jamnesia Surf Camp established by the Wilmots considered to be Jamaica's first surfing family.
    
    

53. Climb the seven waterfalls at YS Falls and swim in the natural cascading pools. You can also zipline over the waterfalls and indulge in the incredible view.   

54. Take a quick boat ride to Monkey Island, also known as Pellew Island or Princess Nina Aga Khan Island, perfect for spending a private sunny afternoon.

55. Visit Reach Falls which has been featured in Hollywood films including Tom Cruise's Cocktails and the remake of Lord of the Flies.  

56. Enjoy an underwater eco-adventure such as snorkeling or scuba diving in Montego Bay.
    
    

57. Book a cruise and dock at the Errol Flynn Marina and discover the parish of Portland, the birthplace of tourism.   

58. Spend a day at Blue Hole Mineral Spring in Westmoreland or Blue Hole in Ocho Rios, a favourite for both locals and visitors. 

59. Visit a botanical garden like Hope Botanical Gardens to see interesting and endemic flora, while enjoying the stunning beauty of the peaceful environment. An ideal space for stunning wedding photos or a quiet afternoon read.    

60.  Attend a music festival such as Reggae Sumfest or Rebel Salute.
    
    
    
    For more information go to www.visitjamaica.com/deals/ and check out all the amazing deals to get you started on your trip to Jamaica or speak with one of our experienced travel specialists here on Messenger.