This January, a trio of travel creators set off to explore community-based tourism (CBT) experiences across Kingston, the Blue Mountains, Portland, and St. Thomas and came away with a completely new perspective on the island - rooted in culture, heritage, nature, and a real connection with local communities.

From hands-on craft experiences to immersive history and breathtaking landscapes, they experienced how community-based tourism in Jamaica creates meaningful moments through the genuine connections they made with the people, stories, and places that make Jamaica uniquely Jamaica.

 

Meet the Influencers

Lylaa Shaikh (@saltandshaikh) is a London-based food and travel creator known for uncovering flavourful hidden gems and showcasing global cuisines through an adventurous lens.

 

Meagan Smith & Andy Jaffray (@fuelforthesole) are an outdoor-adventure-loving couple and full-time travellers who create content to inspire people to explore the world and spend more time outside. For behind-the-scenes moments, local tips, and video highlights from the trip, follow along on @saltandshaikh and @fuelforthesole on all platforms, where they share more details from each stop and what the experience was like.

How Jamaica took their breath away

For Meagan & Andy, one of the biggest takeaways was how wildly diverse Jamaica’s scenery is once you step beyond the postcard view. “We were genuinely surprised by Jamaica’s natural beauty,” Meagan shared. “The mountains, lush rainforests, and waterfalls completely exceeded our expectations. It was a side of Jamaica we hadn’t seen before, and we were truly in awe of how diverse and breathtaking the landscape is". But what stuck with them just as much as the landscapes was the warmth of the people they met along the way. “Every single person we interacted with, from tour guides to street vendors, was incredibly warm and welcoming,” Andy said.

Everyone took the time to connect with us, share stories, and make us feel at home, which made a lasting impression.

Both influencer itineraries were supported by local guide Omar Evans of Wanderlust Adventures, a key factor in making the experience feel seamless, personal, and deeply rooted in local knowledge.

Why this trip was so meaningful

Community-based tourism is about connecting with a place through the people who live there, the traditions they protect, and the experiences they’re proud to share. Meagan & Andy described CBT as the missing link that helped them connect to Jamaica beyond the surface level: “We’re always seeking authentic cultural experiences when we travel, but those can be difficult to find without local guidance,” said Meagan. “Jamaica’s community-based tourism offerings made it possible to experience everyday life, history, and traditions genuinely.”

Community Tourism - Dancing at Charles Town Maroon Village

One standout moment was their visit with the Charles Town Maroon Community, a powerful cultural experience where visitors can learn directly from Maroon leaders through storytelling, food, music, dance, and traditions. “Spending time with the Maroon people was especially meaningful for us,” said Andy. “They welcomed us into their community and shared their food, herbs, music, and dances while teaching us about their history.”

 

Their Top Recommendation: Go East

 

While many travellers stay in Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios, this itinerary shines a spotlight on Jamaica’s east side, where nature is wilder, communities are deeply connected to heritage, and the experiences feel refreshingly real. “Exploring eastern Jamaica was an incredible experience for us. Kingston, Portland, and St. Thomas are stunning and offer an authentic look at Jamaica from the perspective of these communities,” Meagan explained.

 

Steal Their Itinerary: An authentic  Jamaican community-focused adventure

 

There are endless ways to experience CBT in Jamaica, but this one is a strong starting point if you want a trip that blends culture, nature, history, and community. Developed and led by local guide Omar Evans and the Wanderlust team, the tours deliver immersive time with Jamaicans, hands-on experiences, and a deeper look at the island’s stories through a truly local lens.

And if you need further convincing, Meagan & Andy said it best: “Our favourite experience was visiting Trench Town. It felt incredibly authentic and immersive, and it gave us a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s history and cultural roots.”

 

Day 1: Arrive in Kingston

  • Check in and settle into the capital, the heartbeat of Jamaica’s culture, creativity, and history.

Day 2: Kingston Culture + Blue Mountains Flavours with Wanderlust Adventures

  • Kingston Artwalk + Culture Yard + Trench Town (an essential experience for music lovers and cultural explorers)
  • Tour Craighton Coffee Estate in the Blue Mountains (home of world-famous Blue Mountain coffee)
  • Get creative with a pottery-making session with a local teacher

Day 3: Portland + Maroon Heritage + Ocean Conservation with Wanderlust Adventures

  • Cultural immersion with the Charles Town Maroon Community
  • Jerk experience at Roots 21 Bar & Kitchen
  • Visit the Alligator Head Foundation + relax at the Blue Lagoon

Day 4: St. Thomas Hidden Gems + Surf Culture with Wanderlust Adventures

  • Explore Orange Park Great House and cool off at Reggae Falls
  • Learn to surf at Jamnesia, guided by local instructors and rooted in Jamaica’s surf community

Day 5: Depart Kingston (and start planning your next trip back)

  • Wrap up your adventure and head home with a deeper connection to Jamaica and plenty of stories worth sharing.

Ready to come visit Jamaica for yourself?

Experience Jamaica from a unique perspective - get closer to local history, living culture, and the people behind the destination, while supporting community enterprises that sustain Jamaica’s heritage. Come discover CBT opportunities and connect with local guides at www.moretojamaica.com.