Things to See & Do in Jamaica

Jamaica overview

Transfers on Jamaica’s winding roads take time, so the base you choose shapes your days more than any single excursion. These are the stretches of coast I plan around.

Negril

On the west coast, Seven Mile Beach is long and calm, lined with resorts and smaller hotels, while the West End cliffs are known for sunsets and cliff jumping. Relaxed and sociable, and about 90 minutes by road from Montego Bay.

A blue and white boardwalk through palm trees leading to a sandy beach and turquoise water in Jamaica — A boardwalk through the palms

Montego Bay

The shortest airport transfer and a wide spread of resorts, from Rose Hall to the hotel strip. A good fit for shorter trips. It is a working city, so most visitors stay resort-side and head out on organised excursions.

Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay

The north coast’s excursion hub, with Dunn’s River Falls, river tubing and the island’s lush interior close by. About 1.5 to 2 hours from Montego Bay.

People swimming at the base of a waterfall surrounded by rock and greenery in Jamaica — Swimmers at the base of a waterfall

Port Antonio

On the green northeast coast: the Blue Lagoon, Frenchman’s Cove and bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande. Fewer big resorts and more villas and boutique stays. It is a long drive from Montego Bay, so flying into Kingston can be shorter.

A guide standing on a bamboo raft and poling along a river in Jamaica — A guide poles a bamboo raft

Kingston and the Blue Mountains

The capital has the Bob Marley Museum and a serious food and music scene. The Blue Mountains above it grow the famous coffee, and the Blue and John Crow Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best explored with a local guide.

A stone arch bridge over a clear shallow river, with trees along the bank, in Jamaica — A stone bridge over a clear river

Coconuts, watermelon and ginger piled at a roadside stand in Jamaica, with a sign reading cold coconuts — Coconuts and fruit at a roadside stand

The south coast

Treasure Beach and the southwest are known for a slower, community-based style of travel, and were among the hardest-hit areas in Hurricane Melissa. I check current conditions carefully before suggesting a stay there.

Recovery update

Wooden cottages set on a lawn among tall palm trees in Jamaica — Cottages set among the palms

Back to the Jamaica overview

Let’s plan your Jamaica trip

Tell me who is travelling, when, and whether you are picturing an all-inclusive, a boutique stay or a bit of both. I’ll match the coast and the resort, confirm what is open, and book the transfers.

The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.

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