As they say in Jamaica, “weh yuh deh pon”, readers? Well, mon, if you’re considering a visit to the lush land of jackfruit and jerk, and working on a list of activities, then this is the place to be! We recently consulted our staff and other sources concerning this Caribbean jewel and this island country.

Jamaica is the third-largest isle in the Great Antilles and is rife with multiculturalism. It includes African, Caribbean, Creole, Latin, and colonial elements. Here you will find a variety of structures including everything from barbecue-scented beach huts to exceptional English-influenced mansions.  

Visit the historic plantations, jumpin’ samba bars, unique museums, Bob Marley’s historic home, and beautiful beaches where you might enjoy an impromptu reggae concert. Need more to do? You can go hiking, learn about Spanish wars, delve into the depths of caves, meet reef sharks and dolphins, sample the local rums and beers, and socialize with the friendly locals too!

So do your due diligence on the different noteworthy all-inclusive resorts nestled ‘neath the shadow of massive, 2,000-meter-high mountains and prepare to book your room. Get ready to take notes for your trip itinerary. It’s time to check out the 15 best things to do in Jamaica.

The 15 Best Things To Do In Jamaica

1. Bathe beneath the Dunn’s River Falls

Nestled between Jamaica’s jammin’ beaches and the verdant jungles outside of exceptional Ocho Rios, the distinctive Dunn’s River Falls run through the hills via a group of stunning stepped cataracts. This is absolutely a must-see natural attraction. Tour guides lead groups of tourists here so that they can wade in the water and even climb the 180-meter-long natural shelves of terrestrial limestone that make up the waterfall. Be aware that this adventure is a little strenuous as you will have to cling to certain protruding rocks, climb water-sprayed steps, and wade through some plunge pools. Historically speaking, this is where British colonial troops fought with Spanish forces over control of the island.

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Relax on Seven Mile Beach

This beautiful beach in Negril runs along the Jamaican west coast for (duh) a good seven miles. This beach is frequently slotted in as one of the world’s top beaches. Naturally, it has the expected turquoise water and exceptional alabaster-white sands, but this place also includes an assortment of extras.  

The rocks here are crowned with cliff-top bars with pleasing palm umbrellas and offer really romantic views of the sun setting over the water. There’s also the exciting, unexpected hedonistic nightlife, which, after dark, fairly floods from the numerous hotel bars and clubs and spills out onto the beaches via a well-blended mix of mojitos, rum punch, rollicking reggae, and slinky samba music.

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Admire the colonial styles of Devon House

Not to be confused with the Devon Houses in the US or the UK, this one is found in Jamaica’s capital, the city of Kingston. Built-in the 1880s by Jamaica’s first black millionaire, it is nestled amidst lazy coconut palms and manicured green grass. It features a memorable mix of colonial architectural styles. Tour the interior, enjoy a peaceful stroll in the garden, then sample some of the best ice creams on the island at the Devon House I-Scream parlor.

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Go swimming with stingrays, sharks, and dolphin pods 

A visit to popular Dolphin Cove Jamaica on the outskirts of Ocho Rios (and also not far from Dunn’s River Falls) will quite possibly allow you to check off more than one sea creature-related bucket list activity. Here you can swim with and get close to more than one ocean dweller. This attraction can be accessed along the popular north shore.  

You can also learn about the various dolphins and sharks that call the Caribbean their home, then spend time swimming with live stingrays, sharks, dolphin pods, and other ocean dwellers. You can catch a marine life show or two as well. Be sure to meet the local in-house iguana too!

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Hike in the Blue Mountains

For those of you who want to do more in Jamaica than suck down jerk chicken and hit the beach, pay special attention here! You can’t miss the rugged ridges of the beautiful Blue Mountains towering as high as 2,200+ meters above sea level on the island’s eastern edge. Adventurous types surely can’t help being tempted by the walking routes and the hiking trails here.

If you’re truly intrepid, you can try scaling the stark Blue Mountain Peak. It’s the highest one in Jamaica. Once you conquer the soaring summit on a clear day, you will enjoy picture-perfect panoramic views of the tropical forest, Annotto and Hope Bay in the north, and Kingston on the south coast.  

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Give props to Bob Marley at Nine Mile

Jamaica is reputedly the “home of reggae beats.” As such, no visit here would truly be complete without paying one’s respects to the master of reggae music, Bob Marley. The native singer-songwriter and musician is undoubtedly the most famous person to ever emerge from this island nation. The late entertainer was actually born and raised in the little village known as Nine Mile, nestled deep between the beaches near Rio Bueno and the lush hills of central Jamaica. What’s more, it’s not too far from Montego Bay. You can tour his old neighborhood, visit his home, the Rock Pillow where he was inspired, and the mausoleum where he was laid to rest in 1981.

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Go rafting on the Rio Grande river

The Rio Grande’s waterways are one of the biggest tourist destinations here. They rush through the rising foothills and lush jungle of the majestic Blue Mountains, west of popular Port Antonio. If you need a brief break from soaking in the Vitamin D on the sun-splashed beaches on the noteworthy north shore, then try taking a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande. You will see a lot along the way including rough, rugged gorges, thriving banana plantations, mountainous inland, and striking sheer stone walls.  

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Eat Jamaican jerk at Scotchies

Foodies especially need to stop in at Scotchies. Scotchies is an unassuming, unpretentious, “rough-around-the-edges” place. The staff here are the reported masters of Jamaica’s tasty trademark jerk chicken. This local eatery is built of little more than leaning bamboo and breeze blocks, with a menu scrawled on a chalkboard, a smoky atmosphere, and an earthy Caribbean je ne sais quoi.

The kitchen here is a simple group of bubbling cooking cauldrons of their popular jerk sauce that steadily steam and fairly froth over crackling pimento wood fires. Here dishes of Scotchies’ genuine jerk chicken are carried out into the intimate al fresco garden to be readily consumed by numerous local residents who crowd the place at lunchtime. The food is so good they now have multiple locations across the country. 

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Have a (Thunder)ball at James Bond Beach

You won’t need to drive a silver Aston Martin DB5 to reach this famous beach cove outside of Ocho Rios. Indeed, ever since 1962 when Sean Connery met the beauteous bikini-dressed Ursula Andress on the pristine sand of Oracabessa Bay, this attractive narrow cove has been referred to as James Bond Beach. Fringed with clusters of mangroves and pleasing palm trees, it fairly glistens as the sun reflects off the turquoise shore.

This is also now a hip place for concerts. Sometimes it’s an impromptu reggae concert or sometimes a popular disc jockey from the Moonraker Bar will entertain there. With so much to see and do in the area, this is No Time To Die. 

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Get chills from the White Witch of Rose Hall

There is a controversial past behind the pretty facade of the former plantation known as Rose Hall. Here on the outskirts of popular Montego Bay, shrouded by dark green gardens and untouched rainforest, this property is a reminder of both slavery and European colonial domination. What’s more, it is also haunted!

Here travelers can go ghost hunting for the nigh-legendary ghost of Annie Palmer. Palmer was actually a Haitian-British settler who allegedly murdered multiple husbands in the mansion. Her spirit is said to wander ‘round the restored rooms of the building even today. Take a candlelit night tour and you’ll even see the former dungeons that have been remodeled into a tavern.  

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 Visit the Bob Marley Museum

While you’re in Kingston, be sure to see the Bob Marley Museum. It is actually situated inside the late reggae star’s former residence. (It’s also where he was almost murdered in 1976.)

The exhibition rooms here have been restored and are regularly maintained so that they look just as they did during the 1970s when Marley and his band, the Wailers, lived here. You can see his personal recording studio used to record the hit Tuff Gong records, visit his private bedroom, and wander the gorgeous gardens there. You can even enjoy a cool lifelike hologram of Marley at the now classic “One Love Peace Concert.”

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Delve into the Green Grotto Caves

You will discover the Green Grotto Caves hidden ‘neath thick jungle undergrowth on the north shore. This group of underground tunnels and caverns has two levels and has a rich and interesting history. They were originally a secret refuge for the indigenous tribes and then a hideout for slaves who ran away from the inland hills’ plantations. Next, smugglers used them as ammo dumps during the Spanish invasions in the 17th century. Now they are simply a place where travelers can see huge stalactites, stalagmites, subterranean lakes, and intriguing geological wonders.  

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Listen to nighttime jams on Reggae Beach

Reggae Beach is a comparatively small beach between the coves halfway between Oracabessa and Ocho Rios and the Jamaican jungle. It is praised as an alternative, off-the-tourist-route seaside locale. It is also a great hot spot for music lovers. Every Friday night at sundown, this cool cove comes alive like Peter Frampton.  

It is fairly flooded with reggae beats, sexy salsa, and genuine Caribbean samba. Once no more than cozy campfire gatherings of amateur reggae crooners and guitarists, it has gone electric due in part to the opening of the boisterous Bamboo Beach Bar. Now nights here include not only live music but dancing troupes, fire shows, and wonderful Jamaican tapas.

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Enjoy a tipple or three over the water at Floyd’s Pelican Bar

For those not in the know, a tipple is an alcoholic beverage. Before bringing your trip to a close you really must enjoy one at friendly Floyd’s Pelican Bar in Parottee Bay roughly half a mile from Treasure Beach around Black River. It almost appears to be precariously perched on old stilts of sea salt-soaked wood above the reefs and aquamarine water.  

Have no fear of floating out to sea though as this driftwood and bamboo bar is actually anchored by a little sandbar. Accessible only by sea vessel, this hot spot serves up all the expected rum punch mixers and local cold Red Stripe lager you can drink and then some. The bar staff is always smiling and the views of the surrounding Caribbean are, of course, awesome. No wonder some sources say it’s Jamaica’s “most iconic drinking joint.”

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Sample things at Appleton Estate

Last but certainly not least, don’t miss Appleton Estate either! As previously implied, Jamaica is well-known for its powerful output of rum. Veteran visitors often attest that the best and most well-known are created at the Appleton Estate in Nassau Valley, in the St. Elizabeth parish on the southern coast. 

Be sure to take a tour of this tasty tourist stop. Every day you can go for a guided walk through the busy brewing houses, where the trademark copper casks remain. Learn of the region’s long history of brewing.  

Be ready to sample some of the business’ fiery island brews too! Overall, enjoy yourself! After all, how soon will you get to be in Jamaica again? (Put a post-vacation vacation day on your vacation schedule to sober up and you’ll be just fine!)

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There are more ancient cities now underwater than you might imagine. Over the years, some of these submerged civilizations have been explained. Others, however, have remained mysteries. Thanks to modern-day technology, we have the ability to see them and bring them to life again. Here then, without further adieu, are 10 of the most mysterious underwater cities of the ancient world.

1. Dwarka, India

Dwarka is referenced in the Hindus’ holy book. This once “mythological” metropolis was thought to have been built by none other than Lord Krishna 5000 years ago. It was also thought to have many palaces.

Many were said to have been made with precious silver and gold. Its ruins were more recently discovered by the famous National Institute of Ocean Technology in the Gulf of Khambhat. Using carbon dating, researchers determined that this ancient city is approximately 9,000 years old. Today it’s one of India’s biggest tourist attractions.

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2. Shicheng, China

Also known as “the Lion City,” this place was thought to be at least 1300 years old. In 1959 the city was flooded because the government was constructing a dam on the famous Xin’an River. The end result was the Qiandao Lake.
Shicheng was constructed in 25-200 AD during the Eastern Hand Dynasty. It’s ancient buildings and other structures are thus highlighted by rich Chinese craftsmanship. Indeed, it features several stone structures, five gates, and 265 memorial arches. Because the diving routes have aren’t fully mapped, only trained divers are permitted to visit.
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3. Gulf of Cambay, India

This ancient city is located nearly 4.m under the sea. The research team discovered this mysterious metropolis as an accidental result of their study of the amount of water pollution there in 2002. It is thought to be 5,000 years old. A team of divers discovered beads, sculptures, and pieces of pottery there. Scientists believe this place must have once been situated in a coastal area that was engulfed by rising ocean water after numerous glaciers melted during the last ice age.
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4. Pavlopetri, Greece

Discovered back in 1967, the true name of this sunken city still remains unknown. Scientists believe that whatever it was called, it was part of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula prior to sinking roughly 5,000 years ago. Divers discovered an entire community from streets to tombs in a place considered by some to be a Mycenaean civilization. Other archaeologists believe the city could actually be part of a Minoan civilization. Indeed, at last report, the undersea site was being studied by teams from both the University of Nottingham and the University of Cambridge.
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5. Olous, Greece

Many snorkelers and divers have already explored the ruins of the ancient city of Olous. It is believed to once have been on the northeastern end of Crete. It was reportedly home to between 30,000 and 40,000 people.
One ancient outer wall remains above water level. In fact, floors, murals, and coins have also been discovered there. The research team thinks that an extremely powerful earthquake may have caused the city to drop beneath the waves.
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6. Thonis or Heracleion, Greece

Whether one calls it Thonis or Heracleion, experts say that this underwater city is one of the oldest cities known to man. Over the years it has become the subject or setting of many different legends. One such legend claims that the god Hercules was named Heracleion because of Hercules’ visit to the city.
Helen of Troy also was said to have visited the city. Founded some time in the 8th Century BC, it once played an important religious role because it was here that the temple of Amun was built. Natural catastrophes are blamed for its submersion.
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7. Lake Titicaca’s Temple, Peru

Lake Titicaca is one of the world’s highest lakes. Locals consider it to be sacred. The Akakor Geographical diving team found a number of different walls, roads, and terraces in this 1500-year-old underwater city.
They also discovered a temple that was originally 200 meters high. Experts are still uncertain as to what sunk this city. It’s also referred to as Also known as “the Birthplace of the Incas.” Inca mythology reports that the first Inca king, Manco Capac, was born at this lake. Also known as “the Birthplace of the Sun”, because local legend has it that the god Viracocha rose from this spot to create the stars, the sun, and the first humans.
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8. The Pyramid of Yonaguni, Japan

The Pyramid of Yonaguni was discovered in 1985. Located in one of the world’s greatest lost submerged cities, this monument was found by dive tour operator Kihachiro Aratake. Archaeologists have examined the man-made pyramid and have determined it is part of the fabled lost Pacific civilization known as Mu.
Researchers report the structure is 10,000 years old. It has a design similar to that of pyramids in Central America. The rock formation is called “Jacques eyes” or “the face” because it looks like a huge head.
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9. Heracleion, Egypt

Also known as Thonis-Heracleion, this mysterious metropolis is reported to be more than 1,200 years old. Sunken off the northern coast of Egypt, it was originally located close to the Canopic Mouth of the famous Nile River. It is one of the oldest places in the Mediterranean. Divers have found numerous things including coins, anchors and a stele. Everything discovered there in inscribed in Egyptian or ancient Greek. Often mentioned by a number of Greek historians, it grew in importance during the final days of the famous Pharaohs.
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10. Port Royal, Jamaica

Founded by the Spanish in the year 1518, the village of Port Royal is situated in Kingston Harbor. Once famous for privateers and pirates alike, it currently includes 2000 buildings and four different forts. Once the largest city in the entire Caribbean, it was reportedly built partially on silt. It is believed that a big earthquake and accompanying tsunami on June 7 in 1692 was responsible for sinking a significant portion of the original city into the Caribbean.

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