Discovering Jamaica: Your Guide to the Must-See/Must-Do Shore Excursions

A destination that will capture your heart and keep you longing for more, Jamaica is a tropical paradise brimming with natural beauty. Although all of Jamaica stuns with its beauty, the three top rated excursions consist of the famous Dunns River Waterfalls, exciting White River rafting and tubing, and stunning horseback riding along the beach. Whether this is your first time or your fiftieth time visiting Jamaica, there is always something new to discover!

Jamaica is a part of a group of islands in the western Caribbean Sea known as the West Indies, just south of Cuba and west of Haiti. It is an independent member of the British Commonwealth.

Cruisers to this enchanted island dock in one of three cities: Falmouth, Echo Rios, or Montego Bay, depending on the cruise line. They come for the sandy beaches, the reggae music, the lush rainforests, the stunning waterfalls, the rich coffee, and the exquisite rum — all the things Jamaica is best known for.

A Quick History Lesson

Little is known about Jamaica’s early days. Explorers discovered the Arawak and Taino peoples on the island in the 1400s as the Spanish colonized the island. The British wrestled control of Jamaica in the 1600s and turned the island into a center for slave trading, eventually falling to pirates who turned it into a pirate haven by the 1800s. Around this time the remaining settlers capitalized on the shipping routes to trade their sugar, cocoa, and coffee.

Following the emancipation of slaves in 1834, Indian and Chinese laborers were brought in to work the fields until the sugar industry faltered. After a period of political unrest the island was brought back under British colonial rule. Jamaica became a constitutional monarchy in 1962, and expanded economically thanks to tourism and a revived banana industry.

Today Jamaica enjoys a thriving economy, with tourism and mining being the top industries. It is host to over 2.4 million visitors to its shores every year.

Fast Facts

When people think of Jamaica, they automatically picture idyllic beaches… but did you know that the island is home to four mountain ranges as well?

Other fun facts:

• Jamaica is the Caribbean’s third largest island
• The local currency is the Jamaican Dollar, though US Dollars and credit cards are welcomed
• The official language is English, though you will hear a lot of Patois (the local dialect)
• The world’s most expensive rum (Appleton Estate 50-Year Rum) is made in Jamaica
• There is time … and then there is Jamaican time, as Jamaicans are a pretty laid back people
• Dunn’s River Falls continually renews itself from travertine rock and calcium carbonate deposits
• From the top of Blue Mountain Peak (around 7400 ft) you can see the entire island
• All of Ian Fleming’s James Bond thrillers were written while he was in Jamaica

Weather

Jamaica is in the tropics which means it’s generally warm and humid, with daytime temps ranging from 70 degrees in the winter to 90 degrees in the summer. Being in the Caribbean, the island observes Hurricane season (June through November). It’s also fairly windy thanks to the area’s trade winds.

Must-sees/Must-dos When in Jamaica

Dunns River Falls — located in Ocho Rios (and also accessible from Falmouth and Montego Bay) this is the island’s most popular tourist attraction, and for good reason; it is one of the very few waterfalls that you can actually climb. Yes, you read that right!

Under the careful direction of a guide, you and your group will form a daisy chain with your hands and traverse five stories up the travertine rocks, stopping at crystal clear refreshing pools of water along the way. You will be ascending 600 feet above sea level; make sure to pause and enjoy the lush, green canopy surrounding you as you go. For a detailed explanation of what to expect at the falls, as well as climbing tips and surrounding activities, click here.

Note: This tour requires some physical strength and agility; there are man made stairs along the side of the falls with several points of entry for those who wish to stop climbing in the water, or who prefer not to get wet.

White River Water Rafting — from Ocho Rios and Falmouth — spend a relaxing ride down the White River on a sturdy bamboo raft as your River Captain pilots you down the waterway. Sit back and be serenaded by the birds while your Captain points out the local flora and fauna, and shares a little bit about the area.

Tubing along the White River — from Montego Bay and Falmouth — follow a jungle trail to the Rio Bueno where you will enter the moving current in a swimming tube. Get ready for an exciting river adventure as the course takes you along Class II rapids followed by a calmer section where you can float along and enjoy the scenery out to sea (don’t worry — a boat will be waiting to collect you as you reach the mouth of the river).

HorseBack Riding — from Falmouth — saddle up and enjoy the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair with this exciting horseback ride through Jamaica’s lush trails, soft sand, and ocean waves.

On arrival at Braco Stables, you will be greeted by your Trail Master who will pair you up with the right horse for you according to your riding abilities. You and your group will experience the beautiful Jamaican countryside on horseback as you pass by the Braco Great House, a fabulous mid-century plantation house on the grounds of what once was a successful sugar plantation and pimento oil refinery. Once at the beach you can pose with your trusty steed for a memorable photo op, then you and your horse can enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.

Also from Falmouth (or Ocho Rios) you can opt for an exclusive horseback riding tour that will take you and your horse through the woods, following a historic trail used by the Taino Indians as they foraged for food. Learn about the Taino and their culture as you cross the wetlands and arrive at a deserted beach where you can observe current excavations on the area. Then, if you’re brave enough, remount your horse (sans saddle) for an exhilarating — and unforgettable — bareback horse ride in the Caribbean Sea.

Experience the Local Cuisine

There is nothing like Jamaican food to get your taste buds sizzling and warm your soul. The home of Jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, and savory oxtail, the island’s flavors are influenced by a wide array of English, Spanish, African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese spices and cooking techniques.

Ackee (a local fruit) and saltfish (dried, salted cod) is the country’s national dish. Jamaican patties (a pastry filled with spicy meat or fish) are also a favorite. Curried dishes such as curried chicken, goat, and fish are popular, with rice and peas on almost every plate. Stew peas, sweet potatoes, plantains, stews, soups, and a variety of breads are frequently on the menus and tables. Remember to grab a slice of traditional rum cake while you are on the island!

One of the best ways to learn about Jamaica’s food and culture is to go where the food is grown. You can do this with a trip out to Sun Valley Plantation, a locally owned working plantation and botanical farm along the Crescent River. Learn about Jamaica’s fascinating history and culture as you stroll through a plantation that has been producing food for over 250 years, then taste several local dishes as you enjoy the stunning scenery.

Another option is to take an eco-tour of an organic farm where you will explore the premises and learn all about the plants, spices, and flavors of the island, as well as the techniques of coffee farming. The kids will enjoy interacting with the farm animals as you try your hand at planting something. Sample local fruits, help harvest vegetables for your salad, and learn how to make authentic Jerk chicken. Then sit back and enjoy an authentic Jamaican lunch.

Jamaica also has a lively bar scene, where you can get shots, beers, and cocktails along with delicious local food at many places around the island (read more about the best bars in the Caribbean here).

Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Time in Jamaica

What to pack?

Jamaica’s tropical vibes call for casual vibes — so think lightweight clothing such as shorts, sundresses, and sandals. A light sweater or jacket comes in handy during the cooler months. You will also want to bring a swimsuit, cover up, sun hat, sunglasses, and some reef-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s intense rays (remember, you are not too far from  the equator here)!

Fun idea: Bring a decoration — such as a magnetic frame or other lightweight item that won’t damage a door — to put on your cabin door when you arrive. This will help you find your room easier when walking down the long cabin corridors, and/or make it easier for friends and family to find you.

When to Visit?

The high season runs between December and April, when many people flock to Jamaica seeking refuge from the brutal northern climes. If you prefer a less crowded scene, then summer and fall will offer you more space on the beach and less wait times at the restaurants or attractions.

No matter which port you sail into (Montego Bay, Falmouth, or Ocho Rios), you are in luck! Our unbelievable excursions are offered at each one. Call us today and let us help set you up with an unforgettable time while in Jamaica.