Post updated 2/12/24
Jamaica is one of my favorite destinations for affordable all-inclusive vacations. The beaches are beautiful, the people are so friendly, and best of all, the flights and hotels can be very affordable. Jamaica has a unique laid-back energy- as soon as you walk through the airport you are surrounded by happy vibes, frozen drinks, and fabulous Caribbean weather. Ya mon!
Some of my favorite memories from Jamaica involve waking up early enough to catch the sunrise, and then relaxing at the beach with a book and a coffee (until it became an appropriate hour to switch to frozen rum punches).
However, there are many fun activities to do in Jamaica besides just relaxing on the beach. Whether you are traveling with thrill seekers, water lovers, or foodies – there is something here for everyone in your group. Keep reading for my recommendations of top activities to add to your Jamaica Itinerary.
*Please note that this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.
Best Excursions in Jamaica:
Dunn’s River Falls
Climbing Dunn’s River Falls was my favorite activity in Jamaica! The waterfall is 180 feet high and takes 60-90 minutes to climb. It is one of Jamaica’s main attractions so I recommend going early in the day to avoid major crowds. There are two options for climbing- doing a dry climb on a path along the side of the waterfall, or doing a wet climb through the waterfall. The wet climb is a lot of fun with several natural pool areas to enjoy as well as a few natural water slides. However, the wet climb through the falls can be a bit strenuous with a few slippery spots- so I recommend wearing water shoes and being very careful as you climb. Tickets to Dunn’s River Falls include a tour guide (which is required).
At the end of the falls on your way back to the parking lot there is a craft market that is great for souvenirs. However, the sales people here can be quite persuasive- so if you are not interested in buying anything be sure not to linger too long.
Book your tour of Dunn’s River Falls here.
Bamboo Beach Club
I spent a few hours at Bamboo Beach Club during a full day excursion that started with a visit to Dunn’s River Falls and ended with white river tubing. This is one of the most beautiful beaches that I have visited, and the service and food was incredible. The full day excursion that I did involved unlimited food and drink service, and they even made special plates of vegetarian food for me. I highly recommend visiting this beach club for some lunch and relaxation after seeing Dunn’s River Falls.
Note: The excursion that I did involving Dunn’s River Falls, Bamboo Beach Club, and White River Tubing is no longer available. However, here is a similar tour that visits Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole, and Bamboo Beach Club. Check it out here.
River Tubing
River Tubing is another fun activity to add to your Jamaica itinerary. When I did this in Jamaica, the river was mostly calm, almost like a “lazy river” at a waterpark, but it also had a few strong currents throughout which added a bit of thrill and adventure to the experience.
Book your river tubing excursion here.
Luminous Lagoon
Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is home to bioluminescant micro-organisms that light up and produce a glow when the water is disturbed. Boat tours are available from “Glistening Waters Restaurant” where you take a boat out to the lagoon and have the opportunity to swim in the water. This is a really fun nighttime excursion to witness this unique phenomenon.
Book your Luminous Lagoon tour here.
ATV Tour
I had my first experience riding an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in Jamaica. It was a fun way to explore the Jamaican countryside while also experiencing the thrill of an ATV. Many of the tours also teach you about local plants and wildlife, and lead you through historic villages and estates.
Chukka Tours offers two locations for ATV Tours: Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay, and Chukka Cove & Cliffs. Book your ATV tour here.
Blue Hole and Secret Falls
Blue Hole is a swimming hole located in the mountains of Jamaica. The water has a beautiful blue hue, and there is a rope swing that you can use to jump into the water. A ten minute hike through the small rainforest there will take you to Secret Falls. Check out this excursion that include a visit to Blue Hole and Secret Falls in addition to Dunn’s River Falls. Book here.
Suggested Jamaica Itinerary:
Day 1: Relax at the resort
Day 2: Dunn’s River Falls, Bamboo Beach Club, and White River Tubing
Day 3: ATV Tour and Luminous Lagoon
Day 4: Blue Hole and Secret Falls (Note: I recommend this if your hotel is located nearby. Otherwise, you might want to omit this from your itinerary o squeeze it in on the same day that you visit Dunn’s River Falls)
Day 5: Relax at the resort
If you are able to stay for longer than five days, I recommend spending the additional days relaxing at your resort and exploring the resort activities. Many of the resorts I have stayed in have activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, scuba lessons, small casinos, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and spas.
If you are staying for less than five days, you can pick from the above excursions depending on the interest of your travel group. I personally prefer to have at least 2 full days of relaxing at the resort regardless of trip length so that I can take advantage of the all-inclusive food, drink, and amenities.
Where to Stay:
Holiday Inn Resort
I have stayed at three different resorts in Montego Bay and the Holiday Inn is by far my favorite because of it’s unbeatable prices. They have great dining options with multiple sit-down restaurants to choose from for dinner. A cool feature of this resort is “Tek-it easy island” which is a swim-up sand-bar/island located a few meters off the shore. This resort feels very family-friendly, but if you are traveling without kids they also have a small adults-only pool with a swim up bar. Check it out here!
Hotel Riu Montego Bay
Hotel Riu is another budget-friendly option in Montego Bay. This resort is adults-only and had an epic pool with multiple swim-up bars. The only thing drawback to this resort is that the majority of the restaurants are buffet style and do not have plated dinner service. Check it out here!
Secrets Montego Bay
Secrets is one of the more upscale resort options in Montego Bay. The pools, food, beaches, and entertainment are all incredible.
Tips for visiting Jamaica:
- Bring plenty of small bills for tip money.
- U.S. dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere, you do not need to exchange money.
- If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, bring a tumbler or insulated mug to keep your drink cold. This will also save you trips to the bar since the cups at the resort are usually smaller than a tumbler.
- While marijuana is often associated with Jamaica, it is actually not legal there. In addition, most resorts do not allow it on premises. Despite this, it is still pretty common.
- Jamaica is not very LGBTQ-friendly and harassment is common.
- Be sure to set up your airport transport ahead of time (this is often included in the price of all-inclusive resorts). If not, you can book your airport transport here.
- Stick to “touristy” and highly populated places. Normally when I visit Jamaica I do not go out and explore on my own, I just book tours and excursions.
- Make sure your passport is up to date.
- Add international data coverage to your cell phone plan if it does not already have it, or turn off data when you arrive and only use hotel WiFi.
- Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it. It is really fun to snorkel and explore the ocean at your resort, and it is easier/more sanitary to use your own gear.
Have you visited Jamaica? What is your favorite thing about the island? Leave a comment below!
