JAMAICA: EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE BEACHES AND RESORTS
The perfect destination for the most unforgettable experiences! Jamaica is indeed a bucket list topper for me. Once a year, I make it a priority to go someplace I have never been before and 2021, is the year I hope to set foot on this beautiful island finally.
We all know Jamaica is known for its great beaches and tropical sunsets, but there is a lot more to this destination than the beach. And don't get me wrong, although that is a great way to spend a vacation, some people want to do a little more and see all the things Jamaica offers. Here is a list of some of the most amazing things to do in Jamaica that don't involve just sitting on the beach and catching some rays.
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WATER OTHER THAN THE BEACH
Blue Hole: This beautiful "cenote" type body of water is rumored to be bottomless, according to locals. The turquoise blue water is surrounded by some of the tremendous tropical greenery that makes Jamaica beautiful. The perfect place for snorkeling, swimming, and many people love to jump in from the vines in the trees surrounding the Blue Hole.
Black River: A tour of the Black River is a great way to get into the wilds of Jamaica and touch with its' wildlife. This 33-mile-long river is the perfect place to see one of Jamaica's most rare creatures, the crocodile. A rare sight in Jamaica, but they can be seen in the Black River near the island's southern coast.
Luminous Lagoon: This lagoon has a fantastic "glow in the dark" quality that comes from the microorganisms that call it home. The Luminous Lagoon is located in Falmouth, Trelawny, and there are only three lagoons like it in the world. Tours offer visitors an unforgettable experience as they can swim and dive in such a rare body of water.
Pirate City Under the Sea: Port Royal was once known as the most wicked city globally, and now it sits under about 40 feet of water. An earthquake destroyed much of the town and killed hundreds of people, and what it didn't destroy was laid to rest underwater. It is a great place to go diving to tour the pirate city that was cast into the sea.
Swimming with Horses: Many people say that riding a horse is a spiritual experience. Did you know horses could swim? This attraction offered at some of the resorts across Jamaica, such as Half Moon Resort, allows visitors to get into the water with these majestic creatures who, by the way, are great swimmers.
INTO THE MOUNTAINS
Mystic Mountain Nature Park: There are vast mountainous areas to see in Jamaica. Whether it is on their "bobsled"-like rollercoaster or zip line, visitors can explore the 700-foot-high peak of Mystic Mountain. A fun and exhilarating way to see Jamaica in a way that most people don't consider.
The Blue Mountains: Who considers camping when they are in Jamaica? The longest mountain range in Jamaica, the Blue Mountains are lush with tropical forests, and they are the perfect setting for camping, hiking, and biking.
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES
Rick's Café: Rick's Café in Negril, Jamaica, sits atop beautiful 35-foot-tall cliffs overlooking the ocean, a perfect location to enjoy the Jamaican sunset. But aside from the great food and drinks, visitors can also go cliff jumping. Some daredevils even jump from the trees and other buildings that line these cliffs.
Floyd's Pelican Bar: This bar and restaurant is built from driftwood and sits atop stilts on a sandbar about a quarter of a mile out to sea. It is just a 20-minute boat ride from the coast of Negril. It is the perfect place to spend an evening swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying some great food and a cold Red Stripe.
Most think of Jamaica's beaches when they are looking for things to do but take the time to look into what is around, and you may find some memorable experiences. Jamaica has a beautiful culture and a landscape that is just as diverse as anywhere else. There are great people, tropical wildlife, and things to do inland and on the coast. Just expand your horizons and see all the things that Jamaica has to offer.
