Vacations are the stuff of childhood memories. (Or maybe not!)

When on vacation in Jamaica, we actively encourage you to free your inner child and live out all your childhood fantasies woth your kids.

This is another reason why Jamaica truly is the perfect vacation destination - whether you're young, old or somewhere in between.

Outside of the main cities and towns is the perfect place to allow the entire family to explore their imagination in the comfort of the natural botany and wildlife.

Even your grandparents will discover their inner children at these places to play on Jamaica's south coast.

Here are 5 family-friendly adventures that you should try once you're there.

Have a Safari adventure

The “oldest” attraction on the south coast is a boat ride up the Black River to see nature in all its glory.

Otherwise known as the Black River Safari, this tour is a great way to spend half a day.

Cruise on the longest navigable river in Jamaica, four miles up the Black River.

It offers sightings of crocodiles, various wetland birdlife, and majestic mangrove plants whose (often as long as 40ft) roots tower dive into the dark waters below.

Although there are many tour operators, J. Charles Swaby is one of the oldest. He has a mini “museum” as well as petting areas where visitors can hold baby crocodiles.

Tel: (876) 965- 2513/( 876) 965-2086

Zipline across a waterfall

At the south coast’s only waterfall attraction, YS Falls, adventure seekers can suit up, click in and fly across several hundred feet of waterfalls as they crisscross the many pools and cascades wedged between the lush landscape before reaching the base.

Wedged in a beautiful valley at the base of the Cockpit Country, YS Falls also features two manmade swimming areas (where the river water has been channeled), a rope swing, a bar and grill, and a variety of seating areas for guests to spread out and relax in.

Kids will also enjoy the tractor-drawn jitney through the cattle and horse farm between the ticket office and the falls.

Tel: (876) 997 6369

See dolphins in their natural habitat 

Although the sighting of dolphins is no guarantee, many tourists take a 35-minute boat tour out to the world-famous Pelican Bar in Treasure Beach with very high hopes.

The sighting of a dolphin pod that playfully jumps and dives around the boat is a pleasure to experience.

As magical as it is memorable, the sighting alone makes the boat ride worth it!

If you're interested, try making reservations with boat operators from Jakes Hotel Villas and Spa (876 965 3000), Frenchman’s Bay (in Treasure Beach), or dockside in Black River.



Off-road bike riding

In Treasure Beach, tour guide Damian “Reds” Parchment offers bike rides down, up, over, and through some of the area's most off -the-beaten-path adventures. 

A favorite trip is the dawn ride which leaves before sunrise and takes riders through the farms.

The area is famous for fresh coconut water, a sea swim, and a hearty breakfast at the nearby Jakes Hotel or Smurfs restaurant.

Damian also offers assistance to riders participating in the Jakes Off-Road Triathlon – held annually on the third weekend of April.

Call Damian “Reds” Parchment at (876) 586-2837 or Jakes Hotel Villas and Spa at (876) 965-3000 for details.

Release baby turtles

Join the Treasure Beach Turtle Group in one of their hatch and release sessions during the months of May to December.

The Hawksbill turtle is an endangered species in Jamaica that faces extinction without programs like this one.

Enquire at your local accommodations about the information on the next hatching.

Tel: (876) 965-0126


This is not an exhaustive list of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that your family can enjoy on Jamaica's South Coast.

Book your trip today!