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15 things you can only experience in Jamaica

15 things you can only experience in Jamaica

Jamaica is a premier island destination because it's the only place in the world you can enjoy certain unforgettable adventures and let your soul truly be free.

Year after year, Jamaica cops international awards for the best attractions, travel destination cities, and tour experiences for you to explore.

Rid yourself of the fear of being judged by onlookers because you'll find the friendliest and warmest locals on this island who will encourage you to explore its hidden gems, season your palate with island spices, or even broaden your knowledge of Caribbean history.

Think of Jamaica as your island vacation dream come true.

So, when you're in Jamaica for a short while, here are 15 things that you can only do here.  

Appleton Estate

Tour the Appleton Estate, Saint Elizabeth

Take a tour of the well-known rum distillery located in the Nassau Valley in Saint Elizabeth,

Tours of Appleton Estate are facilitated on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 3.30 pm. 

This rum tour involves trying your hand at rum-making with supervision from the master blender, and sampling premium aged rum in the tasting room.

Reggae Sumfest

Attend the greatest Reggae show on earth, Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay

Reggae Sumfest inherited the mantle of the ‘must do’ Reggae festival to truly experience Jamaican music in Jamaica in 1993, and has not disappointed since.

The music festival that usually happens during mid-July features performances by the finest Reggae and Dancehall acts from Jamaica such as Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Tommy Lee Sparta, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Capleton, and Lady Saw as well as international artists that have ranged from 50 Cent, Rihanna and Usher to Kenny Loggins.

Visit the birthplace of Reggae icon Bob Marley, Nine Mile, St Ann

Your visit to Jamaica can include a trip to Bob Marley's childhood home now turned mausoleum in Nine Mile, St Ann.

It is also the site where his body is buried and closely guarded by the Rastafarians who manage the attraction.

Learn about Bob Marley's early life, before he became famous, and how he developed an affinity for football. 

Rose Hall Great House

Touring the most haunted 18th-century mansion in Jamaica - Montego Bay

Book a day tour of the Rose Hall Great House, the former home of the legendary White Witch, Annie Palmer who is said to have killed her three husbands before she was killed by one of her slaves.

Visitors to this historical attraction recount strange activities and movements while browsing room to room. 

It is open every day except on Sunday. Entry for each child 12 years or younger costs USD$10 and USD$25 for each adult. 

Visit the Luminous Lagoon, Glistening Waters

Touring the luminous lagoon at Glistening Waters in Falmouth is a surprisingly pleasant activity for adults. 

The site of the glowing water used to be a wharf for the offloading of imported goods to the island, but it's now one of Jamaica's hidden water gems.

When the commercial activity ceased, the property owners discovered the glowing feature of the water. 

Carnival

Partying through Jamaica Carnival

Jamaica Carnival is a premier cultural festival that happens in April in Kingston. Get ready for a colorful showcase of the best carnival bands, bods, and talents that the island has to offer.

Jamaica Carnival also features exclusive performances of new music by the hottest soca artists from other Caribbean islands. 

Visiting iconic James Bond movie locations

You've watched the James Bond movies so now come to Jamaica and visit the exotic locations where they were filmed.

The capital of the parish of Portland, Port Antonio, features prominently in the James Bond movie, No Time To Die, specifically Market Square, West Street, William Street, and Harbour Street.

Also, if you were watching closely, the movie Dr. No, starring Sean Connery and Ursula Andress, takes you on a tour through the parishes of Kingston and St Andrew, and St Ann.

The Norman Manley International Airport, the Blue Mountain range, Dunn's River Falls, White River, and Laughing Waters are some of the sites that feature prominently in the film.

Tasting Devon House ice cream

The best ice cream you'll ever have will be at Devon House in Kingston. 

It's a favorite hangout spot for locals, and visitors enjoy touring the mansion which is the only one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Eating Beef, Cheese, and Curried Chicken Patties at Juici Patties

You can try Jamaican patties outside of Jamaica but nothing beats getting them from the source, specifically, popular Jamaican bakery and restaurant, Juici Patties. 

There are several locations islandwide but the largest one is in Clarendon Park. 

Taste Jamaican patties filled with chicken, beef, shrimp, cheese, or callaloo. 

Dunn's River

Climb Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios

Spend a day at the world-famous water park, Dunn's River Falls on Jamaica's north coast.

This waterfall stands 6,000 feet above sea level, so the climb presents the perfect opportunity for a half-hour leg workout while bonding with fellow hikers. 

Bathing in the world-famous Blue Lagoon

The best place seasoned divers can test their skills is at this cobalt-blue water oasis in Port Antonio. 

The lagoon alternates between bands of warm seawater that swirl to mix with the cold water pumping from a nearby freshwater river teeming with fish.

Pictured in the famous film Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, the Blue Lagoon is easily one of Jamaica's most breathtaking attractions.

*Blue Lagoon was closed in 2020 for renovation and is scheduled to reopen in June 2023. 

Standing at the top of the Blue Mountain Peak

Capture a magnificent view of Kingston, 7,402 feet above the ground atop the Blue Mountains in St Andrew.

The hike, which takes approximately four hours, is an invigorating nature adventure and a unique opportunity to get close-up views of Jamaica's most exotic wildlife. 

Visiting the former wickedest city in the world

You've probably heard stories about pirates who roamed the Atlantic Ocean in the 17th century, so it would be a thrill to visit the place in Jamaica, Port Royal, where they once called home.

In 1692, an earthquake ravaged Port Royal leading to the deaths of many residents.

What remains today are building structures practically submerged underground. One of these structures includes the infamous "Giddy House". 

Watching the glorious Negril sunset

The cliffs of Negril at the westernmost part of the island boast spectacular sunsets and nowhere has a reputation for it quite like Rick’s Cafe.

Fried fish and steamed bammy lunch at Middle Quarters

There's only one place in the world to taste fried fish and steamed bammy lunch and that's in Middle Quarters, St Elizabeth.

This popular streetside eatery doubles as an attraction as visitors get an opportunity to see the live preparation of seafood dishes by skilled local cooks. 

Only in Jamaica

Your most memorable Caribbean vacation experiences will be in Jamaica, so call your travel agent now and start planning your trip.

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