6 of the best day trips by boat in Jamaica

Rediscovering Jamaica from the crystal waters that surround the island is a vacation must-do.

And there are a number of tour companies that provide excellent boat tours and cruises for visitors and locals year-round.

A boat trip gives you the unique experience to interact with the island's ocean life as you gaze at the mighty mountains that envelop parts of this land mass.

Maybe you want to explore the many rivers and mangroves on the island, or head to the south coast, particularly to the fishing villages where you can deepen your appreciation of Jamaica's natural bounty.

Now here are the six best day trips by boat in Jamaica.

Montego Bay Marine Park Glass Bottom tours, Montego Bay

At a minimal cost of $35 per person, the certified boat operators at the Montego Bay Marine Park will grant you permission to spy on the busy activities of the fish and other sea creatures found in Montego Bay's waters.

Guests have the option of choosing two routes - from Pier One to Freeport or from Pier One to Whitehouse (a community that neighbors the Montego Bay airport).

Guests may choose to interact with the fish by feeding them bite-size pieces of bread under the guidance of the boat captain.

The marine protection agency also offers late evening and night tours for the viewing of luminous lagoons and bird watching.

Lime Cay boat tour, Kingston

The only way to get to this small islet off the coast of Port Royal in Kingston is by boat, which takes about 15 minutes both ways.

The trip to Lime Cay is a popular one among locals living on the eastern end of the island. The Cay is uninhabited by humans, so there are no facilities there.

Bring the food and drink that you need and use the bathroom facilities at the resort where you're staying before you make a trip to Lime Cay,

The Cay is managed by the government of Jamaica which permits only licensed boat tour operators to make trips to this small beach.

Black River Safari, Black River

If you're in the mood to do a stare-down with a crocodile and a few other animals that inhabit the swampy mangroves alongside the Black River in St. Elizabeth, book this day trip.

The tour is 90 minutes long and takes you four miles upstream Black River, Jamaica's longest river.

It's the main sanctuary for crocodiles in Jamaica so prepare to spot a few along the way.

Boat ride to Floyd's Pelican Bar, Treasure Beach

You probably heard about the fantastic chillspot on the water, Floyd's Pelican Bar. Well, the pleasurable, bumpy boat ride to get there is not spoken about enough.

This bar on stilts in the water is approximately a quarter mile away from the shore.

You can book a boat trip to the Pelican Bar on the dockside of Black River or at Frenchman's Bay in Treasure Beach.

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Island Routes Reggae Family Cruise, Ocho Rios

Have a party on the ocean with your family and other visitors to the island on Island Routes Reggae Family cruise.

It's a luxury cruise that takes you a few meters away from the town of Ocho Rios to not only set sail on the water but also dive in and interact with the marine life.

A brief snorkeling lesson, an endless supply of food and drink, impromptu Jamaican dance lessons, and sweet, pulsating Reggae music playing makes this boat trip a must-do in Ocho Rios.

Island Routes Dunn's River Catamaran Cruise, Montego Bay

If you're in Montego Bay and you want to experience the world-famous Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, take this Island Routes catamaran cruise.

The tour includes a stop at Dunn's River Falls where you can participate in the much-talked-about water hike up the slippery, 600-feet waterfall or sit at the foot of the waterfall and allow the gushing water to give you a free back massage.

Hop back on the boat for a relaxing ride back to Montego Bay.

Vacation musts

Wherever you decide to vacation in Jamaica, you're always just a few meters away from an incredible day trip by boat.

So don't miss out!