Translated from the Arawak dialect of the Indians of Central America, the name of this island sounds like "the land of springs." Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea just south of Cuba and in terms of its geographical position is the ideal place to spend a vacation there. But not only snow-white beaches, a sea of all shades of turquoise and the famous rum become magnets for travelers who are ready to fly 16 hours from Moscow to plunge into the gentle waters on the beaches of Montego Bay or Kingston. The trip promises to be doubly interesting when you find out what to see in Jamaica. The variety of attractions will satisfy the demand of both lovers of natural beauty and fans of history.
Top 15 attractions in Jamaica
Dunn's River Falls
Dunn's River Falls & Park National Park is famous for its waterfalls. A multitude of water streams rush down from the rocks, form cascades and steps, and head to the Caribbean Sea, bypassing hundreds of obstacles and obstacles. The total height of the Dunss River Waterfalls is 180 meters. Walking routes are organized for visitors, passing along which tourists climb stone ledges and swim in natural pools. The ascent starts from the beach and takes about 1, 5-2 hours.
The optimal time to visit is before 10 am or after 4 pm.
Ticket price: 20 euros.
To get there: take the A3 highway from Ocho Rios.
Dolphin Bay
The nature attraction near Ocho Rios has been considered the finest in the Caribbean for many years and has won worldwide awards. In a natural bay, you can not only watch dolphins, but also swim with them, chat, feed and even touch them.
The most popular attraction in Dolphin Cove is a walk along the bottom of the sea in a special protective helmet, surrounded by the smartest marine life. Other entertainment - shark shows and kayaking on a transparent boat, swimming with rays and swimming with sharks. A restaurant and souvenir shops are open in the bay.
Ticket price: 50 euros.
Bob Marley Museum
We say "Jamaica", we mean "Bob Marley", and therefore it is not surprising that in addition to souvenirs with the image of the famous musician, there is also a museum dedicated to him on the island.
The house where the reggae master once lived and his studio can be found in Kingston. The furnishings are perfectly preserved, and you can look at the stage costumes and platinum discs popular both in Jamaica and around the world, see wall paintings made in traditional Rastaman colors, and buy souvenirs to remember the visit.
Ticket price: 20 euros.
Bob Marley's mausoleum
An equally iconic place for followers of Rastafarianism is the Bob Marley mausoleum in the suburb of St. Ann is a few miles south of Brown. The reggae king was born in this place in 1945 and was buried there.
The place where the mausoleum is located is called Nine Mile. The attraction is operated by members of the Marley family. Visitors are shown the musician's awards, his instruments, photographs and personal belongings. Among the exhibits of the mini-museum is a stone pillow on which Bob laid his head in search of inspiration.
The musician's body, along with his guitar, rests in a mausoleum in a small church.
Devon House
You can get an idea of the identity of the island by visiting just one mansion. Devon House in the center of the capital was built over 120 years ago by the millionaire Stibel, who was engaged in not very legal, but very lucrative trade. The architectural style of the house is a motley mixture of Jamaican traditions and Georgian flair, but visitors are not only interested in elegant staircases, natural wood façades and English chandeliers. At Devon House, noteworthy:
- The 19th century style ice cream shop offers the finest sweet treats made from natural ingredients.
- Brick Oven Bakery sells cinnamon rolls and cakes with whipped cream and tropical fruits.
- The Devon House restaurant takes its rightful place in the list of the most famous establishments in the world. Its chef, Norma Shirley, has been named the best chef in the Caribbean.
At the estate you can buy national souvenirs - rum, cigars, coffee, spices and clothes.
Ticket price: 16 euros.
Blue Lagoon
Two hours' drive from Kingston, near Port Antonio, you will find the magical cove that became the protagonist of the cult American movie Blue Lagoon. Its main feature is water of amazing color, which can change during the day. Amazing shades of turquoise are shaded by green palm trees and white sand, and the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio is an ideal place for romantic-style photo shoots, which is sure to be used by newlyweds and just lovers who fly to Jamaica.
You can see the magical bay with an organized excursion from Port Antonio.
National Gallery
The largest art museum in Kingston was founded in the 70s of the last century, when a decent collection of early and modern art of the Caribbean region gathered in the city.
The exhibition includes a wide range of works by local original authors: ceramics and sculpture, paintings and crafts made from shells. Of particular interest to foreign visitors are traditionally the products of the local Taino Indians, who are considered skilled woodcarvers.
Ticket price: 2, 5 euros.
Rose Hall
The eerie legend about the cruel owner of the House of Roses in Montego Bay is the main attraction of the mansion, where all travelers who find themselves in Jamaica try to get. Built in the middle of the 18th century, the luxurious house belonged to the millionaire John Palmer. The building stands on a hillside and offers a magnificent view of the ocean.
Legend has it that Palmer's wife killed him and the next two husbands and many slaves, until she died at the hands of the avenger. The White Witch's Tomb is another Rose Hall celebrity. Its current owner is a former Miss World and she doesn't seem to be too scared by the mansion's past. The night tours and seances she organizes are very popular with tourists.
Port Royal
Among the many pirate harbors in the Caribbean, Port Royal was one of the most famous. He was often favored with his attention by Henry Morgan, and the gold in the taverns of Port Royal flowed like a river. At the end of the 17th century, the city suffered from a powerful earthquake, and Kingston was chosen as the new capital of Jamaica.
On an excursion to the former pirate center, you can see the reconstructed harbor, the royal docks, the inhabitants of the underwater aquarium and the large stone fort. Ships sunken after an earthquake are of interest to divers.
Trench Town
In the 30s of the last century, the British administration planned that this quarter of Kingston would become an example of a beautiful new urban area, but in practice it turned out to be somewhat different. In his labyrinths reggae was born, Bob Marley sang about him, in his slums rastamans and other people who preferred freedom to all the riches of the world found shelter.
Today, a small museum is open in Trench Town, the main exhibit of which is the first Marley guitar. There is a room in the house where the king of reggae did not live long.
The price of a ticket to the museum accompanied by a guide is 10 euros. It's not worth taking a walk around Trench Town alone!
Green Grotto Caves
A famous tourist attraction in the north of the island is named after the green algae that cover the walls of the caves. Once they were inhabited by local Indian tribes who left behind drawings. During the existence of the British colony in Jamaica, underground grottoes served as a refuge for escaped slaves and escaped Spanish captivity.
An excursion to the Green Grotto will introduce you to the world of stalactites and stalagmites, tell you about the life of a colony of bats and allow you to admire the purest underground lake.
Ticket price: 18 euros.
Mayfield Falls
Mayfield Falls are located near the resorts of Ocho Rios and Negril. The complex consists of two large cascades that form two dozen natural pools where you can swim. The walk to the waterfalls includes an acquaintance with the village of Rasta and the Mayfield River Valley, the waters of which form the waterfalls.
Some of the ledges are dotted with small caves, where you can look in during a walk. The falls are surrounded by rainforest, and on a tour you can look at the typical inhabitants of Jamaica - a variety of birds with colorful plumage.
Royal Botanic Gardens
In 1873, 200 hectares of land in the administrative district of St. Andrew in the southeast of the island were given to create a botanical garden. The land belonged to Major Richards Hope, one of the first English colonizers to arrive in Jamaica.
Gardens today are a public property of the inhabitants of the island, where you can get acquainted with the richest collection of endemic and exotic plants of the Caribbean. Particular attention is drawn to the cactus garden, bougainvillea alley and lily pond.
Blue Mountain Peak
The highest mountain in the southeast of the island is considered a paradise for those who love hiking, walks in the rainforest and photo shoots in nature. In clear weather, from the two-kilometer peak of the mountain, you can see the outlines of neighboring Cuba.
Climbing the peak is a popular excursion in Jamaica. The groups start at 1400 meters at about 2 am and reach the summit by 6 am, having overcome about 10 km of mountain paths. The best time to hike is August, when the skies over Blue Mountain Peak are clear and Liberty Island is clearly visible.
Yaaman Adventure Park
The organizers of this park are true outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. In the park, located on an 18th century farmland, you can enjoy old carriage rides, Victorian dinners, horseback riding, camel riding and a real buggy on mud and dirt. Dolphins will help you wash away fatigue. Swimming with them is on the list of possible pleasures.
Find: approx. 5 km east of Ocho Rios.
