17 Best Things to Do in Jamaica

Nicknamed the “Capital of Adventure,” Ocho Rios is home to Jamaica’s most attractions per square mile! It’s the perfect base to kick off your island adventures. Experience the harmonious island-nature unity at stunning beaches, waterfalls, and lush mountain summits. Engage with the vibrant Jamaican culture whenever you enjoy our local cuisine or revel in dancehall tunes and uncover the island’s history riddled with pirate adventures and rum-tasting excursions.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Jamaica!

1. Rent an epic villa

Experience Jamaica at its finest with an unforgettable villa stay. Villa Paradiso offers a curated island escape for your group, where every detail is perfected.

Wake to breathtaking Caribbean views from your private veranda, bask in the sun on your secluded white-sand beach, and savor authentic Jamaican cuisine prepared by your personal chef. With a dedicated driver at your service, exploring the island’s best attractions becomes effortless, lending itself to an exceptional getaway!

2. Encounter spectacular beaches

You’re in luck because Jamaica’s north coast has the best beaches on the island. From the soft sand to gentle waves, a day (or two) at the beach is a must-do to unwind and truly experience’ island time.’ Lather up in sunscreen and lounge on the sand, or cool down from the Jamaican heat with swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports.

Beach-hop between these popular beach spots:

• Ocho Rios Bay Beach (Turtle Beach)
• James Bond Beach
• Bamboo Beach
• Fisherman’s Beach

3. Climb waterfalls at Dunn’s River Falls & Park

Feel the water rushing through your legs as you ascend the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. If you’re into chasing waterfalls, this attraction in Ocho Rios is one of the top things to do in Jamaica. The waterfall excursion is the main attraction, where groups ascend 600 feet up the cascading falls. Bring water shoes because it can get slippery on your way up!

Unwind after your waterfall adventure at the beach, or restart your adrenaline kick with ziplining.

4. Go bamboo rafting for picture-perfect scenery

Those viral social media images of tourists cruising leisurely down a river in a bamboo raft occurred not too far away from Ocho Rios. Recreate this viral image sensation at the Martha Brae River.

Divide your group into pairs and enjoy a laid-back cruise side-by-side in bamboo rafts down this three-mile-long river route. Your raft captain will share plenty of jokes and details about the lush tropical vegetation passing by overhead. They’re always more than happy to snap a picture for you.

5. Rope swing splash into the cool Blue Hole

Imagine the bluest blue you’ve ever seen. Would you believe us if we said that our famous Blue Hole is even bluer than that?! A secret waterfall pours into this impressively blue natural pool, boasting hues of turquoise and aquamarine.

Mornings are the best time to experience the seclusion of these electric blue waters. Slip into the water for a refreshing dip. If you’re brave, you’ll have endless fun on the rope swing!

6. Go on an adventure to Mystic Mountain

Spending a day at Mystic Mountain is one of the top activities for adventure-seekers in Ocho Rios. This adventure park is designed to get you soaring, speeding, and screaming.

Mystic Mountain is the perfect group outing. Its mix of activities gives everyone a chance to shine. Show off your no-hands, five-star pose while speeding above the jungle canopy. Let your feet dangle as the Raggamuffin ride whips you around 14 hairpin turns. Compete for the best time on the bobsled ride inspired by the Olympic team. Get a bird’s eye view of Ocho Rios on the Sky Explorer chairlift.

7. Explore Island Village Jamaica

Take a break from the outdoor adventures and experience the touristy side of Jamaica in Island Village. Located near the Ocho Rios Cruise Port, this quaint “village” is a go-to for passengers arriving on cruise ships and those who want to experience a more luxurious side of the island.

Retail therapy is in session as you browse 35+ shops, ranging from local handcraft goods to jewelry stores to gift shops. Margaritaville is one of the best restaurants in Ocho Rios with a delicious menu and a water park—don’t forget to wait 20 minutes after you eat before getting in the water. There’s even a Starbucks here in case the local Blue Mountain Coffee is too strong for you!

8. Go sightseeing on a horseback riding tour

Saddle up for one of the most thrilling ways to explore Jamaica—on horseback! Giddy up with your band of riders as you traverse the diverse island terrain, one gallop at a time. Explore the beauty of the countryside before emerging from the jungle onto a picturesque beach. Hang on tight because part of the route takes you right through the sea with a 100% chance of getting wet!

Check out these local companies to schedule a horseback tour for your group:

• Jaital Tours
• Island Routes
• Excursion Ocho Rios

9. Sunrise hike to Jamaica’s highest peak

Picture a breathtaking view of the sunrise peering over the silhouette of ridges extending to the island coast. This view makes the early morning hike up the Blue Mountain Peak worth it.

Blue Mountains National Park is the only national park in Jamaica. It’s crowned by its namesake peak, the highest point on the island, reaching 7,402 feet above sea level. Sunrise hike excursions include overnight stays at the Rasta Lodge on the mountain, where your group will wake up in the early morning hours to make the night trek.

10. Take a rum tasting tour at the Appleton Estate

Famous for rum, rum tours are one of the best things to do in Jamaica. The Appleton Estate is the oldest distillery in Jamaica, and it has become a staple in Jamaica tourism, hosting group tours around its historic facilities. The two-hour guided tour kicks off with a welcome rum cocktail as you get a peek into the rum-making process. Walk through the distillery to uncover the generational secrets of its long-aged rum. Stick around until the end for a taste test of the estate’s best selections.

11. Grab a drink at the Pelican Bar

Haven’t had enough spirits? Pelican Bar is one of the most unusual bars in the world, set right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a popular stop-off for catamaran cruises and boat tours to enjoy a round of Jamaican rum punch at this tiny hut surrounded entirely by water.

12. Go sightseeing in Kingston

As Jamaica’s capital and airport hub, Kingston is a gateway to the island for international visitors. Before making the approximately two-hour drive from Kingston to Ocho Rios, plan a few hours to explore the capital’s popular tourist attractions.

Discover the birthplace of reggae music at the Bob Marley Museum. Wander around the historic sites dotting Port Royal, a former haven of the ‘real’ pirates of the Caribbean. See art and relics of the Jamaican culture at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

13. Take a day trip to Port Antonio

A scenic drive on the north coast will be a highlight of your group trip. Guests staying at our Villa Paradiso have access to a 21-passenger van to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and attractions along the way.

A full-day trip is enough time to check out popular stops en route to Port Antonio, the Portland Parish capital. Swim in the crystal-clear waters at Frenchman’s Cove Beach. Splash into the electric blue waters at the Blue Lagoon. Admire the lush rainforest cradling the cascading Somerset Falls. Discover the birthplace of river rafting at the Rio Grande River.

14. Visit a Seven Mile Beach

For true beach enthusiasts, the 3.5-hour journey to Negril is worth the drive to check off one of the most beautiful beaches in the world off your bucket list. Seven Mile Beach is a tropical Caribbean island paradise with soft, white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets.

After the beach, head to the famous Rick’s Cafe, known for its authentic Caribbean food and cliff diving ledge.

15. Go snorkeling in Doctor’s Cave Beach

Montego Bay is home to the largest airport in Jamaica. If you’re arriving in MoBay, you can kickstart your vacation at one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Doctor’s Cave Beach, part of the Montego Bay Marine Park, is known for its reef. See tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and more while exploring underwater.

MoBay has even more to check out before departing on a two-hour drive to Ocho Rios. Stop by the Rose Hall Great House to encounter the White Witch of Rose Hall. The local ‘Hip Strip’ is known for being one of the best nightlife spots in Jamaica.

16. Swim in the bioluminescent waters

Bet you didn’t think you’d experience a rare natural wonder during your Jamaican holiday! Falmouth has one of the best luminous lagoon spots in the world. See the dark water light up in a vibrant blue every time they’re touched. Take a boat tour and illuminate the waters with every paddle stroke, or go for a night swim to surround yourself in the shining waters.

Plan your dream trip to Jamaica

Villa Paradiso is your gateway to an unforgettable vacation to Jamaica. Experience the best of what our island has to offer for you and your group with a stay in Ocho Rios.

Check the availability for your group dates and book your stay today!