Imagine a place where your worries drift away; a place that perfectly captures the breathtaking sights, unforgettable adventures, and sense of wonder that is a Jamaican Vacation. That place is real, and it has a name: Discovery Bay.
What Is Discovery Bay?
Discovery Bay, located on the northern coast of Jamaica, is a vacationer’s paradise. With crystal clear water, gently blowing palms and tropical forest, and sunshine as far the eye can see, you’ll never want to leave. And with all of the amazing attractions; well, you don’t have to.
The bay is one of the most well-protected on the island, and, legend has it, is home to Christopher Columbus’ first steps on Jamaican soil. Rich with history from New World exploration, colonization, and reggae, Discovery Bay is never boring. There’s always something new to discover.
Image CC by 0, by violetta, via Pixabay.
Where Is Discovery Bay Located?
Discovery Bay is a town in Saint Ann Parish, located half an hour away from bustling Ocho Rios. It’s under just an hour and half drive from Kingston.
If you’re flying in at Sangster, Discovery Bay is just under an hour’s drive east along Hwy A1. Ian Fleming International is just as short a drive if you’re arriving from the west .From Kingston, take Mandela Hwy (Hwy 2000 / A1) and continue. This route will take you straight towards the bay.
Fabulous Discovery Bay Attractions
Discovery Bay and Columbus Park
A day at Discovery Bay isn’t complete without visiting the bay itself. Best viewed from Columbus Park, you can experience both the rich history of what is believed to be the famed explorer’s first anchoring in Jamaica, as well as dramatic views overlooking the harbor. Columbus Park is also home to Jamaica’s only outdoor history museum and features artifacts from the Arawaks, a people group who immigrated to the Caribbean and South America centuries prior to the first European migrations.
Chukka Cove
Why boat when you can…. ride horseback? Chukka’s Horseback Ride and Swim looks like something out of the latest pirate movie! A trail-riding, ocean-soaked adventure will take you from the hillside straight to the water. How many people can say they’ve ridden a horse in the ocean? Plus, with pick up from your hotel and a photography accompanying each tour, it’s all of the adventure and none of the effort! If you want to have an unforgettable equine experience, look no further than Chukka Cove.
Dunn’s River Falls
If you’re feeling slightly adventurous, or just want to cool off, you can’t beat a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. One of Jamaica’s top tourist destinations, get a thrill by climbing up part of a 600-foot water feature. You’ll be greeted by green pools along the way and smooth rocks should you wish to make a safe return to the bottom. The water cascading from the falls is fueled by cool and crisp natural springs, making for a refreshing visit no matter how you decide to explore them.
Mystic Mountain
Up the road from Dunn’s River Falls lies Mystic Mountain, a tropical oasis where adventure awaits. Give bobsledding a shot or simply enjoy a scenic chairlift ride over the canopy. For the thrill-seeking types, the attraction also has a zip line, sending riders on a high-speed adventure over the Jamaican forest.
Bob Marley, the man, the music, the myth
Nine Mile – The Home of Bob Marley
What’s a visit to Jamaica without touring the King of Reggae’s old stomping grounds? Just down the road is the Nine Mile community, home to Bob Marley. Born, raised, and laid to rest here, Marley and his legacy are remembered in this small village. Memorabilia, music, and answers to your next Bob Marley trivia question can all be found here.
If paying tribute to Bob Marley has put you in the mood for the sounds of modern reggae, and you happen to be visiting in January, check out Rebel Salute at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove for the most authentic Jamaican reggae concert this side of the island (or any side for that matter).
Life in the Cockpit
Known as Cockpit Country, Jamaica’s strange, rugged, karst limestone jungle encompasses more than 1,300 miles. Home to sites such as Rock Spring Cave, Life In The Cockpit might be perfect for you if getting off the beaten path and a little lost along the way (not literally of course!) is a treasured part of your Jamaican experience.
Silver Sands Beach
This may or may not have been your desktop background, but it sure is beautiful. Silver Sands Beach is the beach of your dreams. Private and pristine, the beach is only available to guests of Silver Sands Villa, which is worth a stay for access alone and some great beach-side amenities.
Fisherman’s Beach
Fisherman’s Beach is where the locals hang out. Complete with ocean skiffs, a bar, and a grill and music that start up in the late afternoon, the beach is a great sampling of true Jamaican life.
Mambee Beach
Mambee Beach, where the contrast of dazzling white sand meets bright blue water, is a picture that will forever stay engrained in your mind (and perhaps, immortalized as it hangs in your office to make your co-workers jealous). While half of it is a resort, the other half is a public beach. Enjoy it in the sand or at a distance from a bar – Bamboo Blu Restaurant is a great choice.
Dolphin Cove
A Jamaican vacation just isn’t complete without the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with dolphins and other marine life. Dolphin Cove provides five acres of unforgettable experiences where you can enjoy lush pools filled to the brim with dolphins, stingrays, and nurse sharks who just can’t wait to meet you. Sea creatures just not your thing? You won’t be left out. Dolphin Cove also offers glass-bottom kayak tours, trails, and a beach.
Green Grotto Caves
Arawak Indians? Pirates? James Bond? Green Grotto Caves has had them all. The underground cavern system, located between Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay, was home to the Arawak Indians. Other notable guests include Spaniards, who hide from the English there, and Agent 007 in Roger Moore’s appearance as James Bond. The dramatic history, along with the clear lake at the bottom, makes Green Grotto a must see during your trip to Discovery Bay.
Three Little Birdies
With lucious, tropical greens year-round, it’s no wonder that Jamaica is one of the best places to golf. Both Sandals Golf & Country Club and SuperClubs Golf Club Runaway Bay, located minutes from Discovery Bay, will offer a challenge to even the most avid golfers. And after a personal-record-breaking round, kick back a few at Flavours, a favorite spot with locals that’s both a beach and a bar, located at Runaway Bay.
Scotchies Too
What is Jamaica without jerk chicken (and Bob Marley of course!)? Scotchies Too is a humble eatery turned franchise offering this famous Jamaican dish. Located in the Greenwich Estate neighborhood in St. Ann’s Bay, the Scotchies shack is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for authentic food. Perfectly capturing the laid-back island lifestyle, you won’t want to leave. And good news- you don’t have to.
A Day of Good Hope
Good Hope Estate is a can’t-miss spot in Falmouth, just east of Discovery Bay. Circa the eighteenth century, Good Hope offers homegrown, traditional Jamaican cuisine, along with English high tea. After lunch or tea, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and peruse the offerings of Trading House, which includes local art and Jamaican commodities including coffee, rum, and seasonings.
Shaw Park Botanical Gardens
If you’re in the mood for something serene, Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, just outside Ocho Rios, is the place for you. Complete with a waterfall, the park is a great spot to cool down while enjoying relaxing scenery. Entrance is only $10 USD.
Martha Brae River
Nothing says relaxation like floating down a river. Experience a lazy river way better than the overcrowded one at your resort. Take a guided tour down a three-mile stretch of the Martha Brae on your own 30-foot raft. It’s a great way to spend an hour, and you’ll likely get to see a lot of beautiful tropical birds. Plus, if you need to cool off, feel free to slip into the water and simply drift with your raft.
Rio Bueno
Just east of Falmouth lies Rio Bueno, a small, picturesque fishing village that is mostly undiscovered to tourists. Little known as one of Columbus’ stops on his second voyage, you’ll love this colonial outpost complete with Georgian houses, historic churches, and a bustling art scene.
Conclusion
With all the amazing attractions, historic sites, and adventure at Discovery Bay, you can experience a vacation you’ve only dreamed of. Your worries will drift away as you enjoy the pristine beaches, spend the day experiencing an older time through Good Hope House, or just letting your stress fade with each drive. Whether your adventure takes you to Mystic Mountain, Chukka Cove, Dunn’s River Falls, or even Cockpit Country. you won’t be disappointed. No matter how you experience Jamaica, you’ll be amazed at all that awaits you at Discovery Bay.