6 Fun Things to Do in Jamaica for a Great Time

Yeah, you can spend all your days laying on the sand and soaking up the Jamaican sun. If that works for you, great. But there are a growing number of people out there who want something more from a vacation. We’re talking about the adrenaline junkies who have a serious need for heart-pounding action and adventure.

 

If you are one of those people who can’t stand the idea of lazing around on a beach and stuffing yourself with jerk fish, this article is for you. These six fun things to do in Jamaica are all sure to get your heart pumping and kick your adrenaline into overdrive. You won’t find any window-shopping, buffet eating, or spa treatments on this list. No, this list of fun things to do in Jamaica is for people who have a serious need for speed, trills, and excitement.

1. Hike through Mayfield Falls

We’ll start our list of the top six fun things to do in Jamaica with a wet and wonderful hike through the stunning Mayfield Falls. Located just an hour’s drive from Montego Bay, Mayfield River is a great tourist destination for people who want to explore Jamaica’s stunning waterfalls on foot. That’s right, you’ll actually get to walk through this watery area with your very own water shoes on.

 

This hike is considered medium difficulty due to the slippery rocks and the steep climb. At the end of the hike, you’ll get to swim around some of the clearest and coolest waters on the island. In total, there are two waterfalls, 21 natural pools, and a wide variety of flora and fauna to admire in this region. Plan to be walking through these waters for about one hour. It’s recommended you have at least a moderate degree of stamina to get through this hike.

 

2. Climb Up Blue Mountains National Park

Near the capital city of Kingston, the Blue Mountains National Park has the highest peaks in all of Jamaica. How high? Well, if you head all the way to the top of Blue Mountains, you’ll be up some 7,400 feet. If you’re going to take on this hike, please be prepared for lower than average temperatures and stay hydrated.

 

There are professional tour groups available if you feel like taking a guided tour. Also, there’s a Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour if you’re a bike rider.
If you want to check out the world famous Mavis Bank Coffee Factory in Blue Mountain, you can climb up to the headquarters, which is to the southwest of the major peak. It’ll only cost you around $8 to go on an hour-long tour of this fabulous factory.

3. Run A Marathon In Negril

The Negril Reggae Marathon is for extreme athletes only. This race starts at Negril’s Long Bay Beach Park and goes in a circle to Green Island. For people who don’t have the stamina for a full marathon, there’s also a 10K and half-marathon option.

 

This contest has become so popular over the years that around 20,000 runners from almost 30 countries now participate in it. The run takes place early in the morning on the first Saturday of December. Keep in mind, you’ll be running in temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Even if you don’t win a medal, you’ll get to enjoy live reggae music after the race is finished. So, if you’re a real running enthusiast, you should test out your skills on this famous marathon race.

4. Take A Bobsled Ride In Ocho Rios

 

In honor of Jamaica’s famous winter bobsledding team, locals designed a thrilling bobsled experience through Jamaica’s lush forests. You can take this heart-pounding ride through the trees of Ocho Rios in a bobsled of your own. This track is an incredible 1,000-meters long and has been designed with safety in mind.

 

If bobsledding isn’t your style, there are still plenty of other exhilarating things to do in the jungles of Ocho Rios. You could zoom through the trees on a zip-line, or you could explore the jungle at a slower speed on the aerial tram. Whatever adrenaline rush you’re seeking, you can certainly find it deep in the jungles of Ocho Rios.

5. White Water Raft In Rio Bueno

One of the most common “fun things to do in Jamaica” is to go on a white water raft ride. The seaside town of Rio Bueno, which is a 30-minute drive from Falmouth, is one of the highest reviewed places offering super cool river rafting experiences. This is a tour that will satisfy both bookworms and body builders. As you sail down the Rio Bueno River in an inflatable raft, your tour guide will tell you interesting historical facts about this town.

 

Did you know Rio Bueno was the first place Christopher Columbus ever visited in Jamaica? It’s true! This town has some of the best-preserved buildings from the British colonial period. Also, Rio Bueno has been a hub for some of Jamaica’s most talented artists for decades. If you want to learn all about this often overlooked city in an exhilarating way, book a Rio Bueno river raft ride right now.

6. Ride An ATV In Ocho Rios

Of all the fun things to do in Jamaica on this list, this last suggestion is for hardcore adrenaline junkies. In case you didn’t already know, there are exceptional ATV tours available in the Ocho Rios area. After a quick instruction session, you’ll get to put the pedal to the metal on your very own ATV.

 

Start and stop as you see fit while exploring this area’s remarkable greenery. Don’t worry about getting these vehicles dirty as you speed around old trails. Zoom all around Ocho Rios without a care in the world…with a helmet on, of course! There’s no better way to get your adrenaline fix than by booking a private ATV tour around Ocho Rios’ pristine jungles.

Summing Up

So, there you have it. These fun things to do in Jamaica are sure to add some spice to your Jamaican travel experience. People who love various forms of outdoor activity are certain to find one option on this list to suit their travel criteria. Jamaica is far more than just swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

 

Thanks to the revolution of eco-tourism, Jamaica has plenty of options for fitness buffs looking for an exciting vacation. All you have to do is book your plane ticket and head off on your own exciting Caribbean adventure.