Top 8 Things to Do in Lucea, Jamaica

When people think about a Jamaican getaway, they often don’t think of Lucea. This tiny town in northwestern Jamaica doesn’t have as big a tourist infrastructure as other cities, but it does have some fine beaches to explore. Plus, Lucea, Jamaica, is located in between two of the country’s hottest cities: Negril and Montego Bay. If you want to travel to an authentic Jamaican beach town without hordes of tourists, Lucea should definitely be on your bucket list. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do and see if you ever get the opportunity to visit the city.

Top 8 Things to Do in Lucea, Jamaica

1. Head For The Beaches!

The first things that pop into most people’s minds when they think of Jamaica are sun, surf, and white sand beaches. Luckily for you, you can find all three of these essentials in Lucea, Jamaica. You can literally spend your entire trip sunbathing on Lucea’s world-class beaches if that’s all you desire. Hey, we’re not judging! If you’ve got a more adventurous spirit, you could opt to play a few water sports with other tourists in the tranquil waves. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll enjoy high quality beaches without the mobs of tourists you’d experience on Doctor’s Cave Beach.

2. Visit The Impressive Waterfalls

Once you arrive in Lucea, Jamaica, you’ll be amazed just how pristine the surrounding forests are. After the beaches, vacationers in Lucea really love visiting the island’s three main waterfalls. These three stunning waterfalls are named Kempshot Falls, Dry Hill, and Paradise. Whether you’re traveling with your loved one or with your family, it’s a great idea to spend a few hours at one of these falls. As you marvel at the powerful water flowing down, relax in the natural splendor of the Jamaican wilderness.

3. Swim With Dolphins At Dolphin Cove

According to TripAdvisor travelers, the number one attraction in Lucea is Dolphin Cove. Located only about 15 minutes from Lucea’s city center, Dolphin Cove has been providing thousands of tourists with memorable experiences swimming with everyone’s favorite aquatic mammal. If you feel up to it, Dolphin Cove can even arrange for you to swim with a shark! Actually petting a dolphin is a once in a lifetime experience you just can’t pass up. Be sure to visit this amazing attraction if you are traveling with children. In addition to the Montego Bay location, there are also two Dolphin Coves in Ocho Rios.

4. Try Your Luck At The Grand Palladium Jamaica

Feeling lucky? If so, you need to take a quick car ride to the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort. This five-star hotel boasts an impressive casino, a sports bar, a spa, and numerous award-winning restaurants. Grand Palladium offers many tempting all-inclusive packages for people interested in staying here. Also, Grand Palladium can host weddings along the romantic Jamaican waters.

There’s really no better place to eat, relax, and play near Lucea than the Grand Palladium. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s well worth you time to tour this impressive resort. Be sure to ask what live music acts are scheduled to play here during your stay. There’s always some kind of party going on at this famous resort and spa. The Grand Palladium is only a 15-minute drive from Lucea’s center.

5. Explore The Historic Sites

History buffs will find many points of interest dotted throughout Lucea, Jamaica. The most obvious place to start a historical tour of Lucea is the Hanover Museum. This museum actually used to be a slave prison and has an extremely important story to tell about Jamaica’s past. Founded in 1992, this museum tells visitors about Jamaica’s importance in the sugar and banana trade under British occupation. You’ll find many original artifacts housed here as well as a well-preserved workhouse. After visiting the museum, take a look at the wonderful architecture at the Old Lucea Courthouse, the Hanover Parish Church, and Fort Charlotte. All of these major landmarks have interesting histories dating back to the 18th century.

6. Shop At The Saturday Market

If you’re into shopping, be sure to wake up early on Saturday. That’s the day local vendors set up their outdoor markets with handmade goods, produce, and seafood. This is a great way to chat with locals, find some great souvenirs, and even buy a few delicious tropical foods for a homegrown snack.

7. Eat Delicious Local Seafood

Jamaica is known around the world for its amazing seafood and BBQ. While in Lucea, you’ll have access to a bunch of Jamaican restaurants that offer fresh seafood dishes for affordable prices. If you tire of the food offered in Lucea proper, you’re only a short drive away from Montego Bay.
Foodies will absolutely love the variety and quality of food in Montego Bay’s restaurants. Even if you don’t like seafood, you can find tons of Chinese, America, and even Italian restaurants around the Montego Bay area. Trust us, if you stay in Lucea Jamaica, you won’t go hungry.

8. Tour Surrounding Jamaican Hotspots

Lucea is well situated for people who want to go on daytrips to big Jamaican cities. You can use Lucea as your home base and venture out to popular sites like Montego Bay and Negril whenever it’s convenient for you. Either of these cities are around 45 minute car rides away from Lucea and you can easily arrange either a taxi ride or book a guided tour. For those who feel like traveling a bit further out, Ocho Rios is about a 2-hour car ride away. So, if you ever get bored with the relative peace of Lucea, you always have the option of scheduling a day trip to one of Jamaica’s more popular tourist destinations.

Final Thoughts

Even many seasoned travelers have yet to experience the wonders of Lucea, Jamaica. This quiet town has plenty to offer every kind of tourist. Whether you’re into history, cuisine, beautiful beaches, or natural scenery, you’re sure to find something in Lucea to strike your fancy. As mentioned above, one great part of staying in Lucea is its proximity to cities like Negril and Montego Bay. You can enjoy the seclusion of Lucea some days and then experience the hustle and bustle of more touristy cities the next day. It’s literally the best of both worlds. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Sangster International Airport today!