Welcome to the enigmatic island of Jamaica, where the sun shines brightly, reggae rhythms fill the air, and intensely beautiful scenery surrounds you. Whether you’re seeking your next big adventure, eager to dive into the local culture, craving fresh new flavors, or just want to chill out in paradise, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Jamaica!

When you’re in the mood for something exciting, visit the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, dance until sunrise at a high-octane festival in Montego Bay, or go cliff diving at Rick’s Café in Negril. Then when you need to unwind, sip on delicious rum cocktails at a beachside shack, soak up the sun from a white sand beach, and gorge on as much jerk chicken as you can.

With so many amazing things to see and do, you may not know where to begin. To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Jamaica. Stick to these fun and unique Jamaica bucket list recommendations, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring the birthplace of reggae.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Jamaica

1. See the Luminous Lagoon

For some of the best sights in Jamaica, head to the Luminous Lagoon. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the major resorts, this natural attraction is one of the most magical Jamaica attractions. On a clear night when the moon shines bright, the dark sea water appears to glow bright turquoise. Take a dip and be dazzled as you leave a wake of aquamarine wonder behind you!

The glowing turquoise color is created by microorganisms that produce photochemical reactions when they’re disturbed. It’s 100% safe to swim and you can even capture the magic on film, so make sure you take your phone or camera with you.

2. Party All Night at Carnival

Planning on visiting during spring? Then you’re just in time for one of the top Jamaica activities – carnival. This spectacular event takes place each year in March or April and features a jam-packed program filled with street parties, music concerts, colorful parades, and all kinds of amazing performances.

The most extravagant costumes are held back for the final few parties and concerts. They’re mesmerizingly over-the-top, with an abundance of brightly colored feathers and sparkling glitter – although some costumes are barely made of anything at all! If you can stay awake long enough, you’ll find loads of nightclubs in Montego Bay continuing the daytime parties well into the early hours of the following morning. 

3. Zoom Down Mystic Mountain on a Bobsled 

If you feel the need for speed, one of the most fun things to do in Jamaica is to visit Mystic Mountain. Here you can relax as you enjoy a chairlift ride that takes you 650+ feet high off the ground, well above the treetops. When you reach the top, you can zoom back down to the bottom on a super-speedy bobsled. 

The best thing about this attraction is that you’re in control of how fast the bobsled goes. If you want to go as fast as possible, don’t touch the brake until you’re coming to the end of the track. It’s perfectly safe, but it will definitely get your heart racing!

4. Ride a Fishing Boat to Floyd’s Pelican Bar

When you’re in the mood for some amazing local seafood, a delicious rum cocktail, and unique surroundings, one of the coolest things to do in Jamaica is to take a boat trip to Floyd’s Pelican Bar. 

This one-of-a-kind wooden shack is located out at sea and the only way you can get there is to hop on a local boat. You’ll spot plenty of them hanging around in between Treasure Beach and Black River, just waiting to take you there.

One of the most unusual Jamaica attractions, Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a fantastic place to spend the day. Here you can swim and snorkel in the surrounding waters before devouring grilled lobster and watching one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.

5. Fill Up on Ackee and Codfish

Whether or not you consider yourself to be a foodie, starting your day with ackee and codfish is one of the must-do things in Jamaica. The country’s national dish and a popular breakfast staple, ackee and codfish is a combination of scrambled egg-like ackee fruit mixed together with stewed salted cod, sauteed vegetables, and various herbs and spices. 

It sounds like a bizarre thing to eat for breakfast, but it’s delicious. Smurf’s Cafe in Treasure Beach dishes up an amazing ackee and codfish for breakfast alongside international omelets, sandwiches, and fresh fruit.

6. Make Music at the Bob Marley Museum

If you love reggae, one of the top things to do in Jamaica is to spend some time at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. This fascinating museum gives you the chance to get to know the singer on a whole new level. While he’s considered to be a reggae pioneer throughout the world, locals think of him as the first son of Jamaica.

Inside the museum, you’ll be invited to delve into Bob Marley’s family history and explore his former home. All the rooms have been kept just how he left them, and there’s even a life-size 3D hologram of the artist from his One Love Peace concert in 1978!

7. Watch the Cliff Divers at Rick’s Cafe

You’ll find one of the most unique things to do in Jamaica along Seven Mile Beach in Negril. This is where Rick’s Cafe is located, a fantastic place that not only serves some of the best margaritas in the country but is a popular hotspot that also boasts daredevil entertainment.

Brave locals come here every evening around sunset and gracefully dive off the high rocks, beautifully plunging into the cobalt ocean far below. The skill of these people is an amazing thing to see. You can even give it a try yourself if you’re up for the challenge!

While you’re at Rick’s Cafe, you should definitely grab something to eat. From crispy calamari and mahi mahi fillets to jerk chicken and rum BBQ spare ribs, the menu is bursting with deliciousness.

8. Sample Jerk Chicken

When you’re in the mood for a little spice, one of the best things to do in Jamaica is to seek out a place that sells jerk chicken. One of the most famous foods in the country, jerk chicken is made by marinating chicken (usually the thigh) with garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pimento, and scotch bonnet peppers. After the meat has taken on all the flavor, it’s slow-cooked over hot coals.

The taste is sensational! Although it’s definitely on the hot side, so be prepared with a cold drink. Jerk chicken is so popular that you’ll find it all over Jamaica, from high-end restaurants to streetside shacks. 

Sweetwood Jerk Joint is one of the top spots for jerk chicken in Kingston. Here you’ll also find jerk conch, fish, lamb, sausage, and pork, all served with delicious sides such as corn, breadfruit, yams, and sweet potato.

9. Dance to the Beat at the Rebel Salute

If you’re traveling as a family, attending the Rebel Salute is one of the most fun Jamaica activities. This family-friendly reggae music festival sees top artists perform clean lyrics under their real names instead of their stage names. The music flows for two days each January, along with alcohol-free drinks, plant-based foods, and a vibrant atmosphere that will sweep you away with it.

Although children are invited (kids under 12 even get in for free), there are some age-restricted areas. Sections such as the “Herb Club,” which educates people on the uses of marijuana, are for visitors aged 18+ only. 

10. Conquer Dunn’s River Falls

Climbing up the imposing Dunn’s River Falls is one of the top things to do in Jamaica. This iconic Ocho Rios attraction is made up of natural limestone waterfalls that cascade over 600 feet down into the Caribbean Sea. If you’re up for the challenge, you can start at the bottom of the falls and climb through the refreshing waters until you reach the top. 

Along the way, you’ll come across several pools where you can relax and re-energize. Thanks to the water erosion, many of the rocks are wonderfully smooth and you can use them like slides to plunge into the pools. If you don’t want to get wet, there’s a wooden walkway that lines the falls and takes you to the top. 

There you have it! The 10 best things to do in Jamaica. What’s your favorite thing to do in Jamaica?

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