When planning our trip to Jamaica we were so excited! It’s been years since we last visited plus we’re half Jamaican so it was like going back home. We stayed in the beachfront resort, ClubHotel Riu (here) in Mammee Bay that is located in Ocho Rios.
Jamaica is an island filled with the most amazing foods, drinks, beaches and adventure. The island has plenty to offer, with it’s long sandy beaches, stunning rainforests and amazing waterfalls, Jamaica has something for everyone.
Below are our top things to see and do when visiting Jamaica.
Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn’s River Falls is one of the main attractions to visit in Jamaica. The famous waterfall is located near Ocho Rios and is one of the few waterfalls that enters the sea.
When you arrive you are given water shoes which prevent you from slipping as the rocks are quite slippery when you’re climbing. Dunn’s River falls is 1,000 feet (300m) but fear not! There is help at hand by the friendly park tour guides who are with you every step of the way.
The waters are so refreshing and there is a massive vegetation that shades you from the sun when climbing the waterfall. For that extra security you can decide whether to climb with other tourists in a hand-holding chain which is lead by a guide. Or if you’re like us and just want to go and explore you can do it alone (only if you feel comfortable to do so). The cost for adults is $20USD and $12USD for children.
Bob Marley Mausoleum
When visiting Jamaica the home of Reggae you have to visit Nine Mile which is the birthplace and final resting place of Bob Marley. We travelled in the Zion bus which was filled with pictures of the reggae legend and a hilarious tour guide explaining the history of Jamaica, Bob Marley and his family.
Located deep in the St Anne countryside this is the place which influenced a lot of Bob Marley’s songs. The tour is conducted by Rastafarian guides who are so relaxed and friendly. They even sing for you with a steel pan band playing alongside them.
There are two tombs in the Mausoleum where Bob Marley is buried alongside his half-brother Anthony Booker. The second tomb is where Bob Marley’s mother Codella Booker is buried. No one is aloud to film or take pictures inside the tomb area, but what we can say is that it is peaceful, there are candles and it’s the most beautiful resting place. We visited Bob Marley’s bedroom! It’s amazing knowing we were standing so close to the bed Bob Marley slept in! We finished the tour in a room full of portraits and pictures of Bob Marley. The museum included guitars, awards and historical artefacts. The tour costs around $25 for adults and $12 for children aged 4-12.
The Blue Lagoon
A stunning location with deep blue waters and lush greenery, the Blue Lagoon which is located east of Port Antonio is an absolute beauty. The waters are literally turquoise blue!
Before we got into the waters for a swim the guide said that the water is that calm and refreshing it will make you look at least 10 years younger! With that said they had to drag us out! Lol. As you enter the boat and take in the scenery you have a tour guide who talks about the history of the Lagoon, celebrities that have visited and the movies the Lagoon has appeared in.
Rafting on the Rio Grande River
The Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in Jamaica that runs through the rainforests of the island.
There are Bamboo Rafts which you have to yourselves. The scenery is so beautiful, calm and relaxing. There are friendly raft captains to each raft. Our raft captain was so nice! He even let us have a go rafting down the river (which is much harder than it looks). You’re using so much of your upper body strength! We even jumped in and had a little swim. It’s also very romantic so anyone planning on proposing to their partner in Jamaica. This trip is the way to do it. Prices start from around $78.
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