Whether you’re passing through on a Caribbean cruise or kicking back at an all-inclusive resort, these side trips are worth a detour.
1. JAMAICA’S SPIRIT OF REGGAE: THE BOB MARLEY EXPERIENCE
Walk in the footsteps of the King of Reggae with a tour of his childhood home, now a museum in the village of Nine Mile. You’ll gain insight into Marley’s upbringing, stand on Mt. Zion Rock—the very spot where he would meditate—and rest your head on the actual stone that was his “pillow” in the song, “Talkin’ Blues.” Tours depart from Montego Bay, 7 hours
2. LUMINOUS LAGOON NIGHT CRUISE
If you think a moonlit cruise is romantic, try a moonlit cruise on glowing water. The lagoon, in the parish of Trelawney, gets its blue-green luminescence from harmless microorganisms and is one of only a few in the world. Tours depart from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, durations vary
3. GREEN GROTTO CAVES & SHOPPING IN MONTEGA BAY
How many shopping trips start with a peek at caves that harbour stalactites, stalagmites and a “bottomless” lagoon? You’ll meet a guide at the port, then head to the town of Discovery Bay in the parish of Saint Ann and descend into the Green Grotto Caves. Next up is a wander in Whitter Village, an island shopping and dining complex, for souvenir scouting. Tours depart from Port of Montego Bay, 5 hours
4. ATV OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE TO SANDY BAY
Hop onto a four-wheel ATV and zip along the scenic terrain of Sandy Bay – from a former sugar cane plantation to the community of Cascade—reaching heights of 670 metres above sea level. It’s a rugged ride, but newbies needn’t fear: the tour begins with a safety briefing and a run in a practice ring to make sure you’re ready to ride. Tours depart from Montego Bay and Negril, 2 hours
5. DUNN’S RIVER FALLS & HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR
Made famous by the movies Cocktail and Dr. No, Dunn’s River Falls are considered to be a “living” phenomenon because they continuously rebuild with calcium carbonate and sodium deposits from the river. The misty, stepped falls are a must-see for visitors to Jamaica– but first, a guide will whisk you away to explore the lush hills of St. Ann on horseback. Tours depart from Port of Montego Bay, 6 hours