What To Do in Jamaica: 9 Ideas

Jamaica is known for many things. The first ones that come to mind include Bob Marley, jerk chicken and other must-try foods and beautiful beaches. If your next vacation brings you to Falmouth or Montego Bay, it may be tempting to spend all day relaxing on the sand with a cold Red Stripe, but that can wait.

We recommend you get out to experience one (or more!) of these amazing activities when you cruise to this vibrant, tropical island.

Key Takeaways: What To Do in Jamaica

●  Jamaica boasts a beautiful year-round climate, a unique and compelling culture and a long list of historic sites to visit.

●  Whether you like action-packed experiences, food and drink, dancing to live music or simply relaxing on the beach, it's worth spending time in Jamaica.

●  Travelers often find that the best season to visit Jamaica is from December through mid-spring.

●  Some of the very best Jamaica tourism activities are available as part of a cruise vacation.

9 Unique Things To Do in Jamaica

In Jamaica, you can explore natural wonders, including Dunn's Falls and the Blue Hole, relax or ride horses on beloved beaches, or experience action-packed activities like ziplining or bobsledding. You can also get in touch with the island nation's culture by visiting historic sites such as Bob Marley's preserved birthplace. Since the country is warm and welcoming year-round, the best time to visit Jamaica is basically whenever you're ready to go, but the absolute peak tends to begin in December and extend through the spring.

Read on for nine activities that cover a wide variety of experiences and styles, so you can pick and choose and explore at your own pace.

1. Bobsledding

That’s right, this snow-free island is famous for sledding. Hold on tight as a bobsled whips you through 3,280 feet of twisting, turning track, and imagine what it might be like to race on the world stage, just like Jamaica’s iconic bobsled team, which has competed in the Winter Olympics six times since their 1988 debut. They even inspired the 1993 cult-classic “Cool Runnings.”

2. Horseback Riding

Saddle up and follow scenic trails through two former sugar plantations, and then ride your steed straight into the surf of the Caribbean Sea. These gentle horses are actually retired polo ponies (though not water polo) and are in love with the water; after all, it’s how they cool off, too!

3. Getting the Taste of Jamaica

Cook up some of Jamaica’s signature dishes at the delightful Shingle Hut. With a hands-on cooking class, you’ll return home knowing how to whip up delicious jerk sauce, coconut “run down” with shrimp and of course, jerk chicken.

4. Dunn’s River Falls

Climb the famous waterfall for a challenging (but refreshing!) trek up the falls. Just make sure to bring your water shoes. Not up for a climb? You can visit the falls and simply observe them from a (dry) viewing platform.

5. Bob Marley Experience

Tour Bob Marley's iconic abode. Affectionately known as the “Graceland” of Jamaican music, visitors will get a first-hand look at the birthplace and resting place of Bob Marley, the king of reggae. Not only will you listen to the music, you’ll learn all about the Rastafarian culture and its traditions.

6. Bamboo Rafting

Consider this a tropical version of a Venetian gondola. But there are no canals here — these bamboo boats float you down a three-mile stretch of the beautiful Martha Brae River, famous for its tranquil waters and lush greenery.

7. Blue Hole Jamaica Tour

The Blue Hole Express tour offers an exhilarating adventure to one of Jamaica's most stunning natural attractions. Nestled in the lush rainforest near Ocho Rios, the Blue Hole features vibrant turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls. Participants can swim in the refreshing waters, leap from cliffs and swing on Tarzan ropes into the inviting pools below. This guided excursion ensures a safe and memorable experience, highlighting the area's natural beauty and providing insights into the local ecosystem. It's an ideal activity for those seeking both relaxation and adventure during their Jamaican getaway.

8. Beach Bumming

Get some sun and relaxation at a deluxe beach resort like Jewel Runaway Bay. You can swim in the Caribbean, try your hand at windsurfing and savor delicious local cuisines and even an open bar.

9. Catamaran Snorkeling

Sail a state-of-the-art, 53-foot catamaran along the colorful coast of Montego Bay. Lounge on the boat as you get transported to Bogue Lagoon, a marine wonderland. Then strap on a snorkel mask to see an underwater world of coral and fish.

See It All on a Jamaica Cruise Vacation

All these experiences and more can be part and parcel of a Royal Caribbean cruise to Jamaica. When you arrive in a port of call like Falmouth, you're immediately greeted with a long list of fun things to try, do and see. Some of these, like the nine listed above, are carefully designed excursions. Others are just things you'll discover as you immerse yourself in Jamaica's rich culture.

Still can’t decide on which shore excursions to do? You can always opt for a combination experience that will give you a taste of the island’s natural beauty, history and delicious delights.

Set your sights on Jamaica. Explore Jamaica cruises and start planning island adventures filled with waterfalls, beaches and bold Caribbean flavor.