KINGSTON, Jamaica – While Jamaica has some of the most well-known tourist attractions in the Caribbean, there are other non-traditional attractions on the island that are just as beautiful and adventurous.
If you’ve already visited all the most popular Jamaican attractions, put these on your list for your next trip to Jamaica.
Reach Falls
Jamaica is known for some of the most stunning, natural waterfalls in the region. In Port Antonio, Portland, Reach Falls is quickly becoming the most popular attraction. This waterfall is a favorite among locals in the area because of the hidden holes that have been carved out in the rocks by the water. Jumping through the falls’ small rabbit holes will lead you to an underwater cave that leads back to the main pool. There are also hidden holes behind the falls that guests can climb through that lead to just above the cascade. Reach Falls also features a natural, heart-shaped Jacuzzi, which was built by locals.
Puerto Seco Beach Club
For years, Puerto Seco Beach was one of the most popular beaches in Discovery Bay, St. Ann. It is believed that Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica on this beach with his three ships Santa Maria, Pinta and Niña in 1494. For this same reason, a park named after him lies just five minutes’ drive away. The beach was revamped and reopened in 2018 after being closed for more than two years. New additions include a large pool, beach huts, private cabanas, watersports and a restaurant. The cost is US20 for adults, US$10 for children ages 5–11 and children under 5 are free.
Mystic Mountain
The Mystic Mountain Adventure Park in Ocho Rios is the only place in Jamaica that you can go bobsledding, the Olympic sport that was made popular in the tropics following the 1993 film, “Cool Runnings”. The ride is just under two minutes and takes you down the 700-foot Mystic Mountain peak, with panoramic views of Ocho Rios on either side. The bobsled is similar to a rollercoaster with brakes that you can control. Mystic Mountain also has other adventures like ziplining and sky explorer.
Luminous Lagoon
While there are hundreds of beaches, rivers, lakes and lagoons in Jamaica, this body of water is unlike any other on the island. The luminous lagoon in Trelawny, also called “the glistening waters,” is filled with microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. These dinoflagellates flash a bluish light when movement disturbs the water they live in, giving off a mysterious glow-in-the-dark effect. At night, the operators on the property organize boat rides out into the lagoon where guests can observe the glowing water, or take a swim. There are only four of these lagoons in the world, and it is said that Jamaica’s lagoon is the most luminous.
Chukka Adventures
For the young and the young at heart, the Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours has some of the most adventurous experiences in Jamaica. Chukka has four locations in Jamaica (Negril, Montego Bay, Trelawny and Ocho Rios), with the Trelawny location being the largest and most popular. At the Trelawny Chukka Good Hope Estate, visitors can go horseback riding, ziplining, jungle river tubing, ATV and Dune Buggy riding, among other adventures. At the other locations, visitors also get the opportunity to tour the other nearby tourist attractions.
