Tourist Attractions in Jamaica
The major resort areas in Jamaica feature various attractions to help you explore and enjoy the beautiful culture while on your vacations.
Kingston
A unique blend of Jamaica, old world Port Royal and modern metropolis Kingston has some interesting attractions. On the southeast coast, strategically located surrounding one of the biggest harbor of the world, Kingston is the capital city of the island. It is the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean. Kingston is known far its wealth of art and cultural activities. The city boosts several theatres, the grandest being the Ward Theatre; the original home of Jamaica’s annual Pantomime. There are museums and several art galleries displaying a number of Jamaican pieces.
Port Royal has one the best underwater archaeological sites in the world and is one of the popular historical spot on the island. The Lime Cay area is a stunning area for water sports visitors can easily travel by boat from Kingston.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s second city; this town was known as “El golfo de buen tiempo” meaning Fair Weather Bay. Montego Bay has been a tourist resort since the start of the 20th century when visitors were encouraged to use the famous “Doctor’s Cave Beach” for health reasons. The curative powers of the water were discovered by chiropractor Sir Herbert Baker. Recreational facilities such as water sports, tennis, golf and a wide variety of tours are available to visitors. Montego Bay is the tourism capital of the island with the largest number of guestrooms and is also home of the annual reggae music festival “Sumfest”.
Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay
Once a fishing village, Ocho Rios is now one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist resorts. This resort area stretches along the north coast in an easterly direction from Runaway Bay to Port Maria. The attractions vary from spectacular waterfalls, the most famous being Dunn’s River and lovely beaches to breathtaking tropical gardens and working plantations. Ocho Rios boasts a modern cruise ship pier and attracts many cruise ships to our shore. A number of water-sports activities are available at various points. For those who enjoy activities such as tennis, golf, horseback riding and polo, these are also available.
Port Antonio
Located on the north eastern coast, Port Antonio was originally the area where most of the Spanish settled. This town is often referred to as the “Cradle of Tourism” in Jamaica. Tourism started in Port Antonio when banana was king, during this time Captain Lorenzo Baker brought visitors to the island on the boat’s return after exporting bananas.
The Titchfield Hotel was erected in 1890 as the first hotel to cater to overseas visitors. Typical of the last century is the De Montevin Lodge guest house, the Parish Church and the Court House. Built more recently are the Bonnie View and Trident Hotels and the Jamaica Palace. Among the main attractions are Nonsuch Caves, Blue Hole and Lagoon, Rafting on the Rio Grande, Somerset and Reich Falls.
Mandeville and the South Coast
Mandeville is located in the hills of Manchester 2,000 feet above sea level. This height contributes to its cool climate which attracts a number of British guests. The town was laid out in 1816 and named after Lord Mandeville, who was the oldest son of the Duke of Manchester, the Governor after whom the parish was named. Many of the original buildings of that period are still standing. The lifestyle in Mandeville is laid back and has always been popular with older visitors. The horticulture enthusiast will find Mandeville idyllic as it boasts the oldest Horticultural Society in the Caribbean.
The nature lovers can enjoy river tours, hiking, horseback riding and working plantation tours on the South Coast. Of these attractions, the Black River Safari and Appleton Estate are among the more popular. Accessible from Mandeville are Lover’s Leap, the breath taking YS Falls and world famous Milk River Bath.
Negril
Negril is located at the western end of the island and boosts seven miles of white sand beach, one of the best in the world. In the late sixties and early seventies, Negril attracted many “hippies” of North America. Today, Negril still has a carefree ambience and a wide range of accommodations. There are attractions in Negril such as Royal Palm Reserve, the lighthouse, cliffs, boat rides and beautiful sunset.