mmills615

I've planned to take my boys 17,18 on a pre-college trip, leaving my littles home with dad. Due to some family losses, I'm way behind planning for a trip in early August. We started with Australia/Fiji but the travel time and itenery planning is overwhelming. I've stumbled onto Jamaica and would love ANY advice - we'll fly into Montego Bay but apart from that are wide open - the boys want adventure, not beach time. Any input from all y'all with the experience would be most appreciated - tour operators, hotels, etc - we aren't looking for a relaxed resort but some action. Thanks so much!!!!! The posts have already helped so much...

welch

Maybe someone else can lead you in the right direction.
Jamaica with 2 teenage boy who want "adventure" would make me a little nervous!
Is there a second choice?

ScubaMom

Think about St. Lucia... lots of tours, zip lines, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.

brenandg

I was thinking the exact same thing as scubamom. St Lucia is a great island for exploring and soft adventure. What kind of things to do are the boys looking for? St Lucia offers rain forest hikes, ATV adventures, biking, horseback riding and much more. Although we have not been, Costa Rica and some parts of Mexico also come to mind.

I wish I could help you more with Jamaica, but we have mainly done beach vacations there to Negril and know little about Montego Bay.

mmills615

I hadn't considered St Lucia so thanks for that lead. They are interested in snorkel/scuba, ATV tours, zip lines, kayaking (not city adventures) - I'll check out Costa Rica, also. I don't mind going without a detailed plan as long as we get to the right locale - thank you for the responses!

doug_stallings

There are two huge adventure activity centers in Jamaica, both run by Chukka Caribbean and both recommendable. The original is in Ocho Rios, and they offer zip-line tours (including an amazing tour at night), ATV tours, horseback riding, tubing, kayaking, etc. Plenty of activities, but over the course of a week these can add up. The second center is between MoBay and Negril. The company also has a zip-line over YS Falls in the southwest. I think you'll find plenty of activities to keep your boys occupied if you choose Jamaica, and I particularly like this company because it's family-owned and local.

beachbum2

I would agree that Jamaica is a good choice. As for places to stay..I can't help much. I also think Costa Rica could be a great choice too. Check on Skyauctions for some great deals at a few Costa rica resorts.

mmills615

These are all so helpful - we don't have an unlimited budget and I'd rather spend the money on activities than luxe accomodations given the ages of my boys. I'm feeling much better - any more input is still welcome, though, as we are in planning mode! thanks so much

liza

Start by contacting Chef Thompson: http://www.chefsjamaicatours.5u.com/

He and his wife (they have a just out of teen years son, actually) have been running hotels (in her case) and taking people on adventure trips around Jamaica (in his case) for years. They are really terrific people who could help you plan a really special, off the beaten path trip to Jamaica.

Chef has a nice new van too, so no need to rent a car,and he really knows his stuff as far as things to do and places to go...Blue Mountains, Kingston, waterfalls, small villages to the big tourist cities.

They are currently based in Negril but have lived all over JA (and the UK).

bean11

Try a AI like Negril "Beaches". The boys could learn scuba, snorkling, sailing,water sking, etc. Pay extra for off site activities like cliff diving at Rick's Cafe. I'm not sure but I think horseback riding and river rafting would be available in Negril for a reasonable cost.

VHMckenzie

Don't be afraid of Jamaica. At ages 17 and 18, your boys won't be tempted by anything in Jamaica that hasn't already tempted them -- know what I mean? Also, Jamaicans ADORE children and most locals would be on the lookout to make sure the tourist boys are not hassled.

I'll be staying in Negril this August with my husband (who is originally from Jamaica) and our two daughters, ages 10 and 12. We've been traveling to Negril with our kids since they were babies. My girls happen to love the beach, but we also make an effort to get out and about beyond Negril and there is plenty to do.

Easy day trips include:

1. YS Falls -- a beautiful waterfall with tubing, rope swing, etc. located deep in country.

2. Black River Safari boat tour, to see crocodiles and such..

3. Mayfield Falls Riverwalk -- wherein a guide takes you for a lengthy walk IN a country river which has a smattering of smaller waterfalls. This attraction is less touristy than Y.S. Falls, and typically less crowded.

4. An extra-long day trip (really a FULL DAY, there and back from Negril) is a visit to the town of Nine Mile in St. Ann where Bob Marley is buried. Fantastic scenery along the way, a real experience that is a must if your kids are reggae fans.

5. Check out Benji's Paradise, less than an hour from Negril, which is a private yard with beautiful natural spring pools -- really lovely and Benji will cook ital food if he knows you're coming. He's got a website, so google it.

I've been to St. Lucia and I'd choose Jamaica simply for the breadth of options and the unique culture of Jamaica -- just my preference. Feel free to email me for more info!