Top Attractions

Searching for ghosts at Rose Hall

Stroll the corridors of Jamaica's most legendary greathouse, Rose Hall, and you'll hear the legend of Annie, the voodoo-skilled mistress of the house who allegedly murdered several of her husbands and her slave lovers before meeting a violent end herself. Today, guided tours take visitors through the two-story home then down into the cellar, home to a pub that serves a wicked drink called the Witches Brew.

Getting out on the water

Whether your idea of fun on the water means a romantic sunset sail or rowdy "booze cruise," windsurfing or sailing a hobie cat, jet skiing or water-skiing, Jamaica has plenty of options, especially along the north coast. Larger resorts have a full menu of water-sports options (often included in the basic rates at all-inclusives), and smaller resorts have local operators nearby that can supply all the water sports and water toys needed, regardless of your experience.

Watching for the green flash from Negril Beach

Under the right conditions, as sunset dips behind the sea, a momentary green sizzle can appear on the horizon—and in Jamaica the conditions are best for green flash watching on Negril Beach. Every night, crowds gather at spots like Rick's Café to toast the last few rays of the day before declaring a start to the night's fun.

Dining in the Blue Mountains at Strawberry Hill

Perched 3,100 feet above sea level with a view of Kingston, the resort's open-air restaurant is a favorite of Kingstonians for special events thanks not only to its view but its menu. Gourmet dining comes with a Jamaican twist here, and you might finish with a cup of local Blue Mountain coffee and enjoy mangoes from the hotel orchard and vegetables from local farmers.

Partying at Sumfest

One of the largest musical events on the island, this extravaganza draws local and international talent to Montego Bay. Rooms across the area fill up for the weeklong event held in the Freeport area of Montego Bay as both local residents and visitors arrive to watch local talent and headliners such as Third World and Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.

Lunching with locals at Boston Beach

Ask any Jamaican where the best jerk is found, and you'll probably be pointed to Boston Beach, a collection of jerk stands just east of Port Antonio. Here pits slowly smoke chicken, pork, goat, and fish over aromatic pimento wood to create an unforgettable meal. After a spicy meal at one of the jerk stands, take a dip in the sea, though beware of the waves, which draw surfers.

Bar-hopping on the Hip Strip

The hottest spring break spot on the island is Montego Bay's Hip Strip, which pulsates with activity pretty much any time of year. This stretch of Gloucester Avenue is lined with some of the island's top bars and clubs, most within easy walking distance of each other for easy bar-hopping.

Kicking back at one of Jamaica's all-inclusive resorts

The all-inclusive concept began in Ocho Rios (the resort that is now Couples Tower Isle) and spread across the island and across the Caribbean. Today Jamaica remains the king of the all-inclusive, resorts known for their one-price-pays-all policy. Many of these cater to a niche market, from kids to couples.

Looking for crocodiles on the Black River

On the south coast, cruises up the Black River give travelers the chance to spot crocodiles. Once hunted, these now-protected reptiles remain wary and can live as long as 100 years. Along the cruise, you might also see spear fishermen with a snorkel, mask, and spear gun, swimming in the dark water stained by peat deposits.

Horseback riding in the sea

What began as a way to exercise polo ponies evolved into one of the most popular activities in Jamaica: riding a horse in the sea. Chukka Caribbean offers the opportunity to hit the waves on horseback at two equestrian centers, regardless of your riding experience.

Saying "I do"—or "I do again"—on the beach

Thanks to its easy marriage laws (with just a brief waiting period and no blood tests) as well as numerous professional wedding coordinators, Jamaica has become a top wedding and vow-renewal destination. Many all-inclusives even offer free wedding packages.

Teeing off in paradise

The island's best courses surround Montego Bay, lying both to the east and the west of the port city. To the west, Tryall is one of the best in the Caribbean (some even say the world), built on a 19th-century sugar plantation and designed by Ralph Plummer. To the east, the White Witch course is built on the grounds of beautiful Rose Hall greathouse with 16 holes overlooking the sea.

Shopping for local goods

Although Jamaica has the glittery jewelry shops and souvenir stands of other Caribbean islands, it's in the local goods that shopping really shines. Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee is world-class, as are its rums. The best crafts are the wood carvings made from the national tree, the lignum vitae, a blond wood so hard it takes a master wood-carver to tame. Look for both lignum vitae and mahogany carved birds, animals, and elegant busts in galleries and markets.

Feeding wild birds at Rocklands Feeding Station

Visitors to Montego Bay can make an easy visit to this feeding station, the home of the late Lisa Salmon, one of Jamaica's first amateur ornithologists. Here you can sit quietly and feed birds—including the doctor bird, recognizable by its long tail—from your hand.