11 Unique Things to Do in Jamaica You Won’t Want to Miss
Think Jamaica’s just beaches and resorts? Nope—there’s so much more to this island than you’d expect. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Jamaica, I’ve got you covered.
My husband and I just spent 7 epic days road-tripping across the island, chasing waterfalls, cliff diving, and finding hidden gems that most tourists miss. We skipped the big resorts and went all in on the adventure—and now I get to share all our favorite finds with you!
In this post, I’m breaking down 11 super cool, off-the-beaten-path things to do in Jamaica. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for something new, you’ll walk away with a solid list of can’t-miss experiences.
Short on Time? My 5 Favorite Things to Do in Jamaica
Surf at Lynches Bay
Blue Hole Mineral Spring
Reach Falls & The Rabbit Hole
Luminous Lagoon Bioluminescence
Frenchman’s Cove Beach
The 12 Most Unique Things You Can Do In Jamaica
Jamaica is full of surprises, and these were the most unique adventures we found on our trip. From cliff dives to hidden beaches, here are the experiences that made our trip unforgettable.
1. Cliff Diving at Rick’s Cafe
Rick’s Café is one of the most iconic spots in Negril, and luckily for us, it was just a five-minute walk from our boutique hotel.
It’s a very lively place with daily live music, dancing, and a big crowd that shows up for the views and the party vibe.
The main attraction, though, is the cliff diving—locals and tourists both take turns leaping from platforms as high as 35 feet into the Caribbean Sea below. Even if you’re not jumping, it’s super fun to watch with a cocktail in hand.
Pro tip: show up an hour or even two before sunset to grab a good seat. The sunset views from the cliffs are unreal.
2. Blue Hole Mineral Spring
This was hands down one of my favorite things we did in Jamaica.
About an hour’s drive from our little cliffside hotel in Negril, the adventure starts with the bumpy roads—and trust me, if you’re not confident driving in Jamaica, it’s worth hiring a private driver or booking a tour.
The spring itself is a 36-foot-deep limestone sinkhole filled with cool, mineral-rich blue water. We spent over an hour cliff jumping, swimming, and climbing up the ladder (on repeat). It was such a unique and beautiful place.
A friendly local lifeguard was there to hype us up—and even filmed our jumps for a tip!
Entry is $10 USD per person, and they don’t take cards, so bring smaller U.S. bills! There’s also a bar, a pool, and a short hiking trail if you want to hang out longer.
3. Charter a Boat Out to Floyd’s Pelican Bar
If you’re based in or near Negril and up for a full-day adventure, Floyd’s Pelican Bar is worth the journey.
It’s about a two-hour drive each way, but this driftwood bar—perched on stilts in the middle of the Caribbean Sea—is unlike any other bar you’ll come across.
You can only get there by boat, which is part of the fun. Head to Treasure Beach, where you’ll find local boat captains ready to take you out for around $25 round-trip. Just let them know what time to pick you up, and they’ll be back.
It’s super laid-back, with cold drinks, reggae vibes, and an unbeatable setting in the middle of the ocean.
4. The Original Blue Hole
Located about 20 minutes from Ocho Rios on the northern side of the island, the Original Blue Hole is a must if you’re staying nearby. It easily pairs well with Dunn’s River Falls on the same day.
This lush jungle spot is not only beautiful, but it’s also packed with adventure. It’s an oasis of swimming holes, cliff jumps, rope swings, and even climbing to the top of a waterfall.
It costs $25 per person to get in, and you’ll want to bring water shoes if you have them.
Pro tip: this area gets very busy when cruise ships dock, so aim to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the cruisers aren’t off the ship yet.
5. Frenchman’s Cove Beach
Frenchman’s Cove was my second favorite beach we visited in Jamaica.
It’s pretty remote (about a 4-hour drive from Montego Bay), but since we stayed in Port Antonio for a few days, it was just a quick 7-minute drive from our jungle retreat.
The beach is tucked into a little cove, surrounded by cliffs, where a clear freshwater stream flows right into the ocean—it’s seriously magical.
We had the place almost to ourselves, aside from a few locals. There’s a small bar, restrooms, and chairs for rent, and it costs $25 per person to get in.
Fun fact: the Queen of England once vacationed here, so yeah… it’s got royal approval.
6. Reach Falls & It’s Hidden Swimming Hole
Reach Falls was easily one of the most beautiful places we visited in Jamaica, and it totally worth the effort it took to get there.
It’s tucked away in the jungle near Port Antonio, on what I’d say is the prettiest, most untouched side of the island. The drive is a bit long and winding, but the mountain and coastline views along the way are absolutely stunning.
Entry is $10 USD per person, and when we visited, we were the only non-locals there—it’s definitely a hidden gem!
The falls themselves flow into a series of clear, iridescent blue mineral pools perfect for swimming and relaxing. But the real highlight was the secret swimming hole.
Ask the on-site lifeguard (and don’t forget to tip!) to guide you on a short upstream hike to what the locals call the “Rabbit Hole.” It’s a cave you drop into and swim out under a waterfall—an experience you’d never find on your own.
There’s also a cliff jump at the main falls if you’re feeling bold. Just bring water shoes and cash for entry, and be ready for an adventure you won’t forget.
7. Surf at Lynches Bay (Boston Beach)
Lynches Bay—also known as Boston Beach—was hands down our favorite beach and our best day on the island.
This small, secluded stretch of coast near Port Antonio feels like your own private slice of tropical paradise. The sand is powder-soft, the turquoise water is crystal clear, and it stays shallow for quite a distance, making it perfect for wading or swimming.
But what really sets it apart is the surf. This is one of the only places in Jamaica where you can catch decent waves. Local surf instructors have a little setup right on the beach, so it’s super easy to rent a board or take a quick lesson (great for beginners, too).
When we went, we were the only non-locals again. The beach wasn’t crowded at all, and the surrounding cliffs made the views seem unreal.
Pro Tip: After your surf session, walk five minutes up the road to Boston Jerk Center—home of the best jerk chicken we had in Jamaica. My husband couldn’t stop talking about the hot sauce… and yes, we absolutely brought a bottle home.
8. Visit The Famous Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of those classic Jamaican spots you just have to see—made famous by the 1980 movie The Blue Lagoon, and yes, it’s just as dreamy in real life.
This deep, glassy blue pool is surrounded by lush jungle and fed by both freshwater springs and the Caribbean Sea, giving the water a magical color that shifts in the light.
You can swim, float, or rent kayaks from locals (about $40 for the day) and explore the surrounding cliffs and crystal-clear coastline.
It’s privately owned, and all they ask is for a small donation of your choice to swim—so it’s an easy, budget-friendly stop if you’re on this side of the island.
We went around 3 p.m. and had the place almost entirely to ourselves. It was absolutely peaceful, stunning, and totally worth it.
9. Swim in The Luminous Lagoon With Bioluminescence
Swimming in the Luminous Lagoon is one of the most unique things you can do in Jamaica—but heads up, this experience only happens after dark.
Located about 40 minutes from Montego Bay and roughly halfway to Ocho Rios.
This glowing lagoon is one of the few places in the world where you can see bioluminescence! A natural phenomenon where microscopic organisms light up the water when it’s disturbed. Creating a magical, glowing effect around you as you swim.
Pro Tip: If you’re staying near either Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, check out one of the evening tours to visit. I highly recommend going with a tour guide rather than trying to do it on your own! Our hotel staff strongly advised against being out after dark alone.
10. Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach in Negril is Jamaica’s longest and most famous stretch of sand—and one of the few beaches you can explore for free.
It’s lined with beach bars, boutique resorts, souvenir shops, and just about every water activity you can think of—paragliding, jet skis, tiki boat bars, and more.
The beach itself is beautiful, with warm turquoise water. However, due to all the boat traffic, it’s a bit milky, so don’t expect super clear visibility.
You can easily spend the whole day here soaking up the sun and hopping between beach bars.
Pro Tip: there are lots of locals walking the beach selling everything from souvenirs to “herbal remedies,” so keep an eye on your belongings. We spent most of our time at Skylark Beach Resort, which had great food, drinks, and on-site security—highly recommend it if you want a more chill spot to hang out.
11. River Bamboo Rafting
River bamboo rafting is one of the most authentic and relaxing experiences you can have in Jamaica.
You’ll float down the Lethe River on a 30-foot hand-crafted bamboo raft, guided by a local who shares stories about Jamaican culture along the way.
The water is calm, the scenery is lush, and you’ll even get to sample fresh fruit and enjoy a soothing sandstone foot massage.
Tours are easy to book from Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, depending on where you’re staying.
Pro Tip: Skip the stress of driving yourself and book a tour instead—especially if you’re not used to navigating the roads here. (If you’re curious why, check out my post on, “Is it worth getting a rental car in Jamaica”!)
Best Resources For Planning Your Trip To Jamaica
Cheap Flights: Fare Drop
Accommodations: Hotels.com
Best Car Rental: Discover Cars
Best Tours & Excursions: Viator
BestTravel Insurance: Safety Wing
Best Travel Card: My Favorite Travel Card
Packing: Beach Vacation Packing List
Getting To Jamaica
Jamaica is the largest island in the Caribbean and super easy to get to from the U.S., Canada, and many European cities.
There are two main international airports: Norman Manley International in Kingston and Sangster International in Montego Bay.
Most tourists—us included—fly into Montego Bay, since it’s closest to the island’s most popular beaches and resort areas. It’s the perfect starting point for a one-week Jamaica adventure!
How To Get Around The Island
Getting around Jamaica really depends on your budget and how adventurous you’re feeling.
Most travelers go with private drivers or rental cars, since public transportation is super slow and unreliable—we honestly wouldn’t recommend it unless you have tons of time.
Here are the best ways to get from point A to point beach:
Airport transfers
We pre-booked a private airport transfer from Montego Bay to our resort in Negril ($85 total for two), and it was 100% worth it after a long travel day and getting in after dark.
If you’re arriving late or just want a stress-free ride, this is the best option!
Rental Car
We picked up a rental car in Negril and used it for a road trip to Port Antonio and back.
If you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country with a lot of chaos on the roads, you’ll be fine—but just know, driving in Jamaica isn’t exactly relaxing.
You’ll be driving on the left side, and you need to be a very defensive driver.
Pro Tip: Jamaica doesn’t accept payment through third-party websites. You can reserve online, but you’ll need to pay in person at the counter. Also, double-check your credit card later—we were charged again after we got home! Thankfully, our bank took care of it. Sneaky buggers.
Taxis/Private Drivers
Booking a private driver through your hotel is another solid option, especially if you don’t want to rent a car.
Resorts work with reputable locals, so you know you’re in good hands. We did this for the first few days of our trip, but it got pricey fast—great for convenience, but not ideal if you’re on a budget.
Where To Stay in Jamaica
We split our time between both sides of the island and stayed at two places that we loved—highly recommend both if you’re planning a similar route.
Each one had its own vibe, but both were in great locations and made our trip extra special.
Negril:
This cliffside boutique hotel was such a gem! The views were unreal, and the sunsets were something else. Plus, the on-site restaurant served some of the best meals we had during our stay.
If your looking for a quiet, romantic, and something that feels super local compared to the big all-inclusive resorts.
Bonus: it’s just a five-minute walk from Rick’s Café, so you’re close to the action but far enough to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Port Antonio:
Tucked into the lush mountains of the island’s prettiest region, LF Jungle Retreat felt like staying in a tropical dream.
We booked an ocean-view jungle room and woke up to the sounds of nature every morning.
The rooftop open-air bar has stunning sunset views, and the vibe is super chill and eco-friendly.
We absolutely loved our stay here. It’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds and be surrounded by nature.
That’s a Wrap
There you have it. I hope this list gave you plenty of ideas and inspiration for these 11 unique things to do in Jamaica.
From cliff dives into blue holes and jungle hikes to glowing lagoons and hidden beaches only the locals know about, your trip is sure to be one of a kind!
Before you head off to explore this tropical paradise, be sure to grab my Beach Vacation Packing List so you don’t forget a thing for your adventure in the Caribbean Sea!
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