Our route through Jamaica

• Montego Bay

• Ocho Rios

• Portland

• Blue Mountains

• Treasure Beach

• Negril

When you are visiting Jamaica you will probably land at Montego Bay Airport and this is not a bad place to start. Although it's only a 5 minute drive from the airport, you won't be bothered too much by the sounds of planes. You will start your holiday very relaxed here and there are many (beach) hotels to choose from.

Go to Doctor’s Cave Beach

White sand and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. You have to pay a 7 dollar entrance fee but this will give you a clean beach where you can relax safely and are also able to go on one of the water trampolines. Renting a sun bed will cost you another 7 dollars. You can order food at the small restaurant on the beach or get your coffee at the nearby Starbucks.

WHAT TO DO AT MONTEGO BAY?

The Houseboat Grill

A little out of town but totally worth the drive. This small floating restaurant is an experience itself and the food is delicious. Choose a course from the varied menu while enjoying the most beautiful sunset. We recommended to make a reservation.

The Houseboat Grill Restaurant

Pier one

This restaurant has less romantic vibes but it will definitely give you the Jamaican vibes! Local people will have a drink at the bar and the music in combination with the view will make this the perfect dinner location.

This northern town used to be a fishing village but is now a popular tourist spot with plenty of activities. Because this is also a place where many cruise ships moor, Ocho Rios can be a bit busier than other places in the country.

WHAT TO DO AT OCHO RIOS?

Jump into the Blue Hole

This was probably the most touristy place we went to in Jamaica. But if you are willing to accept this, you will have a lot of fun jumping into the 6 meters deep hole. The tour takes about 45 minutes and it’s mandatory to go with a tour guide. Jump in the water, grap the rope, climb up, repeat. If you are done with the blue hole you can also get in line for the rope swing in the waterfall.

Visit Falmouth

The historic town of Falmouth is a well-known cruise port in Jamaica. We read about this cute little town and decided to make a stop here. To be honest, there was not much to do in Falmouth and we would describe it as anything but cute. Yet, the city is worth visiting if you like old buildings and houses.

Go to Sugar Pots Ruins beach

Hidden between the many fishing beaches in Ochos Rios you will also find Sugar Pots Ruins, a beach where you can swim and relax. There is also a restaurant where they serve freshly caught fish for lunch. You will have to pay a small fee to enter the beach.

Portland was for sure our favorite part of Jamaica! Mainly because of the beautiful bays and the many activities, but also because it was less touristy. It may take a long drive on the bumpy Jamaican roads from Ocho Rios but it is well worth it.

WHAT TO DO IN PORT ANTONIO?

Visit the different bays

The whole coast of Port Antonio consists of beautiful beaches with clear blue waters. The most beautiful of all is Frenchmans’ Cove beach. The entrance fee is about 10 dollars but in return you can expect a clean beach. Another beach is Winnifred beach, which is very popular among the locals, but tourists are also welcome, of course. Especially on Sundays, many local residents flock to this beach to eat, swim and have fun together.

Visit the Blue Lagoon

The blue Lagoon is one of many reasons why people visit Portland. It is a popular filming location and a fantastic swimming spot. The Blue Lagoon used to be free of entry, but as the area is under 'reconstruction', this may soon change. Unfortunately, we did not have access to the Blue Lagoon during our trip because of the renovation, so check in advance whether access has been granted again.

Climb your way up on the Reach Falls

Climbing waterfalls is a 'thing' in Jamaica and some are more touristy than others. Reach Falls is one of the less touristy ones and this makes you feel a bit more connected to the beautiful nature. In some parts you only walk through the water with your ankles and other parts you really have to swim, this makes it a very varied hike. The activity is run by locals, they keep the waterfall clean and guide you to the top. Do not climb the waterfall yourself, but support the local population with 10 dollar per person for a tour guide. Ask your hotel host if they can help you contact them.

Bamboo rafting

Jamaica is known for its bamboo rafting experiences, and in Port Antonio you have the river almost all to yourself. You go for a 2 hour raft with a guide who is also the 'paddler'. The guide will take you through the Rio-Grande river with his homemade bamboo raft. Seeing Portland's nature from this perspective was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Don't worry, no crocodiles in this river, so you can swim during the 2-hour raft whenever you want.

The Blue Mountains in Jamaica are a beautiful nature reserve that makes driving through it already worth it. It’s green, peaceful, clean and the people are very friendly. Whether you like hiking, bird watching, coffee or just nature itself, you will love the Blue Mountains.

WHAT TO DO IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS?

Drink Blue Mountain coffee

The Blue Mountains have the perfect conditions to grow the best coffee variety, Arabica coffee. It is considered the most expensive coffee in the world and has many flavors. As you drive from Portland to Kingston, you will find many coffee shops along the way and you can stop at each one for a cup of coffee with the best view in Jamaica. Need more coffee? Visit one of the coffee plantations where they explain you everything about the little coffee bean!

Hike the Blue Mountain Peak

If you want to see all of Jamaica, you can’t miss the highest point of the country. Be prepared, with an altitude of 2256 meters it takes about 4 hours and certainly some effort to reach the top. For the real fanatics, we recommend starting the hike at night so that you are at the top during a beautiful sunrise.

Go on a bike tour

The road from Portland to Kingston is absolutely stunning. The hustle and bustle of the cities changes to a quiet nature reserve. Beautiful views, not to many cars and challenging hills, the perfect ingredients for a bike tour.

Treasure beach is a fairly small coastal town where you will certainly find the real Jamaican vibes. The golden sand beaches are not crowded and the town itself gets lively during the day. Besides chilling at the beach, there are also a few activities to do nearby. If you're traveling through Jamaica, we definitely recommend stopping in this little beach town!

WHAT TO DO IN TREASURE BEACH?

Have a drink at the Pelican Bar

Built on a sandbank in the Caribbean sea. Name a more special location for a bar, nope you can't. The local people can bring you 1,5 km into the sea with their boats where you will find the Pelican Bar. First, order a cold drink. Then you can have your name carved in the wood while you are waiting for your freshly caught lunch. No guarantee, but keep an eye out for turtles and dolphins.

Spot crocodiles on the Black River

Unlike many people think, Jamaica is not rich in dangerous animals. But there are crocodiles in a specific area of ​​Jamaica, namely in the Black River. Along this river you will find several companies that organize tours on the Black River and can tell you everything about the crocodiles that live there.

Visit the YS falls

The YS falls is more than just a waterfall, it is a beautiful natural park where there are also two natural swimming pools with sun beds and a bar. You will be taken there by tractor and you can certainly enjoy yourself here for a few hours.

Buy your souvenir at Callaloo

This cute little shop is full of products that are made around the area of Treasure Beach. They offer handmade clothing, jewelry, posters and many more colorful things you want to take home.

WHERE TO EAT IN TREASURE BEACH?

JAKES

Jakes is populair boutique hotel in Treasure Beach. When it gets dark, the entire garden of the hotel is illuminated with small candles and lights. They present a varied food menu with an even larger wine menu to choose from. If you are not a guest of this hotel, it is also definitely worth dining here or having a drink at their bar.

One Loave Bakery

It's safe to say this was the most delicious breakfast of our trip through Jamaica. The smell of freshly baked baguettes, cakes and cookies already made our day. The bakery is only for take away.

Whether you've just traveled all over the country or Negril is your only destination in Jamaica, it's a place to unwind. White sand, clear blue sea, weed and music. You'll have to deal with that for a couple days.

WHERE TO EAT IN NEGRIL?

Rockhouse

This is the restaurant of the famous Rockhouse hotel and one of the best restaurants in Negril. We were certainly not disappointed by the beautiful ocean view, delicious food and romantic atmosphere. We highly recommend dining at the Rockhouse restaurant, but be sure to make a reservation.