Discover The Real Jamaica
It is time to get yourself off the beach and explore the island. We have put to together a quick guide to discover the real Jamaica.
Jamaican Bobsledding
Why not spend a day exploring the history museum, pool bar and café, water slides and zip line, and of course the star attraction, The Bobsled at Mystic Mountain. A fifteen minute cable car ride that takes you up to the top of the mountain where you can have a look around and enjoy the views before hopping on the bobsled. The ride is fast and over before you know it, but it is exciting racing through the rainforest and down the hill.
Go Zip Lining at Mystic Mountain
The Mystic Mountain complex is built on 100 acres of semi-evergreen rainforest. The forest is home to over 50 varieties of tree and an estimated 33 breeds of tropical birds, it features natural springs and a variety of plants. The highlight is gliding right down the Mystic Mountain Rainforest through an opening where the branches split in a large old growth tree. One of the zip-lines features a near-vertical drop of ten meters.
Dunn’s River
Climb the cascading waterfall of Dunn's River and walk through the jungle of Fern Gully to learn about the natural herbs and spices used for cooking and medicine. You can also enjoy lunch by the beach in Ocho Rios.
Swim with Dolphins
Have you tick this off your bucket list items? If not you need to visit Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. You will have the opportunity to experience swimming and having direct contact with a dolphin, this is not something you will come across in your lifetime.
Day Trip to Bob Marley's Nine Mile
Want to do something good for yourself and the people you love? Visit Bob Marley’s museum which is situated on the site of the legendary musician’s home. This house features a theatre, photographic gallery, record shop and a gift shop filled with Bob Marley memorabilia.
After the tour you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal from the One Love Café which offers a sneak peek into Bob Marley’s life. One Love Café was Inspired by Bob and Rita Marley’s Rastafarian lifestyle, the One Love Café embraces “ital livity” by serving up tasty foods and juices.
Beach Hopping
Hellshire beach is located near Portmore, and famed for its fried fish and safe swimming. The locals pronounce it ell-shah, I’m guessing it’s the patois equivalent. Similar to Oistins [Barbados] but with less fanfare, we ate freshly roasted fish and festivals to our hearts content whilst they blasted oldie but goodie romantic souls songs onto the beach.
Mammee Bay Beach is located 15 mins drive from the heart of Ocho Rios. This beach shows off a stunning view of the coastline. If you love the beach and you are a sun seeker, why not beach hop around the island.
Jamaican River Tubing Adventure
Jamaican River tubing is located Rio Bueno, one of Jamaica's scenic rivers. River tubing is simply riding your tube through the river's twists, turns and rapid waves. During this activities you will take two short breaks which include a trek through the jungle and a paused break under a stand of bamboo trees. You can either relax on the river bed or try out the rope swing. After a day of fun-filled adventure you have the chance to relax on the bay's sandy beach and soak up the tropical sun.
Appleton Estate Tour
Take a visit to the historical Appleton Rum distillery located on the picturesque South Coast of Jamaica in Nassau Valley. The Appleton Estate is the oldest sugar cane field and rum distillery on the island, crafting this delicious rum. Appleton Estate Rum Tour is an experience to remember, you will get to learn how the famous Appleton Rum is made from the selection of the varieties of sugarcane that are grown on the plantation and find out the detailed journey of producing Appleton rum.
Jamaica Food Guide
Tracks & Records
This is one of the best fusion restaurants we have ever been to. Owned by the World Fastest Man, Usain Bolt, this restaurant is a fusion between a sports bar and traditional Jamaican food. Here you have a choice on the menu between pickins, nyammins, crock pot dishes and special entrees. The drinks menu features many colourful island inspired cocktails.
Devon’s House I Scream
Devon House, built in 1881, was the residence constructed by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire, in St. Andrew. He gained his wealth in Venezuela and returned to Jamaica. Now it is a local/ tourist attraction with bars, gift shops and various activities including a tour of the mansion. We particularly enjoyed the I Scream Shop, where I had the choice between numerous flavors of which were scooped high into my waffle cone in mountainous portions.
Scotchies
Scotchies serves up the best jerk foods on the island.
BGB RECOMMENDATIONS:
Delicious jerk chicken
Jamaican golden brown festival bread
Roasted breadfruit, a Jamaican staple, slathered with fresh butter
Roasted sweet potato