Largely untrodden, wild nature awaits you beyond Jamaica’s beach resorts: Canoe Valley wetlands is home to crocodiles and manatees, the mist-shrouded Blue Mountains offer a wealth of birdlife, and Jamaica’s rugged interior hides spectacular waterfalls. Here’s what to expect…
Head to the parish of Trelawny and you will find the Martha Brae River, an enchanting waterway surrounded by thick, emerald rainforest on both sides. How better to explore it than by floating on a traditional bamboo raft? Along the way, you will pause to explore the indigenous herbs that grow in Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, spot wildlife and birdlife on the banks, and cool off in the refreshing water.
On the slopes of the Blue Mountains, cloud and montane forests give way to sparce elfin growth near the peaks. These diverse ecosystems are a paradise for birdwatchers, who come to spot endemics such as the red-billed streamertail – Jamaica’s national bird, the Jamaican owl and the colourful Jamaican tody among the 300 species that dwell here. The expert guides at SBS Tours can help you find the best birding spots along woodland trails.
Hike from Robin’s Bay to the two-tiered, 30m-high Tacky Falls to swim in the pool beneath. Also on the north coast, Somerset Falls tumble down through a fern-filled gorge into a turquoise swimming grotto. Inland from Sav-la-Mar, bubble in a natural ‘Jacuzzi’ and swim through an underwater tunnel at Mayfield Falls, or wade, swim, and climb your way up the east coast’s Reach Falls – cascades cradled by virgin rainforest.
Jamaica punches above its weight when it comes to its musical and cultural influence. Immerse yourself in the island’s reggae scene, interact with artisans and artists and stay in local-run lodges that offer immersions into the Jamaican way of life.
In the capital of Kingston, visit Trench Town – the birthplace of reggae – and take in Culture Yard, Bob Marley’s humble home before superstardom, immortalised in his songs. Don’t miss the Bob Marley Museum – another fascinating insight into Marley’s life, before catching some live reggae at Dub Club or Dubwise Cafe. Montego Bay’s Reggae Sumfest and St Ann’s Bay’s Rebel Salute are Jamaica’s biggest annual music festivals, starring numerous reggae legends.
The National Gallery in Kingston showcases the country’s finest Jamaican art collection, from Edna Manley’s bold sculptures and John Dunkley’s ‘intuitive’ paintings to Colin Garland’s surrealist Caribbean fantasies. Commune with local artisans at the Treasure Beach Women’s Group, shop for Rasta-themed wood carvings at Negril’s craft market, or one-of-a-kind Rastafarian sculpture at Studio Black in Bluefields, and stay at Mountambrin – a hilltop artists’ retreat, replete with some remarkable wood carvings.
Run by the Mavis Bank community deep in the Blue Mountains, the Forres Park Nature Retreat is a good base for hiking, birding, and visiting coffee farms; local guides can be arranged.
In the hills above Little London near Negril, Zimbali Retreat is a wonderful organic farm with jungle view rooms. While staying there, you can consult a Rasta herbalist, take part in African drumming sessions and meet a wood-carver.
Jamaica is renowned for its distinctive culinary repertoire: jerk pork and chicken, smoked over pimento wood, ackee and saltfish, curry goat, Rastafarian I-tal (vegan) dishes, Blue Mountain coffee and more. Food-centric experiences abound, from touring coffee plantations to dining on organic farms.
Highly prized worldwide for its quality and taste, Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee is grown at high altitude by small-scale coffee growers, such as Craighton Estate and Old Tavern Estate; you can support them by visiting them independently. Alternatively, join SBS Tours who offer an immersion in coffee cultivation, from planting and harvesting to processing and roasting, with coffee farm guides educating you about the history and traditions of coffee-growing.
An organic farm-to-table Rasta dining experience inland from St Ann’s Bay, Stush in the Bush gives you the opportunity to tour Chris and Lisa’s organic farm before sitting down with your hosts in a gorgeous rustic cabin for an amazing, 100% vegan, plant-forward slow-cooked meal. Eight-course menus include eggplant accras and smoky corn beignets (Jamaican mezze), zingy dips, soups and pizza topped with nut-based mozzarella, washed down with fruit juices.
Held in the Taste of Jamaica Botanical Gardens, south of Ocho Rios, the Botanic Bites Food Tour introduces your tastebuds to the all the big hitters from Jamaica’s culinary pantheon. After wandering the aromatic paths of this herb garden, feast on spicy curry goat with its traditional accompaniments: rice and peas and festival (fried dumpling), plus melt-off-the-bone oxtail and beans, mannish water (goat’s head soup) and punchy, smoky jerk chicken.
Start planning your dream visit to Jamaica by heading over to the official website.
