Nature & Adventure
In Jamaica, nature radiates through verdant mountainsides, crystalline rivers and white beaches edging a turquoise sea.
Nature & Adventure in Jamaica: Top Things to Do
Jamaica is a premier destination for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers, with experiences that span misty mountains, jungle-clad valleys, and vibrant coral reefs. Use this guide to plan the best water, land, and one-of-a-kind adventures across the island.
Water Adventures
Jamaica’s rivers, waterfalls, and coastline provide endless opportunities for aquatic adventure.
- River Rafting & Tubing: Glide on a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande or Martha Brae for a serene rainforest float. For more thrills, try tubing or whitewater rafting on the Rio Bueno or White River.
- Waterfall Exploration: Climb the terraced cascades of Dunn’s River Falls with a guide. Seek out the secluded Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls) for cliff jumping and swimming, or visit seven-tiered YS Falls on the south coast—complete with a zipline over the water.
- Snorkeling & Scuba: Explore clear Caribbean waters, coral gardens, and tropical fish at spots like Negril Marine Park and Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary.
- Black River Safari: In St. Elizabeth, cruise Jamaica’s longest navigable river to spot crocodiles, birdlife, and ancient mangrove ecosystems
Blue Mountains
Home to Jamaica’s highest peak, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and coffee enthusiasts. Trails wind through misty rainforests, offering breathtaking views of Kingston below and, on clear days, even Cuba in the distance. Coffee plantations dot the hillsides, where visitors can learn about and taste world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.
Blue Mountains
Home to Jamaica’s highest peak, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and coffee enthusiasts. Trails wind through misty rainforests, offering breathtaking views of Kingston below and, on clear days, even Cuba in the distance. Coffee plantations dot the hillsides, where visitors can learn about and taste world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.
Blue Mountains
Home to Jamaica’s highest peak, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and coffee enthusiasts. Trails wind through misty rainforests, offering breathtaking views of Kingston below and, on clear days, even Cuba in the distance. Coffee plantations dot the hillsides, where visitors can learn about and taste world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.
Martha Brae River
Located in Trelawny, the Martha Brae River is famous for bamboo rafting tours. Guests sit back on a hand-crafted bamboo raft steered by a local guide, floating peacefully through lush tropical scenery. The experience is quiet, romantic, and offers plenty of photo opportunities, making it a favorite for couples and honeymooners.
Martha Brae River
Located in Trelawny, the Martha Brae River is famous for bamboo rafting tours. Guests sit back on a hand-crafted bamboo raft steered by a local guide, floating peacefully through lush tropical scenery. The experience is quiet, romantic, and offers plenty of photo opportunities, making it a favorite for couples and honeymooners.
YS Falls (St. Elizabeth)
Less crowded than Dunn’s River, YS Falls is a series of seven waterfalls surrounded by gardens and natural pools. Visitors can swim in the spring-fed pools, walk through flower gardens, or take part in zip-lining over the cascades. The area is family-friendly and a wonderful way to enjoy Jamaica’s unspoiled natural beauty.
Located in Trelawny, the Martha Brae River is famous for bamboo rafting tours. Guests sit back on a hand-crafted bamboo raft steered by a local guide, floating peacefully through lush tropical scenery. The experience is quiet, romantic, and offers plenty of photo opportunities, making it a favorite for couples and honeymooners.
Martha Brae River
Located in Trelawny, the Martha Brae River is famous for bamboo rafting tours. Guests sit back on a hand-crafted bamboo raft steered by a local guide, floating peacefully through lush tropical scenery. The experience is quiet, romantic, and offers plenty of photo opportunities, making it a favorite for couples and honeymooners.
Land-Based Adventures
Head inland for mountain air, panoramic views, and rainforest thrills.
- Hiking: Tackle the Blue Mountain Peak Trail (7–9 hours) for a sunrise summit and, on clear days, a distant glimpse of Cuba. For lighter walks, try Holywell National Park or the rugged tracks of Cockpit Country.
- Ziplining: Soar above rainforest canopies at Mystic Mountain, YS Falls, and on select Chukka tours.
- Caving (Spelunking): Tour the historic Green Grotto Caves—ancient limestone chambers with striking formations and rich cultural lore.
- ATV & Horseback Riding: Ride ATVs or dune buggies through jungle trails, or opt for a relaxed horseback swim along the beach and into the shallows.
Martha Brae River
Located in Trelawny, the Martha Brae River is famous for bamboo rafting tours. Guests sit back on a hand-crafted bamboo raft steered by a local guide, floating peacefully through lush tropical scenery. The experience is quiet, romantic, and offers plenty of photo opportunities, making it a favorite for couples and honeymooners.
Blue Mountains
Home to Jamaica’s highest peak, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and coffee enthusiasts. Trails wind through misty rainforests, offering breathtaking views of Kingston below and, on clear days, even Cuba in the distance. Coffee plantations dot the hillsides, where visitors can learn about and taste world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.
YS Falls (St. Elizabeth)
Less crowded than Dunn’s River, YS Falls is a series of seven waterfalls surrounded by gardens and natural pools. Visitors can swim in the spring-fed pools, walk through flower gardens, or take part in zip-lining over the cascades. The area is family-friendly and a wonderful way to enjoy Jamaica’s unspoiled natural beauty.
Rio Grande Rafting (Portland)
The Rio Grande offers one of Jamaica’s oldest and most authentic rafting experiences. Originally used by farmers to transport bananas, bamboo rafts now carry visitors through miles of tropical jungle. Along the way, rafters can stop at small riverside eateries serving traditional Jamaican food, making this both an adventure and cultural immersion.
Rio Grande Rafting (Portland)
The Rio Grande offers one of Jamaica’s oldest and most authentic rafting experiences. Originally used by farmers to transport bananas, bamboo rafts now carry visitors through miles of tropical jungle. Along the way, rafters can stop at small riverside eateries serving traditional Jamaican food, making this both an adventure and cultural immersion.
Unique Experiences
- Luminous Lagoon (Trelawny): Take a night boat tour to see bioluminescent plankton light up the water—a rare natural spectacle.
- Bobsledding at Mystic Mountain: Race through the rainforest on a gravity-powered bobsled inspired by Jamaica’s legendary team
Rio Grande Rafting (Portland)
The Rio Grande offers one of Jamaica’s oldest and most authentic rafting experiences. Originally used by farmers to transport bananas, bamboo rafts now carry visitors through miles of tropical jungle. Along the way, rafters can stop at small riverside eateries serving traditional Jamaican food, making this both an adventure and cultural immersion.
Rio Grande Rafting (Portland)
The Rio Grande offers one of Jamaica’s oldest and most authentic rafting experiences. Originally used by farmers to transport bananas, bamboo rafts now carry visitors through miles of tropical jungle. Along the way, rafters can stop at small riverside eateries serving traditional Jamaican food, making this both an adventure and cultural immersion.
Rio Grande Rafting (Portland)
The Rio Grande offers one of Jamaica’s oldest and most authentic rafting experiences. Originally used by farmers to transport bananas, bamboo rafts now carry visitors through miles of tropical jungle. Along the way, rafters can stop at small riverside eateries serving traditional Jamaican food, making this both an adventure and cultural immersion.
Rio Grande Rafting (Portland)
The Rio Grande offers one of Jamaica’s oldest and most authentic rafting experiences. Originally used by farmers to transport bananas, bamboo rafts now carry visitors through miles of tropical jungle. Along the way, rafters can stop at small riverside eateries serving traditional Jamaican food, making this both an adventure and cultural immersion.