Off the Beaten Path in Jamaica: Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail

If you have been to Jamaica once already or are preparing for your first trip, you may know about some of the most popular attractions already. The Bob Marley Museum has two historical museum locations for you to explore and learn about the famous Jamaican singer. Dunn’s River Falls and Park in Ochos Rios, Jamaica is a great family-friendly destination featuring a kids’ splash pad, climbing the falls activity, ziplining, and more!

However, there are many off-the-beaten-path places that you can enjoy and explore while you are in Jamaica, too. Before booking your trip, don’t forget to fill out the C5 form Jamaica. This form does not grant you a visa. 

The C5 form is a questionnaire that any people visiting Jamaica must answer before they are allowed into the country. Whether you are from a country that does not require a visa for entry into Jamaica or you are a visa-holder, you have to complete the C5 form before being allowed entry. If you are traveling with family or friends, each person in your party has to complete a separate C5 form. 

Reach Falls

Reach Falls is a peaceful and delightful waterfall where you can go to meditate, enjoy the fresh air, or have a picnic lunch. It’s located near the Montane Forest, which contains about 23 fern species as well as many diverse bird species. If you prefer, you can enjoy a guided tour near the Driver’s River which eventually leads to Reach Falls. After it’s all said and done, you can jump into the waterfall for a quick swim. 

Floyd’s Pelican Bar

Travel by boat via Treasure Beach or the Black River to travel to Floyd’s Pelican Bar situated in Salt Spring Junction in Jamaica. The water-bound off-the-beaten-path dining establishment serves up the freshest lobster from local waters with beer and rum for casual drinking. The bar’s name was from pelicans that would always stand on a sandy bar near the establishment. 

For almost 17 years, the owner, Floyd, has continued to serve and delight locals and tourists with the freshest seafood and best beer on tap. Hence, it is the most popular bar in Jamaica not only because of its setting but also because of the reputation it upholds thanks to the delicious menu items they serve. 

If you are visiting during hurricane season, contact the bar to follow up and be sure it’s open. Hurricane Ivan was responsible for tearing down the original build of the Pelican Bar in 2004. 

Go To Montego Bay for Bamboo Rafting

Grab a bamboo raft and take a trip over the Martha Brae River or the Lethe River in Jamaica’s breathtaking Montego Bay area. It’s best done with your sweetheart as it is a highly romantic adventure that is unique to the Jamaican island. 

You can stop in between bamboo rafting to unlock your inner child by riding one of the man-made rope swings. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a local artist who is sketching or painting the area. Hey, you never know if you and your sweetheart rafting the river could be their muse for their next best work of art!

Depending on the tour company you book with, you could get complimentary water and beer with your ticket and maybe even a limestone foot rub. 

Try Scotchies Jerk Chicken or Pork In Montego Bay 

Before you leave Montego Bay, you have to try Scotchies jerk chicken or pork as they are one of the most popular restaurants in the area. The meat is tender and juicy and the sauce the cooks use is to die for! You can find them situated at the Main Street Rose Hall. 

The outdoor seating shaped in triangular straw huts makes you feel like you are in a tropical paradise as you sip your favorite alcohol and consume some of the region’s best jerk chicken or pork with rice, beans, and other accompanying sides. 

Finish your meal with a bright slushy cocktail to complete your authentic outdoor Jamaican dining experience. 

Ziplining Over the YS River

Chukka Caribbean Adventures is one of the more popular tour operators in Jamaica. But what can be off-the-beaten-path about your tour experience is going ziplining over the YS Falls rather than doing water sports at other local Jamaican beaches. 

The rush and swoosh of the seven waterfalls in the area along with the thrill of ziplining through such a relaxing terrain with great views is enough to give you goosebumps! Pools are below the YS Falls so that you can take a swim after working up a sweat ziplining. Don’t forget to take a photo with family and friends before leaving this thrilling destination to capture the memory!

Conclusion

With so many off-the-beaten-path activities to enjoy in Jamaica, we hope your itinerary for your planned trip is almost ready! As Bob Marley once said: “Love the life you live, live the life you love.”