The Eight Most Adventurous Things You Can Do In Jamaica

What springs to mind when thinking of a holiday in Jamaica? Incredible beaches? Palm trees? Rum punch? Bob Marley playing everywhere you go?

All correct, as we found out, but as it turns out there’s so much more to the Caribbean island than initially meets the eye.

We'd heard tale of tourists climbing waterfalls, segwaying around plantations and even jumping off cliffs, so we jetted off to the Rock in search of adventure (and a bit of sun worshiping) to get a taste of what else the country had to offer.  
 
The Place
 
Ocho Rios & Montego Bay, Jamaica.
 
The Vibe

Jamaicans are a warm and welcoming bunch, always with a smile on their faces, always armed with a joke, and in the case of our tour guide Everton, always keen to teach one or two Patois phrases to make you feel right at home. 'Irie' soon replaced 'Hello' as our general greeting, and who hasn't had fun playing the beer-can/bacon game?

As for the weather, despite visiting in rainy season (October), we more than lucked out, with temperatures as high as 35 degrees. So as well as plenty of adventure on the cards, bronzed skin was too.

The Challenges

Though the beaches were seriously appealing, we were determined to discover the other side of Jamaica too, so before getting too sidetracked by rum and coconuts, we set off for a spot of adventure tourism…Fully planning to rewards ourselves at the beach bar later on.

Climbing Dunn’s River Waterfalls

The spectacular waterfalls of Dunn’s River are situated near Ocho Rios, running into the crystal clear blue Jamaican sea. At 180 feet wide and 600ft long, the breathtaking natural beauty seemed like a daunting task at first when told we were going to climb it. For the more brave climbers (or perhaps, reckless in retrospect), one section dubbed ‘The Tornado’ can be attempted.

If you’re a dab hand at climbing while being temporarily blinded by crushingly heavy cascades of water, this part of the ascent should be a breeze.
 
Lovers of film and TV may also recognise the spectacular falls as the backdrop for Cocktail, Dr. No, and most recently, America’s Top Model. So, when in Jamaica…

Note: Not everyone can be model.
 
Top Tip: Ask at reception when booking for Tammy as your guide – in our eyes, the Lara Croft of Jamaica. With 11 years of experience under her belt, she not only knows the falls like the back of her hand  but somehow, was able to carry three iPhones and a camera up rock faces of cascading water without getting as much as drop on them. She also catches crayfish with her bare hands (and probably raids tombs in her spare time, too).

Taking on Mystic Mountain

Opened in 2008, the Mystic Mountain park offers three attractions – all of which won’t bode well with those who suffer from vertigo. On arrival we were taken 700ft up the mountain on the Rainforest Explorer chairlift, where we were treated to stunning views of the coastline and surrounding greenery.

Fans of both Cool Runnings and going really, really fast will no doubt enjoy the Bobsled experience from the top of the mountain, careening down 1000 meters of stainless steel rails while reaching up to 40mph.

Finally, the zip line experience takes you through the towering tree canopies. Just a heads up, there is a 10 metre drop so fast that it will take your stomach a while to catch up to the bottom with you.

Top Tip: On the bobsled, wear sunglasses and/or squint. The speed of the sled will produce a disproportionate amount of tears from your eyes. Arriving back at the top with a tear stained face in front of a crowd of tourists isn’t a great look. Trust us.  
 
Prospect Plantation Segway Fun

Without a doubt, riding a Segway is the best way to explore the 100-acre plantation - once you’ve mastered how to ride one, that is.

Top tip: Don't try and film while segwaying

This was originally a working plantation which produced pimentos, allspice, and limes, owned by Scotland born Sir Harold Mitchell in 1936.

It now serves as a tourist attraction, with some rather impressive views from the Mitchell home, which overlooks the coast and surrounding land.

Oh, and for those who so wish, there is also a camel ride halfway though the tour. Selfies optional.

 
Top Tip: Check out the mahogany tree originally planted by Winston Churchill in 1953.
 
Swimming With Dolphins

A truly incredible experience. Ocho Rios’ Dolphin Cove first opened its doors in 2001 and has been thriving ever since – and with good reason. Following a leisurely early morning Kayak we were given our orientation ahead of our  ‘Ultimate Swim’ package. Here we were treated to two very excitable dolphins who danced, clapped, and sang better than most of this year’s X Factor lot.

We also enjoyed a cheeky kiss with the loveable mammals, a ride around the cove on their fins, and, perhaps best of all, were hoisted out of the water at speed on just the tips of their noses.
 
Top Tip: Keep your legs locked in and tensed for a longer ride on the Dolphin’s noses.
 
Horseback Ride Through The Sea
 
At the Chukka Caribbean Adventures at Sandy Bay we prepared for its horseback experience that you’re not likely forget for a long time. Starting out by riding your horse across Jamaica’s back-country, the second half of the experience takes you through the Caribbean sea. But we’re not talking dipping a hoof in the water, these horses are trained to go out far, with the sea water finishing just below their heads.
 
Top Tip: Bring water for the outback ride, it gets seriously hot out there.

Snorkeling & Sandals Catamaran Cruise

The Sandals catamaran crew was certainly after one thing – showing their passengers one heck of a good time. Once we were kitted out with our equipment, we were free to snorkel and see the beautiful reefs of Montego Bay and its vividly colourful sea life.

After swallowing just about enough seawater, we were greeted back at the catamaran with a traditional Jamaican punch. And by traditional, we mean mostly rum. Not the best way to find your sea legs, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Top Tip: Ask the captain nicely enough and you just might get the chance to steer the catamaran.

River Rapids Adventures

After a jam-packed few days, the next escapade was a choice of River Boarding, Kayaking, River Rafting or Tubing down the beautiful Rio Bueno. In the end we opted for tubing, with the logic that bobbing along in a large inflatable doughnut wouldn’t be too taxing.

How wrong we were. Holding on for dear life as we tried to stick together while taking on the rapids – tubing was not the relaxing break we’d hope it would be. Which makes sense; this was an adventure trip after all.
 
Top Tip: Make sure to stop off at the rope swing half way through in preparation for the next challenge…
 
Cliff Jumping

No trip to Jamaica would be complete without a visit to Rick’s Café – the perfect place to take in country’s sensational sunset.

Of course, the point of our trip wasn’t to sit back sipping bottles of Red Stripe while looking at the sky. Rick’s is also famed for its cliff jumping – with experienced divers captivating the crowds by launching themselves from eighty meters high into the lagoon below. Visitors are also invited to jump off the 35 metre cliff face, which, after a discreet pep talk to ourselves, we did...
 

Top tip: Don’t think, jump!  With hundreds of people watching, there’s no escaping the eagle-eyed onlookers.

The Downtime

With so much to do, downtime is a very welcome change of pace – and the Jamaicans excel rather well at this particular past time. After a long day of adventure, nothing took the edge of quite like a Wray & Nephew rum cream on the rocks. Or six, for that matter.
 
Without a doubt, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios both play host to some incredible beaches. Let’s face it, you’re not going to be getting quite the same view at Bognor Regis during this time of year... or any other.

For an authentic taste of Jamaica, we highly recommend Scotchies, a jerk shack in Montego Bay - so good, even the locals go there for lunch. The jerk pork and chicken is marinated in a traditional herbs and spices before being smoked for up to one and half hours under a sheet of corrugated iron sheets. The taste? Out of this world.

The Instagram Shot

The Brag

The Verdict
 
If you prefer your beach holidays with an injection of adrenaline, then Jamaica could well be the place for you with its perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Wagwan in Jamaica? A heck of a lot of fun, that’s what.

The Deets

ClubHotel RIU, Ocho Rios

Seven Night Half-Board Package at ClubHotel Riu, Ocho Rios, from £1,012 per person

Thomson is offering a seven-night, half board package at the 4T ClubHotel Riu, Ocho Rios, from £1,012 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights departing from Manchester airport on 28th January 2015. To book, visit your local Thomson travel shop, visit thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.

Double rooms start at £68 per person based on two sharing on an all-inclusive basis between 1 November 2014 and 20 December 2014.

Oasis at The Sunset

Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at The Oasis at The Sunset, Montego Bay, from £1,442 per person

Sunset Resorts is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at The Oasis at The Sunset, Montego Bay from £1,422 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick on selected dates throughout January 2015. Price includes local transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit www.sunsetresorts.co.uk.

Club Beachfront Cabana’s from £131 per person based on two sharing on an all-inclusive basis between 3 January 2015 and 31 January 2015.

For further information on Jamaica please visit www.visitjamaica.com.