The Caribbean island of Jamaica has a lot to offer it's visitors. Here are our top seven reasons for why you should start planning your trip.

Top 7 Reasons To Visit Jamaica

There are plenty of reasons to visit Jamaica! From beaches to waterfalls, there is no shortage of beautiful places in Jamaica. But there’s also great food and rich history. Read on to see our top reasons for visiting this incredible Caribbean island.

 

Reasons To Visit Jamaica

This Caribbean island nation, which is only slightly smaller than the US state of Connecticut, has a lot to offer it’s visitors.  So if you need some convincing, here are our top seven reasons for why you should start planning your trip to the island of “All Right.”

 

Jamaican Beaches

One of the top reasons to visit Jamaica is to enjoy its beaches. Jamaica has approximately 635 miles (1,022 km) of coastline so it isn’t difficult to find a beach to lay out on.  And with warm tropical weather year round, you’re guaranteed to have some amazing beach days.

 

top beautiful places in Jamaica include many Beaches
One of the top reasons to visit Jamaica is to hang out on one of its beautiful beaches
Laying on the beach is one of the top reasons to visit Jamaica
Laying on the beach in Jamaica

 

Jamaican Waterfalls

Do you like chasing waterfalls? I mean, who doesn’t right? Then Jamaica is the place for you. There are tons of waterfalls! Some of them are really well known and easy to get to. We think one of the best waterfalls in Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls. Yes, it is one of the more popular places in Jamaica, but it’s for good reason.

 

There are also waterfalls that are a little more hush hush, and barely have any tourists. We recommend making friends with some of the locals, as they’ll be able to lead you towards some Jamaican hidden gems.

 

Dunn's river falls is one of the best waterfalls in Jamaica
Dunn’s river falls
Dunn's river falls is one of the more popular places in Jamaica
Lots and lots of Jamaican waterfalls!

 

Sunsets and Sunrises

Seriously, the sunrises and sunsets in Jamaica are just gorgeous. So find a good spot on one of the beaches we mentioned and take it all in.

 

watching a sunset in Jamaica is one of the top reasons to visit Jamaica
Jamaican sunset in Montego Bay
Jamaican sunrise
Jamaican sunrise, Photo credit: Aymara C.

 

History and Culture

Jamaica has a very rich and complex history. The island was originally inhabited by native Taino Indians, but they were eventually killed off and replaced by African slaves when the Spanish settled there in the early 16th century. In 1655, England took control of the island and established plantations that grew sugar, cocoa, and coffee.

 

Then, in 1834, over 300,000 enslaved Africans gained their freedom when slavery was finally abolished. Jamaica was then the first Caribbean nation to gain independence from the British on August 6, 1962. To learn more about the history and culture of Jamaica, make sure to visit some of it’s museums, former plantations, or other historic sites. One of the top historical places of interest in Jamaica is Rose Hall, because the plantation is said to be haunted by a former owner.

 

Jamaican haunted plantation Rose Hall is one of the top places of interest in Jamaica
Rose Hall Great House is said to be haunted
Jamaica hot spots
Jamaica has a very rich history

 

Jamaican Food

The food in Jamaica is delicious and full of flavor. Jamaicans use an array of different spices and dry rubs that will leave your taste buds craving more. Eating jerk chicken with rice and peas is a must, but make sure to also try ackee and saltfish (typically eaten at breakfast).

 

jerk chicken with rice and peas, reasons to visit Jamaica
Jerk chicken with rice and peas
ackee and saltfish
Ackee and saltfish

 

Jamaican Rum

Did you know Jamaica was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum on a commercial basis? Most people are familiar with Appleton Estate rum and we hear taking a tour of the distillery is pretty amazing. There are a lot of other local brands as well though. Either way, rum is everywhere. Enjoy it straight, or mixed. Or in your morning coffee. No one will judge you here!

 

Drinking Jamaican Rum on the beach
Drinking Jamaican Rum on the beach
Jamaica Rum cream in our morning coffee
Jamaican rum cream in our morning coffee

 

Relaxation

And the best reason to visit Jamaica? To be able to experience that relaxed Jamaican attitude. Remember, Jamaicans run on island time and they know how to chill and enjoy every moment…

 

Top Reasons To Visit Jamaica
Relaxing and unwinding are some of the top reasons to visit Jamaica

 

Final Thoughts On Visiting Jamaica

With so many beautiful places in Jamaica, as well as great food and drinks, there’s no reason for you NOT to go to. We’d go back to Jamaica in a heart beat because we feel we’ve only scratched the surface. Like we said earlier, for such a small island, there’s plenty to do.

 

And if you’d like to travel to any other islands in the Caribbean, check out this Quick Guide to the Amazing Caribbean Islands by our friend Simon of Travelwith2ofus.

 

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The Caribbean island of Jamaica has a lot to offer it's visitors. Here are our top seven reasons for why you should start planning your trip.

 

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28 Comments

  1. Haven’t been to Jamaica yet, but it is on my radar for the coming years. I’d love to visit Jamaica for all the reasons you mentioned, but especially for the food! I’ve heard from many people that Dunn’s River Falls is pretty crammed with tourists and am happy to know that there are other beautiful waterfalls nearby that are more untouched.

    1. Dunn’s River Falls can be, but it depends what day of the week and the season too. You mainly want to avoid when the cruise ships are unloading. When we went it was actually pretty empty. But yes, definitely venture out and try to find some other waterfalls as well.

  2. I have been to Jamaica and loved it ! The food, cocktails and sunsets are amazing. Stayed in Negril.

  3. What a fantastic overview, Jamaica hasn’t been on my radar, but now I want to go and soak in all that rich culture and rum while enjoying some of those amazing sunsets!

    1. Thanks Noel! Yes, definitely get some rum! 😉

  4. Jamaica has a unique quality and charm which draws people like a magnet. Your post spells out the top reasons to visit Jamaica, but I feel even one is enough.

  5. Yes, you’ve convinced me! Jamaica looks beautiful and more than the party scene that I imagined.

    1. I think the great thing about Jamaica is that it can be both, depending on what you’re looking for.

  6. LeAnna Brown says:

    Beautiful! We’ve never been to Jamaica, but I’ve always wanted to. I could totally see doing a great beach getaway there kids free!

  7. What a great post about Jamaica. It has never been on my list, but glad to learn that next to white beaches there are beautiful waterfalls and more attractions. Food looks good too and the rum of course, probably the first thing which people associate the country with!

  8. Sounds good to me! Especially that bit about the rum 😉 Those beautiful sunsets are pretty convincing too.

  9. Your trip looks fabulous but this is one place that I do not personally care for. I’ve been 3 times, all on a cruise and 2 different places, and could not find one thing I enjoyed about it. Maybe I need to go with you next time. 😉

    1. Oh no! That’s too bad Melody. But I’m always up for another trip! lol

  10. Jamaica sounds like a great destination, but what sold it for me was the sunsets and rum. What a combo! ?

  11. Yes! Jamaica is an amazing place! I have been lucky enough to visit a couple of times and I totally agree with your list. The beaches, the waterfalls, and yes island time! And can’t forget the rum!!

    1. That’s so awesome that you’ve been more than once Bryanna! I can’t wait to go back!

  12. I’ve tried a recipe for jerk chicken at home, but I can only imagine how much better it tastes in Jamaica! Although I would go to try some Jamaican rum too 🙂

  13. I’ve only been to Jamaica on cruises, but I would love to go back a really spend some time there. Your photos are gorgeous.

  14. My top reasons to go back would be the food, the coffee, and the natural scenery. Other than that, I did not care for Jamaica. Sucha shame, though, but there you have it.

  15. Thanks Vicky. Always refreshing to read posts written by visitors who have enjoyed our island home.

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