Complete Jamaica Itinerary

Every time you hear a Bob Marley jam, you probably daydream of Jamaica’s ocean breezes. From reggae beats and jerk chicken, to palm trees and white-sand beaches, there’s a lot to love about this Caribbean island.

Wondering how to tackle it all when you sail there on a cruise? We’ve broken it down, so you can experience the adventure of a lifetime. Just pick out some of these activities and you'll be ready to see Jamaica in all its splendor.

Key Takeaways: Jamaica Vacation Itinerary

● Jamaica is a perfect destination for fans of great food, stunning beaches, action-packed activities and everything in between.

● Building an itinerary catered to your interests is a way to make sure you don't miss out on any fun opportunities when you arrive in Jamaica.

● A wide variety of events — some family-friendly, others for couples or adult travelers — are available as excursions as part of a cruise vacation.

● You can book a Jamaica cruise right away and start planning your own perfect itinerary of extra activities.

1. If You’re A Foodie…

Scotchies

Getting there: 30-minute taxi ride from the Falmouth port to Montego Bay.

For an authentic meal near Montego Bay, you can’t go wrong with Scotchies, a casual outdoor cafe often named as one of the best restaurants in Jamaica. Pull up a stool and enjoy jerk chicken (the secret to how they make it so spicy is an intense spice mixture rubbed in before cooking) and to-die-for hush puppies.

Juici Patties

Getting there: Short walk from the port to Lower Harbour Street in Falmouth.

It may look like a typical fast-food joint, but Juici Patties is a popular Jamaican chain that features the other big local specialty: patties! These savory, flaky pastries filled with meat and spices are perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack. Go truly local and stuff it into coco bread for a tasty sandwich.

Pepper’s Jerk Center

Getting there: 5-minute walk from the port to Rodney Street in Falmouth.

Don’t have time to go all the way to Montego Bay? Totally fine! You can still taste-test authentic jerk pork and chicken at this highly rated, laidback outdoor bar and grill that’s close to the port in Falmouth. Between the music, the rustic-cool tables and the friendly staff, you may just decide to stay and relax all afternoon. Pair your jerk with traditional rice and beans, along with an ice-cold Red Stripe or fresh coconut water.

2. If You’re An Adventure Junkie…

Dunn’s River Falls

Getting there: Less than 10 minutes from Ocho Rios by taxi.

This world-famous waterfall near Ocho Rios is a must-do. You can either climb the falls, which look like a shallow river rushing over a large, uneven stone “staircase,” or simply marvel at them from the safety (and dryness!) of a viewing platform

Pro tip: Bring your own water shoes to start climbing ASAP.

Swimming With Dolphins

Getting there (Ocho Rios): Less than 10 minutes from Ocho Rios by taxi.

Getting there (Montego Bay): Short drive from Montego Bay or 1 hour from Falmouth by car.

Walk on the ocean floor with a space-like helmet that allows you to breathe underwater and interact with the dolphins in a natural lagoon at Dolphin Cove. Your trip to the park also includes lush tropical gardens and a local petting zoo, perfect for animal lovers. Dolphin Cove has multiple locations. The Montego Bay park is reachable by car from Negril and Falmouth and the Ocho Rios spot is right next to Dunn's River Falls. Not every experience is available for young kids, but there are a variety of ways to meet the dolphins, with various levels of intensity.

Rio Bueno River Rafting

Getting there: About 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Paddle through the exhilarating twists and turns of the beautiful Rio Bueno River. After the currents fade, you’ll arrive in calm waters for some swimming and relaxing — and, if you still haven’t gotten your adrenaline fix, take a swing on the Tarzan rope that lets you hurl yourself right into the water. Kids aged two and up can ride the river, so this is a family-friendly activity, but you should be ready for some physical exertion.

3. If You’re A Shopaholic…

Jacob Taylor Beach, Fishing and Craft Market

Getting there: 20-minute taxi ride.

Discover intricately carved wooden handicrafts, handwoven baskets and handmade jewelry at this bustling spot. Chat with the artisans, watch them work and pick up a few favorites. Afterwards, grab Jamaica’s beer of choice (Red Stripe) and cool off on the beach or at nearby, favorite bar Leroy’s Reggae Spot.

Island Village

Getting there: 1-hour taxi ride.

Spanning five acres of beachfront property in Ocho Rios, Island Village is a collection of restaurants, boardwalks and vendors selling local goods, foods and souvenirs. Surprise-and-delight reggae concerts welcome travelers, as they take in the scenery of this village-like shopping center.

4. If You Want a Cultural Experience…

Cultural History Tour: Historic Falmouth

Getting there: Short walk from the Falmouth port.

If you want to feel like you've really experienced the essence of Falmouth, you can take this guided tour through the centuries. As your guide leads you past interesting architectural treasures, you'll discover the history of Jamaica, as a colonial possession and then as an independent nation.

The Bob Marley Experience

Getting there: 2-hour bus ride from Falmouth (part of the tour).

If you want to really connect with the reggae legacy of Bob Marley, there's no better way than to spend your day on a guided excursion to his birthplace and childhood home in Nine Mile, in the Jamaican countryside. A bus tour to Nine Mile, which is for adult travelers only, includes a stop for lunch at Bamboo Beach Club, so you can make sure your day is delicious as well as educational and inspiring.

5. If You're a Beach Bum…

Horseback Ride N Swim

Getting there: 30-minute drive from Ocho Rios.

This is one for the animal-lovers and the beach chillers. It should be noted, however, that little tots aren't allowed on horseback, so it's not a family activity if you have younger kids. After a picturesque drive along the coast, you're paired with a friendly horse at Chukka Cove and then it's time for a ride in the surf, all while a guide tells you about the area.

Seven Mile Beach and Negril

Getting there: 2-hour drive from Falmouth.

If you want to experience Seven Mile Beach, one of the most beautiful and renowned beaches in Jamaica, you can also roll it together with a trip to lively and fun downtown Negril. Before or after your time lounging in the soft white sand, you can check out local establishments like Ricks' Cafe. You can take the whole family to the beach or spend a date night in Negril.

Choose Your Experience in Jamaica

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