Thursday, August 28, 2008

Travel Destination - Jamaica: Seven Must-Do Activities

Map of JamaicaJamaica is one of the most beautiful Islands in the world. While a lot of people go there to lay on the beaches, I prefer getting out and enjoying the many outdoor options. After multiple Jamaican holidays, and dozens of activities I would have to say these are the seven we seem to repeat!

Appleton Rum Factory
The 11,000-acre Appleton Sugar Plantation is not only home to sugar cane fields but also the Appleton Rum Factory. The tour covers the production process which has the rum stored for 3-30 years in their aging warehouses. After the tour there is tasting, tasting and more tasting before each visitor leaves with a small bottle of rum. You can also buy rum and other souvenirs at the gift shop.

Beach Horseback Riding
For a unique way to enjoy the magnificent Jamaican beaches, go on horseback! After riding along the beautiful shoreline the saddles are removed from the horses. You then ride bareback into the ocean! It is an awesome way for both you and the horse to cool off. You do get really wet so you need to wear a suit under your clothes.
Jamaica beach
Caving
There are over 1,000 caves in Jamaica with a large number of show-caves and/or grottos located along the coast. A great choice is the Green Grotto Caves on the North Coast. Its amazing labyrinthine limestone, stalagmites, light holes, subterranean lake and incredible rock formations show nature at her best. it is a perfect choice for the beginners as well as a must-see for all James Bond fans.

Rockland Bird Sanctuary
Down a bumpy road, about 3 miles out of Montego Bay, is the Rockland Bird Sanctuary. There are birds, wildlife and a garden to tour but the highlight is feeding the hummingbirds. Everyone is given a small bottle of sugar water and taught how to get the bird to land on your finger. The birds will then drink the nectar from the bottle while sitting on the finger: it is really an amazing experience.

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling
Jamaica's crystal clear waters on its Northern coast are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water is calm and filled with very diverse coral reef structures, colorful sponges, plants, caves and sea life. There are incredible reef walls which start at 60 feet and can go down to over 150 feet. They are covered with amazing varieties of both soft and hard coral. The many overhangs make them very easy to explore and view some amazing sights! I should add you need to be certified to dive here but anyone can snorkel.

YS Falls
Located in the Jamaican South Coast, the three-tier YS Falls are located in a papaya plantation. After arriving by tractor, you can use the rope swing to dive in, get your pictures taken behind the falls, relax in the pool at the bottom, go tubing down the river, dare the canopy tour, go swimming or just walk around and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It is less crowded than the more popular Dunn's River Falls.

Zip line
A zip line adventure across Jamaica's lush tropical valleys is a breathtaking experience. Safety is a priority as riders are given instructions, strapped into harnesses and required to wear helmets; making this a blast for all ages. A couple of the places also have a freefall line and swing rides which are really scary and fun at the same time!

Jamaica is a wonderful place to vacation: you can soak in the rays one day and jumping into a waterfall the next!

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