Water activity tours in Jamaica

Jamaica has a spectacular coastline and some great navigable rivers which make it an ideal destination for those interested in water activities. Then there are some Jamaican rentals that encompass their own stretch of private beach where guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling among other activities.

Here are some activities that you can try out. Guided tours are also available for a number of water activities.

Dolphins Cove: Located in Ocho Rios, this marine park is the perfect venue for a family outing. You can opt for the Ocho Rios package offered by some tour operators. In the cove, you can experience a one-to-one encounter with friendly dolphins as you swim and frolic with them. Before you enter the water for an unforgettable 30 minutes swim, you’ll first be given a brief initiation from a trainer. As part of the tour, you will be able to see some exciting birds, tropical fish, and reptiles. Also enjoy a gentle nature walk through lush, unspoiled tropical rainforest and see amazing Jamaican plants.

Hold and feed the sharks tour: The tour gives you the rare opportunity to meet the most fascinating and fearsome of all sea creatures, the shark. Under the careful supervision of the highly trained shark encounter facilitators, you can hold, touch, feed, swim in the same water as these sharks and learn the deep secrets of the Caribbean sharks.

The tour also takes you to visit Little Port Royal, a replica of Jamaica's most famous pirate 'Haunt'. Here you can witness pirates roaming through town and listen to the rhythms of Caribbean music and browse through the largest gift shops in Jamaica. You can also shop for souvenirs and sample tropical fruits and spices.

Jungle river tubing safari: This is another interesting tour that takes you to a Jamaican tubing adventure. As part of the tour, you will first be given an orientation complete with safety tips for the ride down the Great River. Jump into the tube and float down the river. During the trip, the guide will introduce you to the real Jamaica and provide you interesting commentary and information, while navigating the rushing rapids of the Great River. The tour gives you the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy Jamaica's natural beauty as you watch flowing streams join with the river. Along the way, you’ll be able to glimpse some of the indigenous jungle animals in their natural habitat.

These tours simply provide an insight into the type of water activities that you can enjoy in Jamaica. However, there is much more in store for you. If you are not sure which tour to take, realize that there are some Jamaican rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica that also book tours for their guests with award-winning tour operator companies such as Chukka Adventure Caribbean, which was recognized as the which won the World Travel Awards Caribbean's Leading Nature Adventure Excursion Operator in 2010, the fourth consecutive year.

Jamaica as a family-friendly destination

For most people Jamaica is the ultimate romantic destination providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding or a honeymoon. However, there is much in store for the entire family including beaches, marine parks, reserves and more. If you are planning a family holiday in Jamaica, you can consider setting base in family-friendly Jamaica rentals because they allow you a lot of flexibility in enjoying the various pleasures of the island.

First, these rentals provide you all the privacy, space and freedom you require to explore the island at your own leisure and pace. Most rentals have their own kitchen which means you can eat what you like and when you like. This also helps you save money as eating out all the time can be very expensive. Also most rentals include the services of a cook so you don’t have to cook your own self. Then again, there are some rentals like Silver Sands Jamaica that provide child care facilities, a separate play area for kids, car seats absolutely free of costs and also arranges for high chairs and cribs if families inform in advance. These rentals also include amenities such as books, board games, DVD players, CD players etc. so you can also stay in and spend some quality time together or just relax amidst scenic surroundings. Also worth mention is the fact that these private villas or cottages have their own gardens where you can have parties and BBQs and invite your friends over.

Jamaica is synonymous with beaches and there are many beaches, for example, beaches in Montego Bay where the waters are calm and are perfect for swimming and a variety of other activities.

Dolphins Cove in Ocho Rios is a premier family attraction where people of all age groups will find something to do. You can swim with adorable dolphins, explore rainforest trails, enjoy river rafting trips and picnic on the beaches. For the adults, there is a swim with trained nurse sharks on the offer and if this does not appeal to you, you can enjoy a shark show from dry land.

Then there is the Kool Runnings Park, another activity park where you can enjoy several amazing water slides along every quarter mile of the river. Then there are other activities you can indulge in such as exploring Captain Mikie's Coconut Island where great food and games galore awaits the kids. You can see the Anancy Village and enjoy the go-kart and bungee trampoline. You also wouldn’t like to miss the Park Mascot, Mikie Manatee, doing the "Mikie Skank" on the Kool entertainment stage.

As already stated above, staying in private Jamaica rentals can make all the difference to your trip. If you don't know which one to choose, you can consider Silver Sands Jamaica in the famed north coast of the island.

Adventure activities in Kingston

Beyond its vibrant cultural and music scene, Kingston, the capital of Jamaica has much to offer. If you are heading for Jamaica, you can consider staying in private Jamaican rental communities that offer tour and transfers to places of interest including Kingston for the convenience of their guests.

Here are some adventure activities that you can check out in Kingston.

You can go hiking in The Blue Mountains-John Crow National Park, which is spread across 300 square miles and is the second largest park in the country. It offers great challenges for hikers, mountain bikers and birders. It is divided into three regions: the Blue Mountains Peak, Hollywell Recreational Park and the Clydesdale Forest Reserve.

If your holiday is incomplete without a pleasant round of golf, you can check out the
Caymanas Golf Club, Jamaica’s first major championship 18-hole course, dating from the 1950s. Another golf course here is Constant Spring that dates back to the 1920.

Not many are aware of the fact that Kingston also offers great scuba diving opportunities both for the novice and the advanced divers ranging from reefs to ship wrecks.

Jamaica has been voted as the world’s leading beach destination and though the honour went to Montego Bay, the second largest town on the island after Kingston, there are many interesting beaches here also including Gunboat Beach, Fort Clarence and Lime Cay, south of the peninsula where Port Royal and the airport are located.

Jamaican rental communities such as Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica offer tours and transfers to Kingston and if you are travelling with kids, will also provide car seats in the transportation vehicles absolutely free of cost.

Heritage tours in Jamaica: The Outameni Experience

Jamaica has much more to offer than its beaches. In fact, the best way to experience the island is to gain a first hand perspective of the rich culture and heritage of the island. And if this is what you would like to do, you can try out the Outameni Experience, an interactive walk that takes you to a journey through five centuries.

The term Outameni which means come together was first used by the Taino Indians and reflects the island’s motto, ‘Out of Many, One People.’

The Experience is located in Trelawny, on the hills overlooking the famed north coast of the island between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. In fact most attractions are located in this part of the island and so you can consider staying in Jamaican rentals located within close proximity.

The interactive walk first introduces you to the Taino Indians and their peaceful way of life which lasted till Columbus discovered the island. It then goes on to reflect the period of Spanish conquest and rule.

The walk then focuses on the time when the Spanish were overthrown by the British and Jamaica became an English colony. It was during this sugar estate era that slavery became entrenched. Gradually, over the years, this was replaced by labour from India and China and Jamaica became a melting pot of various cultures whose influences are reflected in the cuisine, heritage and customs of the island.

The experience then takes you through 21st century Jamaica and traces the politics and the industrial development of this developing nation.

The Outameni Experience took 11 years to conceptualize and implement. It was launched in 2007 and is today a runaway success with the visitors.

Should you wish to enjoy this experience, you can stay in Silver Sands Villas on the north coast of the island. This Jamaican rental community prides itself in offering the best rates and services and also arranges for tours and transfers on the island.

Best Beaches in Jamaica

The beaches in Jamaica need no introduction. The beautiful island nation is the leading beach destination in the world, an award that was conferred on Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second largest town, in the recently concluded World Travel Awards ceremony held in London on 7 November. Given that these awards are seen as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ the recognition goes a long way in substantiating the island’s image as a favourite destination for a tropical escape under the Caribbean sun.

If you are planning a beach holiday with your family or friends, you can literally have a pristine, white sand right at your step by staying in rentals in Jamaica that encompass their own stretch of private beach. Away from the crowds, you can swim, snorkel, play volleyball, make sand castles and enjoy beautiful long walks under the starlit sky.

Outside the beaches of your own Jamaica rental, you can explore the miles of inviting beaches, some secluded, some buzzing with social activity and at all time alive to the sounds of reggae music floating through the breeze. Whether you are on a honeymoon or on a family vacation, you’ll find a beach that is just perfect for you.

Jamaica’s beaches are as beautiful as they are plentiful. However, there are some that really stand out and these are listed below.

Seven Miles Beach: Located in Negril, this beautiful beach has been consistently voted as amongst the best in the world. The water here is crystal clear and so calm that on most days you can wade out close to half a mile. It is also perfect for water activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling. Some stretches are secluded while others buzz with activity. There are also some clothing-optional stretches along the beach.

Doctor’s Cove Beach: This is one of the best beaches in Montego Bay and is appropriately named. It was founded in 1906 by a group of doctors who came to swim there. The crystal clear water here is fed by mineral springs, so it's usually a comfortable temperature. The water is also known for its healing properties. The beach is popular with both tourists and locals and there are many places to grab a Jamaican pattie and cold Red Stripe for lunch.

Boston Bay Beach: Located just outside Port Antonio, one of Jamaica’s best kept secrets, this small beach is much sought out by the locals and tourists. It is also from this beach that jerked meat, Jamaica’s most famous fast food, got its well-deserved fame. The beach was owned by "Happy Hooker" author Roger Moore, who later donated it to the Jamaican government.

Blue Lagoon Beach: Again in Port Antonio, this is the beach where Brook Shields starred in the movie "Blue Lagoon." The beach is beautiful and generally secluded. Given its depth, the colour of the water here is deep blue.

Places to visit in Jamaica

Jamaica as a tourist destination has lots to offer. The island is relatively small and so going from one place to another doesn’t take time. However, most attractions are concentrated on the north coast of the island and so if you want to set base here you can choose among a wide range of Jamaica rentals comprising private villas and cottages facing the sea or located in town centers within walking distance of attractions, restaurants, bars and shops. Here are some places that are definitely worth a visit.

Ocho Rios: Fondly referred to as Ochee by the locals, this is Jamaica’s most famous tourist town located in the beautiful green parish of St. Ann. In fact the parish is known for its beautiful gardens.

Ocho Rios is famous for Jamaica’s signature attraction, the Dunn’s River Falls. While the waterfalls are beautiful what is more interesting is the fact that you can actually climb up the slippery limestone rocks over which the water cascades on its way to the Caribbean Sea. There is the Dolphins cove nearby where you can spend an entire fun-filled day swimming with the dolphins, exploring rainforest trails and enjoying a picnic on the beach. You can also visit the nearby Green Grotto caves that once served as home to the original inhabitants of the island and later to the runaway slaves, pirates etc.

Montego Bay: The second largest town on the island, after Kingston, is home to five challenging golf courses. It is also the ultimate party destination boasting the famous ‘Hip Strip’ where you can shop, eat and party at the numerous bars and nightclubs.

Negril: This laid back sleepy town is world renowned for its beaches, most notably the Seven Miles Beach has been voted as one of the best consistently. The sunsets here are equally spectacular.

Kingston: The capital, cultural and commercial hub of the island has lots to offer in terms of museums, galleries and a thriving music scene. Fans of Bob Marley can visit the interactive Bob Marley museum and gain an insight into the legend’s life and works.

Port Antonio: Considered to be Jamaica’s best kept secret, Port Antonio has attracted the rich, the famous and the celebrities from across all walks of life. You can hike up the misty Blue Mountains and explore the awe-inspiring trails around the Rio Grande Valley.

There is much more on offer on the island than these places. Stay in Jamaica rentals which are staffed by the locals and they will provide you insider’s tips of what to see and do both in terms of seeing the main attractions as also going off the beaten path.

New pier in Falmouth to promote tourism in Jamaica

Come January and Falmouth will open its pier to the cruise ships that come calling to the island. The new pier is expected to give a huge boost to tourism activity on the island and more so to Falmouth and the surrounding areas. There are various Jamaican rentals like Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica that are looking forward to the expected surge in visitors.

Falmouth traces its roots to the 1700s when it was a major port town in the Caribbean. However, gradually Ocho Rios took over and became the cruise capital of Jamaica. However, the development of the new pier has thrown the spotlight once again on Falmouth and the town is basking in its new found glory.

Falmouth has much to offer its visitors and these are just some of the places that you can visit.

There are many historical buildings in Falmouth that are remnants of the colonial era. One such building is the old courthouse which was built in 1815. The church reflects a Georgian design complete with well proportioned vertical and horizontal grads crossing the building as also fanlights, shingled walls and jalousies. It was damaged by a fire in 1926 but was later rebuilt.

Stroll through the lively old town where you can appreciate the 18th century architecture. You can bask in the old-world charm and talk to the locals to gain an insight into its background and culture.

You can also visit the Falmouth parish church which was built in 1795. The church is the oldest public building in the town. It was constructed in brick and stone and is a good illustration of vernacular architecture derived from classical forms. You can admire the four massive and monumental timber columns that support the roof. The monuments on the interior walls of the Church date from the early nineteenth century.

Jamaica is well known for its plantations and great estates one of which is the Good Hope Plantation spread across 2000 acres. This coconut and cattle plantation is best explored on horseback. The history of the plantation dates back to the 18th century. One of ht greatest attractions here is the 18th century Great House named Good Hope set against the dramatic blue–gray mountains. It is renowned for its exquisite gardens and country trails. The road up from Falmouth winds its way by 200–year–old stone fences past fields and orchards, cattle and horses, a living testimony to an era of grace and gentility.

You can also visit the Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters. The lagoon gets its name from the bio–luminescent micro–organisms that inhabit the waters and emit a phosphorescent light when the water is agitated. The best time to visit the lagoon is at dusk and enjoy a boat ride. If you take along a stick, you can disturb the waters and see the phenomenon. If you wish, you can also swim in the luminous waters.

Falmouth is located on the north coast of the island and at a convenient distance for day trips from Silver Sands in Jamaica.

Jamaica – the leading winter getaway destination in the Caribbean

Jamaica has been voted as the leading destination in the Caribbean and this is just one of the awards that it added to its kitty during the World Travel Awards 2010 ceremony that was held in London on 7 November. The beautiful island nation was voted as the best beach destination in the Caribbean. It is little wonder then that it is a leading winter getaway for people across the globe specifically in the USA, Canada and UK.

To cater to the influx of visitors to the island, American Airlines has now added three weekly round-trip flights to the existing two. American Airlines is also offering service out of Phoenix for the first time, and British Airways is resuming flights to Montego Bay in October.

The warm, tropical weather is indeed a magnet. However, more important is that the destination is affordable and within the means of a budget traveler.

In fact visitors can look forward to a comfortable and personalized experience by staying in Jamaica rentals comprising private villas, cottages and apartments that provide all the services associated with a hotel complimented with privacy, space, freedom and informal surroundings that only a home can give.

As already stated above, Jamaica has been voted as the leading beach destination in the world. The distinction went to Montego Bay, the second largest town on the island. However, Jamaica boasts plenty of beautiful beaches, one of them being the Seven
Miles Beach in the laid back town of Negril and the Boston Beach in Port Antonio. Then there are guests of the Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica that say that the Silver Sands Beach is the best beach in Jamaica.

Stay in a vacation rentals in Jamaica

Everyone loves a holiday and any excuse is good enough to take off for a vacation. Whether it is a short break or a long one, holidays are meant to rejuvenate the mind and soul. In this context, Jamaica enjoys the status of being a leading tourist destination due to its myriad natural wonders and cultural treasures. The attractions in Jamaica are best enjoyed by staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. So why vacation rentals? The vacation rentals in Jamaica combine all the luxuries of a hotel with the privacy and space that only a home can provide. Tastefully decorated and well furnished, these vacation rentals allow you to gain a first hand perspective of the local way of life. Besides, they prove to be a more cost-effective option especially if you are traveling in groups or are here for an extended stay. Jamaica has a fair share of vacation homes and if you are looking for value for money, comfort and privacy, you can check out the vacation homes and cottages in the Silver Sands resorts. Depending on your tastes and preferences, you can easily opt for a home where the décor matches with your expectations.

As already stated, these vacation homes prove to be more cost-effective especially if you are traveling in groups or with your family. For example a group of six would ideally need to book three rooms in a hotel which would definitely be costly. At this rate, if not less, you could book your own cottage and villa and in the bargain also get the privacy and space you need to connect and spend quality time with your family.

Most vacation rentals in Jamaica are conveniently located near the beaches and this means you can literally wake up to the sounds of the waves and end your day with a pleasant stroll on the sands.

Then there is the privacy and space, something that only a home can offer. You don’t need to bump into complete strangers all the time or have your meals in the impersonal environs of a restaurant. You have the freedom to eat what you like, when you like, cook your own meals or have the cook do it for you.

What’s more, you can stay for as long as you want and explore the various natural bounties of Jamaica. You can spend your days diving under sea to discover a fascinating marine world or enjoy a hike on the majestic Blue Mountains. At the end of the day, return to your own Jamaican rentals and be pampered by the housekeeping staff.