Jamaica / Special Interests / Island Tours

Jamaica has an excellent variety of tours. Its large size and geographical variety, more significant history and stronger culture means that it has more to offer than almost all the other islands in the region. Most of the island’s good range of Places of Interest can be visited on a tour from a hotel, but there is also a variety of day outings and activities that you can take part in. Some may follow a particular theme (Great Houses, Bob Marley, hiking), but others are regular round-island tours that follow a standard itinerary.  Another regular option, if you want to travel at your own pace, is to take a chauffeur-driven car (which might be particularly suitable if you are staying in a villa). Many JUTA members (otherwise taxi drivers) are trained guides, certified by the Jamaica Tourist Board. 

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) runs a “Meet-the-People” programme which teams up visitors with Jamaicans who share similar interests, professions or hobbies. It can be a question of simply meeting up for a chat and a coffee, going on an outing together or attending their local church. Visitors interested in taking part in the scheme need to sign up via the Jamaica Tourist Board website once they have made their travel arrangements.

Tours in Jamaica with an element of culture and heritage: 

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours, Ocho Rios- Starting at 5,600ft, the Blue Mountain tour is almost all downhill, so there is very little pedalling. This is a fun way of seeing the Blue Mountains, the rainforest, coffee plantations and villages and it finishes with a dip at a waterfall. Other tours include a Port Antonio excursion and an Eco-Adventure tour.  

Chukka Caribbean Adventures - Award-winning, locally-owned company with operations in both Montego Bay/Negril and Ocho Rios offering a popular range of exciting tours and activities. Current tour packages include,various jeep safaris including a Bob Marley tour, a trip to the reputedly haunted Rose Hall Great House, a historic tour of Falmouth and a Good Hope Estate tour which includes its great house . They also run the Zion Bus Line, Bob Marley tour.

Hooves Ltd, St Ann’s Bay - They offer guided rides suitable for first-time riders and novices that include a visit to Seville Great House Museum or a bush doctor mountain ride.

Sun Venture Tours, Kingston - They offer a good range of tours from sightseeing, educational, hiking, adventure, special interest.

For more details on tours of Jamaica, see under Things to Do, Island Tours and Places of Interest. 

Contributors: Sara Macefield and Deana Bellamy