An island nation, Jamaica offers a wealth of natural beauty. Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to some of the most well-known of the island’s natural wonders, including a glistening waterfall that attracts visitors from all over and the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Dunn’s River Falls offers a hiking experience that allows even the decidedly non-athletic to enjoy a beautiful view of the 600 foot high waterfalls. However, while the 900 foot climb to the top may seem like a cake walk to the experienced hiker, for those not accustomed to activities, caution should be taken and children should be monitored carefully to avoid injury.

With that being said, however, the experience is one not to be missed. The views alone are worth the walk. There are areas at the bottom and along the hiking path for wading and splashing in the cold and very clear mountain water.

At Dolphin Cove, visitors can enjoy up close and personal interaction with a family group of bottle nose dolphins. Located near Ocho Rios, at one of the most beautiful natural coves in Jamaica, the setting is lush and green, placed in the midst of 4 acres of rain forest.

There are three types of dolphin experience packages available, allowing visitors to choose the degree of interaction best suited to their comfort zone and experience. These include the opportunity to swim and interact with a group of dolphins, another that provides in water interaction with a single dolphin and another which is called a touch encounter package, which is best suited for non-swimmers and children. The traveler should make contact well in advance for individual package rates and to make reservations, as spots are limited.

Dolphin Cove also features other attractions, including a jungle walk trail, while not too physically challenging, offers a fascinating look at local flora and fauna. This is a particularly nice destination for children as there is ample opportunity to have an up close view of brightly colored birds and reptiles. Pristine beaches, perfect for those who enjoy the sun and sand, but not the crowds, and kayaking are also available to visitors, as well as a waterfall that is sure to be less crowded than Dunn’s River Falls.

At Cranbrook Flower Forest and Riverhead Adventure Trail, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm, tourists can explore the grounds of this restored water mill. Its greenhouses and grounds are home to many varieties of flowers, including numerous types of orchids. Horseback riding is available, and is the perfect way to enjoy traveling the trails. Admission for $6 and $3 for children under 12 and horseback riding rates are $30 for 2 hours.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is surrounded by surprising natural beauty. Surprising, in that so many of these natural wonders are found in the midst of the bustling businesses of the tourist industry. Yet, despite the large amount of commercialism, the natural beauty still remains, often seemingly undisturbed by the unceasing flow of visitors. That which has attracted adventurers and travelers for centuries remains readily apparent and truly remarkable. 

Great Abaco Island is the primary island of a group of small to tiny islands collected under the same name, usually refered to as the Abacos or the Abaco Islands. These islands are a part of the greater group of islands that make up the Bahamas. In addition to the many other attributes that make Great Abaco Island an excellent choice for a Bahamas vacation destination, the island is home to some important national parks and nature reserves.

Abaco National Park is best known for the lush vegetation that serves as a habitat for the multitude of bird species that attract birdwatchers from all over the world. It was founded in 1994, primarily to serve as a protective area for the Bahama Parrot, an endangered species. Abaco National park sprawls across 20,500 acres of land, with 5,000 of these acres being devoted to the pine forests that the Bahama Parrot prefers.

The Abaco National Park, however, is home to many other species of birds, making it one of the best bird sighting areas in the region. An incredible range of birds can be spotted in the park. These include the West Indies Woodpecker, at least five species of Warblers, four species of Flycatchers, including the La Sangria Flycatcher, and a broad variety of doves. The Cuban Emerald Humming Bird, the Bahama Mockingbird, the BanaQuits, and many more colorful birds spend time in the park. 

Marsh harbor is another excellent place for bird watching. Flocks of loud, colorful tropical birds are frequent visitors to this peaceful, beautiful resort village. The Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden is yet another fine place for watching birds, amongst statures of famous Bahamians from history.

At the Pelican Cays National Park, which serves as an underwater preserve, there is a wide variety of marine life to be seen. This land and sea park encompasses about 2,000 acres and contains numerous underground caves, coral reefs, tiny islets and small bays. Among the many varieties of marine life to be found here are grouper fish and spiny tailed lobsters. The park offers both day and night diving programs.

As large as these parks are, there are still several other nature reserves and parks in the area. In Hope Town on Great Abaco Island, Fowl Cay is a sea and land preserve that is especially attractive to divers and snorkelers. Chartered boating tours are popular in this area also, as the sailing is said to be superb. 

Nature preservation is very important to the government of the Bahamas, They’ve invested thousand upon thousand of acres of land into the future of plant and animal life in the Bahamas. The shift in tourism philosophy is towards in the Bahamas is towards more eco-friendly, low environmental impact ventures. And, it’s paying off. The Bahamas have made great strides in restoring some endanger creatures to their natural habitats.

Great Abaco offers an excellent example of that commitment and success. It is a fascinating and beautiful vacation destination that should certainly be visited – with care and consideration for its ecology.

Jamaica’s natural beauty is one of the island nation’s outstanding features. Fortunately, for the people of Jamaica and the world, the nation has seen to it that a great deal of the natural flora and fauna has been preserved and protected, devoting a great deal of land to parks and preservation. There are even areas that still remain pristine and wild, untouched by the tourism industry or local development.

Blue Mountains National Park is among the most well known of the national parks and reserves. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is to be found within this almost 200,000-acre area. More than one-third of the plants that bear flowers in contained in this mountain range, whose peak rises to 7,402 feet, and its near by neighbor, the John Crow Mountains, are unique to Jamaica, found no other place on earth. The forests here are home to 28 species of birds and serve as a migration stop for more than 150 other types of birds. The park contains the largest remaining rainforest in all of Jamaica. Naturally, hiking and camping are the favored activities here.

Falmouth, Jamaica, is home to Swaby’s Swamp Safari. A four-acre mangrove swamp, reserve offers guided tours to view the wetlands wildlife. Among the sights to be seen several types of crocodiles native to Jamaica. Cashoo Ostrich Park is a nature reserve and working farm. There are hundreds of ostriches, hiking paths and fruit orchards. The ostriches are a big hit with children and adults alike, and the experience of seeing these large and magnificent creatures at close range is unforgettable.

Montego Bay Marine Park is another well known nature reserve. Visitors will find sharks, several species of stingrays, moray eels, and numerous other types of fish. There are coral reef formations and dense areas of mangrove trees, which serve as home to a wide variety of wildlife. Excellent scuba diving and snorkeling draw many visitors to this park and reserve.

The Royal Palm reserve is set in the Great Morass swamplands. There is an abundance of wildlife living in the Great Morass’s 7,000-acres of wetlands. Among these diverse creatures are numerous crocodiles, and a wide range of birds, including herons and egrets, living amongst the mangroves. Also located in the Great Morass is the Negril Watershed Environmental Protection Area, dedicated to tropical preservation and protection.

Marshall’s Pen was a plantation in the 1800’s. Today it is a bird sanctuary that welcomes visitors both for group tours and the average day tour. Many of the birds native to Jamaica can be seen here, as well as visitors from migrating flocks.

While most of Jamaica’s travel destination fame has to do with the more traditional joys of sun, sand and surf, as well as the fabulous luxury resorts and hotels, there are amazingly natural and beautiful places on the island. Parks and reserves are numerous, as are opportunities to see the natural flora and fauna at its best and most undisturbed.

A vacation destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, the Bahamas offers a great deal more than the obvious pleasures associated with its pristine white sand beaches that border glistening, beautiful ocean waters underneath a wide open sky. The Bahamas also offer a wide variety of cultural pursuits. New Providence Island boasts numerous museums, housing a wide variety of exhibits, sure to stimulate the mind and imagination of all who visit.

The Pirates of Nassau Museum, located at Marlborough and George Streets in Nassau on New Providence Island of the Bahamas, offers a fascinating combination of history and entertainment. Open Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 6pm, and Sundays from 9am until noon, this museum charges an admission fee of $12 for adults, and $6 for children ages 3 to 18. With each paid adult admission, however, one child under 12 enters for free, as do children under 3. Beautiful, high tech displays that operate with motion detectors offer exciting insight into the pirate life that is a real part of the history of the area. Six million dollars was spent in the museum’s creation, and the result is fun, educational and simply remarkable. A perfect family outing, children really have a great time here.

The Pompey Museum of Slavery And Emancipation, found at Bay and George Streets at the Vendue House, is another wonderful place to visit. The museum site was once a place where slave auctions were held, and inside there are many historical exhibits from the era featuring artifacts and documents. On the second floor of the museum, there are art exhibits, with the work of the Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson holding a position of prominence. Open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm, and for shortened hours every other Saturday, this museum charges a nominal fee of only $1 for people 12 years of age and older. Those under that age are charged a mere 50 cents. A great bargain and an even better collection of art and artifacts. 

The Nassau Public Library and Museum, located on Shirley Street, offers a fascinating look back into the history of the Bahamas and New Providence Island. The building itself has historical merit. It was built in the last years of the 18^th century and served then as a jail and workhouse, making it the island’s second prison. Towards the end of the 19^th century, the building became the island’s first library. The hours are from 10am to 8pm on Monday through Thursday. On Friday, the hours are from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday, the hours are from 10am to 4pm.

There are several more museums scattered throughout New Providence Island. Among the most interesting are the Junkanoo Expo, which displays costumes and floats from the yearly parade by the same name, the Atlantis Museum, which is devoted to natural history, and the Roselawn Museum, which contains a variety of artifacts, often gleaned from the sea, such as chunks of shipwrecked ships.

New Providence Island of the Bahamas is just full of pleasant surprises. One of the most interesting of these surprises is the degree to which the rich the history of this island is revered and preserved. It creates a well-rounded vacation experience by offering something out of the ordinary.

The Bahamas are made up of several small islands spread out through a wide expanse of ocean. In the early days of the European settlements, the lighthouses served an essential purpose, guiding ships to shore in the darkness. During night storms when the overcast sky was unable to be used as a navigation tool, the lighthouse was what brought the ships in, sometimes meaning the difference between life and death for the ship and its crew and cargo. Some of these lighthouses still remain and can be visited today.

One of the best known of these lighthouses is found in Hope Town, on Elbow Cay, which is part of the Abacos of the Bahamas. This lighthouse is a remarkable red and white structure, and was opened in 1863. It is one of three lighthouses in the world, all of which are found in the Bahamas, that still operates in the old-fashioned way. The light is powered by kerosene and run by hand. The lighthouse keeper must adjust the cables and weights that keep the kerosene flowing properly. Due to the special lens inside, the light from this lighthouse can be seen up to 17 miles out into the ocean. Visitors are welcome to make the 101-step climb up to the top to admire the view.

Andros, of the Bahamas, is home to the Bird Rock Lighthouse, known especially for the ospreys that make their homes there. It began its operation in 1876, built by the British. It was run by hand, withstanding storms, hurricanes and even tidal waves. But, it did not withstand progress. In 1978, it became automated, ending its near century of continuous occupation. Soon, even the light was gone. However, in 1999, the light was relit and the restoration of this landmark lighthouse became a project of local interest and importance. The end result of the restoration efforts is a fascinating guesthouse that also houses a small museum devoted to the history of the area.

On the northern part of San Salvador, another island of the Bahamas, there is another of the rare kerosene lit lighthouses. The light at Dixon Hill Lighthouse was first lit in 1887, and it continues to be run by the manual efforts of its keepers. It is 83 steps to the top of this lighthouse, and visitors are welcomed.

Yamacraw Point, which is on New Providence Island of the Bahamas, is home to another lighthouse. The location is notable for its beautiful view of where the sky meets the sea, and the equally lovely beach that makes it possible to contemplate that distant meeting point in complete comfort and peace.

Lighthouses once were a vital part of the seafaring life. The lit beacon allows ships to find land in difficult dark weather, as well as prevented them from running aground upon a tiny island in the middle of the night. They remain an important part of nautical history, standing as a reminder of those brave travelers, who navigated the seas with simple tools and their knowledge of the sky above. Lighthouses throughout the world are being restored with loving attention, but the Bahamas are home to most those that are still run the old-fashioned way. Visiting one of these fascinating historical landmarks adds a nice touch to any Bahamas vacation.

Jamaica is a beautiful island with just so much to take in. There is an abundance of wildlife, able to claim the broad expanses of terrain that has been neither developed nor commercialized as home. There are mountains and beaches, forests and wetlands. Traveling by car moves too fast to be able to really see the countryside, to really be able to appreciate all that Jamaica has to offer. The best way to explore natural Jamaica is by horseback, riding the numerous nature trails.

Horseback riding opportunities are widely available throughout Jamaica, simply because it really is the best way to view the flora and fauna. Rocky Point Stables in Montego Bay is one of many such establishments operating on the island. This one specializes in offering tours of local mountain forests.

Also located in Montego Bay is Chukka Blue Horse Back Riding. The two and a half hour long tours bring riders through rainforest areas, the grounds of an old sugar mill and its 18^th century ruins, a small agricultural town, and a beach. The horses are healthy and well cared for and seem to enjoy their part of the journey, meaning guilt-free pleasure for the riders as they enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

In Negril, there’s the Rhodes Hall Plantation, also offering tours by horseback. The tour guides know the area well and readily point out places and things of interests and know the local tales that go with them. New riders are treated with care and patience. Ocho Rios is the location of Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre. In addition to three hour long riding tours that include riding the beach, this stables has polo lessons available.

Hooves, found at 61 Windsor Road, Saint Anne’s Bay, is yet another place offering guided tours by horseback. They offer a wide variety of tour packages. Among these is the fascinating Bush Doctor Tour, which cost $55 per person and includes a variety of extras, such as transportation to and from the vacationer’s hotel.

Bush doctors, during the times of slavery, were the only medical care that the enslaved peoples had. These bush doctors were well versed in the arts of natural healing, and the medicinal uses of local herbs and plants. Even today, in many of the more rural areas, it is the bush doctor who cares for the people in times of illness. This tour brings the rider through beautiful terrain and explores, among other things, the places in which the plants important for health and healing are found. 

The other guided tours available are the Rainforest Ride, the Beach Ride, and the Honeymoon Ride, each as unique and fascinating as the Bush Doctor Ride. Hooves also offers private rides and riding vacations. If you enjoy horseback riding or would like to try it out, this is a place that should not be missed.

Exploring Jamaica by horseback is an entirely different experience than doing so by motor vehicle. There’s a deeper connection made to the surroundings, a greater appreciation, born of slowing down and taking the time to really see the surroundings. That’s something far too few of us do in the hectic pace of our modern world, even while vacationing.

Long before the first Europeans wandered to the shores of Jamaica, the island was inhabited by native peoples who, even in those far back times, already had a society influenced by thousands of years of culture. Little remains of these native peoples, other than the collected relics that are displayed in museums on the island and the touch of their influence that can be seen in the culinary and cultural traditions of some segments of today’s native populations. With the arrival of the Europeans came the colonial era, the remains of which can still be seen today, in historical buildings and collected artifacts.

There are a few fascinating collections relics remaining from the early native inhabitants. Coyaba River Garden is one of the places in which these relics are on display. Located on Shaw Park Ridge Road in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, Coyaba River Garden is the site of lush and beautiful tropical gardens that make the perfect setting for their museum, which houses an assortment of pre-Columbian era artifacts, including some of those left behind by the Arawak, an early sea-faring native tribe that inhabited the island. Open daily from 8am to 6pm, there is a small admission charge of $5 for those over 12 years of age.

When the Europeans settled, they created numerous plantations. Many of these still remain, restored as tourist sites. Among these is the Rose Hall Great House, built in the late 1800’s on what was a huge sugar plantation, with 2,000 slaves to work the fields. This house achieved notoriety for the numerous deaths and murders that occurred there through the years, including the strangling death of one of the later mistresses of the plantation. Located just outside of Montego Bay on Rose Hall Highway, the site is open to visitors and offers guided tours. The hours are 9am to 6pm daily, and there is a $15 admission charge for those over 12. For those under 12 the rate is $10.

Just outside of Ocho Rios, tourists to Jamaica can view a working plantation that has been restored as an educational site. In addition to touring the working farm areas, there trails for horseback riding. Prospect Plantation, on Route A3, offers tours three times per day, Monday through Saturday, at 10:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm. The tour rates are $6 for children under 12 and $12 for everyone over 12. The horseback riding rates are $20 per hour.

Spanish Town offers a splendid experience of 18^th century British architecture, as well as structural remains of early Spanish rule. Walking is the best way to get the full effect of this lovely city. Spanish Town is also home to Saint James, which is the oldest cathedral, not only in Jamaica, but also in the Western Hemisphere. Elegant and beautiful, this is a sight that should not be missed. 

Jamaica is full of small historical sites and museums. For those interested in such things, there are numerous places for exploration, with each of the complex eras of the history and culture of Jamaica represented. Wandering these sites, taking in the rich social and cultural history, will certainly leave the visitor with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Jamaica of today.

Jamaica is a beautiful country, lush and green with beautiful coastal areas, rich forests that include tropical rainforests, and the highest mountain peaks in the Caribbean. There are many national parks, reserves and undeveloped country areas ripe for exploration and hiking is among the best ways to experience truly experience the abundant joys of nature to be found in the rural areas of Jamaica. The hospitable climate assures hiking comfort virtually year round and numerous the guided tours available make hiking Jamaica a vacation experience available to all hiking skill levels.

Valley Hikes, a hiking tour company operating out of Port Antonio, Jamaica, specializes in environmentally sound and culturally informative journeys into beautiful wilderness of the Rio Grande Valley, located between the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains.

Because of the strong focus of Valley Hikes on mutually beneficial eco-tourism, their hikes have a local people and culture accent that many other hiking tours lack. Hikers will enjoy the amazing and varied wildlife of the tropical forest – including many attractions that don’t make the typical tour guidebooks, as they are only familiar to the people who really live there – and learn numerous fascinating fact from the tour guides, who are drawn from the local community. Hikers will learn local history and lore, the types of flora and fauna, the traditional uses and medicinal properties of various plants, and many other interesting facets of daily life and culture in Jamaica.

Naturally, with the appeal of such beautiful mountains, travelers to Jamaica will find that there are many hiking trails and opportunities in the general area of the John Crow Mountains and the Blue Mountains. Among these is the Fairy Glade Trail, which could be considered to be fairly challenging. Hikers will need to be able to climb tree roots and push through plant life, including ginger, which can sometimes seem rather dense. Another is the Gordon Town Trail, which passes by lovely gardens and bubbling waterfalls, and is well known for its numerous visual delights, including unusual plants and birds.

Cockpit Country Adventure Tours of Jamaica is widely recognized for the quality of their eco-tours. Cockpit Country is a part of Jamaica that is internationally known for its amazing biodiversity, which stems from its untamed – or as some would say, its untamable — wildness. In addition to its ecological fame and interest, it holds an important place in the social history of Jamaica as the place that served as headquarters to a group of former slaves were able to successfully battle the British, forcing them into submission, formalized by signed treaties, to their demands for self-rule.

Through Cockpit Country Adventure Tours, hikers will experience the true wilderness of Jamaica. They’ll see numerous exciting varieties of butterflies, many species of birds, reptiles and other creatures. Cockpit Country Adventure Tours offers unique hiking experiences and their hiking tours are sure to be enjoyed by even the most skilled hikers, as, in addition to being spectacularly scenic, some are quite physically challenging.

Hikers of all skill levels will find memorable places for hiking in Jamaica. There’s just no better way for exploring the beauty of this ecologically remarkable island.

Jamaica has attracted the interest of those from far away places for centuries. First inhabited by native peoples, including the Arawak, Jamaica then spent time under Spanish rule before being possessed by the British. The wealthy classes of these European nations controlled vast territories in Jamaica, building large and profitable plantations, increasing their wealth with profits made on export products. They built fabulous mansions and homes, many of which still stand today, restored and open to tourists.

Certainly the most famous of these colonial era great houses is the Rose Hall Great House, located on Rose Hall Highway, which is a short drive outside of Montego Bay. The lurid rumors and supernatural tales that have been associated with this house for centuries have excited imaginations for generations, inspiring several novels and books to feature it as a backdrop. The home was built by John Palmer, originally of Britain, during the latter part of the 18^th century. At one time, it was a vast plantation, where 2,000 slaves tended the sugar cane and other crops.

The wife of John Palmer’s grandnephew achieved notoriety through the rumors of numerous murders, sexual impropriety of – what was then – the highest degree, abject cruelty to the slaves of the plantation, voodoo, witchcraft, and her own violent death. Known now as the White Witch of Rose Hall, some believe her restless spirit still wanders there today. Tours are available every day between 9am and 6pm, with the final tour of the day starting at about 5:15pm. There is an admission fee of $15 for people 12 years of age and older and $10 for children 11 years and under.    

Another late 18^th century home of interest is the Greenwood Great House, located on Route 1A, a short drive outside of the Montego Bay area. This remarkable example of Gregorian influenced architecture was the home of Richard Barrett, who was the cousin of the famous poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This 14 room structure retains more of its original feel than do others of the era, as it has endure less renovation processes and still contains a great deal of the original furnishings, oil paintings and household items, including fine china. Among these is a collection of musical instruments that is simply amazing to see. Not surprisingly, the family library is a part of the tour, and has books dating back to the 1600’s. This lovely, historic home is open to the public daily, from 9am to 6pm. There is a $12 admission fee for those 12 years of age and older, and a $6 fee for children 11 and under.   

There are many more of these great houses that are open to the public for tours and exploration. Among them are the Seville Great house and Heritage Park, in Saint Ann, home to numerous artifacts and relics of interest and includes views from a variety of perspectives in Jamaican history, the Brimmer Hall Estate in Ocho Rios, and the Appleton Estate.

These beautiful structures, shadowed by the oppression of the people upon which they were built, hold an important place in the history and culture of Jamaica. Any one of them is certainly worth an afternoon’s time to marvel and contemplate.