Jamaica is a dream destination for families seeking an unforgettable summer holiday.
With its stunning beaches, diverse activities, delicious food, and warm and welcoming people, Jamaica is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. In this guide, we’ll explore all the amazing experiences Jamaica has to offer and provide tips on how to make the most out of your family holiday.
Beach, Babies!
Jamaica is a haven for beach lovers, with options ranging from small idyllic coves to the famous white sand Seven Mile Beach in Negril. The island has several shallow beaches, making it safe for little ones to enjoy a paddle.
Even if you’re not staying on the coast, there are plenty of popular public beaches to explore such as Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios Bay Beach, or Long Bay Beach Park in Negril. These beaches offer lifeguards, beach chairs, showers, and authentic Jamaican food to keep you fuelled for a day in the sun.
All Together Now…
Jamaica has an abundance of activities for the whole family to enjoy. One must-see attraction is the unforgettable Dunn’s River Falls, where you can climb up this iconic 185-metre-high waterfall and take in its lush surroundings.
For a unique experience, take a family catamaran cruise that includes snorkelling, or swimming in Glistening Waters, a magical fluorescent lagoon that begins to glow at night due to microorganisms in the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, head on a J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Safari on the south coast and witness crocodiles in the wild. Don’t forget to pack your camera!
Do Something Different
If you’re looking for an activity with an adrenaline-pumping wow factor, there are plenty of options in Jamaica. Visit Mystic Mountain and take in the stunning coastal views from the chairlift, or take an exhilarating zipline trip through the forest canopy.
For a true adventure, zoom through the jungle on a Jamaican bobsled experience. Alternatively, ride an ATV or dune buggy along the shoreline or close to a river and get muddy. In Port Antonio, you can go river rafting on bamboo rafts on the Rio Grande or visit tropical jungle-lined Somerset Falls.
Food is Fun
Jamaica is renowned for its mouth-watering cuisine that is both tasty and appealing to even the fussiest eaters. Most resorts offer a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy different tastes, but you can also explore local cookshops that offer plenty of choices, such as the hearty national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, or a succulent beef patty.
Jamaica is the birthplace of Jerk cuisine, so be sure to try the delicious Jerk chicken or Jerk pork at one of the many Jerk spots across the island. Seafood is freshly caught and prepared to order, and there are local fruits aplenty such as bananas, mangos, jackfruit, melon, naseberry, coconuts and much more.
And who can resist an ice cream or three? Visit Devon House in Kingston, the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, and try their yummy flavours such as chocolate and mango – and even stout for the grown-ups!
Easy All-Inclusive
If you’re looking for easy budgeting, Jamaica is home to a number of all-inclusive family resorts with prices that include food, extensive kids’ clubs, and a range of activities.
Some resorts even have their own waterparks with waterslides and cannons, or include land sports such as beach volleyball, tennis and even rock climbing. All-inclusive resorts provide everything you need to relax and unwind, leaving.