3 Favorite Jamaican Destinations

Although I shy away from tourist traps, I do have a lot of visitors who enjoy seeing “what there is to see” when in Jamaica. I hire a driver or rent a car and we hit the road. These are a few Jamaican destinations that I don’t want you to miss!

Coming from Negril towards my home in Treasure Beach, the last half of the journey winds along the southwest coast, with some beautiful views of the Caribbean. It’s an easy drive, with some incredible views and interesting Jamaican destinations, if you just know where to look.

A break for lunch (or, perhaps, dinner, on the return trip) can be made at Luna Sea Inn, in Bluefields. There, you will enjoy soft sea breezes, incredible views of the sea, amazing sunsets and some delicious cuisine.

Owned by an adorable retired, American gal, Linda Chichester, the buildings have been recently renovated, yet left charming and homey.

Luna Sea Inn is a magical spot to hold an intimate wedding, intriguing yoga retreat or family gathering. Offering rooms with either a view of the sea or the lush mountain, at mid-range prices, it’s also a lovely spot to spend your vacation.

Booking.com

An air of peacefulness hangs over this spot but it can get pretty lively in the evening with a full bar and restaurant right on site. This really is a lovely stop along your away or a destination in and of itself.  Personally, I think the name is just brilliant and ranks it among the must see places!

Not far from Luna Sea Inn is an incredible educational organic farm. I know, you likely think that all farms in Jamaica are “organic” but, sadly, that’s not the case.

As you can imagine, the high heat and humidity here creates the perfect environment for all manner of pests and plagues. Many farmers still use conventional methods of controlling these issues, spraying with fertilizers and chemicals to ensure the survival of their crops.

Enter Bluefields Organic Fruit Farm, owned by Keith and Sandra Wedderburn.

Perched along the mountainside, minutes from the ocean, it offers tours and other educational experiences that help prove that crops CAN be raised using organic standards.

For a modest fee, Keith will provide families, school groups and individuals with an in-depth look into the world of the organic farm.

Showcasing a symbiotic relationship between farm animals and the land, this beautiful demonstration farm is a must see. It will make a believer out of you as to the possibility of organic farming in Jamaica.

Not too long ago, my family and I took this tour. Like everywhere else in the world, there are seasonal changes and seasonal crops. Visiting in early Feb, I expected to simply see fruit trees, not much actual fruit.

I was pleasantly surprised to be given the chance to not only see but also TASTE several fruits that day, many of which I had never even heard of.

Keith has an easy-going, soft-spoken way about him, but don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you. The man is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to organic fruit farming

I asked and was given answers to so many questions during the tour! Keith honestly helped me more fully appreciate the fruits that are available in Jamaica. It was also exciting to discover fruits that I had seen but not experienced previously.

Put Bluefields Organic Fruit Farm on that list of must see places. Some drivers might not have heard of it but you can get hours, directions and contact information by visiting their website here. You can also read my more in-depth description in the post Jamaica and Organic Farming.

The final destination on today’s little list is Black River Safari, in Black River, Jamaica.

Although you can use other little boat tours, I usually use Swaby’s. I really enjoy the group of young men who captain their comfortable pontoon boats.

Well-versed in all things “crocodile” and “Black River,” they offer special insights into the teeming life in and around the major river.

I’ve yet to hear a question asked that they didn’t have an answer for. Of course, that’s pretty par for the course for Jamaicans…having answers…right or wrong, but that’s a discussion for another time!

Although the focus of these educational and yet scenic tours is the crocodiles, there are many beautiful birds and plants that make this area their home as well.

The mangrove trees, their long roots reaching down from the limbs into the dark, brackish water always amaze me. Who knew that roots could grow from branches?

At the end of the tour, visitors are ushered into the infirmary and crocodile nursery area. This is where crocodiles go after a big fight club night. Ha ha.

I had to stand at the fence and watch them closely to see if there was any sign of life. They sit so motionless, it’s hard to believe that they are real! In fact, I’ve seen many tourists pose for photos, straddled over them, with no idea that they aren’t fakes.

Mixed in with the croc’s are a number of turtles, climbing in and out of the murky pools. I guess croc’s don’t care to put turtle on their menu. It’s common to see these turtles perched on the backs of the crocodiles.

In my experience, this tour is best taken during the morning hours.

Not only are the crocodiles more active before the heat of the day sets in, but it’s also a more pleasant boat ride for the humans.  Although the pontoon boats have shade covers overhead, the late afternoon sun can sit low and blast in from the sides, warming things right up.

It’s customary to tip your tour guide when he completes the tour and walks you back to the main building.

Beware. Much of the time, one of the big crocodiles is found lounging along the sidewalk.

It’s tempting to want to take a photo with him but please know that he is very much wild and can move quite quickly. You really don’t want to tick him off, trust me.

In future posts I’ll share a few other cool spots but, for now, add these to your list. Trust me. If you are anything like my guests, there will be some days when sunburn forces plans other than sitting on the beach. These destinations make great day trips from many resorts around the island.

While it’s important to used licensed, trusted drivers, please DO get out and see the real Jamaica.

The views are beautiful beyond those resort walls. Better yet, stay someplace other than a big resort. If you need help with ideas and suggestions, contact me.

I love to share my new homeland with interested visitors. If you are looking for more ideas in the southern Jamaica area, check out these posts about YS Falls and The World Famous Pelican Bar.