The 10 Best Jamaica Tours & Excursions (2024)

We have been visiting Jamaica regularly for 20 years, and taking excursions around the island is an integral part of each visit. Exploring from the water, going on adventures, and appreciating the awe-inspiring natural beauty. These are the 10 best Jamaica tours and excursions, from Endless Family Travels to you.

South Coast Area Tours

Floyd’s Pelican Bar

Floyd’s Pelican Bar is one of the most unique bars in the world. Made entirely out of driftwood and stilted on a huge sandbar about 3/4 mile out in the sea. The quaint Pelican Bar is located in Parrottee Bay on the South Coast of Jamaica. At the Pelican Bar you will chat, chill and enjoy food and drinks in this tiki-style hut over the water. You are invited to leave your mark and carve your name in the floor.

There are two ways to visit to Floyd’s Pelican Bar. The first option is a catamaran cruise (tell Jefit we sent you). During the cruise you will explore Jamaica’s untainted South Coast while making your way to the bar in the middle of nowhere. The catamaran cruise also provides the best Caribbean music, drinks and appetizers as you sail along the coast.

The second option is going by car to Parrottee Bay and having one of the locals take you over by boat. This can be organized as well through one of our tour operators.

Reggae Sunset Cruise

The Reggae sunset cruise is our favorite catamaran cruise in South Coast. On this cruise you will sail along the stunning coastline and into a tropical sunset making memories that will last a lifetime. The first stop is a quiet beach where you will be allowed time to swim in the crisp blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Once everyone is back onboard you will continue the cruise to Scott’s Cove. You end the day on a high as you marvel at the stunning sunset while enjoying tasty appetizers, signature co*cktails; and the latest local and international music played by the onboard DJ.

This cruise is great for couples, friends and especially groups. On our ladies only trip to Sandals South Coast in June of 2021, over 50 ladies enjoyed this catamaran cruise together. There is nothing quite like a Caribbean sunset to provide the perfect backdrop to this club on water.

YS Falls

YS Falls is one of Jamaica’s best natural attractions, providing the opportunity to experience the beauty of a series of untouched and unspoiled waterfalls on the South Coast of Jamaica. With seven waterfalls, several of which cascade into natural pools and lush gardens, the excursion is perfect for couples and families.

The journey to the falls is a short ride through the Jamaican countryside passing lush vegetation and rushing rivers along the way. You will be greeted by a magnificent natural setting that features beautiful ecological structures, play areas, a natural spring pool and the seven flowing tiers of the majestic YS Falls. This is an opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind wonder. A zip line tour can also be added to your excursion if you are looking for even more adventure.

Negril Area Excursions

Rick’s Cafe

In 1974 Rick’s Cafe was the first public bar and restaurant of its type on the West End Cliffs of Negril. It offers an alternative to Negril’s majestic seven mile beach. Since the beginning, Rick’s Cafe boasted an unsurpassed view of the sunset from it’s naturally formed cliffs. Rick’s Cafe is my favorite place to watch the sunset in Negril. It is a sunset like you have never seen before on the west coast of Jamaica. You can also jump from the cliffs into the water as there are many levels and heights to choose from. Or, if you are like me, you can grab and drink and leave the jumping to the others.

Rick’s Cafe has received many awards as well such as:

• One of the 10 best bars in the world
• Best beach bar
• Best bar for sunsets
• Best happy hour
• Voted as one of the 1000 places to see before you die

Visiting Rick’s by car / taxi

There are 2 ways to visit Rick’s Cafe. One is by car, tour bus or taxi. I would highly recommend this route if you want to stay for a longer period of time; and really enjoy the full sunset. This is how I visited Rick’s Cafe on my first visit. I also recommend arriving before 4pm for the best seat and view of the sunset. There is live music, cliff jumping, food, drinks and lots of fun to be had as the sun goes down over the water.

Visiting Rick’s by catamaran

There are also sunset catamaran cruises that include a stop a Rick’s Cafe. These cruises include a cruise along the west coast of Jamaica, snorkeling, food, drinks and music by the DJ onboard. The cruise anchors in the water just off from Rick’s Cafe. You may choose to stay onboard and watch the cliff jumpers from the water. Or you can swim over to Rick’s Cafe to take part in the fun.

If visiting this way you will be limited to about 30 minutes at Rick’s. You will then return to the boat and enjoy the sunset from the water as just sail back along the coast. This option is best if you have limited time and want to include all of the above in one excursion. However, if you want to really enjoy Rick’s Cafe I would recommend going by car and not being limited on time.

Sunset Cruise

The west coast of Jamaica provides some of the most amazing sunsets in the world and the best way to view them is from the water. A sunset cruise while visiting Negril is a must and there are several to choose from. Lover’s Rock Catamaran Cruise is my recommendation for couples looking for romance. Like the others, this cruise includes appetizers, unlimited exotic co*cktails and music. Without snorkeling or stopping along the way you are able to enjoy more time sailing together as the sunsets over the water.

Another option is the Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise that I mentioned above that includes snorkeling and a stop at Rick’s Cafe. This cruise is best for couples desiring a move lively vibe, for friends and especially groups.

If you are looking to cruise during the day there are options that include sightseeing tours and also stop at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. There are family friendly options for this cruise as well.

Montego Bay Tours & Excursions

Luminous Lagoon

Luminous Lagoon is located in Falmouth Jamaica so it is most convenient to enjoy when you are visiting the Montego Bay area. The lagoon is home to millions of microorganisms that emit a flash of light when touched. This is a rare phenomenon that occurs in only four places in the world. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and brightest, fascinating scientists and travelers.

The Luminous Lagoon tour begins after dark by boarding a boat and cruising the lagoon. Once you arrive at the location you climb down the ladder from the boat into the water. The more you move and splash around the brighter the water glows.

The most surprising part to me about the excursion was the water temperature. The water in the lagoon is brackish water. This means it has more salt than fresh water but not as much salt as seawater. The lagoon receives fresh water from the rivers coming down from mountains. This water is very cold! Water also enters the lagoon from the ocean which is very warm. While we were playing in the lagoon the water was constantly changing temperatures from bathtub warm water to icy cold water. It was absolutely fascinating to me how this occurs.

This tour is definitely unique and one I always recommend to clients.

Ocho Rios Area Tours

Dunns River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is by far one of the most famous excursions in Jamaica. We have been enjoying this adventure for years since our first visit almost 20 years ago. The 600 foot waterfall is one of the few in the world that empties directly into the sea.

You can elect to take a car to the falls or enjoy one of the catamaran cruises to the falls. Most people choose to climb the falls and I definitely recommend it in order to get the full affect. This is done by joining hands and becoming a part of a human chain that ascends the falls together. You will stop along the way for photo opportunities and a chance to soak in lagoons filled with pure waters cascading from high in the mountains above Ochi Rios. Just a heads up, the water is COLD!

Bamboo river rafting

Bamboo river rafting is a relaxing and authentic way to explore the natural scenery and beauty of Jamaica. We chose to raft the White River on our most recent visit.

As you float down the calm river you are able to gaze into the trees filled with colorful birds and exotic flowers. It is one of the more relaxing excursions we have done in Jamaica. We stopped along the way to visit with the locals and to take our turn on the tire swing over the river. Then we made our way to the beach. It was magical because we were the only ones there. We were given time to walk around and take photos before making our way back up the river.

There is also an option to add a limestone massage to you river rafting adventure.

River tubing and blue hole experience

If you want to add a little more adventure and excitement to your river excursion then I would recommend river tubing and the blue hole experience. For this excursion you will float down the river on an inter tube.

Your guide will lead you on a breathtaking voyage to a 17th century Spanish Bridge over limestone riverbeds, under arching bamboo, and past the historic coconut plantation. At the end of your journey you will enjoy a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue hole. There you can climb the many cascades and jump from the rocks into the natural swimming pools. You will have the opportunity to explore hidden underwater caves and tunnels, attempt daring dives and enjoy an exciting rope swing. This one will definitely add some extra excitement to you river adventure.

Arrive into and depart out of Jamaica in style
with Club Mobay & Club Kingston’s VIP lounges!

Customized day trips

Ocho Rios is a popular stop for many cruise lines and a very popular vacation destination. That being said, this area offers more excursions than any other area of Jamaica. These include but are not limited to ATV adventures, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, zip line adventures, dolphin encounters, cooking classes, rum tastings, shopping tours and so much more. There really something for everyone.

We work with the wonderful Jefit from Bradshaw Tours in Jamaica for customized tours. Jefit is passionate about showing off the best the island has to offer and works so hard to make your tour the best it can be. We always recommend his tours to our clients. We can include all of the things you want to do while leaving off things that you don’t have an interest in.

The 10 Best Jamaica Tours & Excursions

With our experience and connections we are able to advise on the best tours, or help you create the perfect customized day trip for you and your family. Make the most of your time in Jamaica with one (or more) of these, these best tours and excursions the island has to offer.

Let us help you plan your excursions in Jamaica,
with our full service Travel Agency!

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