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Jamaica Attractions

Attractions
Activities

Jamaica Attractions

Martha Brae's Rafters Village (Montego Bay; tel. 876/952-0889): Martha Brae's Rafters Village offers the best river-rafting experience in and around this popular resort. You sit on a raised dais on bamboo logs and watch the river scenery unfold.

The Black River (South Coast): You can explore what feels like real Tarzan country, with mangrove trees and crocodiles in the wild, on an outing with South Coast Safaris (tel. 876/965-2513). Lots of wild things grow in these swamps, and birders delight in the bird life.

Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay; tel. 876/973-2841): These limestone caves were once used to hide runaway slaves. They're a world of stalagmites and stalactites, with seemingly endless chambers and eerie Grotto Lake, which you can visit in a boat.
Somerset Falls (Port Antonio): Waters from the Daniels River race down a deep gorge through a rainforest. Flowering vines, waterfalls, and foaming cascades form a lush backdrop. You can swim in the deep rock pools.

Rafting on the Rio Grande (Port Antonio; tel. 876/913-5434): Shades of Errol Flynn, this is the grandest rafting experience in Jamaica. The rafts are propelled by bamboo poles.

Exploring the Blue Mountains (outside Kingston; tel. 876/960-6685): This is one of the biggest, wildest, and greenest parks in the Caribbean, ideal for exploring. You must hike 5 to 6 hours through thick vegetation (hearing amazing birdsong on the way) to reach the summit.

Jamaica Activities

Beaches
Doctor's Cave Beach (Montego Bay): This 8km (5-mile) stretch of white sand made "Mo Bay" a tourist destination. Waters are placid and crystal clear, and there are changing rooms and a beach bar. This one is a family favorite.

Cornwall Beach (Montego Bay): Although it's often crowded, this beach is covered with soft, white, sugary sand. The water is clean and warm, and it's a good spot to take the family.

Seven Mile Beach (Negril): This beach stretches 11km (7 miles) along the west coast. These golden sands are fine for families, though there are several (sectioned-off) nudist patches where guests bare all.

Treasure Beach (South Coast): Tired of fighting the crowds? Head for this beach on the dry, sunny South Coast. The undertow can be dangerous, so swimming is tricky. But crashing waves make it one of the most dramatic beachscapes in Jamaica.

Boston Bay Beach (Port Antonio): It's known not only for its white sands and clear waters, but also for the great jerk-pork stands. This beach has the biggest waves in Jamaica, and you can rent surfboards and even get a lesson.

Shopping
Art: Although paintings are sold all over the island, the finest art is found in Kingston at either the Frame Centre Gallery or the Mutual Life Gallery, the two leading display showcases for the best of the island's artistic talent.

Handicrafts: Crafts come in many forms, ranging from alabaster and woodcarvings to weavings. Any outlet of Things Jamaican, including the one in Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-5605) has a good assortment of crafts, as does Harmony Hall outside Ocho Rios on the North Coast.

Fashions: Some of the best resort wear is found at Caribatik Island Fabrics, an outlet outside Falmouth.

Jewelry and Watches: Some watches at various outlets in Jamaica sell for 20% to 40% off stateside prices. Jamaican gemstones include coral agate and black coral, and many fashionable pieces are made from these stones; quality handmade necklaces are sold nearly everywhere.