There are some pretty amazing places to visit in Jamaica, especially if you’re looking to have an outdoor adventure.

With the surplus of unique destinations around this fairly large island right in the heart of the Caribbean, it’s to no surprise that Jamaican holidays are popular amongst tourists.

But if you’re looking to take an adventure like diving with sharks, climbing a volcano, or exploring the real local heritage as I had in Belize, where exactly should you go and what should you do?

As a land of many, many differences, there’s certainly much to explore.  Between the scenic waterfalls, majestic mountains, and tropical rainforests with rivers cutting through the land, you should do your best to skip the typical tourist routes and explore the great outdoors.

Take a look at the following list of best places to visit in Jamaica to plan yourself an epic Jamaican adventure – you’ll be glad you did, and you’ll definitely remember these experiences for the rest of your life.

Adventurous Places to Visit in Jamaica

1) Scuba diving the coral reefs

Everyone goes diving near Negril, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay – after all, they’re pretty popular and easy to reach spots.  But have you considered diving from the normal tourist locations?

If you venture towards the North end of the island, you’ll find the Caymen Trench – a spot where the sea floor drops a stunning 5 miles down!  As one of the deepest areas in not only the Caribbean but the world’s oceans, you can find some stunning marine life, unlike any other dive locations.

Other great locations worth some exploration are the Arches, Shark’s Reef, Deep Plane and Middle Shoal Reef.

2.) White River Rafting

Many species of wildlife call the White River their home.  Amongst those, you can find over 50 species of snakes (both venomous and non-venomous), exotic birds and even the occasional American Crocodile.

If you’re looking to explore more of the wild side as far as things to do in Jamaica are concerned, taking a rafting trip down the river could just be your key.  In certain stretches, you not only have the option of rafting but are given opportunities to go kayaking, swimming, tubing and paddle boarding as well.

3.) Rainforest Ziplining

Whether your zip lining in North America, Central America, Southeast Asia or the Caribbean, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.  With the tropical rainforest giving you a different perspective from the typical land routes most travelers take, consider booking a zip line tour as a part of your Jamaican adventure.

Before you know it, you’ll be flying through the canopy of the rainforest in a tunnel of leaves alongside the Yellow-billed Parrot!

4.) Dunn’s River Falls

Certainly, one of Jamaica’s most treasured landmarks, Dunn’s River Falls is a stimulating collection of small waterfalls where water trickles down into small pools.  While climbing the falls is a fairly popular tourist activity, it’s best to visit during the off-season for a chance to have the place more to yourself.

The Falls are beautiful to try and climb up, or simply enjoy while unwinding in the lagoons or white sand beach below.  Being they are terraced naturally like giant stairs, similar to the rice fields of Vietnam, it’s quite a natural phenomenon to visit.  Either way, visiting the Dunn’s River Falls should certainly get added to your list of places to visit in Jamaica for an adventure!

5.) Explore the ‘Lesser Known’, Port Antonio

Although Port Antonio once claimed the spot as the hottest tourist destination in Jamaica (back when boating was the preferred method of travel), it has more recently become the location where local Jamaicans go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busier cities.

Although not as easy to get to, the time put forth to travel to Port Antonio is clearly worth the effort as you’ll be rewarded with a more laid back vibe and opportunities to go swimming in more secluded beaches as well as hiking alongside waterfalls.  Also, according to the locals, the food here is arguably the best on the island.

However, to get the best of the best Jamaican jerk, you must visit the roadside stands that can be found along Boston Bay.  The flavors there are truly authentic!

Have you ever taken a Jamaican adventure?  What are your favorite places to visit in Jamaica?