In Jamaica there are many places you can visit for fun and excitement, but not that many when you are on a budget. In Jamaica there are quite a few places you can go to let down your hair down, relax, be yourself and just have a good time without worrying about the expense. Some of these hotspots are family friendly, while others are for adults only. These are the ones I have visited and enjoyed without any reservations.
Dunn’s River Falls
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
Dunn’s River Falls have been a tourist attraction for a very long time. For years tourists and locals have visited this waterfall to swim and climb the falls. It is located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. It is a cascading waterfall that is surrounded by trees and a variety of ferns. On both sides of the falls there are many types of trees and ferns that grow along the banks of the falls. They make you feel like you are in the rainforest. The waterfall flows down into a beautiful white sandy beach where the temperature is always cool. The temperature of this beach is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. The greatest thing about this place is you will never fell the island heat, because the waterfall actually cools its surroundings. It is a great place to take the family. The rates are $12 for children and $15 for adults.
Rick’s Caf©
Negril, Westmoreland
Rick’s Caf© have been around for years. It is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Jamaica. A hotspot where both visitors and locals hang out to cliff dive, have a drink or have dinner as the sun sets. Cliff diving though is an activity that is not for the faint of heart. The cliff is filled with sharp rocks and stones that can be very dangerous to the diver. Divers often plunge into this deep water with the help of a guide. It is a place where adults can go to unwind, have a drink, dine, relax and watch the sunset. It is open to all and there is no charge to enter the facility.
Margaritaville Negril
Negril, Westmoreland
Margaritaville in Negril is located along the seven-mile beach in Negril. You have the option of eating, drinking or just enjoying the beach. A peaceful hangout spot in the daytime where you can take the family. It is open to the public. While you dine or relax on the beach you will be listening to either some Jimmy Buffet or reggae music. This is great place for some rest and relaxation. Along this beach there are patrons with jet skis that you can rent for a half hour or longer. To enter this place during the day, there is no charge.
Margaritaville Montego Bay
Montego Bay, St. James
Margaritaville in Montego Bay is a great hangout spot in the day and a happening nightclub in the nights. There is a deck located at the top where you can dine or have a drink while overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You can either have a drink inside or on the top deck. On the deck you can enjoy the water slides that lead directly into the ocean. If you are going in the daytime and you want to have fun in the water, don’t forget your swim gear. When the night falls you can enjoy this place with some drinks and dancing. There is a small cover charge on some nights depending on the occasion. This place is the party place for adults of all ages.
Kool Runnings
Negril, Westmoreland
Kool Runnings is a water park that is filled with fun water slides for everyone. There are a few slides to choose from and water hangout spots to wade and relax in. There is the kid’s pool, water tubing pool, a small pool to relax in and a stage where you can watch the day’s entertainment. There is a gift shop where can shop for souvenirs, t-shirts, bathing suits and other local items. There is also a Go Kart spot where you can ride in Go Karts leisurely or race with a partner. Eco tours are also available where you can view the local swamplands. There are many other options at this waterpark. It has more than just water slides; there is entertainment, tours, kids activities, and even a restaurant where you can enjoy some authentic Jamaican food. This is a place where the entire family can hangout for the day. Rates range from $0 to $28 depending on age and time of day.
These are some of the best and least expensive places in Jamaica. I enjoyed going to these places and I would recommend them as the most affordable. Of course there are other places and other activities you can enjoy in Jamaica but if you are on a budget and want to have some real fun then these are your best bets.
