The most beautiful natural sites to discover Jamaica

It is the largest marine reserve in the Caribbean and the first national park established in Jamaica. Established in 1992, the marine reserve extends from Sangster Airport to the islet of Sea Winds, approximately 15 km2 which includes the sandy spit developed as a beach along the Hip Strip. It is established as a non-profit trust and NGO. Its purpose is to protect the environment and marine resources of Montego Bay, which is composed of three marine environments: mangroves, seaweeds and coral reefs. Each of these environments is home to numerous animal and plant species, whose survival maintains a fragile ecological balance. A guide of the rules to be respected by all, visitors as well as industrialists or fishermen, and of the severe sanctions corresponding to the infringements, has been published. It is available at the diving centers. The trust organizes cleaning operations on the coast (for example, 21,000 plastic bottles have been recycled since its creation!), as well as programs to raise awareness about nature protection among students and schoolchildren in Montego Bay. Among the warnings for tourists, let's remember a few. Do not touch the corals under any circumstances, the smallest contact can cause irreversible damage. Leave plants,shells and fish in the water, even if they are dead. Boycott black coral or turtle shell handicrafts (sea turtles are protected in Jamaica).

In the heart of the inextricable Cockpit Country, known by Jamaican cavers, the Windsor caves are not very popular. It is not advisable to venture in alone, besides, near the caves, Jamaicans equipped with lamps and knowing the maze of galleries offer to guide you. Going deep into the earth, the caves, some of impressive dimensions, follow one another for more than a kilometer, inhabited by colonies of bats (more than 50 000!), in a labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites.

This unofficial site is a tiny gaseous spring that escapes from the rock into a basin, before flowing directly into a river. The special feature? The gases make the water flammable on the surface, flooding the water with yellow flames all over the basin. The demonstration is operated by some rastas who squat the place, waiting for visitors. To negotiate the demonstration before any lighting of lighter. Coming from Ocho Rios, turn left 10 m before the sign "Welcome to Saint Ann's Bay" until you reach a small bridge, turn left.

The former Shaw Park hotel has moved far away from the sea to the taste of white sand lovers. From its first life, only its outbuildings remain its outbuildings, its magnificent 10 ha lush gardens on the sides of a gentle hill dominating Ocho Rios. Fougères, bromeliaceae, hibiscus, orchids, anthuriums… Praise for local flora is no longer to be done. The vegetation on the terraces that match the sides of the hill, poeny it and there by fountains. Visits are guided.

The management of the place has changed hands, and name. The Coyaba Garden has become Konoko Falls but the attractions offered on the site hardly change. The nature lovers will not miss to visit this nice botanical garden located on the heights of Ocho Rios. It is planted with a dense but well-tamed tropical vegetation, wet with a natural fresh water spring that supplies most of the city of Ocho Rios with drinking water, embellished with a small waterfall, ponds inhabited by carp, crayfish or mullets... It offers a pleasant and relaxing walk, especially during the hot weather. Go up the falls with your guide before taking a refreshing bath in the natural pool Maja. Don't miss a stop at the mini-zoo to discover some of the local wildlife.

Museum. In a large colonial style house, the museum traces the eventful history of the island, from the dawn of the pre-Columbian Arawak civilization to the post-emancipation period, passing through the glorious hours of piracy and the darker hours of the slaves' struggle for freedom. We have not forgotten to celebrate the great Jamaican figures from the region, and Bob Marley shares a small space with Marcus Garvey. The bar, a refreshing stop, offers natural fruit juices and coffee from the Blue Mountains. A good cultural and historical stop in the middle of this green earth Eden.

The Mayfield falls tours office in Montego Bay makes it easy to arrange this excursion to these little known and truly well preserved waterfalls. Two beautiful waterfalls and 21 natural pools make up this exceptional eco-park, which has 52 types of ferns and an abundance of tropical rainforest flora, rich in butterfly, bird and island endemic species. You can swim in the refreshing water, and it is necessary to bring water shoes (which can be rented on site if needed). The tour lasts 1h30.

Jamaica Giants is an art and creative space nestled in an incredible environment. Paintings and sculptures made by local artists are displayed indoors in the middle of a forest. Wooden walkways take you to discover the works. Far from the hustle and bustle of Negril, the place is conducive to relaxation, contemplation and meditation. Embark on a guided tour where the story of each artist is told, then take time to enjoy the site. The road to get there is difficult, but the trip is worth it!

A beautiful beach at the exit of Montego Bay in the direction of Negril, hemmed in by coves and surrounded by a vast and beautiful lush garden. If you want to escape the crowds of Mobay's beaches, you've come to the right place. Thomas, the owner who speaks a little French, organizes beach parties and beautiful evenings of concerts and parties, but also weddings, birthdays and other private parties, by the light of the sunset. He also organizes open-air cinema sessions for an American-style drive-in, right in his car, at night.

The modest Kaz Kreol Beach Lodge offers affordable access to the small beach at the mouth of the White River (with translucent emerald waters), between the luxury Jamaica Inn and Couples Sans Souci. A truly beautiful turquoise haven, lined with vegetation and white sand, with a row of comfortable loungers on a concrete jetty, another under the shady vegetation on the white sand and a river side beach. The bar restaurant serves juicy barbecued pork chops, grilled fish and lobster.

On 16 hectares of lush nature, two rivers meet to create 14 waterfalls with crystal clear water, 7 of which are accessible. They all have a name. Landings, bridges, pontoons with benches will punctuate your walk between two swims in these beautiful natural pools. There are also fish, turtles, birds... It's a little secret site, perfect to avoid the crowd of Dunn's River Falls. The Turtle Falls are just as beautiful.

A real favorite. At the bend in the road, a circular expanse of water of an indescribable turquoise blue is revealed. It is one of the famous Blue Holes of the region. All along the river, natural pools have formed. This one, below Spanish Bridge, is free (for the moment). A real corner of paradise where obviously the Jamaicans come in great numbers with their families. In the middle of the bamboos and the luxuriant vegetation, we reach it by a small ladder. A pure wonder known by few people... so keep it a secret!