Caribbean courage: top 3 Jamaica thrills

There’s two sides to Jamaica. One of them involves powdery white sand, sunbeds and cocktails. It’s about dipping into infinity pools and lazing by the sea as the world turns without you. We’re going to talk about the other side. The one that involves adventures, rock climbing and waterslides; soaring above the tropical jungles on a skylift, or plunging into the ocean from a cliff. There’s no denying this is an island of epic proportions when it comes to adrenaline fueled activities, ones that should be on everybody’s bucket list. Because of this, we’ve researched the top three ways to get your Jamaica thrills on your next Caribbean holiday.

Climb  Dunn’s River Falls  at Ocho Rios

Dunn’s River Falls are not only filled with Jamaica thrills, but also serve as a great way to see the island’s beautiful scenery.

Travelling to the northeastern shore of Jamaica brings you to Ocho Rios: it’s a hugely popular tourist hotspot, and for good reason. Ten minutes exploring ‘Ochi’ brings you to restaurants, supermarkets,  five star resorts like Jamaica Inn and some of the island’s most striking scenery from beaches to cliffs to jungle parks. But let’s focus on Dunn’s waterfalls for now, because scaling these stunning landmarks on a human chain is one of the most famous attractions on the island. Entrance to Dunn’s River Falls Park on a holiday to Jamaica will cost $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12, and it’s worth every cent because once you’re inside you can visit  the Caribbean’s most impressive waterfalls, some of which span around 900 feet.  The park itself is worth exploring too: it includes a private beach, a cafe and craft shops galore so you can find that perfect Jamaican trinket.

Cliff Dive at Negril Beach

It’s busy for a reason. Rick’s Cafe on Negril Beach is not only an amazing spot to watch the sunset, but a great place to experience some Jamaica thrills.

Almost every film set in tropical paradise involves a cliff dive scene. And at Negril Beach, you can relive the Hollywood magic. Pay a visit to Rick’s Cafe, the first bar and restaurant on the West End Cliffs, and interestingly enough voted one of ‘The Sexiest Bars in the Caribbean,’ alongside the more formal  ‘Best Bar in the World’. And if you stay at luxury resort Sandy Haven, this ‘sexy’ award-winning hot spot is close by. Rick’s Cafe is one of the best cliff diving spots in Jamaica, and this is where the thrill comes in for our second entry. If you’re after a bit of adrenaline on your Jamaica holiday, make sure to gather some courage and leap into the Caribbean Sea – if you dare.

Over the past few years, watching the sunset from the clifftop has become a ritual for Jamaicans and tourists alike, so make sure you indulge in the glorious views on offer after taking the plunge.  Don’t forget explore to the beach too, because you’ll encounter local musicians performing along the coast, little trinket stalls, and postcard-perfect blue waters. Grab yourself a Red Stripe Lite or Rum Punch for the full Jamaican experience.

Bobsled at Mystic Mountain

Award winning, exciting and scenic – Mystic Mountain is a themepark bursting with Jamaica thrills whether it’s bobsledding or zip lining.

Now we’re talking rewards. Regularly voted Ochi’s ‘top’ attraction by TripAdvisor users, winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence (2011 – 2015), TPDCo’s ‘Tourism Service Excellent Award’ and Jamaica Tourist Board’s ‘Best New Attraction’ winner, Mystic Mountain takes the thrills up a notch on your Caribbean holiday. This miniature theme park is close to Dunn’s River Falls, and is packed with activities with a tropical twist. Take the bobsledding concept, replace the ice with soothing Caribbean sunshine, imagine hurtling through the jungle, and you’ve got the right idea already.

That’s not all. Mystic Mountain sees you soar 700ft high in the trees with the Sky Explorer ride, zoom through the trees on the canopy zip lines, plunge down the Mystic Waterslide or sink into the infinity edge pool with spectacular coastal views. Mystic Mountain is one of the most varied places to visit on our list, and it’s bursting with great ways to get your Jamaica thrills fill. Better yet, this is an attraction the whole family will love, so accompanying a day at Mystic Mountain with luxury family friendly resort Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is sure to keep everybody happy.