Explore beyond the gates of your all-inclusive resort with this guide to the sights, sounds and people of the Caribbean's “reggae nation.”
Christopher Columbus may never have met an island he didn’t like. He routinely declared each new island discovery as being more beautiful than the last one. But he does seem to have maintained a lifelong enthusiasm for Jamaica, which he termed the “fairest island ever beheld.” Visitors today might agree because this large island is widely known for its beaches and its outdoor activities that include all forms of water sports. But your family beach vacation would not be complete without exploring a bit more of the island and trying some local adventures. For more information on the sights listed below, call 800/233-4582 or log onto www.visitjamaica.com.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Aquasol Theme Park
Gloucester Avenue
Montego Bay, Jamaica
876/979-9447
Children as young as 3-years old are welcome to this park on Walter Fletcher Beach in Montego Bay. There’s playground equipment, go-cart racing, video games, pool tables and tennis courts. We hear they may be closing soon, so check with your hotel concierge before promising your toddlers a fun day’s outing.
Island Village
Turtle River Road
Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica, W. I.
876/675-8995
Island Village in Ocho Rios is an open-air shopping and entertainment attraction that features Reggae Xplosion, a museum offering the history of Jamaica’s indigenous music — from ska to dancehall to reggae. Special exhibits show off famous singers such as Bob Marley. There’s also an Internet cafe and duty-free shop, plus a Margaritaville for the night crowd.
Fun for Older Children
(Ages 8 to 18)
Calico Under Sea Tour
Montego Bay, Jamaica
876/952-5860
The Calico Under Sea Tour in the Montego Bay Marine Park lets visitors explore unique coral formations and sea life from the safety of a semi-submarine appropriately named Coral See. The attraction is suitable for children 6-years and above.
Stingray City Jamaica
James Bond Beach
Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica
876/726-1630
Stingray City Jamaica just opened in 2006, but is already proving to be among the island’s most popular attractions. Guests wade into the Caribbean Sea to feed and pet live stingrays, who are generally tame (stingray attractions have proved popular at many Caribbean destinations). Experienced guides are on hand to show how to do it safely. Since snorkeling is involved, this might be better suited for older children.
The Wilderness Resort
Gayle, St. Mary, Jamaica
(876/974-5189)
All ages can enjoy the Wilderness Resort, a 477-acre petting zoo in Goshen, Ocho Rios. A highlight is fishing for your lunch in one of 37 well-stocked pools. Guides are on hand to help. And if you catch something, which is likely, the guides will cook your catch for a family meal. Samples of various local foods such as fried, jerked or seasoned chicken are also offered.
Braco Stables
North Coast
Duncans, Trelawny, Jamaica
876/954-0185
Braco Stables offers two-hour horseback riding tours with great views on the rugged hillside trails of the north coast. Riders can also swim with their horse in the ocean.
Red Dread Catamaran Tour
Montego Bay, Jamaica
A self-proclaimed ‘booze cruise’ takes place aboard the Red Dread, a large and comfortable catamaran, twice per day, as part of a snorkeling excursion to a nearby marine park. At night, the boat embarks on a romantic sunset cruise that’s more family-friendly but you’ll probably want to leave your children back at the resort’s kids club anyway.
Fun for the Whole Family
Dunn’s River Falls
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, W. I.
876/974-2857
Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions. Visitors can climb the dome-shaped cataract waterfalls or swim or take a ‘hydra-therapy” massage in one of the cool plunge pools. It’s easy to lose your footing as you clamber along the many levels on the worn-smooth rocks, so bring water shoes and wear a bathing suit.
Mystic Mountain
Box 259
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The most popular attraction at this park is the Rainforest Bobsled, a themed rollercoaster that takes adventure to the extreme to explain the history behind the bobsled in Jamaica. In 1988, Jamaica’s four-man bobsled team debuted at the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. A warm-weather country participating in a cold-weather sport was rare, and it inspired the 1993 movie, “Cool Runnings” starring John Candy. Other attractions at this park include the Sky Lift Explorer, a chairlift rising 700 feet above sea level to a mountain peak, and the Tranopy, which provides the best views of the park along the popular Zip Line. The park is open daily from November through April, and extends its hours into evening from May to October. Note that restrictions apply to bobsled riders, requiring all riders be at least 46″ tall. The Zip Line has a minimum age of 12-years-old, but the Sky Explorer is open to all ages, providing seat belts for toddlers.
Kool Runnings Water Park
Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril
876/957-5400
For any age, the Kool Runnings Water Park is a high point. So high, in fact, that the water slides let visitors roar down from 40 feet. For tamer tastes, there’s a lazy river that meanders under bridges and through cascading water falls. Captain Mike’s Coconut Island has a children’s play area, a go-cart track, a rock climbing wall and bungee trampoline. The park’s mission is to bring attention to the plight of Jamaica’s endangered species with many of its attractions named after these animals. There’s also a museum depicting rural life and conservation displays.
Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Ocho Rios
Montego Bay
876/979-6599
There’s something for all active families at Chukka Caribbean Adventures: biking through the countryside, horseback riding, river tubing, and various tours through rainforests and other adventure-oriented destinations. The highly regarded, locally owned company has two locations in Ocho Rios and Chukka Blue.
Dolphin Cove
Belmont, Ocho Rios
876/974-5335
Each of the three Dolphin Cove branches offers a 30-minute swim with dolphins under the supervision of a trained staff. For tamer stuff, there’s a Jungle Trail tour that meanders through four acres of tropical rainforest, and a fun pirate village with costumed pirates and small gift shops filled with their bootie. Open daily.
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this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
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Please contact me for further info and prices for any festival you sponsor in the Norfolk region that could enjoy a boost in attention & attendance.
Thank you very much-
Jan Wilkins
President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
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What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
For a safe and affordable vacation in a country where same sex mariage is legal, your stay with us will be unforgettably restful, welcoming and adventurous. The Centre Goéland, a non-profit and charitable centre in Prince Edward Island Canada can offer your family a vacation experience with a cultural and linguistic flair on the southern Acadian coast of Prince Edward Island. Our retreat and camp centre caters to groups and offers packages as per your groups' request. Contact information: http://www.centregoeland.org,info@centregoeland.org, Fax:902-854-3454, Phone:902-854-2546. Ici on parle français.
We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
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My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the Nepalese Himalaya. After working several years as a porter, and becoming fluent in English and Chinese languages, I became a guide in 2001. I have spent the past 7 years as a professional trekking guide, .I have been working 6 years in severl companey but now I am currently working as an independent guide.
During the last 7 years, I have become very familiar with many Trekking Destination, including The Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Regions, As well as Mustang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu. I am very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, cultural history and environmental issues in the areas where I trek. For Trekkers hoping to climb high passes and peaks, I can accommodate this challenging and rewarding adventure. My experience includes mera peak, island peak, kalapathar, gokyo peak, tseryo ri and I have led expeditions across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, thorong pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass)
There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy trekking where you can experience Nepalese Culture and Village life to tea-house trekking in popular regions, to unique treks into areas of Nepal that are off the beaten track and seldom visited by foreigners. All treks offer spectacular scenery and a viewpoint into Nepali culture. I can tailor our treks to meet your wishes.
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sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
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parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
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dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
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Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!