NOTE: This article was inspired by our 8-day Best of Jamaica Tour.
Located in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and west of the Dominican Republic, the beautiful island of Jamaica can be found. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, home to reggae music and authentic culture, and famously known as the birthplace of Bob Marley and James Bond.
With so many things to see and do in Jamaica, it can be overwhelming planning your short vacation or deciding exactly which parts of the island you have time to visit. This is why Tropical Trips Jamaica has put together this ultimate guide to travelling Jamaica in only one week. With the advice and recommendations from the local experts, you'll be able to make the most out of your week in Jamaica.
This 7-day itinerary trip to Jamaica takes you to the most appealing attractions in Jamaica - packed with amazing history, beautiful landscapes, long hours of warm Caribbean sunshine and stretches of clear blue beaches. Perfect trip for small groups, couples or solo travellers.
Day 1: Kingston, Jamaica
Start your week long exploration of Jamaica in the capital city, Kingston. Squeezed between the Blue Mountains and the world's seventh-largest natural harbor, Kingston deserves the best part of a day. Visit some contemporary galleries, join a guided tour, and learn the history of Jamaican Art.
Visit some main attractions in Kingston, such as the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House. Make sure to visit the sunken city of Port Royal - once the Pirate capital of the Caribbean, now 95% underwater.
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the craft markets, shopping in Half Way Tree Malls, the nightlife of New Kingston, and a walking tour of Heroes Park capturing a rich part of the island’s history and culture.
See why Kingston is the cultural and economic heart of Jamaica, perfect for just about everyone wishing to experience its’ diversity.
READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING KINGSTON
Day 2: Kingston, Jamaica
Since Kingston tends to be sunnier in the morning, start the day with a bird’s eye view over the city. To do this, you have a few options:
A 50-minute drive takes you to Holywell Park, which sits at 3,200 feet (975m) above sea level and makes for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Kingston City.
Holywell provides wonderful views of the city, all the way from Port Royal to parts of Portmore. Wander around the 300 acres park for magnificent views of the city and lots of grassy areas to spread out a picnic lunch. Take the hiking trail that leads to one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. Be warned that getting to Holywell requires manoeuvring winding roads that are narrow in some parts and also passing through small villages. Despite all, the spectacular view is well worth the trip.
Those with the soul of an eagle can also hike to the highest point in Jamaica, the Blue Mountain Peak. The mountains sit at a height of 7,402 feet (2256m). This gives you the most expansive view over the city and surrounding countryside. It's been said that on clear days one can see Cuba in the distance over 130 miles away and also parts of the Jamaican coastline. Special discounts available on all Blue Mountain hiking tours.
If this is not your cup of tea, you could instead go for an early morning stroll to the reggae beach for a magical sunrise on the black sand beach or take a trip over to Lime Cays to enjoy the beach in the city.
In the afternoon, visit a coffee farm or learn how one of the World’s best coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee, is cultivated, harvested and brewed to perfection.
In the evening, head to Uptown Kingston. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants serving typical Jamaican cuisine to the sound of live musicians.
SEE ALL TOURS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Day 3: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Set amid gorgeous rainforest, Ocho Rios is the centrepiece of Jamaica for adventures for every liking. If you don’t arrive too late, grab a bite from a selection of healthy, home-style Jamaican restaurants. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner, overlooking the cruise ship piers and the city of Ocho Rios. Make sure to try the excellent jerk pork, chicken, curry goat, conch and goat head soup, as well as barbecue ribs, which are sold in several jerk joints here.
The craft markets offer a variety of shopping options. For those who wish to enjoy a nice swim, there are several beaches to choose from: James Bond Beach as seen in the film "Dr. No", Mahogany Beach located east of Ocho Rios, a secluded beach featuring a private swimming area, and Ocho Rios Bay Beach in the middle of the town with its silky soft white sand and crystal clear calm waters.
Wandering the streets of this compact town will give you an idea of all the activities it has to offer, including: exhilarating bobsled, ziplining, plantation tours, horseback riding, swimming with Dolphins, river rafting, as well as more extreme options.
LOVE BEING ACTIVE? CHECK OUT THE 10-DAY TRAVEL AROUND JAMAICA TRIP
Day 4: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Today, you get to indulge in some of your favorite outdoor activities. If you’re just keen on hiking, try the Cranbrook hiking trail along the Little River where you will see many tropical birds, plants and flowers - ideal for nature lovers. A visit to Jamaica’s most visited attraction, Dunn’s River Falls which cascades 600 feet is a must.
Whether you climb the waterfalls, soak into one of the cool natural pools or relax on the beach, life is good when visiting Ocho Rios! You could try the newest addition to the Dunn’s River Falls, Central Gardens, featuring waterslides and fun for the whole family.
If you don’t like crowds, treat yourself to a spa treatment instead. Several hotels in and around Ocho Rios offer great spa packages.
Day 5: Negril, Jamaica
Negril is our favourite place in Jamaica. It’s a laid back beach town located on the far western tip of Jamaica spanning Westmoreland and Hanover parishes. Negril has stretches of long white sand beaches, friendly people, plenty of restaurants, and a full range of different hotels to choose from. It’s three hours by bus/car, so you will be getting to Negril by mid-afternoon.
Arrive a few hours before sunset, order a good meal and a few drinks while you watch the daring locals jump from the treetops, take in the buzzing vibes, catch a glimpse of the gorgeous golden Jamaican sunset, and don’t forget to take a look at lighthouse down the street.
CHECK OUT TROPICAL TRIPS JAMAICA’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP TOURS IN JAMAICA
Day 6: Negril, Jamaica
If you are craving the beach, take a day tour by boat to a peaceful spot called Calico Jack's at Pirate Island, chill out have a cold Red Stripe Beer and freshly grilled seafood. Take a beach walk, get a smoothie from a vegan cafe, try the lime and ginger, take a swim, and get that natural tan you have always wanted. In the evening, get out your lounge chair and watch the beautiful sunset over Negril Beach.
For dinner, have delicious seafood on one of the seaside restaurants on the Negril seven mile beach.
Day 7: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s complete resort; you will never be out of something amazing to see.
Start the morning off exploring some sites such as the Rose Hall Great House, wander through downtown Montego Bay to take a peep into the Jamaican commercial life, pass through Sam Sharpe square, walk Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip), and have a drink at Margaritaville.
See some beaches in Montego Bay and take a swim. Be careful as the water is very deep, so ask for a life vest or don’t swim out too far. Doctor’s Cave is our favourite beach in Montego Bay, a private escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its sparkling crystal-clear water. Most of all, don't forget to enjoy the delicious Jamaican cuisine in Montego Bay.
You can get around here by walk or taxi, but it’s easier to join a tour.
Finish off with some shopping on Gloucester Avenue and pick up the perfect souvenir to finish up your incredible one-week trip in Jamaica
Are you ready to take on this stunning Caribbean Island?
Check out Tropical Trips Jamaica’s range of small group tours in Jamaica or private tours in Jamaica.
Call them today for your free consultation.
Call or Whatsapp: 1 (876) 518-2364