Date of publication 14/08/2017
Nature in the Caribbean Nine natural wonders you can’t miss in Jamaica
You feel the buccaneer’s urge to hoist your flag, lift anchor, and set sail. You’re searching for treasure—beaches, mountains, forests, and waterfalls—and Jamaica is your destination. A blend of landscapes that have shaped the island’s rich and diverse identity since its Taíno roots, through European influence, and finally to its independence in the 20th century.
Jamaica will captivate you with its cinematic sunsets, flawless beaches, and the natural treasures surrounding Montego Bay. In this Caribbean paradise, you’ll understand what true happiness feels like. Ready for a dose of pure beauty?
The resorts and hotels in Jamaica by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offer guests the finest services to enjoy unforgettable days with family or as a couple in this dreamlike setting.
Dunn’s River Falls and Iris Blue Hole, Ocho Ríos
Just outside the city of Ocho Ríos, you’ll find a place that will stop you in your tracks. The power of the Dunn’s River takes over this stretch of forest, cascading freely over natural terraces and forming small pools wherever the water finds its way. It’s hard not to stand mesmerized for hours, lost between thoughts of the divine and the earthly. But if adventure calls you, don’t miss the chance to jump in and climb your way up, stepping from stone to stone. This stunning display of waterfalls could only end one way — flowing straight into the Caribbean Sea.
And if what you’re looking for is a hidden corner of the world where time stands still, Blue Hole is waiting for you. Once there, you have just two tasks: let the deep blue of the natural pools enchant you and close your eyes to feel the energy of the waterfall.
Montego Bay Marine Park
This marine park is an ecological reserve that has been protecting the tropical landscapes and wildlife of Jamaica’s bay since 1991. Its incredible marine diversity makes it a true paradise for diving enthusiasts. Countless fish and coral reefs create a breathtaking explosion of color beneath the surface. If diving isn’t your thing, you can still make the most of this stunning environment with a peaceful boat ride or by simply surrendering to nature while relaxing on the sands of Doctor’s Cave Beach.
The Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach hotel is a luxurious 5-star All-Inclusive resort in Montego Bay. It’s the perfect place to stay for those seeking unforgettable family or couples’ vacations in Jamaica.
Half Moon Beach, Negril
Just over an hour from Montego Bay lies one of Jamaica’s most stunning coral reefs, beneath the clear waters that lap against Half Moon Beach. This idyllic spot invites you to sway in a hammock under the sun, dive beneath the surface to admire a kaleidoscopic marine world, or try bamboo rafting all the way to a virgin island — the only one on the island that takes place in open sea. In short, it’s the perfect place to savor the sweetness of Caribbean life. And quite literally: treat yourself to a taste of Jamaica at the charming beach bar, where you’ll find local delicacies and irresistible cocktails.
Glistening Waters, Falmouth
It might sound like science fiction, but Jamaica is home to a glowing lagoon that will leave you speechless. You simply can’t leave the island without witnessing this magical wonder. What makes the water light up in the dark? Tiny microorganisms that begin to glow when the water moves. This rare phenomenon occurs in only three places in the world, so add it to your must-do list in Jamaica.
A nighttime swim in the Glistening Waters is an unforgettable experience, one that will make you wonder if the stars have truly fallen from the sky onto this corner of the Earth.
YS Falls
The journey to YS Falls, framed by lush green fields, guarded by mountains, and traced by the hoofprints of horses, already hints that a natural treasure awaits at the end of the road. Seven cascading waterfalls, an impressive spring-fed pool, and a dense tropical landscape are the rewards that greet you upon arrival. Beyond taking a dip in one of the designated swimming areas, you should awaken your adventurous spirit and enjoy a canopy ride to admire the beauty of the falls from a bird’s-eye view.
Blue Mountains, Jamaica
The majestic Blue Mountains form Jamaica’s longest mountain range and are home to the island’s highest peak, rising 2,256 meters above sea level. Ferns, bamboo, eucalyptus trees, and bursts of colorful wildflowers line the trails that wind through the lush tropical forest. And for coffee lovers, this is sacred ground — some of the world’s finest beans come from these mountain plantations. Listen to the birds’ gentle song, let the mist wrap around you, surrender to the beauty of the landscape, and breathe in the pure air. You won’t need anything else.
Seven Mile Beach, Negril
Along this beach, you stroll to the rhythm of Is This Love? by Bob Marley. It’s one of the island’s most iconic spots—no wonder, since it checks every box for the perfect Caribbean postcard. At Seven Mile, the vastness of the ocean melts into the endless blue of the sky on the horizon. There’s no better place to enjoy a wide range of water activities with the family. The nearest airport is in Montego Bay, so if you’re traveling from there to Negril, get ready to keep your eyes fixed on the mesmerizing northern coastline all the way. The landscapes will take your breath away!
