Favorite Places to Visit in Jamaica: Off the Beaten Path

Having lived and served as Peace Corps Volunteers for over two years in Jamaica, we’ve had the opportunity to explore a fair amount of the island.

Our experiences ranged from weekend trips on our limited PC budget to the more indulgent vacation days shared with our visiting family and friends. With a strong Volunteer network across the island who also frequently host visitors, we can safely say that there are relatively few “hot spots” we aren’t aware of.

After polling the current cohort of PCVs and reflecting on our own experience, we put together the following list of recommendations for visitors to Jamaica.

Places to Visit Off The Beaten Path in Jamaica

This list of places to visit in Jamaica are “off the beaten path”. That is, they may not be first on the list for cruise ship tour packages (with the exception of the first one). But they’re all diamonds in the rough.

Last updated: 2023. Originally published: May 2014.

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Blue Hole

Many travel brochures will site Dunns River Falls as the #1 Must-See in Jamaica. While Dunns is extraordinary, it can also be over-crowded.

This lesser-known series of falls and pools is perhaps more majestic. Blue Hole is also located near Ocho Rios, but on the White River, which creates the border between St. Ann and St. Mary’s parishes.

Peace Corps Volunteers knew this place before it was developed. Though it lost some of its appeal as it slowly sold out to “tourist prices,” it is still not to be missed.

There is an upper and a lower hole, which are managed separately by local guys- the upper one being more developed, fenced in, and charging a flat fee. At either hole, you’ll most likely find Jamaican guides who will help you with the rope swing, show you where to jump from the rocks, or take you exploring up the river- for tip money.

Little Ochi Restaurant

(Photo credit: Ben & Connie Schaeffer)

Because Little Ochi Seafood restaurant is usually out of the way and on small, dirt roads, I can only recommend it if you’re already in the area (on the south coast between Santa Cruz and Mandeville).

If you do, however, get the chance to go, you’ll experience a one of a kind seafood restaurant with a funky setting.

Order your shellfish or freshly caught fish by the pound and choose from a myriad of styles that you want it cooked. Then, eat in colorful fishing boats raised off the ground and covered with a thatched roof.

Galina Breeze Hotel

This turned out to be just the place for us: beautiful, clean, affordable, and volunteer-friendly. This colorful, boutique hotel caters to many volunteer/mission groups which come down with their partner organization, ACE (American-Caribbean Experience).

While not particularly close to major attractions, it’s an easy drive to all that’s going on in Ocho Rios (including Blue Hole, listed above), and day trips can be made to Portland parish, Kingston, or the Blue Mountains.

Great Huts

(Photo credit Adri B)

If you’re visiting the north-eastern parish of Portland and you enjoy whimsical, rustic, and eco-friendly lodging, check out this one-of-a-kind accommodation in Boston Bay.

As our fellow Peace Corps Volunteer, Adri, put it:

“If you need air conditioning and solid walls and floors, Great Huts is not for you, but if you want to feel like you’re living in a secluded jungle tree house with wireless internet, this place is awesome.”

While you’re there, make sure to check out the renowned Boston Bay Jerk Centre and if you’re relatively fit and agile, arrange a guided water-hike of Reach Falls.

Jake’s Triathlon and Treasure Beach

Over the past 20 years, the world renowned Jake’s Triathlon off-road event has gained an intimate following by locals and international visitors alike.

The host community of Treasure Beach is a great alternative to the high-tourism areas with its friendly vibe and rugged beaches.

Every April, families, athletes, travelers, and Peace Corps Volunteers participate in the triathlon as individuals, relay teams, or race volunteers. It’s a one-of-a-kind race/travel experience.

Stay at the funky, boutique hotel, Jake’s, or take your pick of numerous guest house rentals lining the various bays. 

See our review of Treasure Beach and the Triathlon here.

Waves Beach, Portmore

In Kingston you can easily head out to Portmore and check out Waves Beach.

This part of the island is more commonly known by visitors for Hellshire beach. However, just five minutes away there are other private beaches.

The great thing about Waves beach is that unlike other beaches in Jamaica, you won’t get any hassle from beach vendors.

So, when looking for the best beaches in Jamaica this side of Kingston, be sure to check out Waves Beach. Entry to Waves costs just $200 Jamaican dollars and has much more sand and space to enjoy than the more famous Hellshire beach.

(Hat tip to Daniel James of Layer Culture for this Jamaica off the beaten path destination)

Keith’s Bamboo Crew, Ocho Rios

Keith’s Bamboo Crew is owned an operated by a local gentleman that used to offer his rafting services nearby a resort in Ocho Rios. He has broadened his business to include those not affiliated with the resort.

Although many people aren’t aware of this amazing excursion, Keith has a Facebook page and web page where you can get more information and reach out to Keith for a visit.

“Our plan was to go bamboo rafting with Keith’s bamboo crew and then have a fire cooked lunch on the shore of the White River with Keith himself. We arrived right on time and our wonderful rafters were waiting for us. Because we’re a family of five, we couldn’t all fit on the same raft so Keith had sent two rafts for us. In no time, we were off rafting down the White River. We eventually arrived at the bend in the river where Keith had set up his cookery location. Keith welcomed us with open arms as if we were old friends.

We chatted with Keith for awhile and in no time we were served an incredible array of food. Jerk fish, lobster, and jerk chicken had all been cooked on site over an open fire along with fried plantains and festival. The food was plentiful and simply amazing!

Once our meal was finished, it was time to return to our meeting point on our rafts. Our three kids were thrilled to have a chance to captain the rafts themselves!” – Joanne of Sunsets and Rollercoaster

Tips for Visiting Jamaica Off the Beaten Path

Here are some tips to make the most of your off-the-beaten-path adventures in Jamaica.

Understand Local Transportation

While renting a car provides flexibility, using local transportation like route taxis and mini busses can be an adventure in itself. Read our advice on how to get around in Jamaica here.

Pubic transit is budget-friendly and gives a glimpse into everyday Jamaican life, but it’s important to know where you’re going. Be sure to ask locals for advice on the safest, most reliable routes and current route prices. 

Explore Natural Wonders

Skip the crowded beaches and head to less-visited natural sites. The Blue Mountains, Cockpit Country, and the Rio Grande Valley offer stunning landscapes and opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and river rafting.

Always hire local guides for these excursions—they provide valuable insights and ensure safety.

Support Local Businesses

Frequent local restaurants, craft shops, and markets. Stay at small, local-owned accommodations rather than international resorts, where most of the tourism dollars don’t stay in-country.

Visiting community local markets and attending small-town events is something most tourists don’t even attempt. Unless you have local Jamaican friends, the safest way to participate when you’re not familiar with the area is to do guided community-based tours.

Respect Cultural Norms

Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is crucial. Understanding phrases in Patois can be helpful, but it’s not always seen as respectful for foreigners to speak it when they don’t understand local dynamics.

Dress modestly when visiting communities and churches, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaica

Is it safe to visit off-the-beaten-path locations in Jamaica? You can visit safely by sticking to well-known off-path locations recommended by locals or other travelers. Avoid traveling at night, avoid unfamiliar or isolated areas, and always let someone know your whereabouts.

How do I find reliable local guides? Ask for recommendations from your accommodation or look for reviews online. Personal referrals from other travelers are easy to find in travel forums and Facebook groups.

What should I pack for exploring off-the-beaten-path areas? Read our Jamaica packing essentials list here.

There are so many more hidden treasures in Jamaica. Some are a bit hard to uncover if you don’t know your way around, but the ones listed here should be relatively painless to find.

What are you favorite off-the-beaten path discoveries in Jamaica?

You might also like:
Jamaican Culture Series + Jamaica 101 Video
Jamaican Eats: Experiencing Culture Through Food
How to Get Around in Jamaica: A Guide to Public Transit vs. Rental Cars
Packing Essentials for Jamaica

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