Fun things to do in Jamaica

There are a wide range of guided tours on offer in Jamaica and the Green Castle area.

Green Castle offers a wide range of activities to meet all interests. We have local guides who can take you to the famous Kwame Waterfall. We also run our own nature, historical and birding tours at Green Castle, as well as hosting companies that bring their own groups.

Whatever type of tour or activity you want to do, the team at Green Castle Eco Center are there to make your stay as memorable as possible and will work with you to help you plan your perfect holiday.

Jack’s Bay is Green Castle’s very own eco-beach and bay area for your enjoyment.

Just a mile away from the Estate House, Jack’s Bay offers a beautiful scenic coastal walk as well as the opportunity to swim or snorkel in its crystal-clear waters.

Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, there are cliffs and coves to explore including the Blue Hole and the old British barracks close by.

Across its twenty miles of walking trails throughout its 1,600-acre grounds, Green Castle is fortunate to be situated within such a beautiful, bird-rich, unspoilt landscape.

With over 171 species of birds recorded and 27 of the 28 Jamaican endemics, it really is a paradise for those interested in birds and wildlife. Green Castle offers something for everybody in relation to birds. You can try one of our specialist birding tours which we run during peak season, or try one of our bespoke tours which we run throughout the year.

We also welcome birding companies who bring their own groups on vacation to Green Castle for bird watching.

Green Castle boasts over twenty miles of its own trails across 1,600 acres of beautiful terrain. Depending on your interest and fitness levels, we can advise on the many routes to take to enjoy this beautiful environment.

There are multiple marked farm roads and trails for hiking with many beautiful sights and vantage points, including Mingo Falls, where you can bathe in its crystal clear waters.  The walk is fairly easy as you descend deeper into the rainforest passing huge bamboo areas and crossing the old British bridge built in the 1700’s.  You will see lots of Jamaican wildlife, including the North American Mongoose. We are also able to recommend guides, or transport if you wish to visit some of the other amazing hiking trails in Jamaica.

There are also opportunities for individuals or groups wishing to camp at Green Castle by prior arrangement.

There are plenty of opportunities in the Robin’s Bay area for families or individuals to enjoy local activities, eating at the fish restaurant or having a Red Stripe beer at a local bar whilst overlooking the Caribbean Sea. If you are lucky you will see the local Jamaicans playing dominoes where as the excitement gathers the pieces are slammed down hard on the table.  Football and Cricket are two of the most popular sports in Jamaica. You can find out about these and plenty of other activities and sports at our reception at the estate house.

Of the many exciting things to do in the beautiful Jamaican eco-resort of Green Castle, highlights would definitely have to include visiting its 500 year old coral-stone Windmill Tower which was built by the Spanish and used during the time when the estate was a thriving sugar plantation.  The existing timbers have been carbon dated to a time before Columbus found the New World and particularly Jamaica in 1494.

Another favourite with our visitors is visiting the Blue Hole to view the marine life where the water is refreshed by the tide entering a tunnel.

Jamaica’s crystal-clear waters are world-famous for its snorkelling.

It has many beautiful coral reefs to explore, along with an abundance of marine life with a wide variety of fish. Green Castle has several miles of beautiful coastline providing scenic spots to snorkel such as its very own Jack’s Bay.

Away from Green Castle, there are many other excellent spots along the coast for snorkelling.

If you like secluded, beautiful hidden waterfalls, then Kwame Falls (aka Kwaamen Falls) has to be on your holiday itinerary!

Hidden away in lush Jamaican forest, Kwame Falls is a popular hike for guests staying at Green Castle. There are various routes to get there (five-hour return trek on foot or two hours by boat), however one of the most popular is to go through Robin’s Bay and take in picturesque sights such as the rocky black sand beach.

You can make your stay at Green Castle even more unforgettable with a visit to Mystic Mountain Rainforest Park. Located in Ocho Rios, just a 55 minute drive from Green Castle, guests can perhaps combine their trip with a visit to Dolphin Cove or Dunn’s River Falls. One of Jamaica’s top visitor attractions, there is plenty to see and do to fill your day with adventure.

Take a ride in the Rainforest SkyExplorer, a state-of-the-art chairlift taking you to the top of Mystic Mountain, or bobsled through the Mystic Mountain rainforest or for those adrenaline-junkies, try Mystic Mountain’s zip lining experience taking you through its beautiful rainforest canopy.

Located next to Mystic Mountain, is one of Jamaica’s most famous waterfalls, Dunn’s River Falls. This could be combined into your day trip.

One of Jamaica’s best kept secrets, Wata Land is an eco-water park in the White River Valley area of St Ann and St Mary close to Ocho Rios on the North coast of Jamaica.

Wata Land consists of a three-acre beach lake with a 5,000 square foot floating inflatable aqua park. It has slides, tracks and offers multi-lane racing. The park offers a variety of inflatable sailing opportunities along with kayaking.

Suitable for all of the family, there is fun for all.

For those James Bond fans amongst you, Jamaica is forever linked with author Ian Fleming and his estate, Goldeneye in Oracabessa Bay, northern Jamaica. It’s located about 25 minutes West of Green Castle Hotel.

Across its 52-acre property, there is plenty to see and do. It is a celebrity hangout, so you don’t know who you may see on your trip there.  Entry is by special invitation which Green Castle can arrange for you.  There are secret coves, beaches, tropical forests and a lagoon as well as its spectacular views. This makes a perfect day trip from Green Castle.

The Firefly Estate is located 20 minutes West of Green Castle in Jamaica. This trip can be combined on the same day if required with a visit to Goldeneye.  It’s the former home of playwright, Sir Noel Coward and also where he is buried. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust now operate it as a National Heritage Site for visitors and is an important part of the tourism trail in Jamaica.

It is worth the visit just for the spectacular views.

Margaritaville, Ocho Rios is a one of a kind tropical experience located within the heart of ‘Ocho Rios Hip Strip’ on a beautiful white sandy beach.

There is plenty to do for old and young alike. There’s a giant waterslide and giant water trampolines all in a fun, friendly and exciting environment. In addition to visiting during the day, there’s plenty to do at night.

It is regularly voted as one of the top entertainment nightspots in Jamaica.

Just up the coast in Boscobel is Sandals Beaches family resort.  Day passes can be purchased for the family to enjoy a full day.  Beaches is located just 30 minutes North West of Green Castle Estate.  It is definitely worth a day trip from Greencastle Hotel and we can arrange transport if required. There are many beautiful places to visit on Jamaica with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Just up the coast in Ocho Rios is Sandals Beaches resort.  Sandals is located just 30 minutes North West of Green Castle Estate.  Sandals Beach resort has 11 bars and 16 restaurants to choose from which when combined with the stunning sea views and beautiful white sandy beach, makes it definitely worth a day trip from Green Castle and we can arrange transport if required. There are many beautiful places to visit on Jamaica with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Located in Port Antonio on the north east end of Jamaica, is one of the most beautiful areas on the island. Frenchman’s Cove consists of many acres of beautiful tropical forest and a world-renowned beach.

It offers a family-friendly setting with a wide range of amenities for visitors.

One of the highlights of a visit to Jamaica for many, is the opportunity to raft on the Rio Grande river.

Bamboo rafts, originally designed for transporting bananas along the river, gently carry you through tropical rainforest and lush vegetation. If you’re lucky you’ll still see working farmers using them to transport their produce.

A popular stop along the way is Belinda’s restaurant which offers traditional Jamaican cuisine.

Jamaica of course is famous for its reggae music and for being the home of arguably its most famous son – Bob Marley. The museum is well worth a trip when visiting Green Castle.

Located in Kingston, the museum is Bob Marley’s former home and studio and is dedicated to the memory of the reggae legend. He lived and recorded there from 1975 until his death in 1981 and is filled with mementos, stories and memories all related to the great man. This is a 1 hour journey with transport and can be combined with a visit to Usain Bolt’s restaurant.

For guests staying at Green Castle, part of the experience is the opportunity to sample local culture.

Green Castle is proud that to source all food and items produced in Jamaica, with many items being made in the local Parish of St Mary. Local products can be bought in Robin’s Bay and there are local markets encompassing historical and cultural experiences in nearby Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Kingston, all within an hour of Green Castle.