Fun things to do in Jamaica

Green Castle Estate has some of the best things to do in Jamaica on our private 1600 acre private estate. One of Jamaica’s hidden gems, there are over 1,600 acres of grounds, trails, forest and coastline to explore.

Steeped in history and culture, the tour takes in Jamaica’s heritage from the days of the Spanish occupation right through to getting its independence.  Some of the amazing sights you’ll see include our 300-year old Windmill Tower or the beautiful Green Castle Blue Hole.

Wildlife thrives throughout Green Castle – we have over 120 species of birds that have been sighted.

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.

Across its twenty miles of walking trails throughout its 1,600-acre grounds, Green Castle is lucky to be situated within 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. 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.

There are multiple marked farm roads and trails for hiking with many beautiful sights and vantage points, including Mingo Falls. Depending on your interest and fitness levels, we can advise on the best routes to take to enjoy this beautiful environment.  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 Jamaica estate by prior arrangement.

There are plenty of opportunities in the Robins Bay area for families or individuals to enjoy local activities. Soccer 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 300 year old coral-stone Windmill Tower which was used during the time when the estate was a thriving sugar plantation.

Another favourite with our visitors is visiting Blue Hole to view the vast array of animals and marine life on display.

Billed as the Caribbean’s no. 1 attraction, Dolphin Cove, is situated in Ochos Rios, just a short drive away (58km) from Green Castle on the North coast of Jamaica. There are many activities for the whole family to enjoy, but the most popular activity is swimming with dolphins.

At Dolphin Cove, other fun things to do include swimming with sharks, stingrays, you can pet camels and also interact with exotic birds, snakes and iguanas on their Jungle Trail walk.

You can make your stay at Green Castle even more unforgettable with a visit to Mystic Mountain Rainforest Park. Located in Ochos Rios, just a short drive from Green Castle (58km). 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 Ochos Rios on the North coast of Jamaica.

Wata Land consists of a three-acre beach lake with a 5,000 square foot floating inflatable acqua 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.

One of the most popular things to do on Jamaica involves visiting the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Mountains. They are the longest range of mountains in Jamaica and from the summit, you can see both the north and south coasts of the island.

Blue Mountain Peak is the island’s highest point at 2256m.

Visiting the Blue Mountains is often combined with visiting one of the coffee plantations within them. The towns of Hagley Gap and Mavis Bank are renowned for growing coffee and rely on the area’s rich soil. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown in this area and is famous worldwide.

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.

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.

Why not visit a restaurant owned by one of Jamaica’s most famous sons, world record sprint holder, Usain Bolt!?

His restaurant based in Montego Bay perfectly blends reggae culture with great reggae cuisine in a contemporary casual dining and sports bar. Definitely something to add to your itinerary when visiting Jamaica.

Boston Beach, located near the Port Antonio area of Jamaica in the north east of the island is also well known for its jerk food.

Many consider Boston the birthplace of the spice jerk seasoning which is widely associated with Jamaica. It’s also home to Boston Jerk Center which is a mall that is all focused around jerk cooking – it even comes with its own resident DJ.

Definitely worth a visit in our opinion.

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 20 minutes east of Ochos Rios.

Across its 52-acre property, there is plenty to see and do. 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 10km east of Oracabessa in Jamaica. 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, Montego Bay is a one of a kind tropical experience located within the heart of ‘MoBay’s Hip Strip’.

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.

There are many beautiful places to visit on Jamaica with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Just up the coast in Ochos Rios is the beautiful Sandals Ochi Beach Resort which 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.

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.

At Green Castle, all of our produce, fruit, meat and fish is sourced locally.

We visit our local market weekly and is a fun way to learn more about Jamaican culture. If you are ready to immerse yourself in the shops, restaurants and attractions available to resorts and cruise ship guests, Ochos Rios is an hour away. You can find a variety of shops, including duty-free shops and a large craft market.

Some of our guests like to combine a day trip to Ocho Rios with visiting attractions such as Mystic Mountain.

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

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 Jacks Bay.

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

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 (5-hour return trek on foot or 2 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.

Jamaica is famous for its cuisine.

With its abundance of beautiful seasonal fruits, its famous spice jerk seasoning and fresh fish from the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, Jamaica has many mouth-watering exotic treats to offer. There are many opportunities locally to either learn or see how Jamaican food is cooked.

Ask at the Estate House during your stay.

Birders from all over the world come to Jamaica, attracted by the abundance of birdlife to be found on the island.

Many of them stay at Green Castle as it’s perfectly placed for them to see the many species of birds on offer. Over 171 species have been recorded to date, with 27 of the 28 endemics seen within the 1,600 acres of Green Castle’s trails and forests.

Find out more about the many options on offer for bird watching at Green Castle, including our all-inclusive and bespoke birding tours.

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 Robins 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.

The natural beauty, ecological and cultural diversity of Jamaica, make it an obvious destination for visitors wanting a unique and authentic experience.

Jamaica has an abundance of nature and culture-based tourism experiences to offer.

Green Castle, with its amazing ecological sites, vast walking trails across its 1,600 acres and lush green forests along with a wide variety of wildlife, make it one of the most popular eco-tourist spots in the Caribbean.