Round trip Jamaica

An island full of reggae, rugged nature and warm hospitality: Jamaica is alive on every street corner. On this unique self-drive trip, you'll discover the island's versatility at your own pace. From the white beaches of Negril to the green peaks of the Blue Mountains, and from historic Montego Bay to the laid-back atmosphere of Treasure Beach. Along the way, you'll sleep in characterful hotels, taste local flavors and immerse yourself in true Jamaican culture.

Important information:

This trip is a self-drive where you drive on the left; those who prefer not to drive themselves can opt for a private guide and driver.

Day 1: Arrival in Montego Bay

After arriving in Montego Bay, a transfer will take you to your first accommodation on the coast. Here your journey will start quietly: with views of the Caribbean Sea and time to get used to the pace of the island. Take a stroll through the tropical gardens, dip your feet in the warm sand or enjoy your first Jamaican meal under the palm trees.

Day 2: Tryall Water Wheel and Luminous Lagoon

After breakfast, your rental car will be delivered. Today you will explore the area at your own pace. Drive to the Tryall Water Wheel, an old sugar mill hidden among the fields, and walk past the remains of the plantation. Later in the day, drive toward the Luminous Lagoon, a lagoon that lights up at sunset due to microorganisms in the water. Hop in a boat and watch as the water begins to sparkle around your hands and feet in a soft blue glow.

Day 3: Montego Bay

Today immerse yourself in the life of Montego Bay. Start the day at Doctors Cave Beach, where the soft sand and crystal-clear waters invite a refreshing swim. Then stroll along the Hip Strip, where colorful stores and bars adorn the streets. Downtown, visit Sam Sharpe Square, a square that tells the story of the Jamaican struggle for freedom. Just outside of town is Greenwood Great House, a plantation house that is still fully furnished as it was two hundred years ago. On a tour you will discover original furniture, antique musical instruments and an impressive library.

Day 4: From Montego Bay to Ocho Rios

After breakfast, drive east along the north coast. Along the way, make a brief stop in Whitter Village to stock up on provisions. Just outside Falmouth, you'll board a bamboo raft for a trip down the Martha Brae River. As you slowly glide across the calm water, all you'll hear is the rustling of the bamboo and the gentle lapping of the river. Then continue along the coast and stop at Discovery Bay, where Columbus set foot in 1494. Your final destination today is Ocho Rios, where you will arrive peacefully at your next accommodation, surrounded by gardens and sea views.

Day 5: Ocho Rios

After breakfast, drive to Dunn's River Falls, where clear water flows over smooth rocks to the beach. Climb up the terraces with a guide or simply enjoy the view from the surrounding gardens. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ocho Rios at your own pace: stroll along the coast, dive into a local market or sample freshly caught fish at one of the small restaurants.

Day 6: On the trail of Bob Marley

Today you head inland towards Nine Mile, the birthplace of Bob Marley. On a tour of his birthplace and mausoleum, you will learn more about his childhood, his music and his spiritual inspiration. Local guides, often distant relatives, share anecdotes you won't hear anywhere else. After this cultural dive, drive back to Ocho Rios, where you can enjoy a quiet evening by the sea.

Day 7: Along the coast to the Blue Mountains

You leave the north coast and drive toward Annotto Bay, passing the vast banana and pineapple plantations of the Jamaica Producers Group along the way. Make a brief stop at the Castleton Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, where exotic trees and flowers grow lushly along a river. Then slowly climb into the Blue Mountains, along winding roads and misty mountain sides, until you arrive at your lodging high in the mountains.

Day 8: Craighton Estate and Holywell Park

After breakfast, visit the Craighton Estate, a historic coffee plantation in the middle of the mountain landscape. On a guided tour, you'll learn how Jamaica's famous Blue Mountain Coffee is grown, processed and exported. Then drive on to Holywell Park, a nature reserve with hiking trails among cloud forests and views down to the coast. Stroll past tree ferns, listen to exotic birds and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Day 9: Continue to Treasure Beach.

You'll descend to Kingston and drive past the vibrant Emancipation Park and National Heroes Park. Take time to visit the Bob Marley Museum, the reggae star's former home, where personal artifacts and original recording studios are still on display. Then head west, through the town of Mandeville and the fertile plains of St. Elizabeth, to the south coast. By late afternoon you arrive in Treasure Beach, one of Jamaica's most relaxed and authentic spots.

Day 10: Bamboo Avenue - Appleton Estate - YS Falls

Today you'll explore early. Your first stop is Bamboo Avenue, where giant bamboo trees form a green tunnel above the road. Then you will visit the Appleton Estate, one of the oldest rum distilleries on the island, where you will follow the entire production process and finish with a tasting. In the afternoon refresh yourself in the natural pools of YS Falls and take a boat safari on the Black River, where crocodiles and exotic birds hide among the mangroves. By evening you will arrive in Negril, on the west coast.

Day 11: Relax in Negril

Today is all about relaxing. Stroll along Negril's long white sandy beach, take a dip in the azure sea or enjoy a cocktail overlooking the water. Towards evening, a visit to Rick's Café is highly recommended: here the daring jump off the rocks into the sea, while others enjoy the spectacular sunset with live music playing in the background.

Day 12: Return to Montego Bay

After breakfast, you'll drive along the coast back to Montego Bay. You will return your rental car at the airport and say goodbye to Jamaica - with the smell of coffee, rum and salt water still fresh in your mind.