Eco-Tours and Eco-Activities

The Blue Mountain Eco-Hike

Outing length: Overnight.
Cost: $20 US per person.
Transportation: $120 US for up to 4 people.

This is a fantastic 3 am early morning hike to see the sunrise at the top of Blue Mountain.  It is a fabulous trip for all kinds of adventurers!  Eco-tourists get a great inside view of the Jamaican Blue Mountain Rainforests and all its glory.  Bird watchers will have a fantastic opportunity from inside the canopy.  Hikers will get a great workout in one of the prettiest rainforests in the world.

Since Jamaica has 28 endemic bird species and over 300 in all, bird watchers will have a great opportunity.  Jamaica also has four of the 16 Caribbean hummingbird species.

There are two trails up the side of the Blue Mountain.  Unfortunately the trail up our side of the mountain was washed out by hurricane Ivan.  So we have to transport you to the southern side of the mountains to take the climb.

This is a strenuous hike up the mountain and should only be attempted by those who are physically fit.  You will want to bring proper footwear for rough trail hiking.  You will also want some insect repellant, a light sweater and a raincoat just in case.  A small day pack is also desirable for the hike.  Bottled water and snacks can be purchased in Port Antonio before the trip.

The trip leaves Blue Heaven the day before and you should plan to get dinner when you arrive at southern side of the Blue Mountains.  We recommend getting a room for the partial night stay before the hike.  Our driver will help you find one if you wish.   Since the hike starts at 3am, you won't have time for a full nights rest.

Reach Falls

Outing length: 3-5 hours.
Cost: $5 US per person.
Transportation: $20 US for up to 4 people.
Hours: 9am - 5pm.

An Eden-like water fall and natural rock pools. Swimming is and climbing is permitted. Reach Falls has many levels of pools to explore, wade and swim. It is a fantastic adventure. The levels of explorable pools extend for quite a while and make for a fantastic exploration adventure.

Reach Falls is recognized as one of the most beautiful natural waterfalls of Jamaica. It has  a series of cascading pools that tumble over limestone tiers from one jade-colored pool to the next. The main falls pour into fresh, mountain spring pool deep enough for diving. A half-mile hike up the river through unspoiled rainforest leads to Mandingo Cave, a quarter-mile long cave with a whirlpool in the middle that’s ideal for wading.

Reach falls is where part of the movie Lord of the Flies was filmed.

Somerset Falls

Outing length: 3-5 hours.
Cost: $Unknown.
Transportation: $35 US for up to 4 people.
Hours: 9am - 5pm.

There is a pleasant gondola ride through the falls. Beautiful grounds and gardens surrounding the colonial sugar mill. Guided tours are available. No swimming.

Raft the Rio Grande

Outing length: 4-6 hours.
Cost: $55 US for up to 3 adults per raft.
Transportation: $35 US for up to 4 people.
Phone: 876-993-5778
Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm daily, except Christmas and Good Friday.

This is a relaxing slow trip of up to 3 adults per raft.  This river ride was the first in Jamaica and is still the most famous.  Errol Flynn saw the bananas coming down the mountain this way over 45 years ago and decided this would be a great trip for fun.  This was the birth of the Rio Grande rafting trip.

Wear your swimsuit if you’d like to take a dip in the river.  Keep watch for the flocks of parrots as you cruise down the river.  You should be prepared for entrepreneurs to offer you everything from Red Stripe (“One for you and one for your captain”), overpriced Pepsis, carved bamboo cups, flowers, bird feeders made from coconut husks, bamboo whistles and more.

The ride is especially recommended in late afternoon (rafts stop about 3 pm) when you’ll enjoy the sounds of frogs and crickets, sometimes incredibly loud, from the shoreline. In the late afternoon the banks come alive with the activity of the rural residents who use this waterway for everything from clothes washing to bathing or fishing. On a recent trip we watched two young boys spear fishing along one stretch, a woman doing the weekend washing on rocks around another bend, and a young boy catching fish by hand under the muddy banks. Raftsmen expect a tip at the completion of the journey; US $5-10 is appropriate.

The Rio Grande is a granddaddy of river-rafting attractions: an 8-mi-long (13-km-long) swift, green waterway from Berrydale to Rafter's Rest (it flows into the Caribbean at St. Margaret's Bay). The trip of about three hours is made on bamboo rafts pushed along by a raftsman who is likely to be a character. You can pack a picnic lunch and eat it on the raft or on the riverbank.  Wherever you lunch, a Red Stripe vendor will appear at your elbow.

You will find Miss Betty’s on the banks of the Rio Grande, a favorite lunch stop on your way rafting down the river.  When the trip is all done you can hang out Rafter's Rest at the mouth of the Rio Gande and the Ocean, and order up a cold Red Stripe.  It's a beautiful way to relax at the end of the trip.

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours

Outing length: 8-10 hours.
Cost: $93 US.
Transportation: $80 - $120 for 1 to 4 people.
Phone: 876-974-7075, fax 876-974-0635
Hours: 8am - 6pm.
E-mail: info@bmtoursja.com
Location: Main Street, Ocho Rios
Website: http://www.bmtoursja.com

The Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour is an all day, all-inclusive, downhill riding tour. It is a truly delightful bicycle trip, 95% no-pedaling, down the mountainside and a grand way to see Jamaica. The tour is ideal for singles, couples or families who wish to experience and photograph the dramatic Jamaican Blue Mountains, island culture and lush, tropical countryside - all while riding out in the fresh Jamaican air.

Excursions with Blue Mountain Tours include brunch, lunch, refreshments and all bike equipment. The tours cover 18 miles (all downhill) through the Blue Mountains and the tropical rain forest.

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours include two main tours starting from Kingston and Ocho Rios.

Athenry Gardens & Nonsuch Caves

Outing length: 3-4 hours.
Cost: $7.50 US per person, one beer or Drink included.
Transportation: $20 for 1 to 4 people.
Phone: 876-779-7144 or 876-993-3740
Hours: Daily 10am - 4pm.
Location: Southwest of Port Antonio.

Some 6 mi (9½ km) northeast of Port Antonio are the Athenry Gardens, a 3-acre botanical wonderland including the Nonsuch Caves, whose underground beauty has been made accessible by concrete walkways, railed stairways, and careful lighting.

Blue Mountain Bird Watching

Outing length: 4-8 hours.
Cost: Ask.
Transportation: Ask.
Hours: Daily 8am - 6pm.
Location: Blue Mountains.

Jamaica is the home of over 200 species of birds in Jamaica, with approximately 25 of these native to the island.

Many of the birds in Jamaica are closely linked to the various species in Central America. Though not very popular among visitors to the island's bird watching is becoming more popular these days.

The best time for bird watching in Jamaica is early morning or late afternoon though there are quite a few known birding spots in Jamaica experts say that time and patience is the key to enjoy the beautiful and relaxation of this exercise. Below is a list of places where birders can observe what Jamaica has to offer.

Pictured is the Doctor Bird (Swallow-tail Hummingbird), click for more information...

Other Touring and Activities

Winnifred Beach & Blue Lagoon Boat Tour

Outing length: 2-6 hours.
Cost: $10 US for adults, $5 US for children.
Transportation: $10 US for 1 to 4 people.
Hours: 10am - 4pm.
Location: Pick Up at Winnifred Beach & Blue Lagoon.

Bring snorkel, mask and fins for this tour.  If you start early, you can get dropped of at Monkey Island for snorkeling and picked up later.  The tour travels through many natural Jamaican sights like inland river passages, Monkey Island (no monkeys there, just a name), Winnifred Beach, the world famous Blue Lagoon and more.  This is a fabulous way to spend afternoon.

Port Antonio Market

Outing length: 2-4 hours.
Cost: $NONE
Transportation: $10 US for 1 to 4 people.
Hours: 9am - 5pm.
Location: Down Town Port Antonio.

The market features produce, from cassava to papaya, and crafts, from wood sculpture to carved cow horn. The Port Antonio market is filled with unique finds, daily needs, vendors surly about being photographed without being paid and many local willing to carry you bags for a few dollar tip. It's a fantastic way to spend a casual morning.

Bike Rentals

Outing length: 2-8 hours.
Cost: $10 - $20 US.
Transportation: $10 for 1 to 4 people.
Phone: D & L Rentals, 876-993-3282, or Rainbow Rentals, 876-993-2248.
Hours: 10am - 4pm.
Location: Port Antonio

Some of the island’s most challenging bike rides are in the Blue Mountains and on the roads south of Port Antonio. If you’re up to the challenge, it's a rewarding outing

Sports

Surfing

Outing length: Anytime.
Cost: None.
Transportation: 3 Minute Walk
Location: Long Bay Beach

Long Bay Beach is well know as the best surfing in Jamaica.  The northeaster shore of Jamaica is notorious for higher winds which make for higher surf.

Snorkeling

Outing length: 3-6 hours.
Cost: None.
Transportation: $10-$20 US for 1 to 4 people.
Location: Port Antonio - Long Bay Area

Good snorkeling is available at the following locations; Long Bay Beach; Fairy Hill Beach; San San Beach; the Blue Hole; Dragon Bay.

Scuba Diving

Outing length: 3-6 hours.
Cost: Starts at $78 US.
Transportation: $10 US for 1 to 4 people.
Phone: 876-993-8988 or 876-993-8516
Hours: 8am - 4pm.
E-mail: Ladygdiver@cwjamaica.com
Location: Lady G’diver Dive Shop, Port Antonio
Lady G’diver Website:
http://www.ladygdiver.net

The waters off Port Antonio are quieter than those of Ocho Rios or Montego Bay. Wall diving is especially popular here.  The dive shop is full featured and includes day and night dives, multi-dives, dive training and dive certifications.  Equipment rental is available.

Dive sites near Port Antonio:

Alligator Head.  This 50-160-foot site is for intermediate and advanced divers and is known for its sea fans, sponges and tubes.

Alligator West.  A good choice for beginners, this area has calmer waters. Look for coral formations and plenty of colorful fish.

Bluehole.  Another beginner’s dive. Located near the Blue Lagoon. Watch for rays in these beautiful waters.

Fairy Hill.  This 50-120-foot dive features a pinnacle covered with corals.

Trident Wall.  Best for intermediate and advanced divers, this wall dive showcases black coral, sponges and more.

Deep Sea Fishing

Outing length: 4-8 hours.
Cost: $275 US half day, $550 US full day.
Transportation: $10 US for 1 to 4 people.
Phone: The Bonita II, 876-993-3086
Hours: 8am - 6pm.
Location: Port Antonio Marina
Port Antonio Marina Website: http://www.themarinaatportantonio.com

Port Antonio is a favorite of deep-sea anglers. Home of the Blue Marlin Tournament in October, the quiet community attracts those in search of tuna, kingfish, wahoo and dolphin.

Golf

Outing length: 2-4 hours.
Cost: $Unknown.
Transportation: $10 US for 1 to 4 people.
Phone: 876-993-7644
Hours: 10am - 4pm.
Location: San San

Take in a round of nine holes at the San San Golf & Country Club.  Facility includes nine hole golf course with driving range. Golf carts available.

Tennis

Outing length: 2-4 hours.
Cost: $10 US per hour.
Transportation: $10 US for 1 to 4 people.
Hours: 10am - 4pm.
Location: Goblin Hill

Feel like a little exorcise on you holiday?  Goblin Hill tennis will get your heart rate pumping so you can work off some of yesterday's Red Strip & Jerk Chicken.