What to Do in Jamaica for Two Weeks
Day 1: Arrival in Montego Bay & Rose Hall Night Tour
On January 25th, 2024, I touched down at Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay and settled in for two nights.
After navigating a lengthy customs line and finally picking up my rental car, I went to my hotel.
That first evening, I joined the famous Rose Hall night tour—a theatrical walk through the storied former slave mansion, complete with jump scares and dramatic storytelling. It was an unforgettable introduction to Jamaica’s history and folklore.
Day 2: Doctor’s Cave Beach & Montego Bay Stroll
On my second day, I soaked up the sun at Doctor’s Cave Beach. I spent the afternoon lounging in crystal-clear water.
Later, I wandered the nearby shops and sampled local street food along the waterfront.
Days 3–4: Negril’s Seven Mile Beach & West End Sunset
Day 3: I drove west to Negril and strolled along its famous Seven Mile Beach—lined with bars, restaurants, and stalls hawking everything from jerk chicken to hand-woven crafts.
A glass-bottom boat tour gave me a peek at colorful reef fish just offshore.
Day 4: A short 15-minute drive took me to the rugged West End cliffs. I snorkeled near the rocky outcrops, spotting schools of tropical fish, then capped the day with a fiery Caribbean sunset at Rick’s Café.
Day 5: YS Falls & En Route to Treasure Beach
Breaking up the drive south, I stopped at YS Falls.
After a refreshing swim and a few jumps from the lower terraces, I continued on to Treasure Beach, arriving just in time for a seaside dinner.
Day 6: Exploring Treasure Beach
Treasure Beach’s shoreline is quieter and rockier than Negril’s, so I spent the morning ambling along the coves and the afternoon sampling fresh seafood at a local beachfront café.
Days 7–8: Kingston & Blue Mountain Sunrise Hike
Night of Day 7: I rolled into Kingston around 10:30 PM and met my guide for a midnight drive up into the Blue Mountains.
Day 8: We summited just before dawn—bundled in layers against the chill—and watched sunrise spill over the peaks.
The descent took about two hours, after which I returned to Kingston for a well-earned lunch of ackee and saltfish.
Days 9–10: Port Antonio & the Blue Lagoon
Day 9: A scenic drive took me to Port Antonio.
I spent the afternoon floating in the Blue Lagoon—where cool underground springs mingle with warm ocean currents—and made a small donation in lieu of an entrance fee.
Day 10: I rented a lifejacket and swam among the lagoon’s turquoise waters, then explored Port Antonio’s market stalls, picking up locally grown coffee beans and tropical fruits.
Days 11–12: Ocho Rios Adventures
Day 11: In Ocho Rios, I climbed Dunn’s River Falls—starting at the beach and scaling the terraced cascades hand-in-hand with other visitors.
Day 12: Later, I visited The Original Blue Hole, where a guide led me up to a 30-foot cliff jump. The plunge into the cool river was both thrilling and refreshing.
Day 13: Return to Montego Bay & Departure
On my final morning, I drove back to Montego Bay, dropped off the car, and boarded my flight home—reflecting on two weeks of beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and unforgettable Jamaican hospitality.
Places I Visited
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Rose Hall (Montego Bay)
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Doctor's Cave Beach (Montego Bay)
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YS Falls (Middle Quarters)
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Blue Mountain (departing from Kingston)
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Blue Lagoon (Portland)
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Dunn's River Falls and Beach (Ocho Rios)
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The Original Blue Hole (Ocho Rios)
Hotels I Stayed In
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Verney House Resort (Montego Bay)
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Travellers Beach Resort (Negril)
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Xtabi Resort (Negril)
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Beyond Sunset Resort & Villas (Treasure Beach)
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Altamont Court Hotel (Kingston)
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Moon San Villa at the Blue Lagoon (Port Antonio)
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Hibiscus Lodge Hotel (Ocho Rios)
Notes On Jamaica
Driving
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There are online forms to fill out prior to departing the airport
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People drive on the left side of the road
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Most roads have large pot holes, especially on the north, west and south parts of the island
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Driving in a smaller car is better since spaces are often tight when driving
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Drivers are often aggressive and the use of a horn is at times necessary
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If you're not black, having dark tinted windows on your rented car is helpful keep from standing out while driving
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Gasoline is typically poured for you by an attendant, only large American gas stations sell it with a credit card
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Driving around the island takes about two weeks
Money
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People are generally respectful and will not beg for money, with will instead try to sell you local products and you should strongly consider buying them
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ATMs exist in bigger tourist destinations at banks but they do not always have cash, cash is replenished in the mornings
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Pay in Jamaican dollars if you have a credit card that covers foreign transaction fees
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Cash is heavily used, both US dollars and Jamaican dollars (better rates are possible with Jamaican currency)
Culture
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People will come up to you to try to sell you various merchandise like t-shirts
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Always know where you're going ahead of time, you do not want to get lost or ask locals where to go
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Service for food is much slower than in America, it can take 45 minutes or more to get food if it isn't a hotel restaurant although breakfast is usually served faster
- Tourist areas will have people selling marijuana, this is especially common on seven mile beach
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Buying and wearing local Jamaican products, especially with the colors of green, black, yellow and red will help show respect for the local people
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Going out at night, especially alone, is not a good idea for safety reasons
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Some restaurants, like KFC, have bulletproof glass at drive throughs
Miscellaneous
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There are very few grocery stores and most are small convenience stores with some food for sale
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Internet access is readily available everywhere
- Alcohol can be expensive so buy at a duty free shop at the airport if you plan to drink (you can get good prices on high quality Jamaica rum)
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Having water shoes for rocks is helpful so you don't cut your feet
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