Jamaica: 7 places to see - Dunn's River Falls and Negril
Explore Jamaica's top attractions along the north coast, from Ocean Rios arrival through Dunn's River Falls, Island Gully Blue Hole, and Ocho Rios, then west to Negril's Seven Mile Beach and Montego Bay. This route covers the island's premier resort destinations and natural wonders, comparing coastal experiences and accommodation options.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ocean Rios Jamaica arrival
- End
- Montego Bay
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ocean Rios Jamaica arrival — Scenic northern coastal gateway offering pristine beaches, lush rainforest landscapes, and access to adventure activities like zip-lining and river exploration.
- Dunn's River Falls — Terraced waterfall cascading to the beach; popular adventure activity requiring water shoes.
- Negril — Party destination on Jamaica's far west coast known for nightlife and water sports.
- North coast resorts vs Kingston hotels — Contrast between all-inclusive beachfront resorts on Jamaica's tourist-focused north coast and urban Kingston accommodations serving business travelers and cultural explorers.
- Ocho Rios — Adventure hub on Jamaica's north coast featuring Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain, and Blue Hole activities.
- Island Gully Blue Hole — Natural swimming hole near Ocho Rios with blue freshwater pool for adventure activities.
- Montego Bay — Major north coast resort destination offering mixed attractions for various traveler types; primary international gateway.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Bring good sunblock from home and reapply frequently; the sun is very strong with reflection off water at beaches and waterfalls.
- Tip
- Bring bug spray from home as it is significantly more expensive on the island than at home.
- Save money
- Bring water shoes or aqua socks from home for hiking waterfalls and blue holes; rental prices are high ($12 per pair) and sizes may be unavailable.
- Tip
- Pack one long-sleeve shirt for chilly evenings in the mountains and hills, even though it's warm during the day.
- Avoid
- Do not wear just bikinis or swim trunks without a shirt when going into the city; locals may provide less friendly service to tourists dressed this way.
- Timing
- Avoid visiting in July and August when it is extremely hot. Peak busy season is December through March.
- Timing
- Hurricane season runs July through November, though Jamaica does not tend to get many hurricanes.
- Transport
- Fly into Montego Bay for beach vacations; Kingston is the capital but most tourists use Montego Bay airport.
- Transport
- Choose between local buses (cheaper but cramped) or fancier buses with air conditioning, internet, and TVs (2-3x more expensive) for travel between cities.
- Transport
- Consider hiring a driver who knows the roads, culture, and best local spots; they provide much more experience than public buses.
- Transport
- Remember that Jamaica drives on the left side of the road like England, with tight, aggressive passing and honking.
- Transport
- Watch for animals like goats and cows wandering on roads while driving.
Video on this route
Jamaica: What to Know Before You Visit Jamaica