Top 5 Hidden Gems in Jamaica: The Jamaica Series #4

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Let’s face it, Jamaica is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the World, especially in the Caribbean. According to JIS a record 4.3 Billion tourists visited Jamaica in 2017. If you are reading this, you may be one of those people, and if you are, i’m sure you have visited Dunn’s River Falls or even Rick’s Cafe, and i’m sure you had an amazing time at these popular tourist attractions (no, i’m not psychic… or am I?) But have you ever taken the time to explore all that the island has to offer? Have you ever stepped even just one foot off of the beaten path? No? Well maybe after reading this you will change your mind.

Ready to plan your trip to Jamaica? Check out these JAMAICA TRAVEL GUIDES – everything you need to know, fun facts and hundreds of recommendations of places to stay, things to do, and food to eat! 

1- Blue Hole Waterfall

The cool thing about Blue Hole is that it is not commercialized. This beautiful waterfall is getting more and more popular but you are still able to get a nice serene experience. One time I went at 8 am and had the entire place to myself (yes, there were lifeguards there). But let me rewind for a second, the first time I visited Blue Hole I was scared out of my mind. I’m def not the best swimmer and once I heard that the water is 45 feet deep I almost fainted…with my life jacket on and all! Everyone kept telling me I wasn’t going to drown because I had a life jacket on and i’m thinking, who are these people? they don’t know my life! and right now i’m scurred! Finally, my fiance pushed me in, after screaming obscenities at him I got over the initial shock, I even jumped off of the waterfall, I was so mad I wasted so much time and did not get in sooner. Blue Hole is beautiful and it is located in the hills of Ocho Rios up above the busy city. You walk through what looks like a rain forest to get to the start of the falls, and Red Stripe and fresh coconuts are offered to you along your hike.  You have the option to swim around, dive from the falls, and even take a mud bath in a natural cave. Natural mud bath>>>expensive man made skin care products, it was so refreshing!! Tours with certified lifeguards are available. Check out more information here.

2- Floyd’s Pelican Bar

I couldn’t believe out of all the years I have been traveling to Jamaica that I have never even so much as heard of Pelican Bar. Pelican Bar is a very unique bar that sits out in the Ocean. It was created by a man named Floyd in 2001. It is located on Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth. Driving from Montego Bay you can be prepared for a long scenic drive. Once you get to Treasure Beach, you are in for some real adventure. You have to board a small motorboat to take you for about a mile ride out to the bar. Hold onto your hats, wigs, and edges because huntyyy! It is a bumpy ride! Once you catch your breath you can enjoy a beer at the bar, or fresh seafood made to order. You can also take a swim in the ocean while you wait for your food, the water in the area is about waist deep and crystal clear! Watch out for the crabs! They like to hang around the bar and one of them thought is was funny to climb on my leg… the nerve! Don’t leave without carving your name in the wood! Check out this site to book a tour.

3- Natural Mystic Bar aka Susan’s Bar

Hospitality! Hospitality! Hospitality!
Have you ever been somewhere and felt so welcomed that it almost felt like home? Well that is the feeling you will get every time you go to Susan’s bar nestled on the Cliffs on West End Road next to German Bar in Negril. Susan, welcomes you with open arms and makes sure you are well taken care of. She plays music, tell stories, and makes jokes that will have you falling off your bar-stool in laughter. She is so kind and tends to build a personal relationship with most of her patrons. You can immediately tell that she is very well liked because people address her by name and come from near and far to visit her at the bar. Next time you are taking an excursion from Montego Bay to Negril make sure you make a pit stop at Susan’s bar, you won’t be disappointed! Make sure you tell her Jasmine said hi and her “cake and curry is coming soon” She will know what you mean 🙂
Click here to find Susan’s Bar on Facebook

4- One Love Bus Bar Crawl

Who doesn’t love a good bar crawl? You are in Jamaica, the home of Red Stripe and Appleton Rum. Sure, sipping a cold one on the beach at your resort may be relaxing and fulfilling but how about sipping a cold one while hopping from bar to bar along the west coast of the island? The colorful remodeled bus is definitely one of a kind, it picks you up from your Negril hotel around 2:30 pm and drops you off just after sunset. You visit about 7 AUTHENTIC bars. You have enough time to order a quick bite to eat if you please, take in the sights, take a dip in the ocean, listen to live music, and even catch the sun setting at the last stop. Not sold yet? Ok then let me say this…it’s FREE! Just tip your driver! Lenbert the driver and tour guide is great! So you will definitely want to tip him. The tour runs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays but if you have a big enough group Lenbert might make an exception and take you on an off day. You can book by contacting him directly. Email bananaznegril@hotmail.com or 1-876-874-6631

5- The Caves Hotel

Last but not least, one of my favorite spots on the whole island to watch the sunset, one of my best kept secrets…until now. The Caves Hotel is the real definition of a hidden gem. One day my fiance and I were driving along the road looking for a place to have a drink. We grew tired of the crowd at Rick’s Cafe (amazing tourist attraction and great place to visit, but this day it was crowwwwded). We stumbled upon a grey brick wall with a blue door and decided to take a peek inside. There was a fairly large  bar outside surrounded by a sandy seating area that overlooked the beautiful ocean. I was immediately in love with the setting, it was just so peaceful. We walked down the steps to get closer to the ocean, my fiance even took a dip! Some brave souls were diving from the cliffs above us. We enjoyed a few cocktails, had some jerk chicken and watched the sunset while we listened to reggae music playing in the background. We realized that we got an experience similar to what Rick’s Cafe offers… minus the crowd.
After talking to the bartender we found out that what we stumbled upon was part of a hotel property, but people not staying at the hotel were allowed on the premises to enjoy the bar and scenery. This has now become our go-to spot, I even took my family back on another trip and they fell in love! Such a nice peaceful way to watch the sunset….which may be your best bargain because the cost for 1 night to stay at the caves hotel can cost you up to a whopping $570.00! Sooo 1 sunset and Margarita for me please..that is all! 🙂
Click here and check it out for yourself.

Have you ever been to any of these places? I’m sure there are plenty of other hidden gems in Jamaica that I did not mention, tell me below : )

Check out my JAMAICA TRAVEL GUIDES which I have created after taking 30+ trips to Jamaica! They include great hotel accommodations, food recommendations, excursions, drivers, and much, much more!!