Top 5 fun things to do in Jamaica on a budget
We all know the saying, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ right? Of course we do. Most of us spend our lives going to work and back, day in and day out, waiting to accumulate enough money to go on a decent vacay someday, but what sometimes end up happening is life takes its toll and our plans gets tossed out the window then it’s back to square one with the same routine: Eat, Sleep, Work and Repeat.
But you don’t need to have a LOT of money to enjoy yourself and let’s face it, some of these expensive vacations we go on aren’t as bomb as a simple day out with your closest friends. I remember collaborating with one of my big clients on a group project and what they end up doing was instead of paying us with cash they offered us the chance to spend 2 days at this beautiful 5-Star Hotel in Westmoreland (I won’t say the name cause ain’t nobody trying to get suited around here).
It was nice at first because I spent most of the time in the beginning admiring the stunning architecture but after that I realized that all I had to do was eat, swim in the huge pool, and chill in my room. Alright, I had to admit they did have a dance room but when I got there I was surrounded by mostly ‘grown folks’ trying not to move too hard in case they might hurt their backs and more of the youngins weren’t even hitting the dance floor they just sat around the bar staring out of space. So basically, by the end of the second day I was thinking, ‘Maybe I should’ve accepted the cash and be on my way’. With all that said, here are the Top 5 things to do when you’re on a budget in Jamaica!
1. Take a Hike at Blue Mountains
No seriously, just grab your backpack and a bottle of water and go on a wild outdoor adventure that'll leave you breathless and exhilarated at the highest peak in Jamaica, Blue Mountains. Push your way through the dense tropical forest of the Blue Mountains for an afternoon that will feast your eyes while giving your body a bit of a work out.
2. Sing your heart out at Rick’s Cafe
Not the adventurous type? Well maybe you’ll enjoy a cocktail or two by some of the top mixologists in Jamaica at Rick’s Café in Negril and maybe when you’re drunk enough, sing your heart out to some karaoke hits, haha. You can also sit back and take in the live music shows or better yet, feel free to admire the stunning sunset. Not to mention the professional divers that usually take a dive into the cerulean clear blue waters below, they’re pretty impressive and fun to watch- some true risk takers.
3. Chill on the Beach at Pleasure Cove.
One thing we all know good and well is having a day out at the beach but I bet you’ve never experienced a beach like this! If you live in, or close to, the Ocho Rios area Pleasure Cove is the place to be honey! The water is so clear and refreshing that it’s almost therapeutic. You can lounge on the beach and food service will come to you. They offer great, delicious Jamaican cuisines like: Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork, Curry Goat etc. The beach is a bit hard to find so it’s usually desolate, it’s like having your own private beach.
4. Have a Picnic at Turtle River Park
Another great place in Ocho Rios to chill and have simple fun is at Turtle River Park. This lovely spot is not only picture perfect but also an amazing, exciting place to unwind and see nature in all its glory from the falls to the pond full of turtles, seeing the birds fluttering their wings and the fish swimming around gracefully, What better place to have a picnic with your friends or family?
5. Take some model worthy shots at Reach Falls
Do you like taking photos? Well, here’s another beautiful series of waterfalls hidden in the Montane Forest on the John Crow Mountain Range of Portland, that’s quite instagram worthy (Ask me how I know.. *wink wink*) not only that, but the falls offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation, and adventure with a romantic spot beneath the cascading waterfall that promises to create a memorable experience. Reach falls is lined with plenty areas for pleasant afternoon picnics.
Did you know the famous movie “Cocktail” featuring Tom Cruise’s was shot in this location?
To be honest though Jamaica is an experience within itself and best of all, when you find free things to do in Jamaica you can fill your days and nights and don’t have to break the bank to have a great time. These are places I’ve personally experienced and enjoyed, if you’ve been to any of these locations yourself or know of any other excursion on a budget that you think deserves to be on this list let me know below in the comments we’ll love to hear about it.