The parish of St. Ann offers the best of both worlds when it comes to Jamaican tourism — an immersive natural experience with a splash of modernity and comfort.
Ocho Rios is the island’s busiest tourist hub. There’s a little bit of everything here. Good food, great shopping, beaches galore, and friendly locals who have built their livelihood on the tourism industry.
Outside of the capital is less congested and the parish’s natural beauty shines through. Few points of interest are located in the rural communities of St. Ann, almost all being natural attractions. Here are a few places to visit in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica.
Dunn’s River Falls
One of the most famed attractions in the Caribbean is Dunn’s River Falls. The popular waterfall in Ocho Rios extends across more than 600 feet. The falls is naturally terraced, like a giant staircase, which makes it perfect for climbing. However, only a few make it to the top. Proper footwear is to be worn when climbing the falls and small children are advised not to attempt to climb without assistance from an adult.
Blue Hole
Blue Hole is one of the hidden gems in St Ann. nestled in the mountains above Ocho Rios, Blue Hole might be off the beaten path but is well worth an excursion. A deep cavern, featuring swimming pools and waterfalls, that gets its name from the beautiful deep cerulean hue of the water. If you ever need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Blue Hole is your oasis in paradise.
Mystic Mountain
The Rainforest Mystic Mountain is one of the premier adventure parks in Jamaica. The massive park offers guests a range of adventures, the most popular is its bobsledding “rollecoaster”. The canopy ride “Sky Explorer” promises to sweep you off your feet as it suspends you 700 ft above the ground. The views are stellar; the canopy is the best seat to appreciate the lush flora and snap a quick picture, just be careful not to drop your phone. That’s a one way trip. After relaxing trip on the canopy, the zipline is the perfect adrenaline filled chaser to wrap up your visit.
Mystic Mountain opens at 8:30 AM Jamaican time and is closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Prices start at 159 USD per person, but discounts are frequently available.
Konoko Falls
Believed to be a former Taino settlement, Konoko Falls is one of the island’s well-kept secrets. The property is located in the emerald hills of St. Ann, overlooking Ocho Rios. Guests can spend their day relaxing at the 600-feet, cascading waterfalls, the relaxing gardens, and get a history lesson on the Taino Indians at the museum which houses rare artifacts, maps, and pictures. There is also a gift shop and a mini zoo on the grounds.
Dolphin Cove
Dolphin Cove Jamaica is the number one marine attraction on the island. Visitors to Dolphin Cove get the chance to interact and swim with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays in their natural environment. The dolphins are trained to showcase tricks and stunts and have a reputation for being charming and friendly towards guests. Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios also features a Jungle Trail Walk, where you can interact with other creatures, including snakes, iguanas, and exotic birds.
Fire Water Pond
The remote Windsor Mineral Spring in St. Ann’s Bay is unlike any other attraction in Jamaica. The main attraction, a small area, called Fire Water Pond, where the water can actually catch on fire. It’s a breathtaking experience. Guests are submerged in the mineral bath while an expert lights the surface of the pond on fire.
Residents swear by the healing properties of the pond. Staff on hand offer ‘fire massages’ to relax the nerves and muscles, and some residents even use the site as a cooking spot.
Yaaman Adventure Park
Most plantation houses turned tourist attractions promise a trip to the past. Exploring the dark history of colonialism and the human cost. Yaaman adventure park instead is a reclaimed infamous slave plot, the Prospect Plantation, turned into a family friendly experience.
Take the Cooking tour for a trip through Jamaica’s culinary history. Guests ride on the old-timey Jitney Bus, are treated to a lunch buffet featuring Jamaican classics like Jerk Chicken and braised oxtail. Animal lovers can visit the aviary, swim with the dolphins, and go horseback riding.
For the adrenaline junkies, the Adventure Park features Buggy and ATV experiences for riders of all levels. The track is muddy, the park recommends you travel with a change of clothes.
Packages featuring combinations of these activities are available, often at a discount.
Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves is one of the most historic landmarks in St. Ann. These caves once served as a hiding place for everyone from fearsome pirates to runaway slaves to the Spanish governor (he was on the run from the British at the time). It’s a good destination if you want to see one of Jamaica’s caves without going too far off the beaten path. You’ll feel like a spelunker since you must wear a hard hat throughout the tour.
Bob Marley Centre and Mausoleum
The reggae legend was born and is buried at Nine Miles, in the parish of St. Ann, and today his former home is a shrine to his music and values. Tucked behind a tall fence, the site is marked with red, green, and gold flags. Tours are led by Rastafarians, who take visitors through the house and point out the single bed that Marley wrote about in “Is This Love.” Visitors also step inside the mausoleum where the singer is interred with his guitar, and there is a restaurant and a gift shop.
