Top 6 Things to do in Jamaica for Spring Break: Beyond the All-inclusive Hotels

Today marks the official beginning of the Spring season. It’s that lovely time of year when the snow finally melts away, the weather gets warmer, the clothes start getting shorter and the vibrant colors of the blooming flowers start popping up in droves to remind us how beautiful Mother Nature truly is. The springtime also brings with it another beloved and much awaited tradition……Spring break. And today I’m giving you some top tips on the best activities to do in Jamaica for spring break.

Yes! Springtime is finally here and that much needed vacation and break from school has finally arrived. It’s time to put away those school books and head outside to capture all those instagram-worthy memories that you will be buzzing about once spring break ends.

For some of you, the spring break may have already started and you’re well on your way to all the billions of activities you’ve been dreaming about and planning since winter break ended. But, for those of you who have yet to taste freedoms’ gate and heading to the beautiful island of Jamaica that I call home for your spring vacation. Or, maybe you’re already here and are tired of the all-inclusive hotel life and looking for some great Spring break activities in Jamaica. Never fear, I’m here to give you an insider’s guide to spring break in Jamaica.

There are so many places for you to visit during spring break, depending on what you want to do. Jamaica is one of the best spring break destinations, because it has something to offer for every type of spring breaker. Whether you want to lounge on the beach, go for a hike, go on a thrilling adventure, or explore the sites, Jamaica will most definitely have something for you. Below are some of the best things to do on spring break in Jamaica .

1. Revel in the Jamaican Carnival Experience

It's hard to share a proper list of spring break activities in Jamaica and not start it off with the annually held Jamaica Carnival. With a flurry of events, the carnival experience is one that is eagerly anticipated all year long from local and international feters and soca enthusiasts. From bacchanal parties to breakfast parties. Beach fetes, band launches and soca music (and oftentimes some dancehall music too) blaring all-night long. All leading ultimately to the main event, the Jamaica Carnival Road March. Pretty much any excuse to play soca music and have a good time is utilized during this time. Carnival in Jamaica is all about having a great time, so a trip to Jamaica for carnival is a truly unique spring break experience.

For those of you who may not be from heavily Caribbean influenced destinations like New York, United Kingdom or Canada; or if you’ve never heard of the spectacular Brazil and Trinidad carnivals; then you may not be familiar with Carnival and what it’s about. So let me give you a little lesson. Much like other springtime festivals like Coachella or Mardi Gras even, carnival is a vibrant display of colour and people showcasing fabulous outfits and designs. However, unlike these festivals, the Caribbean carnival experience is supplemented by the energizing soca music and soca parties that has you jumping and bumping into the wee hours if the morning. There are spectacular and brilliant costumes paraded around and endless dancing, particularly, through the street during the annual Jamaica Carnival road march. You can’t help but get caught up in the soca atmosphere as you dance along in beautiful costumes through the streets of Kingston. Carnival in Jamaica is a truly an experience like no other.

2. Be Daring and Cliff Jump at Rick’s Cafe, Westmoreland

A local and tourist hotspot in Negril, Jamaica since April 1974, the world renowned Rick's Cafe is the adventurist's greatest delight. Cliff diving, live entertainment, scrumptious food and drinks, and all topped off with a breathtaking view are exactly what you need to make the perfect recipe for a day out on the town.

Take a leap of faith and jump from one of numerous diving sites (maybe with the help of a little liquid courage) or sit back and enjoy the array of local experts eager to display their diving skill sets. There are many diving levels to accommodate your comfort level, so don’t worry if you aren’t a daredevil or experienced diver. But, if you just so happen to be a thrill seeker; take the challenge and cliff jump from the highest cliff at Rick’s Cafe which is estimated to be approximately 35 feet high. Then as the day comes to an end, soak in the views and be captivated by the awe-inspiring sunsets.

3. Be adventurous with Chukka Caribbean Adventures

With the tagline, ‘It’s time to play’, the Chukka Caribbean adventure tours offers a series of thrilling experiences that not only showcases the beauty of Jamaica, but also offers the adrenaline junkie a bit of a thrill while they’re at it. With a handful of locations in the more tourist heavy parts of the island, the Chukka experience is a MUST for the adventure lover among us. From ziplining, cliff diving, river tubing to atv/dune buggy driving and so much more, you’re bound to have a great time on this spring break adventure. My personal favourite location is the Chukka Good Hope estate in Trelawny, but the Chukka White River Valley comes a close second.

4. Enjoy the spirits and have some rum at Appleton Estate Rum Tour, St. Elizabeth

Maybe it’s our pirate history for our once upon a time days of being the epicenter of piracy and sinfulness. Or, maybe it’s our love for strong liquor to supplement beautiful scenery. Whatever it is, Jamaica is a rum nation no doubt about it. Nestled in the picturesque Nassau Valley on Jamaica’s Southcoast , the Appleton Estate rum experience is a thrilling lesson in the development and making of one of the most beloved and celebrated rums in the world. Being the oldest distillery in Jamaica and the second oldest in the Caribbean, its rich history is only outdone by its strong taste and rich flavour.

5. Cool off and Relax at Reggae Falls, St. Thomas

I think by now we’ve established my love for waterfalls. So is it a wonder that one is on this list? No I didn’t think so. Although, Dunn’s River Falls and YS Falls seems to have captivated the international tourist scene, Jamaica is laden with stunning views of magnificent waterfalls. Each with it’s own story to tell and mark to imprint on our hearts. The Reggae Falls is an off the beaten path adventure for those travelers who desire a more relaxed connection with nature. Located in the rural parish of St. Thomas, the falls offer a deep sense of connectivity to the local experience.

6. End the day with spectacular sunsets on the 7 Mile Beach, Westmoreland

Just as the sun rises to signal a new day, no day is complete without a sunset. One of the notorious across the island for it’s stunning beauty and sheer magnificence is that which is captured on the 7 Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. Already dubbed one of the world’s best beaches for is finely milled, silky soft white sand laying ashore a relaxing and soothing Caribbean sea, this greedy goblin decided she wanted to bring all the boys to the yard with an absolutely breathtaking sunset at the end of the day. How greedy could she be?! There’s no better way to end the day than to soak up a glorious sunset on Negril’s 7 mile beach.

Now that you know some of the top spring break activities in Jamaica, it’s time to start planning. You could even make it an adventure and take a road trip across Jamaica; checking off some of your must do bucket list items off your list as you go along. You’ll definitely have an experience during Spring break if you visit Jamaica and explore Jamaica.

Which activity will you try this year? I’d love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments below!

Love,

Nella