Jamaica travel guide

As you drive along the southwest coast, you will pass gorgeous small bays and beaches. Some are deserted, others are occupied with fishing boats, while a few have been built up with a resort or luxury villa. If possible, stop at a few of them for a cold drink - or just snap a photo.

All the beaches on the south coast are narrow with dark sand. As this is far from the tourist zone of the west and north, the beaches are often still only used by fishermen. Colourful fishing boats with funky names are pulled up on the sand along with fishing traps. A few of these fishing communities in the Treasure Beach area, like Calabash Beach and Great Bay, have hotels and guest houses for the dribble of tourists who come here to experience rural Jamaica.

On a private estate surrounded by forest lies this beautiful 8 cascades waterfall which tumbles over limestone tiers from one cool pool into another. The waterfall is very developed, almost like a theme park. There are wooden boardwalks, stairs, picnic areas, swimming pools, and ropes for swinging. For an additional fee you can zipline across the waterfall. Though the entrance fee is rather steep (17 usd), tourists from Negril and beyond still come here by the busloads. Best to come here on quiet days, when it’s easier to enjoy it.