Exploring Jamaica’s Rainforest

Reports published in 2010 showed that rainforests in Jamaica covers about 337,000 hectares. The Taino inhabitants of this country named Jamaica as Land of Springs and Land of Wood and Water because of its diverse jungle life. As it was said, Jamaican forests are known as biodiversity rich area. Their rainforests houses about 406 animal species and 21.2 percent of it are endemic. When it comes to plant life, jungles in Jamaica are home to 3,300 plant species. However, despite its riches, reports claimed that rainforest reserves in this country are not undergoing any form of protection. That’s why number of endemic species both flora and fauna are prone to extinction. 

Before planning to go on a rainforest, it would be better if you are equipped with knowledge about it and there’s a great advantage every moment. Better be familiarized with tropical rainforest layers that you will surely encounter along the way:

Emergent layer. This composed of the giant trees emerging from the dense canopy layer. These are the ones that receive the greatest amount of sunlight in the forest. 

Canopy layer. It is a tight, continuous canopy formed from the broad crown of trees approximately 60-90 feet above the ground. The branches are mainly covered with plants and tied together with vines.

Understory. Beside its interesting name, understory is a dark place just below the canopy and receives only about 10 percent of sunlight. Young trees and plants that can tolerate little light comprise the understory. Forest understory also has higher humidity than exposed areas.

Forest floor. Also called detritus, is the most distinctive part of a forest ecosystem. It is mainly consists of shed vegetation above the soil surface. It is one of the richest components of an ecosystem because of the large number of predators and decomposers present. 

Of course, exploration in Jamaican rainforest will never be complete without doing adventures that you will consider experience of a lifetime. Here are some of the activities that you should try:

BOBSLED. Sounds new right? In Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, you’ll find bobsled adventure that will make you twist down the mountainside. It provides you with a captivating bird’s eye view of the whole town.

CANOPY ZIP LINING. Try this one and rest assured that it’s definitely worth doing. Take a flight through the rainforest with their canopy zip line tour.

SKY EXPLORER. The rainforest Sky Explorer takes you up 700 feet above the Jamaican rainforest. This is a state-of-the-art chairlift that will carry you over and explore the treetops of the Mystic Mountain.

What to Expect on a Rainforest Adventure: A Guide for First Timers

Probably rainforest adventure is one of the most exciting trips especially for first timers. Forests offer many opportunities for you to bond with indigenous people, pose for a number of camera clicks, know more about the place you are visiting and most importantly discover something new about yourself. But sad to say, forest tripping is not for everyone, it cannot suit all people from different walks of life.

Before deciding when and what rainforest to go, consider the following factors:

CLIMATE. Check on what whether to expect on the date you choose to visit the forest. Avoid rainy seasons for surely it will hinder you to fully enjoy the trip. Besides, visiting a forest while raining is a great risk for you to take. Fortunately, canopy of trees will protect you from direct heat of sunlight.

PEOPLE. Have a bunch of friendliness with you as you plan to go on a rainforest. Besides your guide, you will be meeting a hundred different people on the trip who can help you along the way. It is advisable to wear a cheerful smile at all times for you to develop friendship with other tourists or even your guides.

WILDLIFE. Rainforest houses a thousand species of flora and fauna. Highest biodiversity is found in the forest. Prepare yourself for close encounters with these creations and learn a lot about them.

For first-timers, basic guidelines are provided for you while you are in a rainforest.

Stay calm at all times, be alert. It is best that first timers in a rainforest be watchful of your surroundings. You cannot tell where and when wildlife creatures will show you their rare image, so be always ready with your eyes and your camera of course. Stay calm; just enjoy the peacefulness offered to you by nature.

Have a regular drink of water. In a rainforest, it is expected that you will be walking and hiking all around that’s why keep with you plenty supplies of water. It is easily to get dehydrated while doing physical activities and irritability is the first sign that you need to have a drink.

Talk with your guide. It would be hard if your guide is the only one who’s talking and you’re not responding. There would be unclear explanation and insights from your guide which needs further clarification. Don’t hesitate to be close with your guide because they are the ones who will help you along the way.

Make sure that you learned something from the experience. Do not let yourself to come back home without having a lesson learned from the adventure. As much as possible, make sure that this trip will make you a better person as you are before. Show your love for nature. Most importantly is how you apply what you have learned. Lend a hand to protect our remaining rainforests. Be environmentally responsible.

Top 5 Things to Do In Jamaica

You don’t want to miss out on Jamaica when you travel to the Caribbean. A traveler would love being in Jamaica for it has lots to offer. Giving tourists luscious jungle with plenty of local animals and plants dwelling on the place, be one with the aquatic animals on their bodies of water and have an adventure like hiking, biking or trailing the terrain. It’s an all worthwhile experience, no boredom, just fun.

Try these adventures that you can do while in Jamaica:

Canopy Tour

 Your tour to Jamaica will never be complete without trying their awesome canopy tour. Upon listening to briefing and orientation provided by canopy experts, soar and fly like an eagle as you glide over the Great River throughout your first adventure. The following experiences comprises of eight more zip line tours with some sort of nature walking. You’ll definitely treasure every moment as you witness the amazing landscape of Jamaica and travel back to history with their jaw-dropping nature spots.

Dunns River Falls

This ever-famous tourist spot in Jamaica will surely bring you hearts for nature out. It measures 600 feet which will definitely trigger your nerves for having a trip up the falls. A local guide will accompany you to secure your safety and once you reach the top, take the opportunity of taking photos with its terrific view.

Ocho Rios Dolphin Encounter

Who among us would not like to encounter such cute and smart dolphins?  Definitely none. Your one-on-one encounter with these amazing creatures will start with an orientation from resident trainers. Of course safety is a must. Grab the chance of witnessing the dolphin’s unique intelligence and abilities as you share fun with them through swimming and dancing. Aside from that, you can also see other animals in different forms and sizes. Don’t miss to hear stories from local guides which will give you  a sneak of what the adventure holds. Lastly, after the tiring but worthwhile tour, you’ll surely enjoy the beat of Caribbean drum while tasting Jamaica’s sumptuous treats for your tummy.

Jungle River Tubing Safari

Upon experiencing canopy tour over the Great River, sure you’re intrigued by the water’s beauty. You’ll satisfy this hunger for fun-filled trip through their water tubing activity throughout the Great River. This tour will start of course with a safety orientation and once you’re ready, jump in to the tube! Have a float down the water as the guides introduce you to Jamaica’s great waterscape. Enjoy its naturalistic treat just for you. Relax and cherish the moment while travelling in the rushing rapids of the river.

Off Road ATV Adventure

This Jamaican adventure is just right for thrill-seekers. Get into the 4-wheels and ride through the country’s amazing sites not to mention a working citrus plantation that will surely hook up your senses. Enjoy the ride through Sandy Bay’s rugged terrain to the wonderful community of Cascade. Get a chance to this one-in-a-lifetime journey but of course never forget to have photo ops to document the over-all experience.