Rafting Down the Rio Grande

River rafting in Jamaica was given birth at Rio Grande. Before this activity popularized as to what it is right now, let us travel back to its rich history. Not everyone knows that river rafting here started as a means of transporting banana products from the inland plantations to Port Antonio. It was then that rafting has been persuaded as this kind by Errol Flynn who used to dare his guests in rafting during moonlight along the river. 

At present, bamboo rafting activity at Rio Grande continues growing as a popular attraction to tourists. The calmness of Jamaican waters spiced up with the most beautiful views really takes on an amazing adventure. Considered as one of the most magical experiences in the world, no one will dare try to reject stepping up to bamboo rafting. Relax above the blue waters on a bamboo raft made for two as you take a glimpse on Jamaica’s picture-perfect views. 

The Itinerary of the Bamboo Raft Tour

For about two and a half hours, you’ll experience the ultimate vacation treat at Jamaica. Rio Grande Tours provide this awesome experience to those who are willing and able. The trip usually starts at either at Grants Level or Berrydale up to Rafters Rest as the ending point. The duration of the trip greatly depends on your point of entry, the agility of the boatman, and the speed of the river current. The thirty-foot raft is being steered by a trained ‘captain’, and is also the one to take care of your safety along the trip. 

Things to Expect along the Trip

The approximately two and a half hour trip will definitely take on a different experience. It is a perfect time to be one with nature again as you indulge yourself in all its goodness. Expect to pass through rainforests and farmlands along the way that will satisfy your sight-seeing. Gaze through the wide and shallow waters of Rio Grande and grab the chance to spot some of the local birds like the Little Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets that accentuate the skies. Along the route are several vendors also that sell a variety of food and drinks crucial to keep you being hydrated. You have the privilege to ask your boatman to stop on any of these stores to taste yourself what Rio Grande has to offer for your empty tummy.

The Rio Grande River located at Port Antonio has long created an unbreakable legacy for vacation-seekers. Even up to the present, vacation really means something special and soothing to the senses as you choose Rio Grande to be the site of your next trip.

Image credits: tripadvisor.com

Top Jamaica Tourist Destinations

Central America’s one of the country’s largest island in the Caribbean Sea - Jamaica.  It’s an extremely popular vacation destination. Why? Because it offers a beautiful environment, the sun and extreme weather and the unforgettable moment you’ll experience when you visit in top destinations of Jamaica.

Place to relax under the sun, enjoy the white sand beaches, snorkel in its crystal clear waters and dive into the water and meet different sea animals. The most adventurous can choose to climb up its cascading waterfalls. Or just sit and relax while enjoying a close overview to crocodiles and learn more about flora and fauna.

Jamaica: Top Tourist Destinations

Doctor’s Cave Beach-Montego Bay. The Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club has been one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and near white sand beaches. The beach is bordered by trees, and has a lot of facilities: bar, restaurant, well-appointed changing rooms and showers. The beach is under the protected Montego Bay Marine Park, which has many species to be seen on coral reefs which can be viewed by snorkelers, probably using local boats to access the best locations.

Dunn’s River Falls-Ocho Rios. Dunn’s River Falls is a famous water fall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction. In fact, it is the top-grossing tourist site in Jamaica. The falls is surrounded by lush, green vegetation that provides shade for visitors. The waterfalls are deck like giant natural stairs through some incorporate man-made improvements. It takes approximately 30 minutes to climb the falls, incorporate with tour guides.

Black River Safari-St. Elizabeth Parish. Black river is the capital of St. Elizabeth Parish, in southwestern Jamaica. It’s a haven for ecological tours owing to the vast swamplands and rivers. The Black River Safaris allow you to get close to native crocodiles and savor local dishes at shack on the waterside. These fun-filled guided tours take place a comfortable boat that gives you the opportunity to learn a limitless amount about the areas of flora and fauna. The tour seems to bring one’s mind closer to how great creation is. Neighboring attractions on Jamaica’s south coast include the Lover’s Leap, cascading Ys Falls and Treasure Beach.

Bob Marley Museum-Kingston. The Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the reggae musician Bob Marley. It details the life and achievements of the reggae legend. An hour-long tour provides an insights into Bob Marley’s fascinating life and ends with a short film about the reggae superstar’s final days. The museum is located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6, and is Bob Marley’s former place of residence.        

Blue Lagoon Jamaica.  Blue lagoon is located at Port Antonio and is popular travel destination for families and honeymooners. The water seems a little bit magic on it, as the color changes throughout the day, depending on the sun moves over it. During your arrival, the water look turquoise but you may notice during your boat ride, the water changes to a deeper sapphire or even royal blue. Another popular attraction is the home of top-class Blue Lagoon Hotel. Blue Lagoon Jamaica also offers a popular activity that everyone must try, a boat ride along the coast to nearby Monkey Island.  

Image credits: moztravel.org 

Some Pointers for Jamaica Zip line Tours

Zip line tours are no unfamiliar adventure to anyone. In fact, it has been one of the most popular modalities of canopy trips engaged in by people from all walks of life—in different forms and sizes. However, as more and more of people’s interests are being caught by such a ‘trip’, it is best that we do not just benefit for fun, but for learning as well.

In Jamaica, there are lots of activities offered whether you prefer trekking the rainforest by land or travelling through the canopies. As much as there are a huge number of zip line tours around, so there are a lot of things you need to know about riding a zip line in Jamaica.

With regards to zip lining, there are two important places in Jamaica: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios Region. On the North western coast of the island is a resort town named Montego Bay. It is popular by welcoming many cruise ships each week. In just half an hour you will reach the longest zip line in the Caribbean located in the small community of Lethe. Including the 1,600-foot Big Timba, you will enjoy the Zip line Adventure Tours that operates five lines. Their professional guides transport guest from one line to the next via jungle rope bridges. To finish the tour, guest ride in Pinzgauers, a military troop transport vehicles, for an off-road eco tour. The tour company requires weighing between 60 to 265lbs. and under 6 feet, 5 inches in height. They also require that children be at least 10 years of age. The Original Canopy Tour also runs a zip line near Montego Bay. It requires people weighing 265lbs. or less, and it includes a 1,000 foot run.

On the North central coast of the island that serves as the second port of call for many cruise lines sailing through the Caribbean named Ocho Rios. The Original Canopy Tour operates 9 zip lines, where guests soar above both the trees and the river of the Cranbrook Flowering Tree Sanctuary. It requires children to be at least 10 years old, and all the guests must weigh less than 265lbs. but must also be able to wear the restraints. The tour takes approximately two hours.

Safety Reminders: Always remember that safety first. When traveling on the zip line you need to secure your protection first. Zip line tour is not applicable for pregnant women or for person suffering from heart conditions or severe back pain. Always consider to wear closed-toe shoes with secure backs to keep your feet protected during the tour, and hiking shoes since most of the tour include a walk through the jungle. Wearing jewelries are also excluded during the tour because it can get tangled in the harness.   

Image credits: realtoursjamaica.com

Night Life in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios in Jamaica is not just a place to enjoy during the day, but also perfect for nightlife. Being a resort town at Jamaica’s northern coast, we can say that this is a very suitable place for clubbing and partying. Before Ocho Rios is just a place for many tourists just for the day, and disappears in the night. It is because of this reason that the place soon established several night clubs often courtesy of a hotel or a resort to keep visitors from banging in even in the darkness and coolness of the night. Listed here are some of the nightclubs you can find in Ocho Rios:

Amnesia. This club tops the list of party hoppers in Ocho Rios. If you’re looking not for Americanized but purely Jamaican taste of nightclub, Amnesia is perfect. Located at the Main Street, Amnesia offers everything from live music to foam parties. Experience here will definitely kick your night away with a bang.

Jamaic'N Me Crazy. This is also one of the tourists’ favorites. This is located at Sunset Jamaica Grande, and offers an Americanized style of night partying. Its high technology sounds and light systems are assets to tourists and even the party atmosphere with large crowds and drinks variation. 

Little Pub. What’s interesting about Little Pub is that aside from offering hotel accommodations, you can also enjoy the night with a variety of activities for different interests of people. A live band is there to entertain for six nights a week, DJs playing live Jamaican musicals and even sports match are shown via satellite for the benefit of sports fanatics. People with hungry stomachs will also take delight in their expert-made dishes.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. It is considered to be the liveliest place in town, having three separate bars in it- the Havana Day Dreamin’ Bar with serpentine waterslide, the main bar area and the Rooftop Bar. It also offers wide variety of dishes for different taste buds.

James Street. If you’re looking for reggae-themed party music atmosphere with the locals, James Street is the perfect site for you. Called the “Reggae Strip”, it includes a number of nightclubs and bars with live DJ music, one of those is the Jack Ruby Bar and Grill.

Club Memories. Located at the corner of Dacosta Drive and Main Street at Ocho Rios, this club is popularized by its varying theme every night. For instance, on Thursday, the theme is Ladies Night.

Image credits: valenciavillajm.com

Mystic Mountain Adventure

Ocho Rios in Jamaica is blessed with a place where in one can view Ocho Rios or the country itself on a different view point. So if you’re tired of exploring the lowlands of Jamaica, why not try exploring it close to the sky? 

One significant aspect of Mystic Mountain is its location. It is in the heart of Ocho Rios and just five minutes away from the other popular tourist site in Jamaica, the Dunn’s River Falls. The Mystic Mountain, coming from its name is indeed a magical place for tourists of all walks of life. Consider the richness of the ecosystem you’ll get to observe, and take time to relax and be in one with nature as the views serenade you.

In Mystic Mountain are three nature trip adventures that you’ll surely desire to try:

Bobsledding in Jamaica. As you approach Mystic Mountain, you might first hear of this one that is their signature attraction. The idea of this ride is inspired by the Jamaican Bobsledding team that represents the country during competitions. This is a 100 meter high-tech sled that is completely controlled by gravity. The tour extends from the Mountain through the landscapes in Jamaica and up to the coastal views. What’s important to note is that the sled has a break on the side that will enable you to control the speed of your own sled.

Be lifted by the Sky Explorer. The Sky Explorer will be the one to welcome you as you enter the Mystic Mountain. It is a state-of-the-art chairlift that is tasked to bring the visitors 700 feet higher to the top of the Mountain. Consequently, this is the first ride that will give you a sneak peek of the nature’s abundance in Jamaica. The Sky Explorer is also a way for you to ride the Bobsled. Lastly, as you enjoy the view and the feeling being on top, you will be filled with knowledge of the culture and people of Jamaica.

Slide through the Zip line. This might probably be the most familiar rainforest adventure to you, but the way Mystic Mountain have it is different. The zip line tour is composed of a series of suspended lines that allow you to glide through the rainforest canopy with ease. Once you’re done, the Sky Explorer will bring you back to the mountain. 

This is that kind of adventure that will not let you walk with your feet on the ground. In Mystic Mountain, it always feels like flying.

Image credits: blog.rainforestadventure.com

Ocho Rios is a town in the north coast of Jamaica in the parish of St. Ann. The literal translation of the name Ocho Rios is ‘eight rivers’, but this does not really describe this region of Jamaica. Ocho Rios is believed to be an adulteration of the name “Las Chorreras” which means ‘the spouts’ or simply, the waterfalls. It is claimed that the British are the ones responsible for this misnomer because of the Dunn’s River Falls nearby the village.Before, Ocho Rios is just a fishing village, but now this place is known to tourists. This place also became notable for its exposure in the first James Bond film, Dr. No as the home of Miss Taro and also featured as a primary location for “Piranha II: The Spawning’ movie. Furthermore, after several developments, Ocho Rios is now known to be a very beautiful resort stunned with amazing beaches and waterfalls. Also, there are interesting colonial-period buildings like the Geddes Memorial Church famous as an attraction to tourists.

Aside from the aforementioned spots in Ocho Rios, there are still lots of places to visit and activities to offer:

Have a step on the Dunn’s River Falls. The Dunn’s is probably the most famous site in Ocho Rios. Here everyone is able to climb up and down the falls along with the rushing waters because of its stepping stones along the middle of the falls. Also, there is a Dunn’s River Feast in each week suited for party people, where you can dance, sing and swim at the same time.

Have a trip on the Mystic Mountain. The eco-friendly Mystic Mountain is a winner for Ocho Rios attractions and your adventure here will be definitely worth remembering. One trip can take you 700 feet high up above the rainforest and blue waters. You can choose among the four adventure trips, or probably try them all: Sky Explorer, Mystic Waterslide, Bobsled Ride or the Canopy Zip line.

Take a dive on the Dolphin Cove. Three minutes from the famous Dunn’s River Falls is a marine attraction called the Dolphin Cove. In here you can experience an up-close and personal encounter with bottlenose dolphins in the Caribbean Sea. Your day will not be wasted as you try to have a nature trail or maybe kayaking.

See how wonderful life is in the Reggae Beach. Wonder why this beach is named like this? Well, you’ll get to enjoy soft reggae music here as you lie on the coast and taste the calmness and beauty of the beach. Witness a white-sand beach at its best and delight yourself in tasty local cuisines offered by seaside restaurants.

Image credit: http://www.bahighlife.com/

Why you must try Zipline in Jamaica’s Rainforest

A rainforest trip or a nature trip to the country of Jamaica will never be complete without a zip line canopy adventure. A place of refuge filled with beautiful rainforests and vast tree canopies are just perfect to experience the thrill and excitement of riding a zip line.

Just like any other rainforests in the world, Jamaica’s rainforest have a lot of zip line and canopy tours to offer for first time or even common visitors. These tours assure everyone trying it that their adventure in Jamaica will be treasured as an experience of a lifetime. Zip line tours are top-on-the-list in Jamaica when you’re looking for amazing nature trip experiences.

Here we’ve listed reasons why you should try a zip line adventure in Jamaica:

Zip lining takes your rainforest adventure to the next level. You might think that riding a zip line serves only one reason: to provide a thrilling adventure for those who want it. But that’s not the case; indeed, zip lines are invented to travel goods and now persons, to one end of the canopy or a hill to another. Just like riding an elevator compared to taking the stairs, definitely you’ll find more enjoyment and accessibility with zip lining rather than just walking on a rainforest floor. 

Zip lining provides you with a bird’s eye view of wildlife in Jamaica. Soaring above tree tops is a great way to explore the canopy of trees providing you with a good look of trees, plants and animals above. Although you might not see the plants and animals on the ground, travelling above the trees near the sky is definitely a new experience and a new opportunity to learn about wildlife.

Montego Bay Region and Ocho Rios Region offer great zip line adventures. There are perfect places in Jamaica that will provide you zip lines of a lifetime. At Montego Bay found on the northwestern side of Jamaica, you will find the longest zip line in the Caribbean. The 1600 feet line named Big Timba, is just one of the five lines. After soaring above the forest canopy, the guides will take you to an off-road ride through Pinzgauers. On the other hand, Ocho Rios Region found on the north central edge of Jamaica will not just take you above trees, but also above a river on the Cranbook Flowering Tree Sanctuary.

A zip line trip from a mountain top to a forest floor is offered. If you’re tired of the usual zip lines transporting you from one end of the forest to its another end, or one mountain top to a lower mountain top, there’s a new experience made for you. At the Mystic Mountain Adventure Park you can experience six lines, a vertical rappel then a suspension bridge. The end of the zip line tour will definitely give you nerve tickles. You’ll get to ride on their Rainforest Sky Explorer which is a chairlift that will take from the canopy to the rainforest ground.

Image credits: http://www.tripadvisor.com/

How Animals Adapt in the Rainforest

All creations fight for survival. May it be plants, animals, and even us humans, are all living each day as an investment to a more comfortable living in the future. Each day is a task and a test. The tougher and more adapted you are, the larger your chance for survival.

Rainforests only cover a little portion of the planet, but almost half of all the animals on Earth are found in them. We cannot say that all conditions in the rainforest like the climate and availability of foods are all suitable for all kinds of animals. That’s when the term ‘adaptation’ comes in. All animals, even plants in the rainforest are using this ability to survive in the area. Usually, they use these adaptations to maximize their ability to eat and provide protection for themselves.

BIRDS. Beaks of birds are not just organs for catching and putting foods in their mouths. This organ of theirs has evolved to different forms and sizes in order to meet their different needs especially when it comes to diet. For example, Toucans and Macaws have large and strong beaks to help them crack hard nuts. 

MAMMALS. As we all know, monkeys and all the family of apes have longer arms and legs. This feature becomes unique to them because they spend most of their entire life in the canopy of trees. This serves the two primary purposes of adaptations – to increase their capability to find food and at the same time, to keep themselves from predators. Apes do this to avoid being caught by predators on the ground, and to find food on trees. Particular specie of ape, the aye-aye has evolved itself to being a nocturnal feeder in order to avoid being caught by its predators in the daylight.

On the other hand, the South American jaguar has developed its ability to swim so that it can find food not just on land but in the rivers as well in the form of fishes and turtles. This adaptation is needed in order to survive in a wet rainforest.

AMPHIBIANS. Most amphibians have granular glands that give them the ability to release poison. This ability helps them resist the attacks of predators around them. But take note, not all frogs, have poison in them. Mostly those species that have bright colors in them are the ones containing poison. Secreting poison is not just the adaptation found in frogs. The Amazon Horned Frog uses its physical appearance to survive in the rainforest. It has developed a body that mimics a leaf litter, so when it senses a prey nearby, it just have to lie itself on a pile of leaves and wait for the prey to come and eat it.

Image credit: http://www.buzzle.com/

Facts about the Jamaican Blackbird

The Jamaican Blackbird is a small bird covered with black feathers, as the name suggests. What’s interesting to know is that majority of this bird’s life is spend with its partner, making it monogamous. It is considered to be heard more than sees, primarily because of its distinctive songs and call for its partner. Unfortunately, this bird is also the most endangered in Jamaica.

Physical Description and Behavior

The blackbird has a pointed and curved bill and has a short tail. This specie is endemic to the country of Jamaica. They spend mostly of their entire life in tree canopies. Jamaican blackbirds feed on invertebrates like insects to survive. Mostly, their diet is found on inner branches making it similar to woodpeckers. Their nests are composed primarily of orchids constructed between trunks of trees. As mentioned earlier, these birds are loyal to their partners spending the rest of their lives with just one partner. Usually, blackbirds’ eggs are laid between May and July, and it takes fourteen days for incubation, while the male blackbird is watching over the nest for possible threats.

The Jamaican blackbird has short legs but longer claws; the short tail is useful in climbing up branches. They also have adapted stronger jaws for hammering and probing. 

Habitat  

This bird lives on wet forests with abundant epiphytes or air plants, since they are depending on those for food. At present, it lives in one region in Jamaica, the Cockpit country to where it is protected. As you know, Jamaican blackbird is in serious threat against several factors that’s why it needs to be preserved in a specific area. In the wild, it avoids places affected by strong winds. 

Main Threats

Jamaican blackbird is critically endangered. The principal threat accounts to loss of habitat. Several innovations like establishment of coffee plantations, small-scale farming and charcoal-making are responsible to destruction of their natural habitat. The blackbirds are primarily affected for they depend mostly on large trees with ferns and aerial plants for survival. As construction companies cut down trees for clearing areas to be developed, they are also cutting down the chance of these blackbirds to leave peacefully in the wild.

Photo credits to: http://birdingblogs.com/

Top Caribbean “Secret” Destinations

The island of Jamaica doesn’t blend in easily with the rest of the Caribbean archipelago, despite of its location which smack in the Caribbean Sea. It isn’t all just yachts and cruise ports. To be sure, here are some of the regions with countless experiences that don’t get as much press, but deliver unbeatable trips.

Dominica’s Boiling Lake

Photo credits to: tourismontheedge.com

One of Dominica’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The 207- foot-wide lake filled with bubbling grayish-blue water is easily viewed in its continuous rolling-boil state – which looks like a giant pot of water cooking and steaming on a stove. It covers a distance of approx. 7 miles from the path village of Laudat. And it’s perfectly scenic hike to complete takes around 3 hours each way.

The ‘Caribbean Pompeis’

Photo credits to: ssets.vice.com

In 1995, when the volcano in the Soufriere Hills shattered high over the small capital of the island of Montserrat, the Plymouth turned into the Pompeii of the Caribbean. In the end all the 11,000 island’s residents relocated. Nowadays, using a 4WD vehicle, visitors can drive along to visit the strange scene of abandoned mansions around Olde Town and get a supernatural view from Garibaldi Hill.

In the meantime, St. Pierre, which was known as the "Paris of the West Indies," was wrecked by an eruption in 1902. Today, ones who visit the St. Pierre can picture the blackened ruins as well as the      800-seat  theater destroyed in 18th century.

Cycling in Guantánamo

Photo credits to: southcom.mil

The region consists of the infamous Guantánamo Bay US Naval Base, and also one of the country’s spectacular drives between the Guantánamo and Baracoa- Cuba’s small windswept coastal town right on the eastern tip of the island, which is a great place to relax.

Learning about Jamaican Culture

Culture, as we put it, is a collection of beliefs and ideas of people in a specific place. Different countries come with different cultures of course.  In this site, let’s come to know more about Jamaican culture – a colorful mixture of various people’s influences.

Out of Many, One People

That’s the motto, and perhaps provides the most suitable definition of culture of Jamaica. This symbolism was adapted after their liberation from Great Britain in 1962. In Jamaica’s National Flag, we can also trace their rich cultural heritage- two black triangles symbolizes historical struggles, green triangles represent agricultural riches, and yellow-cross stripes that symbolizes the sun and its mineral resources. The national symbolism also represents the combination among the cultures of Africa, Europe, India and China which led to the present Jamaican culture.

The People.  Jamaicans are said to be intriguing and unique individuals. They are also friendly and altruistic shown in their unofficial motto: “No problem man.” Strong family ties also identify the Jamaicans. They value the importance of family above all. Jamaicans also have this idea of ‘utilizing whatever is available to make something remarkable.’ Though they somewhat are laidback, Jamaicans also are hard-working people which have strong belief in honest labor. Indeed, Jamaicans really know how to survive.

The Religion. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is common to see Jamaican people walking down the street, holding their bibles and heading off to church. To them, religion is an important part of life. In fact, you can see churches in every street and take note: Jamaica set a record on the Guinness Book of World Records which has the most number of churches foe every square mile. In general, Jamaicans are mostly Christians but there are also different denominations like Methodist, Anglican, and Seventh Day Adventist.

The Language. Jamaican English is the official language but they use British English in spellings. ‘Jamaican Creole’, or Jamaican Talk is a multiethnic indigenous creation that represents the defiance of European authority. This creole is used by Jamaicans in everyday living, for conversational purposes. On the other hand, the Jamaican English is considered the language of education which is used in the government and in formal speeches.

The Food. There is an extreme variation in cuisines served in Jamaica since its inhabitants are a mixture of different ethnicity in the world. They have a ‘country morning meal’, composed of boiled bananas, salted cod, and herbal or chocolate tea. Popular dishes include Red Pea Soup, Jerk Chicken and SaltFish which is their national dish.

The Dunn’s Riverfalls

The Dunn’s River Falls is a famous waterfall in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It is described by geologists as a living and growing phenomenon because it continuously regenerates from travertine rock as it flows through the falls. It is one of Jamaica’s national treasures that attract thousands of tourists every year. 

More about Dunn’s

The falls is approximately 1,000 feet in height. The waterfall stretches directly into the nearby sea of Caribbean which is peculiar to other waterfalls in the world; making it really distinct. Another trait that popularized it is its physical appearance of being like a giant staircase (though some are man-made innovations). There are also thermal spring activities in the limestone caves and small lagoons on the vertical parts of the falls. 

Have you ever thought that this amazing spot has a rich history behind it? Arawaks, or the native people of Jamaica first termed Ocho Rios as “Xayamaca” meaning land of springs and rivers. During the Spanish times, they named the place “Las Chorreras ” where it became one of the famous attractions in the area. A battle happened at this area between the Spaniards and the English in 1657 both claiming for the ownership of the island. The English won under the leadership of Charles Pryce. Later on, the name was changed to “Ocho Rios” which means “eight rivers”. On the contrary, the island only has four rivers, namely: Dunn’s River, Cave River, Turtle River, and the Roaring River. Years later, the area was entrusted to the Urban Development Corporation belonging to the people of Jamaica. UDC, together with St. Ann Development Company worked hand in hand in renovating and upgrading the area for the benefit of the locals there. 

At present, the Dunn’s is a mixture of human-made and natural attributions. The roads are constructed in order to provide a better way of approaching the top of the falls; there are also parks, picnic grounds, and parking for the convenience of the tourists. 

Activities that you must try at Dunn’s

If you’re looking for fun and relaxation, Dunn’s River Falls has it all for you. You can never get bored here. The famous activity here is climbing up the falls. Tourists can easily do this by doing a human-chain formation facilitated by local tourist guides. You can also watch the setting of the sun as it shades the beautiful Caribbean Sea. There are souvenir stores where you can purchase local-made items good for bringing home to your loved ones. You can also try nature-watching with a variety of plants relaxing to look at; and once you’re hungry, why not try their delicacies at the cafeteria or bring your own stuff and use their grilling pits at the park.

What exactly is a Rainforest?

A rainforest is a subcategory among the basic types of forest that generates over eighty feet of rainfall a year, making it extremely different from all other kinds of forest. Under rainforest are also two other types: the tropical and temperate rainforests. 

Tropical rainforest have one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. They are mostly found in South America, Southeast Asia and Africa that houses variety of species of plants and animals. Majority of tropical rainforests are on or near the equator, accounting for a very suitable climate. 

On the other hand, temperate rainforests are mostly found near coasts of almost all continents except Africa and Antarctica. Its average climate is mostly affected by a nearby ocean. Huge coniferous trees dominate the area, accompanied by lichens and mosses.

Did you know that just like the Earth, rainforests also have distinct layers? In fact, there are four:

Emergent Layer. It is the topmost part of a rainforest. The tallest of the tallest trees occupied this layer, approximately 200 feet above the forest floor. The emergent layer is the brightest layer receiving the greatest amount of sunlight. It is directly above the canopy layer.

Canopy Layer. It is considered the life sustaining layer which provides roof to the other two under layers. Most of the rain is stopped in this area; it is in the canopy that most trees in the rainforest are found. There are plants that grow in this area but their roots did not reach the ground, the air plants.  The canopy is composed of thick layer of branch systems that absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun. Several species of insects, birds and mammals are found in this area.

Understory Layer.  This layer separates the canopy layer to the forest floor. The understory receives little amount of sunlight making it a dark area composed of vines and dense vegetation. Trees in the understory are only 12’ – 15’ in height, and mostly with broad leaves. 

Forest Floor. It is the lowest layer, commonly called the ground layer. Amount of sunlight received is very least in this area, making it very dark and unsuitable for growing plants. However, there are mosses, ferns and low growth plants that live in here. The forest floor is composed of dead leaves, twigs, and is an active site of decomposition. 

Knowing About the Jamaican Boa

The Jamaican boa, the yellow constrictor or sometimes yellow snake, as the local people termed it, is snake specie found throughout Jamaica. Contrary to the connotation of many, it is not venomous. It can also be beneficial in a way that it lessens the number of rodents in farms by eating them, that’s why it is a friend to farmers. But unfortunately, a large number of it is killed annually due to a strong belief by locals that they are venomous.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DESCRIPTION

This snake’s adult size can reach to about 6 feet. It is generally golden yellow or orange in color, with bands of black in its back. Olive green is the color of the top of its head lined with black stripes. In Jamaica, male boas are larger than the females unlike in South American species. This specie is arboreal and feeds on birds, rats but it can also hunt for food on the ground like frogs. It kills the prey by squeezing it around its large body and then, swallows it whole.

HABITAT

The Jamaican boa is not imported species; it is indigenous to Jamaica, though some species that can only be found in South America are transferred to the Caribbean to permanently dwell there. The boa prefers sugarcane fields or limestone forest as its habitat. They can also live on trees and caves.

LIFE CYCLE

Jamaican boas breed in late winter. And it is interesting to know that unlike other snakes, Jamaican boas give birth not with eggs but to a live young in early winter. When the young snake develops, it undergoes ecdysis, or the shedding of skin as a whole in snakes. It only feeds on small amphibians like lizards. When it became an adult, it can reach up to 6 feet as mentioned earlier. It now has the ability to use its size and strength to constrict preys.

LIFE SPAN

A Jamaican boa can live utmost 35 years. These species of reptile are now facing extinction due to introduction of non-native animals on Jamaica which feeds on them. In addition to this, habitat destruction is also one of the major forces that led these animals to enormous decline in number.

Top Places to Visit in Jamaica

Jamaica is derived from the Arawak Indian term that stands for “land of wood and water”. Being the third largest island in the Caribbean, its heritage mixed with breath-taking landscapes attracts tourists most from all sides of the world.  

Just like any travel place in the world, Jamaica offers the best places that one must see in plan of a vacation. But before booking your trip, make sure to prepare first your pen and paper and jot down these places that you must never forget to visit while in Jamaica. 

MONTEGO BAY. Probably you might be hearing about this place before. No doubt, because Montego Bay is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jamaica. It offers all the activities and luxuries you are expecting in a trip on a Caribbean Island. Being the largest beach resort in the area, here you can experience beach vacation and nightlife at its best. Montego’s top attractions include Rum Jungle, Rose Hall Great House, Club Mobay, Seaforth, Sandy Bay, Windsor Caves, Bob Marley Experience and Theatre and a whole lot more. Several activities that you can enjoy are kayaking, golfing, rafting, canopy tour, and partying. 

LOVER’S LEAP, ST. ELIZABETH. Lover’s Leap is found at the edge of Santa Cruz Mountains, the lookout provides an amazing view of the mountains where it meets the Southern Coast of the island. With a 1,700 vertical drop, you can enjoy the fantastic beauty of the Caribbean Sea while feeling on top of the world. The name of the tourist attraction came from a famous legend of this place. In the 18th century, there were two lovers, Mizzy and Tunkey, who faced great opposition of their relationship. Their master, Chardley liked the girl and wants to have her. The lovers run out to avoid being separated but they were cornered on a steep cliff. But instead of facing separation, they jumped off the high cliff together. 

Just imagine how romantic it would be standing on a high that witnessed one great story of love. 

DUNN’S RIVER FALLS. Considered as one of the island’s national wonders, Dunn’s River Falls received one of the most number of visits every year. This spot provides once-in-a-lifetime view of a 1,000 feet view of water rushing down a stair-like steep. It is also known for being the most unique waterfalls in the Caribbean. 

NEGRIL.  It is a small but widely dispersed beach island town in Jamaica. List of attractions to visit constitutes of Grange Hill, Bloody Bay, and Cousin’s Cove. There are also array of activities that you can enjoy like underwater exploration, golfing, shopping, and water sports. 

Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly: Endemic Specie in Jamaica

One of the largest butterflies in America, the Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly has an average size of 3 inches and a wing span than can reach up to 6 inches.  It can only be seen in Jamaica and is declared endangered since 1996. 

Appearance

It has most of the times dark colored with yellow and blue spots on its wings and bands on its body. Male Swallowtail has hair scales found on their hand wings near the abdomen. What makes Swallowtails different among other butterfly is their unique organ called the “osmeterium”. The osmeterium acts as weapon for predators. It emits a fouls smell once threatened by predators. Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly also has tails on their behind legs and are migratory insects.  Little is known about their mating and reproductive behavior.

Habitat

Being endemic in America, Giant Swallowtail Butterfly can be found especially in the eastern end of the Blue Mountains and Cockpit Country in Jamaica. Their habitat is due to their behavior of wanting to dwell in remote and undisturbed areas of the wild. Some also say they also like to live on wet limestone forest. You can also sight swallowtail butterfly on lower montane rainforests. 

Food

The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly usually eats leaves of trees and flowers in the forest.  They also lay their eggs on the undersides. 

Conservation 

Conservation efforts have been made and are still implemented to protect the total extinction of this endemic creature in Jamaica. Threats to the diminishing number of Swallowtail is said to be due to loss of habitat and illegal collecting of the insect for commercial purposes. The government has captive breeding to increase its number. They also made plans to protect the endemic creature like making a protected habitat for them.

Endangered Animals in Jamaica

Jamaica’s diversity when it comes to wildlife is not a secret to many. But despite its natural richness, it’s sad to know that varieties of animal species are already or some are near to extinction. However, their government has been striving hard to save these existing species. Here we have listed some of the nearly extinct species and the factors that brought them to such situation.

The Jamaican Iguana

Being the island’s largest land animal, this specimen has invited interests within or outside the island. It is the rarest specie of lizard in the world with just about 50 individuals alive.  The Jamaican Iguana is on the endangered list since adult population is thought to be only 200. Threats to this animal include burning of charcoal by locals resulting to destruction of their natural habitat and also some other animals like namelycats and dogs.

The Jamaican Boa

Also known as the yellow snake, this animal is identified with its black and yellow color. It is widely distributed in the island with a length of about 3 meters. Deforestation and development are the primary factors of extinction. Moreover, it has been reported that people are killing them fearing that they are poisonous, but they’re actually not.

The Jamaican Giant Swallow Tail Butterfly

This is the largest butterfly of the Americas and Caribbean Islands having a wingspan of six inches. The swallowtail is now only found on isolated parts of the island. Main threats are loss of habitat and illegal commercial collecting.

American Crocodile

Being the only family of crocodiles living in Jamaica, it is one of the largest reptiles in the island. They inhabit wetlands along the Southern Coast. Extinction is due to decline in their natural habitat.

The Jamaican Blackbird

Jamaican Blackbird became extinct primarily because of loss of habitat. It can only be found in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country, an area for conservation of different species. The decline in habitat is due to bauxite mining, and significantly, afforestation. Removal of trees for burning and coffee plantation are other contributory factors.

The Jamaican Petrel

Also known as the Blue Mountain Duck, petrel is a small seabird that remains on the critically endangered list. This species was last collected in 1879nd has a drastic decline in number in the 19th century. The presumed cause of its loss is predation of introduced rats which took eggs and mongooses that take incubating adults.

Zip line Adventure in the Rainforest of Jamaica

Zip line is indeed a fun and thrilling adventure to experience. In this undertaking you will feel the rush of the air as you swing from tree to tree or in some cases, buildings and at the same time feed your eyes with the wondrous sights to see.

When traveling to the Caribbean, one of the countries you should not miss visiting is Jamaica. Resting at the Caribbean see, Jamaica, one of the largest islands in the Caribbean has been one of the top travel destinations in this side of the globe. It is home with wide range of animals, tame and wild alike. Also nesting on its ground are plants of all sorts. Flowers bloom along their luscious land and birds fly on top of trees.  

Aside from the flora and fauna you’ll see, Jamaica is known for its zip line adventures in the rainforest. A zip line adventure is you being harnessed on strong cables attached on pulleys and sliding from top to bottom of the cables. It is a propelling-gravity adventure you, your family and friends can enjoy.

Fly like birds as you pass through tree canopy. See birds, animals and the trees from above. Like other zip line adventure, you will be tied or clipped on ropes and be sliding together with the air. Don’t fret for it will be a safe adventure for your local travel masters will make sure you wear the harnesses, climbing helmets and chest harnesses. You will definitely be thrilled in this adventure inside the rainforest. Aside from zip line adventure, you can take a tour inside the rainforest and experience some other adventures as well. 

There are other adventures you can do while in the Jamaican rainforest if you want to take a break from zip lines. You can try riding on cable cars. They are somewhat like zip lines but in this case you will not be clipped on ropes but you will be riding on cable cars instead together with some of your travel buddies.  You can also do bobsled rides or just walk along the rainforest and experience a more personal encounter with the animals and a close look on the plants and the flowers around. 

Reserve a trip now and have a travel tour to Jamaica to experience this for yourself. Feel the rush of air as you slide and feast your eyes on the wondrous surroundings in their zip line adventure.

Checking the Weather in Jamaica before Traveling

Before gearing up for a travel in Jamaica, it is a must for a traveler most especially the non local ones that they check upon the weather first. It is for them to make sure that when they arrive at Jamaica, it is a weather that is suitable for exploring the place. It will not be that hard to see what Jamaican weather will be when you visit the country for there are locations wherein weather follows a trend. However, just to be sure, you can always check on their weather bulletin or local weather reports. 

In general, Jamaican weather is bright and sunny. Thus, making it a perfect destination for those who would like to have an outdoor escape and travel in their beautiful country. The most visited vacation spots in Jamaica are their beaches and of course their rainforest which is rich in plants and flora. 

However, though Jamaican weather mostly follows a trend, some places have a variety of weather condition which changes from time to time. Like when in a year where there are more rains than bright sunshiny weather. But don’t you fret; this kind of weather will still be alright for travelers who like to visit Jamaica’s rainforest. It will still be a fine time and will not ruin your vacation.

Reason why you need to check on Jamaican weather is because of its extreme high temperature at some time. Most would want to visit the country when the weather is fine. But when temperature are considered high, travelling around can be difficult and not enjoyable. Check on what you will expect in terms of the weather in the different seasons wherein you can plan of when to schedule your trip. In the middle of summer, expect higher temperature which can make your vacation hard but this is the time wherein prices for travel packages and hotel reservation are a lot cheaper.

Knowing the weather you’ll arrive in will also help you choose of what clothes to bring. Basically, you need clothes suited for a warm weather because it is mostly warm in Jamaica. Though in some cases, rains and low temperature can arrive so it is wise to have few pairs of cold weather-suited apparel just in case you will need them. 

There are plenty of places wherein you can look for weather reports or bulletin, one of the most popular one is thru the internet. Check on their local Weather Channel Online website for information. You can also dial your travel reservation company which is knowledgeable of what the general weather in Jamaica will be. You can visit websites of local travel sites or resorts in Jamaica as well. 

In conclusion, taking note of the weather condition in Jamaica on the time of your travel or upon planning will save you from trouble of ruining your vacation.