Jetsettersblog

The Jamaican Tourism Board is promoting its growing inventory of natural, historic and cultural attractions. In addition to beaches and a tropical landscape, Jamaica offers its visitors culture and natural attractions of historical interest.

Interactive plantation tours and detailed replica villages give visitors an insight into the diverse background of the Jamaican people and culture, which makes the island’s motto “Out of many, one people” come to life.

An intriguing network of chambers and passageways, stalagmites and small lakes, Green Grotto Caves is said to have been a haven for runaway slaves in the 18th century. Green Grotto is characterized by numerous chambers and light holes and a subterranean lake — the Grotto Lake — occupies its bowels. It is also said that this was one of the paths used by the fleeing Spaniards when the British took over the island in 1655.

For more information, visit www.greengrottocavesja.com

The Hope Botanical Gardens & Zoo is the largest botanical gardens in the West Indies. This estate was named after Major Richard Hope believed to be the first British owner of the land. Hope is huddled between Long Mountain and St. Andrew Mountain.

One notable moment in the history of Hope Gardens was a visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Following this visit, the queen gave her permission for the garden to officially change its name to the “Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope” The gardens are now maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Public Gardens Division and it has undergone some major restoration programs since 1996. For more information, visit www.moa.gov.jm/gardens/hope.php

YS Falls, a nature-based attraction, gives visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the falls surrounded by gardens and trees. There are seven waterfalls, several which cascade into natural pools. One natural pool is fed by underground and above-ground springs.

More recent additions to the attractions at YS Falls include canopy rides, which glide from the top of the falls to its base, and river tubing. These adventures are accompanied by experienced guides. For more information, visit www.ysfalls.com

At the Rio Grande Rafting in Port Antonio, visitors hike across wooded areas with panoramic views as they are guided to their river raft. A raft captain steers bamboo rafts down the Rio Grande while riders relax and enjoy the landscape gliding past.

Rafting down the Rio Grande was popularized by Errol Flynn who was known to often raft down the river himself. For more information, visit www.jamaicaexplorations.com

Somerset Falls in Port Antonio lies deep in the gorge of the Daniels River above Hope Bay. Guests take a short boat ride to a hidden series of gentle falls and caves surrounded by dense tropical rain forest.

Visitors can climb a concrete staircase to the top for views of the falls, and guides will escort guests to the top falls while sharing information on the local plants and their uses. The onsite restaurant offers views of the falls where guests can dine on local cuisine.

Guest rooms are also available to those who enjoy the sounds of cicadas, tree frogs, and the river as they rest. For more information, visit www.somersetfallsjamaica.com

Among the cultural attractions are the Charles Town & C18th Coffee Estate Historical Hike, Port Antonio. A two-hour hike ends at the ruins of an 18th century coffee plantation. Its detailed structure gives insight into 18th Century life.

The return hike ends at Quao’s Village, where guests receive a traditional picnic lunch and a swim in the river. Guests round off the day with a visit to the museum at the Asafu Yard.

For groups of four or more a presentation of the traditional Maroon drumming and dancing can be arranged in conjunction with a picnic lunch by the riverside. For more information, visit www.hotelmockingbird.com

The Outameni Experience offers a cultural and historical view of Jamaica through a 90-minute tour.

Interactive tour depicted in small replica villages showing the evolution of Jamaica’s culture through Taino, Spanish, African, English, Indian and Chinese influences.

The attraction offers a blend of music, art, dance, film, drama and an opportunity to sample authentic Jamaican cuisine. For more information, visit www.outameni.com

The Prospect Plantation Tour in Ocho Rios explores a working agricultural property established in the 18th century. Children eight and older can experience their tour on horseback and view a true working Jamaican plantation. (Children ages 8 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult). Guests will hear stories of the history of the estate while visiting “secret gardens.”

They may also feed live ostriches, pet or ride camels, ride on an open-aired jitney or take a leisurely stroll through a butterfly aviary. For more information, visit www.prospectplantationtours.com

For general destination information, call 800-526-2422 or visit www.visitjamaica.com