Jamaica: Montego Bay, Family Vacation Ideas – Waterfalls, Beaches, and Pirate Fun. 
A mountainous island of captivating beauty, Jamaica is an emerald in the Caribbean Sea. Known for natural beauty inland and awesome beaches along the sea, enchanting music and great coffee, the island is a friendly easy paced retreat where visitors are invited to test the “Don’t worry, be happy.” island philosophy. Montego Bay is an ideal launch pad for families wishing to enjoy a Caribbean holiday with natural variety and no stress. Shop at the Straw Market; sip from a cocoanut; stroll along the beach; snorkel or dive; sail or raft, the vacation possibilities are endless.
Try a pirate’s life for thee. Cruise with friendly island pirates passing mysterious coves and beaches once used as hideaways by Caribbean pirates. Hear tales about the infamous Calico Jack as the storyteller re-lives the life of Calico Jack and his women pirates. It’s all in fun and passengers are invited to swim, sing, dance or just chill out pirate style. Snorkel in the Montego Bay Marine Park. (Snorkel equipment is provided.) Sail with fellow shipmates to raid and capture Margaretville.
Bonus points: Unlimited pirate's punch, sodas, beers and fruit punch are served. (Calico Sailing & Undersea Tours Montego Bay, Jamaica W.I. 1(876) 940-4465 or
www.calicopiratecruises.com)
Raft the rainforest. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest in the cool mountains of Jamaica. Have fun on a pristine river framed by tropical rainforest. Two trips are available. One that is gentle enough for grandma and the other provides an adrenaline rush Jamaica style.
Bonus points: The easy going trip offers the chance for a swim in a mineral pool, a swing from ropes or just a glide down the river on a raft.
Need to know: To enjoy the adrenaline option, down waterfalls; around boulders, over rapids and through undisturbed nature all participants must be at least 15 years of age and physically fit. (1(876) 940-1745 or
calicheadventuretours@yahoo.com)
Go fish spotting. At Montego Bay Marine Park it is possible to watch fish within the protected marine environment without getting wet. A semi submersible watercraft allows passengers the benefit of viewing the rich undersea panorama from an air-conditioned underwater cabin. Bonus points: While fish cards may be helpful, during the cruise marine life experts provide narration and interesting anecdotes.
Need to know: Boarding takes place from Pier One, on the waterfront of downtown Montego Bay. Pickup from your hotel is included in the fee. (Mobay UnderSea Tours Montego Bay. 1(876) 940-4465 or
www.mobayunderseatours.com)
See the glow. Just minutes east of Montego Bay is a lagoon that becomes magical at night. Take a night pontoon to the luminous lagoon and see for yourself a dramatic natural wonder. Phosphorescent waters outline the fish making them seem to glow and creating streaks of light as they swim about the lagoon. (Glistening Waters, Falmouth, Jamaica. 1(876) 954-3229 or
www.glisteningwaters.com)
See the land, feed the birds. The rich cultural diversity of Jamaica and its people is an added vacation bonus. Johns Hall Adventure Tours brings the heritage and history of the island real, creating an awesome sense of place not soon to be forgotten. From the drum beats of Africa to the dwellings of the Arawak Indians of the Caribbean it’s all connected. Travel the countryside, sample exotic island fruits and learn about traditional herbal remedies. The tour includes a stop at a Jamaican school always of interest to kids.
Bonus points: Johns Hall Bird Sanctuary has feeding stations where visitors are invited to feed tropical residents by hand. (Johns Hall Adventure Tours 26 Hobbs Avenue, White Sands Beach, Montego Bay. 1(876) 971-7776, 971-8958 or
www.Johnshalladventuretour.com)
Listen to voodoo legends. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and so it is true of the tales surrounding Rose Hall Great House. Once the residence of Annie Palmer, also known as the” White Witch of Rose Hall” the stories remain chilling to new ears. Dead for more than a century, Annie’s legend conveys a sense of time not yet forgotten and her monstrous reign as mistress of the house. (Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay, 1(876) 953-2323)
Climb the falls. A little more than 100 kilometers from Montego Bay, Dunn’s River Falls is often on the Jamaica family vacation list. As any guide on the island will tell you, Dunn’s River Falls Dunn's River Falls is believed to be the site of the famous battle of "Las Chorreras", fought in 1657 between the Spanish and the English. There are several versions of the conflict but the British won. It remained private until 1972. An interesting activities and facilities make up this mainstream tourist attraction. Visitors may climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced guide or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the complex, complete with beach.
Need to know: Don’t make a special trip but if you feel compelled to make a visit, avoid the days when cruise ships are in port. (Dunn’s River Falls Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 1(876) 974-2857 or
www.silver-sands.com/dunns-river-falls.html)
Swim with dolphins. Not far from Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, it is now possible to swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins at their Caribbean habitat, Dolphin Cove. The natural cove which is surrounded by four acres of tropical forest provides a tranquil spot for an exciting day adventure. Arrange an actual swim, line up a dolphin encounter, touch the dolphins or relax on the beach.
Bonus points: Dolphin Cove offers safe habitat for stingrays, eels, sharks, snakes, macaws and other unique tropical birds, fish and reptiles. (Dolphin Cove, St. Ann, 1(876) 974-5335 or
www.dolphincovejamaica.com)
Caribbean Reading List
Pirates. By Dina Anastasio & Donald Cook, Grosset & Dunlap; (March 1, 1997). This book is both fun and educational. Illustrations on every page create a sense of what a pirate’s life was like. A replica of the "Pirates’ Code of Conduct" shows the odd sense of honor among thieves. Elementary school children will enjoy the examples of pirate flags and the stories about infamous pirates too. (Ages 6-11)
Treasure Island. By Robert Louis Stevenson & Milo Winter. Gramercy Books; (September 1, 2002) Anyone heading to Long Bay needs to snap up a copy of Treasure Island. Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure story makes perfect sense in the islands. The version mentioned above is ideal for kids. Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and Ben Gunn come to life. And there’s murder on the high seas; violent battles on an island full of treasure. (Ages 10-14)
Anancy-spiderman. By James Berry, Walker Books; (July 27, 1989). Every young child will be enchanted by the folktales of Anancy (Anansi). This book contains a collection of 20 tales about the antics of the West Indian trickster and his companions Bro Monkey, Bro Dog, and Bro Tiger. This collection is ideal for an airport layover or a prelude to naptime. (Ages 3-11)
Jamaican Folk Tales and Oral Histories by Laura Tanna, DLT Associates, Inc.; (August 9, 2000). This book provides many rare insights into Jamaica’s culture and unique heritage. This is an excellent reference for growing young citizens of the world. (Ages 9-12)
Text provided by Travel Communications for FamilyTravelFiles.com 2010.
