Exploring Jamaica From Coconut Cottage With Perfect Day Trips
With your complimentary driver and 12-passenger van at your disposal, exploring Jamaica from Coconut Cottage is effortless. Here are our favourite day trips, each offering something unique and unforgettable.
Dunn’s River Falls & Ocho Rios – The Classic Adventure (90 Minutes)
Climb Jamaica’s most famous 600-foot waterfall cascading into the Caribbean, then grab authentic jerk at Scotchies and browse the Ocho Rios craft market.
Best for: Families, adventure seekers, first-time visitors.
The plan: Leave by 8:30 AM, climb the falls, lunch at Scotchies, shop the craft market, back by 3:00 PM.
Pro tip: Go early to beat the cruise ship crowds. Wear water shoes and bring a waterproof phone case.
Negril – Seven Mile Beach & Rick’s Cafe (90 Minutes)
Experience Negril’s laid-back vibe with pristine beach time, then catch cliff divers and one of Jamaica’s most spectacular sunsets at the legendary Rick’s Cafe.
Best for: Beach lovers, sunset chasers, couples.
The plan: Depart 9:00 AM, relax at Seven Mile Beach, explore craft markets, arrive at Rick’s Cafe by 4:30 PM for sunset.
Mayfield Falls & Bamboo Rafting – Nature’s Playground (60 Minutes)
Skip the crowds and discover pristine Mayfield Falls, natural pools, cascades, and swimming holes surrounded by rainforest. Follow it with a peaceful bamboo raft ride down the Great River.
Best for: Nature lovers, those seeking something off the beaten path.
The plan: Leave 9:00 AM, hike Mayfield Falls (2 hours), bamboo rafting on Great River, back by 4:00 PM.
Why we love it: This feels like discovering your own private paradise without the tourist masses.
Bob Marley’s Nine Mile & Blue Hole (90 Minutes)
Visit Bob Marley’s birthplace and final resting place, then cool off at the Blue Hole with cliff jumping and swimming in turquoise pools.
Best for: Music fans, culture seekers, cliff jumpers
The plan: Depart 8:30 AM, Blue Hole for swimming, Nine Mile tour and lunch, return by 4:00 PM.
Montego Bay Cultural Experience – Markets, History & Rum (30 Minutes)
Experience MoBay’s craft markets, tour the haunted Rose Hall Great House, and grab lunch at a local favourite, all while leaving your afternoon free for the pool.
Best for: Shoppers, history buffs, foodies, shorter excursions.
The plan: Leave 10:00 AM, craft market shopping, Rose Hall tour, lunch, back by 2:00 PM.
A Few Insider Tips
Start early: Most attractions are less crowded in the morning, and you’ll beat the heat during the hottest part of the day.
Bring cash: Many local vendors, craft markets, and smaller attractions don’t accept credit cards. US dollars are widely accepted, but having some Jamaican dollars helps with smaller purchases.
Wear comfortable shoes: Especially for waterfall hikes and walking tours.Listen to your staff: Your Coconut Cottage team knows which days are best for certain attractions (avoiding cruise ship crowds, for example) and can steer you toward the best experiences.
Don’t overpack your schedule: One major day trip is usually enough. You’ll want time to enjoy your beautiful villa, the pool, Chef Leighton’s incredible meals, and those stunning sunset views from the veranda.