With more than 600 miles of coastline, there are literally dozens of opportunities for people to go deep-sea diving and snorkeling. Whether you are seeking exotic sea life, amazing underwater geography or even ancient shipwrecks, you will find something that caters to your desires. You can even explore an entire sunken city --- Port Royal was submerged during an earthquake in 1692 --- though you will need to obtain special permission in advance to dive there.
If catching fish is more your speed, there are plenty of places to cast your line. Jamaica's coastal geography is so varied that several different ecosystems are present around the island --- and several different kinds of fish as well. You can catch mahi mahi, marlin, barracuda and sailfish, among many other varieties. If you want to get away from the shore, you can also charter a boat to take you a little farther out to sea for some sport fishing.
Jamaica is home to several waterfalls. One of the most picturesque spots on the island is where the Dunn's River empties into the sea. The Dunn's River Falls are a major tourist destination, where the premier activity is a guided climb up the falls. Visitors can also swim in one of the four rivers that traverse this landscape. Other popular falls include YS Falls near St. Elizabeth and Manchioneal in the Portland parish.
If you want to move inland, you can still find plenty to do around the water, like exploring Jamaica's Black River, which runs along the island's southern coast. It winds its way past old fishing villages and natural swampland. You can travel the roads and paths alongside it or rent a boat for a more direct experience. There are also guided tours of the 25 miles that the river is considered navigable. This is not the only river in Jamaica, though. The country's longest river, the Rio Minho, rambles from the dead center of the island south to the Caribbean Sea and features occasional wild rapids.
