Government agencies typically run historical sites with a focus on preservation and locals sell craft items and provide tours, which channel money directly into surrounding communities. Jamaica's plantation era left behind great historic houses with vast estates, many of which have undergone restoration and offer tours. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust lists important historic sites to visit including 30 significant church sites, 18 forts and 34 miscellaneous historic sites. Many of these sites do not have structured tours or charge entrance fees. However, spending time in the surrounding communities purchasing drinks, snacks or souvenirs from the locals is a sustainable way to enjoy the cultural heritage of Jamaica.
Jamaica National Heritage Trust
79 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica WI
876-922-1287
jnht.com
Much of Jamaica's interior is undeveloped by tourism speculators, leaving the natural beauty intact. Eco-friendly opportunities to experience nature in Jamaica's mountainous Portland parish include rafting, hiking, bird watching and butterfly observation expeditions, strolling along volcanic beaches, exploring mountain caves and water falls and attending cultural events within rural communities. I-tal Village and the Portland Ecotourism Art Community Endeavor facilitate such activities and hire locals to work as guides. Other must-visit sites for nature lovers include the Two Sisters Cave and the Mountain River Cave in St. Catherine parish and Clydesdale National Forest Park, Hollywell National Park and Blue Mountain National Park in St. Andrew parish. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust provides guided tours of the one-mile trek to Mountain River Cave.
I-tal Village Eco-Tourism Roots Resort
Rodney Hall, Block Hill, Portland, Jamaica, WI
876-898-5323
italvillage.com
The Portland Ecotourism Art Community Endeavor
Unique Destinations/Grand Valley Tours
127 Westcott Road
North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857, USA
401-647-4730
www.portantoniojamaica.com
Mountain River Cave
Jamaica National Heritage Trust
79 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica, WI
876-922-1287
http://www.jnht.com/heritage_site.php?id=186
Finding snorkeling and diving spots located away from the highest-traffic tourist areas takes some strain off of heavily used areas and channels money into preserving lesser-known natural treasures. Located in St. Mary Parish and established in the 1970s, Strawberry Fields Together is an eco-resort offering two-hour snorkeling tours to a reef wall located just offshore of Long Beach and trips to Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios where guests may encounter dolphins face-to-face. While Montego Bay Marine Park in St. James parish is a heavily developed tourist area, it is also a protected area, and visiting the park supports ongoing management of reef restoration efforts. Visitors to Montego Bay can reduce their impact by volunteering at the park. Montego Bay welcomes volunteers for the annual International Coastal Cleanup as well as the REEF Fish Count. Fish Count Volunteers take a three-day weekend to dive at Hannie's Reef, Sergeant Major Reef and Basket Reef.
Strawberry Fields Together!
Robin's Bay, St. Mary, Jamaica, WI
876-610-8658
646-257-3602 (U.S. residents)
strawberryfieldstogether.com
Montego Bay Marine Park Trust
Pier One Complex
Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, WI
876-952-5619
www.mbmp.org
