The Montego Bay Jerk Fest is one Jamaica’s premier food festival, celebrated annually with flair and flavor. This year, the festival kicks off during our Emancipendence Week starting August 1st and running through to August 7th. This offering a week-long celebration of jerk cuisine, music, and culture. Although it’s an all-day and week-long event, there’s so much more to experience in Jamaica beyond the festival grounds. So why not get the most out of your trip? Here are nine unique activities that will complement the Jerk Fest experience as well as allow you to fully immerse yourself in Jamaica’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Montego Bay
- Reservation: Yes, recommended
- Best Time: Early morning, leave around 7-8 AM
- Details: Dive into Jamaica’s rich rum history with a tour and tasting at Appleton Estate. Return by early afternoon to enjoy the festival’s flavors and festivities.
2. River Rafting on the Rio Grande
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 hours from Montego Bay
- Reservation: Yes, recommended
- Best Time: Early morning, leave around 6-7 AM
- Details: Embark on a full-day bamboo rafting adventure on the Rio Grande River. We recommend allocating a full day for this tranquil experience. This allows you to either dedicate the rest of your time to the festival or to come as festival drawing to a close.
3. Cockpit Country
- Driving Time: 1 to 1.5 hours from Montego Bay
- Reservation: Yes, for specific tours
- Best Time: Late morning, leave around 9-10 AM
- Details: Explore the rugged terrain of Cockpit Country with hiking and cultural tours. Taking this tour mid morning should allow you to return by early afternoon to enjoy lunch from the Montego Bay Jerk Fest later in the day.
4. Green Grotto Caves
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Montego Bay
- Reservation: Not necessary but recommended
- Best Time: Late morning, leave around 9-10 AM
- Details: Discover the unique limestone caves and their historical significance. This experience will allow you to once again be back by early afternoon to savor the festival’s offerings.
5. Jamaican Cooking Class
- Driving Time: Within Montego Bay
- Reservation: Yes, necessary
- Best Time: Afternoon, around 2-3 PM
- Details: Well it’s likely you will be eating Jamaican foods all week but why leave the food in Jamaica? Learn to cook traditional Jamaican dishes in a hands-on class so you can go home with some of the magic in your back pocket. This activity fits perfectly into your afternoon, leaving you free to enjoy the festival in the morning and evening.
6. Coral Cliff
- Driving Time: Within Montego Bay
- Reservation: Not necessary for general entry
- Best Time: Afternoon to evening
- Details: Enjoy gaming, live music, and vibrant nightlife at Coral Cliff. It’s a great option for post-festival entertainment and relaxation.
7. Free Swim at Harmony Park
- Driving Time: Within Montego Bay
- Reservation: Not needed
- Best Time: Afternoon
- Details: Relax and cool off at Harmony Park, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim after a morning of activities or festival fun.
- Driving Time: 1 to 1.5 hours from Montego Bay
- Reservation: Not necessary but recommended for a guide
- Best Time: Early morning or early afternoon
- Details: Explore Mayfield Falls and its natural pools for a serene morning or early afternoon adventure. You’ll be back in time to enjoy the festival in the evening.
9. Blue Hole Mineral Spring (Near Negril)
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Montego Bay
- Reservation: Not necessary but advisable during peak times
- Best Time: Early morning, leave around 7 AM
- Details: Start your day with a refreshing dip in the Blue Hole’s mineral-rich waters. Return by early afternoon to immerse yourself in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
[…] Jamaicans in the diaspora feeling homesick, especially around Jamaica’s Emancipendence week, there are several events in Canada, the UK, and the USA that can help you feel at home. These […]
Yyyyooooo…the chicken goes first. And then, we visit the Mayfield Falls next.
I had Jamaican jerk in Jamaica, and it was the most amazing thing I’d ever had. I only THOUGHT I knew what jerk was before we went to Jamaica!
The caves would be the first place I went. I used to explore the local caves where I lived, and I never lost that fascination.
I’d love to do several of these things especially visiting a grotto, it looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for all of the great recommendations.
I haven’t had Jamaican Jerk before, but I bet it’s good. I need to share this with my daughter because her and her husband are visiting Jamacia right now
Oh I think I can smell the jerk chicken grilling. Yum! Thanks for the guide to Montego Bay Jerk Fest!
What a cool festival, and it is nice there are so many awesome things to do as well. Those green grotto caves look so cool. We like to do a lot of exploring on our vacations.
I’m looking forward to experiencing the Montego Bay Jerk Fest. It’s not just about food and music but also an opportunity to explore more of Jamaica’s culture and natural beauty.
So many things to see and do in Jamaica. But i have been hesitant to visit because of $$$ and crime. Maybe not true?!?