Hikes, bird-watching, secluded beaches, and mangrove tours are indispensable to a greater appreciation of Jamaica's natural wonders. Jamaica is a relatively small island, and can be traversed in about five hours without stopping, but the diversity and ruggedness of the island's landscape makes it exhausting to try to fit in too much.
Transportation is an important consideration when planning an eco-vacation, as many of the less-visited sights are remote and require a rental car or driver. Excursions into remote parts of Cockpit Country and the Blue Mountains require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but for most places SUVs are not necessary and the expense is not justified.
Day 1
Arrive in Montego Bay and head directly to Good Hope Plantation in Trelawny. Spend a few hours on the beach at Silver Sands or Harmony Cove before a relaxing dinner in the great house.
Day 2
Explore Cockpit Country on horseback in the morning, with lunch back at the Great House. Head to Burwood Beach in the afternoon for windsurfing or kiteboarding, before a casual dinner at Time 'N' Place nearby.
Day 3
Depart in the morning for Negril, stopping at Half Moon Beach for lunch and a dip. Continue on to Tensing Pen to spend the afternoon jumping off the cliffs and relaxing by the pool.
Day 4
Depart for Belmont stopping at Bongo's Farm for a jelly coconut, hike up the hill, and eat lunch at the Black Star Line before heading to Roaring River and Blue Hole Garden. Spend the night at Horizon or Culloden Cove in Belmont or Whitehouse, and squeeze in some snorkeling before sunset.
Day 5
Depart for the Blue Mountains, stopping in Black River for a morning kayak or pontoon boat safari to see the crocs, then stop by Y.S. Falls for an early afternoon dip, before hitting the road. Overnight at Forres Park in Mavis Bank, Lime Tree Farm, or Whitfield Hall.
Day 6
Rise early for a hike up Blue Mountain Peak. Descend by early afternoon and head to Woodside for your last two nights.
Day 7
Hike the trails of Holywell, or visit Cinchona Botanical Gardens in the morning, then visit the Twyman's Old Tavern Coffee Estate for a tour and to pick up some beans to take home. Have dinner at The Gap Café, Strawberry Hill, or back at Woodside.
Day 8
Rise early for the drive back to Montego Bay, stopping in Ocho Rios for a dip at the Blue Hole on the White River or at One Love Trail on the seaside, followed by a garden tour at Coyaba Gardens. Leave Ochi in time for an evening departure from Mobay's Sangster International.
