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Looking for adventure on Jamaica’s South Coast? St Elizabeth Jamaica is filled with activities that will fit the bill whether you’re thrill-seeking, on the hunt for nature tours or just looking to relax on an exotic beach and eat spicy shrimp. This article highlights the best of St. Elizabeth Jamaica from a local’s perspective. 

Jamaica’s South Coast is less famous than the white sandy beach destinations of the North.

It’s home to the parish of St. Elizabeth, also known as St. Bess, the Bread Basket of Jamaica where our grains are grown and rum is made.

The parish is rich with natural attractions that make for a splendid day of outdoor adventure both inland and on the coast. I’m listing my favourite things to do in the parish in this post as well as a few I have yet to check out but know it will be great fun.

It’s a shame that I haven’t done them all but I’ll get to that this year!

Things to Do in St Elizabeth Jamaica

St. Elizabeth, Jamaica is not a quick trip from any resort area. It is about 2 and a half hours from Montego Bay or Ocho Rios and an hour plus away from Negril. 

Many resorts offer tours to the area because of its many South Coast attractions but just bear the travel in mind. It does however make a fantastic all-day adventure as the St.  Elizabeth is so beautiful and vastly different than the resort areas of the island. 

It is green and lush and has a rustic, untouched charm that makes it a favourite for many locals and returning visitors. 

Many upscale hidden gems are also nestled in the parish for those seeking luxury in nature. Here are my favourite St Elizabeth attractions. 

Related: Adventure to Negril, Jamaica

1. The Appleton Rum Estate Tour

It’s our coveted, world-famous Jamaican rum and it’s made right here in St. Bess! Learn about the process, meet the people, and see the views all while sipping some age-old rum.

It was renovated and reopened to the public at the beginning of 2018 and is at the top of my to-do list this year. Score!

Doesn’t that look like a line-up you’d like to try? Gimme one o’ everything!

Appleton is my favourite rum to drink; I often have their Signature or Reserve blend with ginger ale or coconut water.

It’s a smooth drink that does the trick whether I’m home relaxing or out having a whale of a time. I can’t wait to get to the tour and try the 21 year aged rum!

2. Look but Don’t Jump at Lover’s Leap

If you’re Jamaican, you know the story.

It’s our very own Romeo and Juliet, African slave edition.

The legend goes that African slaves jumped to their death to be together forever, after their slave master found out about their love and planned to sell the man so that he could have the woman for himself.

Have you seen that jump? It’s breathtaking. Literally. Sounds like a great Valentine’s Day date. Just don’t jump!

At this height, it becomes difficult to tell where the sea ends and the sky begins. It’s just all amazingly blue.

Related: Kool Runnings Water Park Top Tips

3. Visit Floyd’s Pelican Bar

Where’s the perfect place to sip an ice-cold Red Stripe Beer? Over the Caribbean Sea of course.

Visit Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a floating bar just off the coast of St. Elizabeth and have a cold one with the enchanting fishermen and your rumpanions.

This is another one that I have yet to conquer but will definitely be making my way there this year.

This is a good one to pair with another attraction listed here. It’s a fabulous place to watch the sunset after a day of adventure.

4. See the Black River Crocodiles

Take a canoe up the Black River and feed the crocs! This river on Jamaica’s South Coast is incredibly scenic and historic and your croc-wrestling guides will enrich your experience with history and charm.

Just try not to be lunch! 

Just kidding, it is reported that these crocs are so used to the boats going by that they won’t be phased much by you. Everyone is a neighbour here. 

5. Visit YS Falls

Dunn’s River may be our most famous waterfall but YS Falls deserves a medal or two itself!

Have a picnic on the river bank, go zip-lining above the falls and then take a dip in the cool waters. Bring your waterproof camera for this one! The photos will be amazing.

I finally struck this one of my list and can’t wait to go back!

It was my first zip-lining experience and it was exhilarating! Then lazing around in the river after trying to perfect my swing rope jump into one of the waterfall’s natural pools was the perfect way to finish out my family adventure day.

Related: Visit Dolphin Cove St. Ann, What to Expect

6. Sample Pepper Shrimp

You must stop along the roadside and pick up some shrimp in Middle Quarters! This shrimp has a reputation for being the best doggone peppered shrimp you ever did have!

Full disclaimer? I am not a fan, too salty for me. But please, give it a try as it really is ranted and raved about. Maybe I just picked the wrong vendor that day. 🙂

7. Breadnut Valley Falls

More waterfalls in St. Elizabeth! The parish is a beaut and with all the rivers running through it’s hilly interior, waterfalls will attract visitors all over. 

This one only recently made it onto my radar and must be conquered soon. Gorgeous image by my pal @PrynceRich on Instagram.

8. Treasure Beach, Black Sand Beach in St Elizabeth

What a gem. Treasure Beach is a black sand beach that’ll blow your mind. What’s special about this place isn’t just the charcoal sand but the irie vibes. You’ll spot fishing villages along the coast with music blaring and fresh fish being prepared from a few different rustic eateries. 

Stop in one a enjoy a feast for a very affordable price straight from the sea. 

If you were to build a St Elizabeth itinerary, what woul make your list?

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