Come Explore, Mon

Families can take a scenic raft ride through the lush forest. // © 2010 Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours

Jamaica is sometimes referred to as the “Land of Rum, Reggae and Rasta” — hardly the combination most people are looking for when planning a family vacation. While this may have been an apt description many years ago, it hardly describes present-day Jamaica, which has a full slate of activities for families.

While the entire island has much to offer, families will probably want to focus on Montego Bay and Ocho Rios on the island’s north shore. Chances are that families will be most comfortable staying at one of Jamaica’s many all-inclusive resorts, which are sometimes so appealing that they may find it hard to summon up the energy (and the added expense) to venture beyond the resort’s grounds. But this would be a mistake. If a family has come all the way to Jamaica, they should get out and see the island — their vacation experience will be much richer.

Many tour operators, including Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Island Routes, provide hotel pick-up and drop-off service at select hotels.

With Chukka Caribbean Adventures, families can partake in excursions such as the River Tubing Safari, 4x4 Adventure, Sea Trek, ATV, Ultimate Kayak Adventure, Ocean Safari, Canopy Tour and the Horseback Ride ‘n’ Swim, where families can actually ride a horse through ocean waters. But the activity that has most recently caught the imagination’s of travelers is the Dogsled Experience.

Five years ago, the company launched the Jamaica Dogsled Team, which garnered a lot of attention due to its underdog status when it competed in international dogsled races. Chukka then created an attraction that recreated the dogsled experience for tourists. Instead of a ride over the snow, a team of sled dogs pulls a five-seater buggy over a dirt track through the countryside.

All of the dogs at Chukka have been rescued from the streets of Jamaica and are mutts of all mixtures. They have been lovingly dog-whispered back to being well-socialized animals. Before boarding the buggy, families meet the dogs in their open-air kennels, where they can pet and play with these wonderful animals.

A person’s first reaction might be, “Why would I want to make a team of dogs pull me around in the hot sun?” When the musher harnesses the lead dog to the buggy, all of the other dogs start straining at their leashes — they want to go, too. In no way are these dogs being victimized — they are very happy animals. Once you strap into the buggy, you set off on a bouncy, surprisingly fast ride guided by a Chukka musher.

Back in the kennel, the dogs are hosed down. If you’re a dog lover, this is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. It’s a thrill, but it’s also an emotionally touching experience. The age requirement for the Dogsled Experience is 6 years old or 4 years old if accompanied by an adult. Families can choose from a two-hour or 1½-hour tour, and there is also an option for those who just want to encounter the dogs and skip the ride.

Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours is a comparative newcomer to the Jamaica activities scene, having only been in operation a little more than a year. Even so, the company is garnering a lot of attention for the high-quality and safety of its tours. Island Routes offers a range of excursions, including catamaran sailings, ATV tours, Jeep safaris, bike tours, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and zipline adventures.

The Bamboo River Rafting excursion is a good example of one of the company’s family-friendly tours. The rafting excursion takes participants on a scenic raft ride through three miles of lush forest. The 30-foot bamboo rafts are piloted by experienced raft captains. Along the way, families have a chance to take a dip in the river, swing from Tarzan-like rope swings over the water, and purchase handicrafts and refreshments from local Jamaicans.

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours is another operator with a tour that is perfect for families. They pick families up at their hotel and transport them to Jamaica’s fabled Blue Mountains. Not only is the scenery beautiful, it makes a nice contrast to sunny days at the beach. After being outfitted with a bike and helmet, it’s a deep-green downhill ride of nine to 18 miles, depending on the tour they have chosen. Be prepared to use your brakes a lot more than your pedals. A lunch break at a waterfall with time for a dip is on the schedule, so families should pack a swimsuit. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, brunch and lunch, a guided tour, bicycles and equipment. The age requirement for the tour is 7 years old.

Dunn’s River Falls is an iconic activity on Jamaica, and if you haven’t done it, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a photograph of tourists linking hands to climb the falls. This is why it’s an activity families should consider. Families need team-building, too, and once your family has completed the 600-foot climb to the top, helping each other over the slippery spots, you’ll be the stronger for it. You don’t have to hire a guide, but it’s a good idea, especially if you have some little ones or family members of the couch potato variety. At the park’s entrance, there are lockers and changing rooms so you can don bathing suits, since you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take a dip. There’s also a huge crafts market at the top of the falls. Try to schedule your client’s trip when there are no cruise ships docking in Ocho Rios; they will have a much less crowded experience. 

Access & Accommodations
Families on the east coast will find plenty of options for direct flights to Jamaica, while connecting flights are possible from major cities throughout the country. Nonstop service to Jamaica includes: American Airlines from Miami, New York (JFK), Dallas and Chicago (ORD); AirTran Airways from Atlanta, Baltimore and Orlando; Continental Airlines from Newark and Houston; JetBlue Airways from New York (JFK) Boston and Orlando; Delta Airlines from New York (JFK), Atlanta, Detroit, Memphis and Minneapolis; Air Jamaica from New York (JFK), Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale; US Airways from Charlotte, Phoenix and Philadelphia; Spirit from Fort Lauderdale; Apple Vacations from Chicago (ORD) and St. Louis; and FunJet from St. Louis.

It could be said that the all-inclusive resort was developed and perfected on Jamaica. Companies such as Beaches and Breezes are island mainstays, while Spanish chains such as Riu and Iberostar have added their own take on the family all-inclusive vacation experience.

Kids like the all-inclusives because it gives them a measure of autonomy — they love being able to order their own soft drinks and snacks without pestering their parents for cash. Parents like all-inclusives for the security they provide, and for the full menu of kid-friendly activities.

Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and points in between have a handful of luxury resorts with comprehensive kids programs. These present a more sedate atmosphere than the all-inclusives, which may be exactly what some parents crave. Some of the major resorts with family programs are Half Moon Montego Bay, Round Hill Hotels and Villas, The Tryall Club, Sunset Resorts and Coyaba Beach Resort & Club. (www.visitjamaica.com)