Adventure, cultural and historical excursions expose visitors to the "real" Jamaica

In the last five years, Jamaica's attraction sector has exploded as entrepreneurs pour millions of dollars into diversifying the island's excursion product. Aptly called the "Attraction Capital of the Caribbean," Jamaica is considered to have the widest and most diverse portfolio in the region. From canopy tours through the rainforest, to swimming with dolphins, to climbing the world-famous Dunn's River Falls, the attractions sector offers something to suit every visitor. Here's a rundown of tours and attractions available on the island.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Founded more than 20 years ago, Chukka Caribbean Adventures is now the leading land-based adventure tour provider, offering 32 different programs. The company's new Polo Collection includes the "Twilight Canopy Adventure" through the forests of Montego Bay, followed by a gourmet dinner in the woods. Not for those with a fear of heights, the tour suspends participants 250 feet over the jungle with just a small headlamp for illumination. Led by well-trained and experienced guides, participants take five "leaps" that lead deeper into the forest until a final 1,000-foot traverse that sends them through the trees at speeds of up to 18 mph. Rates are $180 per person.

For those who prefer not to swing from the trees at twilight, Chukka's "High Tea and Horseback" tour takes riders through a forest and then to the countryside for an elegant, white-gloved high tea service. Rates are $100 per person.

One of the most unique programs, the "Jamaica Dogsled Tour," is an interactive experience in which no more than two people on each tour mush the dogs as they pull a cart around a two-mile trail in Ocho Rios. Per person rates are $200, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Jamaican Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.

"The canopy tours are still our number-one product," says Marc Melville, Chukka's managing director. "Some tourists even request the same guide when they come back, which gives us considerable repeat business. This volume keeps us busy, although we are always launching new tours that appeal to a wider range of tourist." Beginning this summer, for instance, zebra-striped mini-boats will cruise the water on the new "Ocean Safari Tour." Agents earn 10 percent commission on all tour bookings. For more information or reservations, call 877-4-CHUKKA (877-424-8552).

Rainforest Aerial Trams
Miami-based Rainforest Aerial Trams has entered into a partnership with Jamaican investors to introduce another canopy tour to Ocho Rios. When completed later this year, the $4.5 million project will be the third canopy tour available on the island. For more information, call 866-SKY-TRAM (866-759-8726).

Walkerswood Caribbean Foods
World famous for its spicy jerk seasoning, Walkerswood Caribbean Foods has entered the epicurean tour market with the "Jerk Country Tour," which explores Jamaica's culinary heritage from field to table. Observing the company's state-of-the-art, 45,000-square-foot facility near Ocho Rios is part of the 45-minute tour, which also includes jerk cooking lessons, a visit with a singing Mother Thyme in her herb and spice garden, and a sampling of jerk cuisine at the Tasting Shack. Snacks are available in the Nyam and Scram Café, and the gift shop stocks plenty of cookbooks. Lunch tours are available, children are welcome and the tour is wheelchair-friendly. Tours are priced at $15 for adults or $7.50 for children and can be booked through hotel tour desks and cruise lines. For more information, call 876-917-2318.

Appleton Estate
An adults-only epicurean tour focused on rum is available at the Appleton Estate, the oldest sugarcane estate on the island, nestled on either side of the Black River. Guided tours include informational sessions, a visit to the distillery and stops in the café for samples.

Island Outpost Resorts
This resort company has launched "Proud History" packages, with a minimum stay of seven nights in any of its four properties. Tours at Jake's in Treasure Beach explore Cockpit County and the Appleton Rum Estate. Guests at Goldeneye in Oracabessa are offered tours of Marcus Garvey's birthplace, the Caves in Negril, the Frome Sugar Factory and Paradise Park. With a stay at Strawberry Hill, guests get a complimentary "Natural Mystic Music" tour honoring the legacy of Bob Marley, including a visit to his home in Trenchtown and the Marley Museum on Old Hope Road. A slew of bonuses for agents include $25 for booking four nights and one complimentary night for every 15 booked. Agents can also book rooms at 25 percent off during high season and 50 percent off in low season. For more information, call 800-OUTPOST (800-688-7678).

Unique Jamaica
This company offers tours that take travelers off the beaten track. The "Land of Look Behind" program, for example, ventures into Cockpit Country, following jerk pit trails and donkey paths. "We focus on promoting the ‘real' Jamaica that Jamaicans appreciate and experience every day," says Millicent Lynch, chairman of Unique Jamaica. For more information, call 866-UNIQEJA (866-864-7352).

Dolphin Cove at Treasure Beach
The largest marine park in the Caribbean has re-branded itself as Dolphin Cove at Treasure Beach, and has quadrupled its capacity after a major upgrade to its facilities. It also has added a boardwalk, jungle trail and pirate town tagged Little Port Royal, which includes an interactive shark show, and plenty of shopping and dining. "Our dolphin encounters are big sellers, but tourists want more now that the park is expanded," says Alexei Russell, sales manager. The agent commission is 20 percent. For more information, call 876-974-5355.

Outameni Experience
History was made recently at the Prospect Plantation in the parish of St. Mary in Ocho Rios. Savannah, the first camel born in Jamaica, joins 10 others imported from Florida as part of a new attraction called the "Outameni Experience," slated to debut this month. Operated by Dolphin Cove Limited, the 900-acre attraction now offers visitors a unique opportunity to ride camels along a sandy trail through the woods. The Orange Grove Great House, built on land that was once a plantation, is included in the tour. Considered a cultural rather than an adventure tour, visitors get a first-hand feel for the Jamaican experience as they visit various sites associated with the diverse groups that inhabit the island, from Taino Indians to Rastafarians. The tour can be arranged through most resorts and smaller properties. For more information, call 876-954-4035.

John's Hall Adventure Tours
For another "real" Jamaica experience, John's Hall Adventure Tours take visitors to the hills and countryside of Montego Bay for an enlightening visit to an elementary school, where local kids entertain with music and storytelling. Tours include lunch and pick-up at most hotels. For more information, call 876-971-6958.

Jamaica Tours
Ground tour operator and destination management company Jamaica Tours has added several options to its portfolio, including the "Ultimate Coffee Tour," which takes participants high atop the Blue Mountains to pick beans at the largest working plantation in Jamaica. The "Port Antonio Rafting Tour" is a daylong excursion touring this historic city, with stops at the legendary Blue Lagoon and Frenchman's Cove, as well as a ride on a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande River. For more information, call 876-953-3700.

Tropical Tours
This company features a bevy of new tours, commissionable at 15 percent, such as the full-day "Reggae and Culture Tour," which includes a visit to a Revival Church in the Blue Mountains, and the village of Nine Mile where Bob Marley was born and many of his relatives still live. "Our business goes way beyond the predictable Dunn's River experience," says Kareen Lawrence, sales manager. "We offer tours appealing to vacationers who want to see the authentic side of Jamaica." For more information, call 876-952-6404.

Kool Runnings
Poinciana Resorts has opened the first water park in Negril, called Kool Runnings. The park features 10 ten waterslides, including the Jamaican Bobsled ride, as well as tipping coconuts, water canons, three restaurants and a play center for kids. Discounted group rates are available. For more information, call 876-957-5418.

JCAL Tours
On the less-traveled south coast, JCAL Tours (Jamaica Cooperative Automobile & Limousine Tours Ltd.) offers a new "Black River Safari" program through quaint towns and picturesque fishing villages, including stops at roadside stands for local specialties such as fish and bammies. Fishermen along the way sell their catch of the day to tourists. For group bookings or more information, call 876-952-7574.

Dunn's River Falls
The granddaddy of all Jamaican attractions, Dunn's River Falls has spent $300 million in the last three years upgrading parking facilities, ticket offices and construction of a new jetty, which can now accommodate five boats at one time. The cascading waterfalls in Ocho Rios continue to attract roughly 3,000 people daily depending on the season, with tours sold at most resorts and as cruise shore excursions. Call 876-974-2857.