From hiking to eco-ventures, interesting activities abound in Jamaica

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The diverse terrain of Jamaica offers many active options for island explorers.

Of course, beachgoing is one of the most popular outdoor activities for Jamaica's visitors, but hiking isn't far behind. And Jamaica hooks many visitors interested in diverse sporting opportunities. Travel on horseback, or swim with dolphins. One thing in certain, no matter which how you choose to explore Jamaica, adventure awaits.

Cockpit Country

Along with popular coffee, the Blue Mountains are known for the natural wonders hikers and campers find themselves surrounded by. However, adventure-seekers will also be satisfied with a hike through Cockpit Country in the central-northwestern portion of the island. Cockpit Country is the area where native Maroons lived in Jamaica, and their descendants live there still.

Cockpit Country is a truly wild region in Jamaica, without roads and with little civilization. Here the descendants of the Maroons have lived for generations but are now getting into the tourism business. Tours are allowed, and hiking is suggested only with a local guide. Tour-based travelers will not have to make any further stops, but those looking to tour on their own will need to handle formalities with former Colonel Harris Cawley (876-909-9222). He will make hiking arrangements, including guides and food. However, this is not an area suggested for those without plenty of hiking experience.

Blue Mountains

For equally intriguing hiking experiences, travelers enjoy spending time in the famed Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Here travelers can choose between enjoying shorter excursions or hiking all the way to the peak, spending several nights camping along the way. The Blue Mountains offer an experience very different, and possibly more tame, than Cockpit Country.

Hikers can explore the lower regions of the Blue Mountains, but to truly experience the majesty of the mountains, adventurous travelers endeavor to reach Blue Mountain Peak. Interested travelers should check into camping opportunities on the island. Camping permits are necessary and must be obtained from Jamaica Alternative Tourism Camping and Hiking Association (JATCHA) and the Jamaica Forestry Department.

Dolphin Cove

Travelers interested in activities a little less intense can visit Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Dolphin Cove is a popular spot, allowing people to swim with dolphins in an enclosed environment. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, the enticing location is another reason to stop in. Although the most popular attractions of Dolphin Cove are the namesake dolphins, visitors can also catch a glimpse of stingrays, eels, "friendly" sharks, snakes, macaws, and other tropical animals.

Advance reservations may be necessary at Dolphin Cove to ensure your ability to enjoy the activities. Visitors can choose to swim with dolphins or just touch a dolphin. Those not interested in seeing the dolphins up close can take a walk down the jungle trail.

Check out a game of netball, or take a horseback ride. Jamaica also offers plenty of other hiking and nature options, as well as historic sightseeing for visitors.