If you’ve ever wondered about things to do in Jamaica besides sitting around the beach and drinking rum punches, I’m here to tell you that there’s plenty, especially for the adventure traveler. Now, I’m not talking about sky diving or swimming with sharks but a few of these activities will get your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing nonetheless. The Jamaica Tourist Board sponsored me to visit the country to try on some of these activities for size.

I’d have to say that I was surprised to find out that there were all these other activities I could do while down there. The few times I went, it was a much more mellow experience. I do remember my husband and friends driving ATVs on an excursion arranged by our cruise ship. However, I knew nothing about swimming with dolphins. And to be honest with you, I probably wouldn’t have done it at the time anyway. I’ve seemed to have gotten more courageous with age – who knows why but that’s the case.

Horseback riding through shallow waters was interesting but I felt bad for the horses. They seemed to have been struggling. I think my favorite activity was probably zip lining through YS Falls. Whew! Talk about an adrenaline rush. If you’re traveling with kids to Jamaica, you could probably do the dolphins, horseback riding, and ziplining with a 9 year old and older. I might be a little apprehensive about the ziplining at that age but it also depends on the kid. It’s definitely an experience that neither one of you will forget.

I don’t think anything beats just chilling poolside at the resort after a few days of exploration and adrenaline-rush activities. I wouldn’t stay there everyday, there’s just so many things to do in Jamaica and it would seem like a waste of a trip. But to each his own – enjoy your vacation the way you want. It’s just good to know all the options you have in front of you and take a leap of faith once in a while…or a zip-line of faith. You may surprise yourself.