Jamaica is the third-largest Caribbean island and a popular tourist destination. The Caribbean island is rich with lush mountains, rainforests, and beautiful beaches. It is an ecotourism destination with areas that promote responsible and sustainable tourism activities.
Within Jamaica lies the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This tourist attraction has a tropical eco-system that enhances its biodiversity. It is a very famous attraction for nature lovers visiting Jamaica. This national park is the longest mountain range in Jamaica. It represents approximately 4.4% of Jamaica’s land surface.
In the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park nature lovers can see towering trees. Besides over 500 different species of flowering plants. As of 3 July 2015, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It accomplished this feat because the site fulfills cultural and natural criteria.
Endemic to the Blue and John Crow Mountains is the world’s second-largest butterfly. Its official name is Papiliohomerus known as the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly.
Bird watching is an interesting tourism activity. The Blue and John Crow Mountain is also the habitat of over 200 different species of birds. This makes it an ideal place for bird watching. Among the many bird species in this protected area is the endangered Jamaican blackbird.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park has two main recreational areas. They are the “Holywell” and “Portland Gap and the Blue Mountain Peak Trail”. In these recreational areas, nature lovers can enjoy walks and hikes along nature trails and picnics. For accommodation, tourists can use cabin lodging. Eco-tourists who enjoy camping outdoors can set up campsites.
Things to do at The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park in Jamaica
- Blue Mountain Peak Hike
- Holywell Coffee Tours
- Holywell Nature Walks
- Picnic and Play Areas
- Bird Watching
- Educational Tours
- Outdoor Camping
Jamaica has several protected areas, where efforts go into preserving eco-tourism areas. Some other protected areas in Jamaica are the Cockpit Country, Hellshire Hills, Litchfield forest reserves, and Portland Bight Marine Park.
