The festivity has its origins among West African secret societies and was once the major celebration on the slave calendar. Activities Jamaica has a panoply of sports and special-interest activities for those to whom bumming out on the beach spells boredom. Hikers could spend weeks exploring Jamaica's embryonic trail system, mainly in the Blue Mountains, or tramping rough bridle tracks nationwide. Rugged Cockpit Country is little explored, yet tailor-made for experienced hikers. Horse riding is a great way to explore Jamaica and most resort areas have stables.
Many organised rides lead through plantations, with some trekking far into the country's interior.
Jamaica's boasts 10 championship golf courses, some of which are regular stops for the PGA and LPGA tours. Jamaica's shores are as beautiful below the surface as they are above, especially along the north coast, where conditions are wonderful for scuba diving . Most resorts provide small sailboats , and yachts and cruisers can be rented as part of hotel packages or at daily or weekly rates. Jamaica has spelunkers salivating. The island is honeycombed with limestone caves and caverns, particularly in the west, but extreme caution should always be exercised, especially in unmapped areas.