When we heard that you could go bobsledding in Jamaica, the first thing that came to mind was Cool Runnings. Being a bit of a movie buff, I relate a lot of my travels to memorable moments on screen and all I could think about was the Jamaican Bobsled team in that memorable Jamaican bobsled movie starring John Candy.
The difference between the Cool Running Bobsled and the Jamaican Bobsled is that this bobsleigh course is on a metal track (as opposed to ice) in balmy 32° C (89 Fahrenheit) weather.
Bobsledding in Jamaica
The Jamaicans have a bit of an affinity to winter sports. Way back in the 1980s a group of Caribbean athletes defied the odds and competed in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics in the bobsleigh. Finishing 29th overall, they have continued to grow and compete in the winter Olympics.
They’ve improved greatly over the years with their best showing being in 2000 when they won the World Push Championships in Monaco.
Bobsled Jamaica Tours
Book your Jamaican Bobsled excursion in advance. We book with GetYourGuide who offers easy cancellation with 24 hours notice and last-minute bookings. Check out their tours.
- Mystic Mountain Entry with Bobsled – Tour includes Sky Explorer Chairlift, Jamaica Bobsled Ride, Mystic Pavilion and lookout Tower, Waterslide and Infinity Pool, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens and Nature Trail.
Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios
The Bobsled Adventure begins at Rainforest Adventures. We arrived at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios on a beautiful morning to take the 15-minute journey on the ski lift to the top of the mountain.
It was gorgeous looking over the Caribbean Sea as we floated over the tropical rain forest in silence. Run by Rainforest Adventures, there is more to do than just bobsled on Mystic Mountain. You can also zip line, grab some lunch, and take a dip in the pool complete with a water slide!
Bobsled Museum Jamaica
When you reach the top, there is a wonderful museum paying homage to Jamaica’s famous celebrities. Besides Bob Marley, there are a lot of famous Jamaicans, most notably their athletes.
Canada and Jamaica have a few ties in the world of international sports and I absolutely loved reading about all of their accomplishments. Canadian Olympic Gold Medalists Donavon Bailey and Ben Johnson were both born in Jamaica. (Ben was stripped of his medal for doping, but it was later confirmed that Carl Lewis doped as well They never took Lewis’ medal away and all Lewis had to say about finally having the cover-up revealed 18 years later was “Who Cares”)
Canada is still bitter about that moment. Myself included.
Moving on…
I have to say, this museum at the top of the mountain was truly excellent. I learned a lot about the rich history of this country while having a great thrill at the same time.
We perused the museum reading about the many Jamaican athletes ruling the track scene including current star Usain Bolt whom Lewis has accused of taking drugs. Wow, Carl Lewis is always so quick to point the finger, maybe he should take a look at himself. Did I mention I have had a severe dislike for Carl Lewis since 1988?
But I digress. After a tour of the museum, we had our chance to take on the bobsleigh course in Jamaica.
Our Jamaican Bobsled Adventure
We got into our sleds that were surprisingly easy to maneuver. All we had to worry about was using the brake to slow down, but we were told the best way to go was to leave it full throttle and only brake at the end when we reached the red sign telling us to slow down.
“It’s better that way.” We were told. We happily complied. If we’re told to go fast, we’ll go fast!
It was a crazy rollercoaster ride of dips and turns and banks and spins. We whizzed through the jungle whooping and hollering and I even managed to hear Dave’s whoops as I was on my way back up. I was passing a bridge as he went by and just missed taking his photo. So I got one of myself instead.
Over in the Blink of an Eye
One complaint I will have about the bobsled ride is that it is over too quickly. It’s quicker than an amusement park’s roller coaster and I was surprised at how quickly we came to the end of the run.
However, if you buy the full-day explorer pass, you will definitely feel that you are getting your money’s worth.
With the Explorer Pass, you will have access to the bobsled, zipline, sky lift explorer, entry to the free museum and there is even a swimming pool and water slide up there to escape from the tropical heat.
All in all, the Bobsled was a lot of fun. I think it would be awesome to spend a day here and really take your time to enjoy everything that Mystic Mountain has to offer.
Food and Drink at the Pool
When you are done at the bobsledding, you can head over and do some ziplining. It’s then time to eat some lunch, jump in the infinity pool,
The Rainforest Adventure is definitely a unique excursion that you won’t find on other Caribbean Islands, and we recommend giving it a try when you are in Jamaica. Read more: Best Caribbean Food
You’ll have a good story to tell when you get home and every time you catch a John Candy flick on the tube, you’ll have fond memories of that time you escaped the winter only to be reminded of it all over again.
- To find out more about Mystic Mountain visit the Rainforest Adventure for more details.
- You can pay for each attractions separately, or you can bu the Tranopy Pass for $137. This pass gives you all three rides and a full day of fun.
- Or book a tour now with Get Your Guide – Free and easy cancellation with 24 hours notice.
Watch our Jamaican Bobsled Video for more Jamaica Fun.
