Cranbrook Flower Forest

Spread across 130 acres in the hills above Tower Isle in St. Mary, Cranbrook Flower Forest is a botanical park built around the remains of a former sugar and coconut plantation. Walking trails wind through landscaped gardens featuring tropical flowers, towering bamboo groves, and fruit trees - you will see everything from heliconia and ginger lily to breadfruit and ackee growing naturally. A river runs through the property, and a series of pools and small waterfalls offer swimming spots along the trail. Birding is excellent, with Jamaican species including streamertails (the national bird), bananaquits, and various hummingbirds drawn to the flowering plants. The property includes a riverside picnic area, a small cafe, and an events lawn used for weddings and functions. Cranbrook is considerably quieter than the major north coast attractions - most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the trails at their own pace. The park sits about 15 minutes inland from the coast. Aurum Transfers delivers you from MBJ Airport to the Tower Isle area in about 2 hours for $305 for up to four guests, or from Ian Fleming Airport in just 20 minutes for $80.