History meets adventure at Yaaman Adventure Park

DISCOVER SOME of Jamaica’s most undisturbed historical treasures while really working on that bucket list, and be sure to include Yaaman Adventure Park on it. This week, Youthlink will shine its spotlight there and give you the full scoop in preparation for your best Easter ever.

OVERVIEW:

Formerly Prospect Plantation, Yaaman is one of eight brands under the Dolphin Cove umbrella. The park is nestled on 1,000 acres that stretch just across the border of St Mary and St Ann, and was rebranded and renovated to its present state on December 1, 2016. About the rebranding, sales manager Alexei Russell told Youthlink, “The ownership of Dolphin Cove has changed, so we’ve decided to give new life to Prospect by changing the name and adding a number of elements to make it more exciting.”

THINGS TO DO

Tour, tour, tour: Hands down, you’ll find the most insane views and fascinating bits of history all over Yaaman. From the panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea 1,100 feet above sea level to the numerous trees planted by historically influential individuals like Sir Winston Churchill, a jitney tour of the property will absolutely wow you. After that, indulge in a culinary tour on the verandah of the 19th-century great house where Chef Adra will have you cooking up a storm!

Segway & camel ride: You’re not falling, you’re just leaning forward! Step out of your comfort zone and hop on to one of Yaaman’s self-balancing segways. (Sidenote: it’s okay to not get it right at first try – nobody does). After you’ve mastered that, it’s up the hill, on your segway of course, to the camel stable – the first and only one of its kind in Jamaica – where you can ride on one of the hump-backed, friendly animals.

Horseback adventure: Ride along a picturesque trail on horseback through the densely populated forests of Yaaman. You’ll find an abundance of Jamaican favourites like pimento, lime and ackee, as well as an all-too-real view of the famous White River.

Welcome to Yaaman!

Sales Manager Alexei Russell is waiting for you at Yaaman!

Meet the Yaaman crew. From left: Kemmo McCalla; Alexei Russell, sales manager; Aneisia Morgan; Michael Small; Alexander Sale, general manager; Tishanna Shirley; Lori-Ann Salter; Jason Johnson; Teisha Ann Shirley; Devon Morris; Jenere Medwinter and...

And we’re off! Duration of journey: 2 hours – long route 1hour 30 minutes – highway Youthlink

Breathe in. Toes pressed. Balance. Breathe out. The art of the segway!

For the horseback adventure, writer Shantae Shand warns, “Ensure that you are prepared for some laughs! The horses may fall out of line, stopping to fill their tummies with the plants along the trail.”

“I’m the only one of my kind on the island, so enjoy the ride, kids,” said the camel in front.